Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

The Abelard Foundation, established in 1958, supports progressive social change projects located east of the Mississippi River. With an average grant size of $12,000, they prioritize new initiatives with budgets under $350,000. The foundation emphasizes community organizing, civil rights, and empowering marginalized groups. Eligible applicants must be associated with a nonprofit organization and demonstrate a commitment to local leadership and broader policy connections. The board meets biannually to decide on approximately 15 grants per year, focusing mainly on general support.

Summit County Master Gardeners Scholarship Fund

Established by Summit County Master Gardeners to provide scholarships to Summit County students or residents who are interested in attending an Ohio university to pursue a two- or four-year degree in horticulture, agriculture, environmental studies or closely related field. A non-traditional student currently employed in a green industry is eligible to apply as well as members and relatives of SCMG.

Amount: Varies

• $1,000 minimum

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• No

The Peoples Bank Foundation Grant aims to create a significant impact in local communities by providing financial support to nonprofit organizations. With over 20 years of service, the foundation has awarded more than $7.5 million in grants and scholarships across several states. It prioritizes initiatives that assist low to moderate-income individuals and families, encouraging organizations within its footprint to apply for funding to enhance their community-focused programs.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

Entergy’s Open Grants Program aims to enhance community well-being through funding initiatives in arts, education, social services, and community improvement. The program prioritizes support for organizations that serve diverse populations, including children and low-income communities. Eligible entities must have 501(c)(3) status or equivalent nonprofit recognition. Applications should be submitted three months in advance, allowing ample time for review. Entergy focuses on projects that foster self-sufficiency and enrich local neighborhoods.

The Joyce Foundation's Democracy Grants aim to enhance participation and representation in the electoral process across the Great Lakes region. With a focus on combating voter suppression, gerrymandering, and disinformation, the Foundation supports policy changes that protect voting rights and ensure fair representation. Through public engagement and litigation, it seeks to empower communities of color and young voters, fostering a more equitable democracy for all residents.

The Grand Haven Offshore Challenge Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students pursuing studies in natural resources, including fisheries and wildlife. This scholarship is available for applicants attending any public or private college or university. The fund was established to honor community contributions towards environmental preservation and is awarded based on academic merit and financial need. Apply once for all scholarships you may qualify for to streamline your application process.

The Mazamas is committed to exploring and preserving mountain environments in the Pacific Northwest through research grants. These grants support nonprofit research that aligns with the Mazamas’ mission, encouraging proposals from graduate and undergraduate students. Successful applicants often conduct field studies that enhance understanding of the region's natural features. Notably, the Mazamas also welcome innovative research ideas that may fall outside traditional grant guidelines, promoting a diverse range of scientific inquiry.

The Bertha and David Wiggins Scholarship, offered by the Erie County Community Foundation, supports high-achieving students from diverse backgrounds in Erie County, Ohio. This scholarship aims to assist those with family incomes exceeding $100,000 who are graduating high school and planning to attend college or university in Ohio. Since its inception in 1995, the scholarship has aimed to uplift the community by fostering educational opportunities and ensuring a lasting impact on students' futures.

The Ohio Arts Council's Capacity Building Grants support organizations in enhancing their internal capabilities through external expertise. The program funds projects focused on improving business practices, staff development, and organizational skills. Eligible applicants include arts organizations, educational institutions, and other entities providing arts programming. A 1:1 cash match is required, and grants can cover fees for consultants, training, and registration costs for professional development events. This initiative aims to strengthen Ohio's arts community.

The MRC/SOT Early Career Toxicologist Award, presented by the Society of Toxicology, recognizes an outstanding Midwest toxicologist with up to 10 years of experience. This prestigious award honors candidates actively contributing to the field or recently retired, showcasing their unique research achievements and teaching proficiency. Winners receive an engraved plaque and an honorarium, celebrating their commitment to advancing toxicology and enhancing human, animal, and environmental health.

Foundation for Appalachian Ohio

The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) is a 501(c)(3) regional community foundation – the first and only community foundation serving all 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio. But even more, we serve as the home for a community of givers – donors and doers working together to create opportunities for the people and communities of our region. In partnership with our community of givers, we are working to create a Flourishing Appalachian Ohio.

Association of Ohio Commodores Foundation Fund grants

The Association of Ohio Commodores Foundation Fund supports the charitable, educational and public purposes of the Association of Ohio Commodores.

The Association of Ohio Commodores Foundation Fund, in partnership with FAO, is accepting requests for proposals from organizations across all 88 Ohio counties to support existing high-impact training programs to prepare individuals quickly for in-demand occupations and career pathways.

The Gridiron Veterans Scholarship, provided by the Bob Woodruff Foundation, offers essential financial support for military veterans and first responders. This initiative focuses on wellness, rehabilitation, and recovery programs, ensuring participants can access mental health services, physical therapy, and holistic resources. The foundation prioritizes those facing emotional and physical challenges, empowering them to overcome barriers and improve their quality of life through customized, evidence-based support.

The OAC: Sustainability Grants provide essential operational support for large and mid-sized nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Ohio. The program aims to enhance the state's cultural ecosystem by ensuring high-quality artistic experiences are accessible to all. Grants are awarded based on a formula considering panel evaluations and organizational income, with a requirement for a 1:1 cash match. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to arts programming and meet specific financial criteria to qualify.

The LFF: Nature-Based Climate Action Grant aims to support initiatives that leverage natural systems to combat climate change. By funding projects focused on tree planting, prairie restoration, and carbon sequestration, the program seeks to engage communities and enhance understanding of climate challenges. Ideal applicants include rural organizations working to create measurable environmental impacts while fostering collaboration and policy change. This grant represents an opportunity for organizations ready to take significant strides in addressing the climate crisis.

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

The Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Systemic Safety Funding aims to enhance roadway safety by implementing proven countermeasures to prevent pedestrian and roadway departure crashes. Launched by ODOT in January 2022, the program encourages proactive improvements on arterial and collector roads. Applications are due by March 31st, with awards announced in May. Project sponsors are advised to coordinate with ODOT District Safety Review Teams six weeks prior to the deadline, focusing on critical, high, and medium-priority segments.

Ohio Department of Development

Empowering communities to succeed.

That’s the mission statement for the Ohio Department of Development, and it’s what we work toward every day.

Our work is aimed at helping Ohio businesses, communities, and individuals thrive. We know that Ohio is the best state to live, learn, work, innovate, and play, and we strive to improve on that every day. Our programs and employees can have an impact on the lives of many Ohioans, and we take that responsibility to heart.

Brownfield Remediation Program

The Brownfield Remediation Program provides grants for the cleanup of brownfield sites, to assist in the remediation of hazardous substances or petroleum at an industrial, commercial, or institutional property. Remediation includes acquisition of a brownfield, demolition performed at a brownfield, and the installation or upgrade of the minimum amount of infrastructure necessary to make a brownfield site operational for economic development activity.

The National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF) aims to protect coastal communities through nature-based solutions, enhancing habitats while addressing the growing threats of climate change. Established in 2018, the fund focuses on restoring vital ecosystems like marshes and reefs to mitigate flooding impacts. With rising sea levels and increasing storm intensity, NCRF invests in community-led projects that foster resilience, ensuring both people and wildlife can adapt to changing environmental conditions.

The RecoveryOhio Law Enforcement Fund, managed by the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services, aims to combat the drug epidemic and mental health crisis in Ohio. This funding supports law enforcement initiatives that emphasize prevention, harm reduction, and treatment for underserved populations. By promoting effective strategies, training, and collaboration, the fund seeks to enhance community responses and improve outcomes for individuals affected by substance use disorders and mental illness.

Ohio Sexual Assault Investigations Grant Program 

The purpose of this funding is to reimburse state and/or local law enforcement and prosecutors for expenses related to sexual assault kit (SAK) testing, results, and related expenses. It is important to note that this includes kits that are collected in suspected drug-facilitated sexual assaults and suspect kits. This funding may be used to build capacity of agencies to complete these types of investigations (e.g., training), Under certain circumstances, other related costs may be covered, and individuals may contact OCJS with questions.

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5430 - Unlocking Value and Opportunities from Carbon Flows in Water Utilities

Grant Information

• Identify carbon flows across drinking water, stormwater, wastewater, and advanced treatment systems. Carbon flows may include source water, stormwater, process emissions, process inputs, residuals, and biogas.
• Identify the most relevant carbon recovery, capture, conversion, storage, and avoidance opportunities.
• Evaluate value creation pathways, including products, avoided costs, and environmental attributes, and mechanisms and partnerships needed to put them into practice.
• Assess how opportunities vary across system types and local contexts by focusing on more common scenarios for utilities.
• Provide practical, research-based insights to support identification, prioritization, evaluation, and advancement of carbon management opportunities under site-specific conditions and constraints.
• Evaluate implications for greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting, environmental attribute claims, and other potential benefits across pathways.

Notice of Funds Available (RFP): Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

27PP01FA27: Statewide Legislative Advocacy Training and Engagement (SLATE)

This project will be responsible for conducting an annual, large-scale grassroots advocacy event at the Ohio Statehouse during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to connect people with disabilities, their families, and stakeholders directly with legislators and staff.

The project will also be responsible for hosting regular legislative briefing sessions throughout the year to ensure lawmakers and staff have the knowledge and context to make informed policy decisions that benefit people with developmental disabilities.

Welcome Home Ohio (WHO) Program

For organizations looking to increase the housing stock in their communities, Welcome Home Ohio may be the program for you!

The Welcome Home Ohio (WHO) program is designed to provide grants for the purchase of qualifying residential properties, the cost of construction or rehabilitation, or nonrefundable tax credits for qualifying activities. 

Each grant program offering will be funded at $22,812,500 in each fiscal year and $20 million in tax credits through the biennium. This opportunity has the potential to fund the incorporation of 1,134 affordable, owner-occupied homes across the state of Ohio. The fiscal year begins July 1 and ends June 30, the following calendar year. 

These program guidelines expand on statutory terms and requirements included in the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Sections 122.631-122.633 and 259.30 of House Bill 96. The guidelines in effect at the time a grant agreement is executed will remain the guidelines to abide by for the duration of the grant.

Program Activities

Welcome Home Ohio – Purchasing (WHO-P) 

• Grant funds to pay the cost of purchasing qualifying residential property at foreclosure sales after July 1, 2025. 
• A maximum grant of $100,000 per residential property at foreclosure sales.

Welcome Home Ohio – Rehabilitation/Construction (WHO-RC) 

• Grant funds to assist in the cost of rehabilitation or construction of qualifying residential property. 
• A maximum grant of $100,000 per qualifying residential property. 

Welcome Home Ohio – Tax Credits (WHO-TC) 

• Tax credit is allocated once the qualifying residential property is sold to a qualifying individual. 
• Maximum of $90,000 or 90% of the cost of rehab/construction, whichever is less. 
• State or federal grant funds are subtracted from the cost of rehab/construction prior to calculating the tax credit amount.
• If the director of the Ohio Department of Development determines the applicant qualifies for a tax credit, a tax credit certificate will be issued to the applicant identified with a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and listing the amount of credit that is eligible to be transferred or claimed on income and financial institutional taxes. 
• Certification of occupancy must be signed within the most recent fiscal year. For example, a home sold in fiscal year 2025 could be submitted for a tax credit in fiscal year 2026, but not a home sold in fiscal year 2024.
• Tax credits shall be issued up to June 30, 2027. 

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program provides funding for projects to enhance the competitiveness of crops such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and nursery crops. Grant Proposals must enhance the competitiveness of Ohio specialty crops in either domestic or foreign markets by leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops, assisting producers with research and development relevant to specialty crops, expanding availability of and access to specialty crops, and addressing local, regional, and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers. Specialty crops are fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture). 

The Anderson-Rogers Foundation Grant supports U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations focused on environmental protection, animal welfare, climate change mitigation, and social support. Established in 2001, this family foundation prioritizes innovative projects and general operating support for small organizations facing financial constraints. Note that applicants must first submit a letter of inquiry, as the foundation does not fund scholarships or grants to individuals or religious organizations, nor does it support organizations outside the U.S.