Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

The SFS Fellows Grant, awarded by the Society for Freshwater Science, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to freshwater science research, policy, or management. Each year, up to four fellows are selected based on their sustained excellence and leadership within the field. This initiative also encourages diversity by promoting nominations from underrepresented groups and mid-career professionals. The grant fosters collaboration and participation in SFS activities, enhancing the impact of freshwater science.

The Gun Violence Prevention & Justice Reform Grant by The Joyce Foundation aims to create safer communities in the Great Lakes region. It focuses on reducing gun violence, addressing racial disparities in the justice system, and promoting violence intervention strategies. The foundation invites innovative proposals that support these goals, emphasizing research, policy advocacy, and community engagement to effectively address the challenges of gun violence and promote racial equity.

The CHS Foundation's Cooperative Education Grant aims to support educational projects that enhance understanding of the agricultural cooperative business model. With a focus on middle school to college-age students, the program encourages innovative approaches, measurable outcomes, and engagement strategies. It prioritizes initiatives with a national or state-level reach within the CHS trade area, fostering success and growth in cooperative education. Funding will be allocated to programs that align with these goals, ensuring a robust educational framework for future leaders in agriculture.

Women's Residential ASAM Pilot Grant

DBH is seeking information in providing funding opportunities to non-profit organizations serving ASAM level of cares 3.5 and 3.7, interested in providing more information to DBH regarding the Women’s Residential ASAM Pilot Grant, to access funding for developing ASAM 4th edition co-occurring enhanced (COE) services and biomedically (BIO) enhanced services at the 3.5 and 3.7 levels of care. The target population for these funds are pregnant and postpartum women with substance use disorders.  Funds must be used for any expenses used to establish these services including, hiring appropriately credentialled staff for COE and BIO enhanced services, purchasing medical equipment necessary for BIO enhanced services, and providing housing for women and their children.

The California Casualty Music & Arts Grant supports K-12 public schools facing budget cuts that threaten their music and arts programs. Eligible applicants, who must be active employees of public K-12 schools and members of specified educator associations, can request grants of $250 for music or arts needs. This initiative aims to enhance creative education across the states, excluding AK, HI, MA, MI, NY, and WI. Applications received by July 15 will be notified by November 30.

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The John Henry and Nancy May Bell Allensworth Scholarship Fund

The John Henry and Nancy May Bell Allensworth Scholarship Fund assists graduates and seniors of Carrollton or Edison High School in Carroll or Jefferson Counties. Must attend a public college or university which is part of the University System of Ohio. 

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

The Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarships, offered by the Pacific Dental Services Foundation, provide financial aid of up to $5,000 for eligible dental assistant students. Applicants must be over 18, U.S. citizens or legal residents, and enrolled in a qualifying program. The scholarship emphasizes mentorship and training, supporting the next generation of dental assistants. Awards are based on financial need and application quality, with multiple cycles each year to support aspiring professionals.

The Water Management Association of Ohio (WMAO) Scholarship, funded by The Columbus Foundation, aims to support Ohio residents pursuing careers in water resource-related fields. Eligible applicants must be full-time students at an Ohio public or nonprofit college, maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.75. This initiative seeks to strengthen the future workforce in essential disciplines such as civil engineering, hydrogeology, and water policy, contributing to sustainable water management in the region.

The Volstead Holdings Scholarship, offered by The Columbus Foundation, aims to support residents of central and northeast Ohio pursuing technical post-secondary education in fields such as design, construction, manufacturing, and logistics. This scholarship emphasizes skilled trades and technical career pathways, prioritizing non-traditional students to enhance access to education. By connecting applicants with vital educational resources, the scholarship seeks to strengthen Ohio's workforce and manufacturing legacy, ensuring meaningful opportunities for future generations.

The Extradition Reimbursement Program, administered by the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services, provides funding to local law enforcement for in-state and out-of-state extraditions of dangerous offenders. There is no maximum reimbursement limit per extradition, and agencies can apply without restrictions. This program aims to enhance public safety by ensuring that violent offenders face justice in Ohio, supporting law enforcement agencies effectively.

Youth and young adults with developmental disabilities often experience a loss of services and support as they move from school-based systems into adult life. This transition can be especially difficult for individuals in underserved communities, where access to services is limited and navigation is complex. Families may not know where to turn, and many individuals fall through the cracks.

This project addresses these challenges by funding community-based organizations that are committed to outreach, equity, and inclusion. Programs will be expected to identify individuals who are not currently connected to services and help them access individualized supports and adapted community resources. Services must be designed to meet the needs of diverse populations and delivered in partnership with local systems, including County Boards of Developmental Disabilities. 

The Elevance Health Foundation's Behavioral Health Grant aims to address significant challenges in mental health and substance use disorders. With a commitment of up to $90 million over three years, the Foundation seeks partnerships with nonprofits to enhance treatment access, promote prevention strategies, and alleviate loneliness among affected individuals. This initiative emphasizes innovative solutions and measurable outcomes, targeting both national and local programs, particularly in states with pressing health disparities.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

W.A. and Margaret E. Buehler Scholarship

The scholarship was established by the Buehler family to assist students who have graduated from a high school in Franklin County to pursue a nursing degree.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Marion Area Auxiliary Scholarship

The eldest of the scholarship funds at Marion Community Foundation, the Marion Area Auxiliary Scholarship was created in 2000 to support careers in medicine, in keeping with the earliest goals of the Foundation.

Marion Community Foundation was created in 1998 from the Mary Elizabeth Smith Foundation and sale of the assets of the former MedCenter Hospital. Supporting health care access and services and careers in medicine are long-standing goals of the Foundation.

This scholarship makes awards to Marion County students who score in the upper 50 percent of the ACT or SAT and are pursuing an education in health care or medical sciences.

Mary Elizabeth Betts Beattey Scholarship

Mary Elizabeth Betts Beattey graduated from high school at 17 in 1937, when the shadow of the Great Depression still darkened her home in Appalachian Ohio, so she put aside her desire to attend college and, for the next three decades, relied on her Gregg shorthand, typing, language arts, and general abilities in various secretarial positions. When her husband died just short of her 50th birthday, she found herself with the time and resources to pursue her dream of a college education. Within three years, she had a degree in Elementary Education from Ohio University, graduating cum laude.

For most of the next two decades, she taught fifth grade, reveling in finding the student who, with a little special service, extra attention, encouragement, or cajoling could and would do better academically. The goal of the scholarship is to support a student who has been helped, motivated, or cajoled into doing better and to continue on that path through their high school career.

Award Amount:

• $5,000, payable over four years as 10% awarded year one, 20% awarded year two, 30% awarded year three, and 40% year four.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Cooperating Technical Partners (CTP) Program provides $41 million in funding across nine regions to enhance flood risk awareness. This initiative, led by FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program, empowers local communities to develop critical flood hazard data and maps. By strengthening local capabilities, the program promotes informed decision-making and responsible planning to mitigate flood risks effectively.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

James F. and Marcia L. Schulze Scholarship

Students must be pursuing an ABET accredited Bachelor’s degree within a College of Engineering (majors such as Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering Technology, or others) at an Ohio institution. 

Selection based upon:

Academic ability; school and community service; and recommendations.

Awards

• Two $2,000 scholarships, renewable for up to two (2) additional years

Casey’s Donation Requests support vital community needs in Education, Hunger, and Community Servants. Eligible 501(c)3 organizations within Casey’s communities can apply through the online Donation Request Form. Requests are reviewed continuously, with feedback provided via email within one month. Priority is given to organizations that haven't received donations in the current giving calendar year, which runs from May 1 to April 30.

The Anchor QEA Scholarship supports graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering, environmental sciences, or related fields, with awards between $1,000 and $10,000. This program emphasizes helping those in financial need, particularly focusing on BIPOC students to address inequities in STEM. Eligible candidates must demonstrate a commitment to community service and possess an inclusive mindset. This initiative reflects Anchor QEA's dedication to fostering a diverse and equitable educational environment.

The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation provides grants to tax-exempt non-profit organizations in the United States, primarily focusing on healthcare, family values, and supporting the disadvantaged. With a strong commitment to Alzheimer's research, the foundation has funded various initiatives including elderly care, domestic violence prevention, and cancer research. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities through meaningful contributions, aiming to address critical social issues and promote well-being.

Rob-See-Co is an independent seed company with regional expertise, providing customers access to leading genetics and traits through the Rob-See-Co and Innotech® seed brands. Rob-See-Co also sells Masters Choice specialty silage and forage products, as well as Streamline Ag seed-driven crop inputs. Rob-See-Co works alongside its customers, building strong relationships and helping them plant the right seed for their long-term success, while keeping the process friendly, straightforward, and simple. 

Rob-See-Co Library Grant

In recognition of National Library Day, Rob-See-Co, an independent seed company located in Elkhorn, Neb. is proud to announce the continuation of its Rural Library Grant program.

Originally launched in 2023 to commemorate the company’s 10th anniversary and honor Agnes Robinson’s dedication to the rural library in Waterloo, NE, the program continues to hold special meaning. Agnes, great-grandmother of Jim Robinson, CEO of Rob-See-Co, was a passionate advocate for rural libraries. Today, the program extends support to libraries across rural communities within the company’s footprint. 

The focus areas for grant distributions from the Rob-See-Co Rural Library Grant program will assist local libraries with expanding book collections, core educational programs for adults or children, and computer or software upgrades. Examples of this would be new books, expansion of school visits or field trips, digitizing research materials, support for funding traveling exhibits and speakers.

Rob-See-Co will award ten grants to selected rural libraries across CO, IA, KS, MD, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, OK, PA, SD, TX and WI. Funds may be used for core educational, preservation and interpretive purposes, including collection development, facility improvements, traveling exhibits, guest speakers, staff training, programming, and publications. 

State Library of Ohio

The State Library of Ohio is a state agency that serves Ohio’s state government, public and academic libraries, and residents statewide. Its vision is to create a “Smarter Ohio” where people of all ages have access to the resources they need to be informed and engaged citizens, succeed in the workforce, expand their knowledge, and pursue their personal and professional interests. The State Library’s mission is to inspire and support literacy and lifelong learning for all Ohioans by expanding access to information, strengthening communities, and advancing high-quality library services. Through partnerships, funding, and statewide initiatives, the agency works to enhance library capacity and promote equitable access to educational and informational resources across Ohio.improve population health outcomes.

Summer Library Program Grant (OH)

The purpose of the 2026 Summer Library Program (SLP) grant program is to empower libraries to enhance their 2026 summer programs with library-led activities that spark creativity and learning, engage individuals of all ages, and benefit their communities. Libraries may apply for federal LSTA funds to support summer programs for children, teens, and/or adults. Grant funds may be used to purchase program materials, supplies, and/or contractual services for presenters and programs offered to the community during the 2026 summer. Please refer to the FAQ page for specific guidelines on the use of awarded funds. Applying libraries are encouraged to submit proposals that address specific needs, including targeted programming for adults, new populations, or underserved community members. Applying libraries are also encouraged to identify ways they might collaborate with other community entities, organizations, or agencies. For this grant a local cash match of 25% is required. This means federal funds cannot exceed 75% of the total project cost. 

The Needmor Fund for Social Justice aims to promote social justice by supporting community organizing efforts in the Midwest. With a focus on low- and moderate-income communities, BIPOC groups, and other marginalized populations, the fund provides grants for up to three years to organizations committed to long-term empowerment and advocacy. The initiative seeks to foster inclusive participation in democracy, ensuring that all voices are heard in shaping policies affecting their lives.

Saint Luke's Foundation offers Staff Discretionary Grants to organizations addressing health disparities in Cuyahoga County. Grants typically range from $15,000 to $25,000, ensuring rapid approval to meet urgent community health needs. Eligible applicants include public charities and governmental agencies. The Foundation prioritizes innovative approaches to health equity, with a commitment to responsive grantmaking that addresses the social determinants of health. This proactive funding strategy aims to support organizations striving to improve community health outcomes.

The NOPEC Foundation Fund offers grants primarily to nonprofit organizations within NOPEC communities, focusing on health, economic development, community development, environment, and social services. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $40,000, aiming to address diverse community needs that are often overlooked by traditional funding sources. Eligible applicants are those operating significantly within NOPEC areas, ensuring support reaches those most in need.

The Dollar General School Library Relief Grant Program, managed by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, provides crucial support to K-12 public school libraries that face significant damage due to disasters such as fires or federally recognized acts of terrorism. This grant aims to restore essential library resources, ensuring that affected communities can continue to access vital educational materials and support. Libraries must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and meet specific eligibility criteria.

About Us

We are a state agency that serves state government, all types of libraries, and residents. The vision of the State Library of Ohio is a Smarter Ohio where Ohioans of all ages access the necessary resources to be engaged residents, excel at their jobs, participate in the workforce, expand their knowledge, and pursue their passions and interests.

Our Mission

The State Library of Ohio inspires and supports literacy and lifelong learning for all Ohioans through access to information, strengthening of communities, and support of exceptional library services.

Guiding Ohio Online Grant

This grant provides federal funds for public libraries serving rural populations in Ohio to hire a dedicated technology trainer. The Guiding Ohio Online application is currently closed.

Guiding Ohio Online is a State Library of Ohio administered competitive Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant that allows public libraries serving rural populations in Ohio to hire a dedicated technology trainer. The technology trainer is hired as an independent contractor in a full- or part-time capacity, depending on the needs of the library. The grant period is July 1—June 30. Trainers can assist with computer instruction, technology-focused community outreach, one-on-one instruction, and other technology related duties.

LSTA funding covers 75% of the project costs; the remaining 25% must come from a local cash match. This cash match typically comes from the library but may come in whole or in part from a partner organization. Please be aware that the cash match cannot come from another federal funding source.