Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

The Jane L. Taylor Scholarship, established by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools pursuing nursing degrees. This scholarship honors Jane's legacy as a dedicated nurse and aims to assist future Registered Nurses. Candidates must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 and be accepted into an accredited college or university. The scholarship reflects a commitment to fostering healthcare professionals in the community.

The Hiller School/Community Club Scholarship, established in 1997 by the Hiller Community Club, honors the legacy of the old Hiller School and its community. This scholarship supports graduating seniors and recent high school graduates from Ashland County seeking higher education. Applicants must either reside in Mifflin or Milton Townships or be direct descendants of former students. The goal is to promote education and community involvement for future generations.

The George & Rhea Wertman Hartman Scholarship, managed by the Ashland County Community Foundation, provides financial support to graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools. This scholarship honors George and Rhea, who dedicated their lives to education and community service. Eligible students must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher and be accepted into an accredited college or university. This initiative aims to empower local youth to pursue higher education and build a brighter future.

The Friesen Family Christian College Scholarship, provided by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools who plan to attend Grace College, Cedarville University, or Liberty University. This renewable scholarship requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 and prioritizes Ashland High School students. The foundation empowers local nonprofits and invests in the community's future, ensuring charitable gifts effectively address present needs and foster a brighter tomorrow.

The Frank Goschinski Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools who participate in athletics. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher and plan to pursue further education at an accredited college or university. This scholarship aims to encourage academic and athletic excellence, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future educational endeavors.

The Shari Simon Greenberg Community Scholarship, offered by the Simon Youth Foundation, supports high school seniors residing near Simon malls. This scholarship aims to help first-generation college students and those with financial need pursue higher education. With an annual funding of approximately $1 million, the foundation ensures more students have the opportunity to chase their dreams by alleviating post-secondary expenses for those determined to learn.

The Knowles Teaching Fellowship supports emerging high school science and mathematics teachers in the U.S. Ideal candidates possess a strong academic background, leadership skills, and a commitment to teaching. The fellowship emphasizes comprehensive development through mentoring and financial support, including grants for classroom materials and stipends to alleviate financial burdens. By fostering a community of over 500 educators, the program aims to enhance teaching quality and sustainability in the profession over a five-year trajectory.

The Herb Block Foundation offers the Encouraging Citizen Involvement Grant to promote civic engagement and voter participation in a nonpartisan manner. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 are available for nonprofit organizations classified as 501(c)(3). This initiative aims to strengthen democracy by fostering responsible citizen involvement without supporting partisan activities or lobbying efforts.

The Beyond the Cure Ambassador Scholarship Program, offered by the National Children’s Cancer Society, supports childhood cancer survivors in their pursuit of higher education. Celebrating resilience and determination, this program awards 50 scholarships annually, empowering survivors to achieve their academic and professional dreams. With over 35 years of experience, the NCCS has provided significant financial assistance to families navigating the challenges of childhood cancer, ensuring that no family faces this journey alone.

The William K. Wiley Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports high school seniors and non-traditional students from Ashland County who are pursuing degrees in History or related fields. Established in memory of William K. Wiley, this scholarship honors his contributions to the community. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.25 and complete a 20-hour internship at the Historical Society, fostering a commitment to preserving local history.

The William and Marlene Rose Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools who plan to major in Pre-Med or Nursing. Eligible students must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and be accepted to an accredited four-year college or university. This scholarship aims to assist deserving students in pursuing their education in the medical field.

The TW and Marjorie Smith Scholarship, established by the Ashland County Community Foundation, aims to support graduating seniors from any Ashland County high school who are pursuing a degree in Agriculture or a related field. This scholarship not only provides financial assistance for education at accredited colleges or universities but also honors the Smiths' commitment to benefiting their local community.

The Herb Block Foundation's Defending Basic Freedoms Grant aims to uphold the essential freedoms outlined in the Bill of Rights. This initiative focuses on combating discrimination and prejudice while enhancing the lives of the underprivileged. It provides funding for charitable and educational programs that align with these values. Open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations nationwide, the grant encourages accountability among government agencies and supports relevant contemporary societal issues.

The Eleanor & Henry Jansen Foundation, established in 1998, supports nonprofit organizations in Whatcom County, focusing on youth programs. The foundation encourages proposals that directly impact the community and emphasizes the importance of a substantial volunteer base. Special consideration is given to projects that were significant to Eleanor and Henry Jansen. Applicants are encouraged to seek matching funds from multiple sources, with priority given to youth-serving initiatives.

The William A. Lumpkin Endowed Scholarship, established in 2019 by Mr. Lumpkin, supports African-American students from Dayton Public or Trotwood-Madison High Schools. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities, promoting the belief that diverse experiences can lead to success. With a focus on leadership, a minimum GPA of 2.5, and acceptance into accredited colleges, this fund empowers students to pursue their dreams and fulfill their potential in higher education.

The Career Development Grant for Postdoctoral Women awards up to $2,000 to 5-8 eligible postdoctoral women for travel to meetings, laboratory visits, or courses to enhance their research and leadership skills. This grant, offered by the American Society for Microbiology, aims to support women with significant scientific achievements in their professional development while encouraging ongoing engagement with ASM.

The Allen Family Scholarship, established in 2021, honors William and Rose Allen's commitment to education. It supports students at Central State University who demonstrate financial need and plan to major in chemistry or a STEM field. Bill Allen, a Navy veteran and Eagle Scout, exemplified resilience and generosity, while Rose Allen pursued a career in nuclear medicine. This scholarship reflects their legacy by assisting future generations in achieving their academic goals.

The Alleen O. McCoy Scholarship, established in 2024, honors the legacy of a dedicated educator whose commitment to learning inspired many. This scholarship supports students from Dayton Public High Schools aiming to attend college, with a preference for those attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). It seeks to empower future leaders who share Alleen's passion for education and community impact, ensuring her influence continues through the next generation.

The Altrusa Club of Dayton Kay Webster Scholarship honors the late Kay Webster, a passionate advocate for children's literacy and former president of the Altrusa Club. Established in her memory, this scholarship supports graduating seniors from Montgomery or Greene County, Ohio, who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need, particularly those majoring in education or related fields. With a legacy of promoting literacy, the scholarship continues Kay's mission to impact the lives of children positively.

The Helen M. Free Award for Public Outreach, established by the American Chemical Society, recognizes outstanding volunteer achievements in public outreach that enhance public appreciation for chemistry. Awardees, selected based on their advocacy, creativity, and impact, receive a crystal award and a $2,000 prize. Nominees must be ACS members whose volunteer efforts have significantly increased public awareness of chemistry's importance. This annual award highlights activities that engage diverse audiences, promoting the significance of chemical sciences in everyday life.

The AIA Dayton Architectural Scholarship, administered by AIA Dayton, supports high school seniors and college students from the Dayton/Miami Valley region pursuing a degree in architecture at a NAAB-accredited institution. Eligible applicants must have graduated from a local high school or be college students attending an accredited architecture program in Ohio. This initiative aims to foster the next generation of architects by providing financial assistance to deserving students.

The Daryl Jones Memorial Scholarship honors a beloved coach and mentor from the Dayton area. It is designed for high school graduates who aspire to follow in his footsteps by pursuing a career in education or mentorship. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and be accepted into a two- or four-year college. This scholarship aims to support those who embody Daryl's values of community, teamwork, and dedication.

The Dan L. Hickey Memorial Scholarship, established in 1998 by his children, honors the legacy of Mr. Hickey, a U.S. Air Force veteran and educator. This scholarship supports graduating high school seniors from Dayton Public High Schools who plan to major in education, reflecting Mr. Hickey's commitment to teaching and student development. By investing in future educators, the scholarship aims to foster a new generation dedicated to excellence in education.

The Cindy Wright Memorial Scholarship, established in 2022, honors the memory of Cindy Wright, a beloved community member and family figure. This scholarship supports graduating seniors from the Miami Valley with a minimum GPA of 2.5 who are accepted into higher education institutions. Applicants must demonstrate community service, with financial need considered if qualifications are equal. The scholarship reflects Cindy's legacy of love and commitment to family and community.

The Craig A. Steffen Paraclete Scholarship supports adopted or fostered children with financial need in their pursuit of higher education. Established in honor of Craig Steffen, who overcame his own educational challenges and became a successful marketing director and professor, this scholarship aims to inspire similar journeys. Eligible applicants include graduating high school seniors or current college students from the Miami Valley who demonstrate financial need and have been adopted or in the foster care system.

The Chuck Dickerson Memorial Scholarship, established in 2018, honors an optimistic entrepreneur dedicated to community service. This scholarship supports the children and grandchildren of current or former members of the Centerville Noon Optimists, encouraging high school seniors to pursue higher education. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to community service and be accepted into a college or university. This initiative reflects Chuck's values of resilience and positivity, fostering a brighter future for young scholars.