Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks' American Patriot Scholarship offers a $5,000 grant to high school seniors or undergraduates with a parent or grandparent who is an honorably discharged veteran or active-duty military personnel. This renewable scholarship requires a minimum GPA of 3.0, enrollment in at least 12 credit hours, and a commitment to attend an accredited institution. Applicants must submit a transcript, FAFSA-SAI form, essay, letter of recommendation, and a description of community service involvement.

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks offers the Alternative Education Scholarship, providing a $1,000 grant to graduating high school seniors currently in foster care or experiencing homelessness. This scholarship is renewable for up to three years, aimed at students maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0 and enrolled in at least 12 credit hours at an accredited institution. Applicants must submit a transcript, personal essay, and a letter of recommendation to qualify.

The Ben Wilken Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards $2,000 to a high school senior enrolled in JROTC with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Eligible students must provide a transcript, personal essay, and details of community service and school involvement. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to fostering educational opportunities in Missouri.

The Margaret Mary Curtin Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, provides $500 to support female students from Southeastern CT pursuing degrees in government or politics. Since 1983, the Foundation has awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships to help students achieve their educational and career goals. Awards are paid directly to colleges by August 1, ensuring timely funding for recipients.

The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Scholarship, established by the Nu Delta Omega Chapter in 2025, awards a $1,000 scholarship to female high school seniors from Beaufort and Jasper County public schools. Eligible candidates must demonstrate academic excellence with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and possess leadership qualities. Recipients are required to enroll full-time in a post-secondary institution and attend the AKA Scholarship Lunch and Learn workshop on April 4, 2026.

The Cooney Scholarship, established by Melissa Cooney through the Community Foundation for McHenry County, honors her parents' values of community service. It supports students from Woodstock, Illinois, who have demonstrated involvement with local nonprofit organizations. This scholarship aims to empower those who embody a spirit of giving back, offering financial assistance to further their education and strengthen their commitment to community service.

The Crooked Stick Endowed Scholarship, established by Crooked Stick Golf Club, aims to support students from Central Indiana pursuing post-secondary education with a strong interest in golf. Funded by the Hamilton County Community Foundation, this scholarship emphasizes academic promise, character, and financial need, ensuring that recipients are well-rounded individuals dedicated to their education and the sport they love. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering talent in the golfing community.

The Jake Arndt Memorial Scholarship, managed by The Community Foundation for McHenry County, supports students dedicated to the Woodstock community pursuing higher education. This scholarship honors Jake Arndt, a beloved individual known for his kindness and community involvement. Applicants must demonstrate community engagement and may receive preference if they have athletic backgrounds or financial need. In total, CFMC allocates $50,000 annually in scholarships to empower local students in their educational pursuits.

The Jennifer Samson Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by The Community Foundation for McHenry County, honors the memory of a talented artist and advocate. It provides annual awards to graduating high school students in McHenry County who have actively participated in musical theater. This scholarship not only supports educational pursuits but also continues Jenn's legacy of love for the arts and her commitment to equal rights and community service. Applicants must demonstrate involvement in musical theater during their high school years.

The VAC Veterans Memorial Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for McHenry County, provides financial assistance to children and grandchildren of active-duty military personnel and honorably discharged veterans. Applicants must be Illinois high school graduates with a minimum 2.5 GPA and provide proof of military connection. This scholarship not only supports educational pursuits but also honors the legacy of service to the country, fostering the next generation of leaders and scholars.

The Woodstock Lions Club Scholarship, funded by The Community Foundation for McHenry County, offers financial assistance to students from the District 200 area in Woodstock, Illinois. This scholarship supports those pursuing four-year degrees, two-year associate degrees, or vocational certificates. Eligibility includes maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrating community involvement. Preference is given to students with financial need, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to educational support and community growth.

The Kiley Marschand 4-H Scholarship, funded by the Hamilton County Community Foundation, supports Cass, Fulton, Hamilton, Howard, and Tipton County residents pursuing education at Indiana institutions. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate dedication through at least three years in 4-H, showcasing a strong work ethic and commitment to community service. This scholarship honors Kiley's legacy and encourages young leaders to thrive in their educational endeavors.

The Reach Your Potential scholarship, provided by the Hamilton County Community Foundation, aims to empower Indiana residents by offering financial assistance for vocational, technical, or trade school education. This initiative supports students in gaining marketable skills, ensuring they can become self-sufficient and achieve their full potential. Preference is given to full-time students who demonstrate financial need and community involvement, fostering a brighter future for the community.

The HHIBAC Scholarship Program, established by the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, awards scholarships to graduating high school female seniors of African American descent from Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, May River, or Hardeeville schools. Eligible applicants must pursue a degree at a four-year accredited institution, maintaining a 2.75 GPA, and submit a transcript, letters of recommendation, and a typed essay to qualify for this opportunity.

The McKernon Scholarship, offered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, supports financial need-based students from Pierce County, particularly targeting graduates of Elmwood High School and non-traditional learners pursuing their first degree. The Foundation, a prominent philanthropic organization, aims to foster local impact through generous donations, having facilitated over $100 million in grants since its establishment in 1995. This scholarship embodies their mission to enhance community prosperity and empower individuals through education.

Bethany's Butterflies Scholarship Program, managed by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, offers up to $500 for Wisconsin students aged 21 or younger with an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This scholarship supports enhanced learning and recreational experiences in Polk, St. Croix, or Pierce County. Applications are reviewed monthly without a hard deadline, as long as funds are available. This initiative honors the memory of Bethany Mazur, aiming to create lasting impacts through educational opportunities.

The Russell, John; Dentistry Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, aims to support a graduating senior from Beatrice High School pursuing a career in dentistry. This $2,000 scholarship is disbursed in two installments, contingent on continued enrollment in a dentistry program. It is designed for students with financial need, providing invaluable assistance for tuition, room and board, or books during their undergraduate studies.

The Replogle, Greg Scholarship, established by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $1,000 award to a graduating senior from Beatrice High School pursuing a nursing career. Candidates must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and be active members of their class. Preference is given to students involved in extracurricular activities during their junior and senior years. This scholarship aims to support students in their higher education endeavors, ensuring they have the financial resources needed for success.

The HTR Foundation Grant supports the preservation of American Civil War sites and educational projects related to this heritage. Grants are available to tax-exempt organizations and government agencies, focusing on land acquisition and public engagement while excluding endowments, individual support, and local interest projects. This initiative promotes the historical, cultural, and environmental legacy of the United States, ensuring the continued education and awareness of the Civil War's significance.

The ASTR Po-Hsien Chu International Scholar Award Fund aims to support international scholars facing unique challenges in the U.S. due to their visa status. This initiative offers annual research awards to up to two scholars, with a focus on at least one Asian recipient. The $1000 honorarium promotes access to funding for groundbreaking research in theatre and performance studies and encourages recipients to engage with the ASTR community through conferences and mentoring.

The Gay Community Endowment Fund Grant, managed by the Akron Community Foundation, aims to enhance the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in Greater Akron. Since its inception, the fund has distributed over $750,000 to support vital initiatives such as youth safety programs, mental health services, and scholarships for LGBTQ+ students. This grant is dedicated to advancing equality and improving the overall well-being of the community.

The ASTR Brooks McNamara Publishing Subvention supports costs related to reproducing illustrations for publications, including securing rights and acquiring images. It is available to independent or affiliated scholars with terminal degrees who are ASTR members. The award offers up to $600, with preference given to junior scholars. Projects will be evaluated based on their merit within theatre, dance, and performance studies, as well as the scholar's research endeavors.

The Manes, Max Scholarship offers a $1,000 award to a graduating senior from Beatrice High School pursuing a career in Accounting, or a business student with a numerical focus if no accounting candidates are available. Established by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, this scholarship aims to support students with a minimum 3.5 GPA, good citizenship, and a strong work ethic. Preference is given to students engaged in community and school activities.

The Paddock Lane P.T.O Scholarship, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, aims to support Beatrice High School seniors pursuing higher education. Each year, three scholarships of $300 are awarded to students who have completed 5th grade at Paddock Lane Elementary School. With a strong commitment to education, the foundation provides essential funds to ensure that deserving students can access opportunities for academic advancement.

The Pat & Ernestine Patterson Music Scholarship, established in 1983, offers $500 to graduating seniors of New London High School who show a talent and interest in music, particularly jazz, and plan to attend a 4-year accredited institution. With over $11.9 million awarded in scholarships by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, this scholarship aims to support students in their educational pursuits and foster their musical talents.

The Michael Todd Gavitt Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, honors Mike Gavitt's culinary passion and musical talent. Since 1983, the foundation has awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships to support students in their educational pursuits. This scholarship is specifically for Eastern Connecticut residents in good academic standing who are pursuing studies in culinary arts, with secondary preference for those studying music. The approximate award is $500.

The Matthew Chew Memorial Scholarship, established in memory of Matthew Chew, supports students pursuing degrees in the arts, particularly in painting, drawing, or music performance. With an award range of $500 to $1,000, the scholarship aims to assist those from East Lyme, Groton, Ledyard, Montville, New London, Norwich, Stonington, and Waterford. Since 1983, the Community Foundation has awarded significant scholarships to help students achieve their educational goals.