Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

The David M. Dolan Scholarship, offered by the International Association for Great Lakes Research, supports master's and Ph.D. students engaged in applied environmental statistics and modeling related to the Great Lakes. The scholarship provides a $3,000 award, complimentary conference registration, and IAGLR membership. Recipients must present their research at the annual IAGLR conference. Eligibility is limited to those whose research aligns with Dr. Dolan's work, and previous awardees are not eligible.

The Amgen Foundation, established in 1990, focuses on enhancing science education and strengthening communities. It supports nonprofit organizations that align with its mission, emphasizing teacher development and hands-on science experiences. Grants are awarded annually, with a commitment of $180 million to impactful programs. Eligible organizations include public schools and libraries, while ineligible requests involve individual support, religious organizations, and political activities. This approach aims to inspire the next generation of innovators through quality educational opportunities.

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.

PrimaryOne Health Community Scholarship

The Healthcare Justice Scholarship benefits racial, ethnic, and cultural underrepresented populations pursuing careers in healthcare. The scholarship fund will increase opportunities; educate, train, and employ more individuals of a diverse background; and allow for more diverse perspectives in the healthcare field. The goal is to grow a diverse healthcare pipeline to improve health outcomes.

The NatureWorks Grant provides up to 75% reimbursement for local government entities in Ohio to acquire, develop, and rehabilitate recreational areas. Funded by the Ohio Parks and Natural Resources Bond Issue since 1993, it has supported over 2300 public park projects across all 88 counties. Eligible applicants include townships, villages, cities, counties, park districts, and conservancy districts, ensuring enhanced access to recreational spaces for communities throughout Ohio.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program in Ohio, facilitated by the National Arbor Day Foundation, aims to enhance college campuses through sustainable tree management and community engagement. By meeting five key standards, institutions can achieve annual recognition, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship among students and faculty. This initiative not only beautifies campuses but also contributes to mental health and climate action. Participating schools receive support and resources to promote their commitment to environmental sustainability.

The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board (OHRAB) seeks to enrich the culture and protect the rights of Ohioans by fostering activities that identify, preserve and provide access to the State’s documentary heritage. It accomplishes these goals by advocating for issues that enhance the collection, preservation and public use of historical records, encouraging organizations to seek funding for appropriate projects, and providing guidance to those organizations. To further its mission OHRAB has created a grant program to help Ohio historical records repositories obtain funds for smaller projects that may not qualify for funding under larger grant making agencies.

The Critical Needs List by Community Foundation Tampa Bay addresses urgent, unforeseen needs of nonprofits that threaten their ability to serve the community. This innovative program allows nonprofits to submit requests for funding up to $250,000 for critical expenses such as emergency repairs and essential equipment replacement. With a focus on supporting local organizations, the program aims to match funding with community philanthropists, ensuring timely assistance to those in need.

The Jeffris Heartland Fund Grant, provided by the Jeffris Family Foundation, supports significant historic preservation projects across several Midwestern states, including Iowa and Wisconsin. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, covering 50% of costs for Historic Structure Reports, requiring a dollar-for-dollar match. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies, focusing on projects with historical significance, architectural merit, and strong community ties. Applications are accepted anytime, with decisions made approximately 30 days after submission.

The Delta Dental Foundation's Community Mini Grants provide up to $10,000 to local nonprofits promoting oral health care in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. These grants focus on enhancing access to dental care for at-risk populations, educating communities about oral health, and supporting innovative programs. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with strategic aims and the ability to achieve impactful results. This initiative seeks to improve community health through dedicated funding and support for effective oral health programs.

The Ohio Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship, established by the AMA Foundation, aims to support future physician leaders through substantial tuition assistance. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. medical school, entering their final year, and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship fosters a commitment to health equity and encourages involvement in organized medicine. Applications are typically due in the first quarter of each year, ensuring that funds are directed towards tuition costs only.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse is funding pilot and feasibility studies aimed at preparing for substance use and HIV prevention research trials. The program encourages innovative interventions for substance use disorders and HIV eradication, focusing on stakeholder collaboration and practical application. Projects may include assessment of service models, intervention development, and community engagement. This initiative is designed to fill critical research gaps and enhance partnerships, although applications are not currently being accepted.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Ohio support local organizations in assisting low-income families to construct their own homes in rural areas. Grant recipients provide essential technical and supervisory assistance, enabling families to engage in the building process. This program fosters community development and empowers participants through self-help housing initiatives, ensuring they gain valuable skills while improving their living conditions.

The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) provides a structured archery curriculum for students in Ohio, fostering skills in archery while promoting self-esteem and discipline. The program, backed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, offers grants up to $2,500 to certified schools, ensuring access to necessary training and equipment. With a strong emphasis on inclusivity, NASP engages students across various backgrounds, enhancing their physical education experience and encouraging lifelong participation in archery.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding up to $25,000 for organizations focused on improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Established in 1943, the foundation prioritizes health equity through strategic partnerships aimed at reducing cancer burdens, preparing healthcare professionals, and enhancing crisis response efforts. Eligible applicants include national and local nonprofits targeting specific regions in the U.S. and Canada. The foundation emphasizes projects that align with its mission and demonstrate significant community impact.

The Daniel and Susan Pfau Foundation, established in 1994, focuses on enhancing education, health, cultural experiences, and social welfare for youth with disabilities and economic challenges in the Greater Cincinnati area. It supports arts organizations and recreation initiatives, prioritizing programs that help young individuals realize their potential. Eligible applicants must be recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofits and demonstrate benefits to specific counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. The Foundation encourages collaboration with other donors for project funding.

The California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant aims to support public middle and high school sports programs facing funding challenges due to budget cuts. Established by California Casualty, this grant provides financial assistance for purchasing equipment and covering travel costs for competitions. Eligible applicants must be active employees of public schools and members of affiliated education associations. Awards cannot be used for individual student recognition or fundraising projects.

The Patterson Foundation offers Oral Health Grants to support programs that enhance access to dental care for underserved communities. Eligible 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations can apply for funding up to $35,000 for capacity expansion, $10,000 for personnel support, or $10,000 for program support. The foundation prioritizes projects led by volunteer dental professionals and requires follow-up reports for continued funding. Applications are accepted year-round through a two-step process.

The Great Lakes Protection Fund Grant aims to support projects that deliver significant ecological improvements to the Great Lakes region. The Fund seeks transformative initiatives that involve collaboration among diverse stakeholders and rely on scientific rigor. Eligible applicants include non-profits, universities, and businesses, and the projects must demonstrate a positive environmental impact on the Great Lakes ecosystem. Importantly, the Fund does not support advocacy or compliance-related activities.

Coover/Rural Schools Partnership Celebrate Rural Schools Grant Program

The Louis L. and Julia Dorothy Coover Foundation, a partnership between Community Foundation of the Ozarks and The Commerce Trust Company is proud to offer the Celebrate Rural Schools grant program, which will support projects that celebrate, strengthen, and elevate the unique identity of rural schools and the communities they serve. This grant supports projects that celebrate the unique culture, achievements, and identity of rural schools and their communities. It encourages districts to amplify local voices, showcase student success, and strengthen community connections. 

• Eligible applicants must be a member of the CFO's Rural Schools Partnership program.
• Total amount to award is $100,000.00.
• This is a single year grant program with final reports due in May 2027.
• Applicants may apply for up to $5,000 in funding for this grant cycle. 

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks and its Rural Schools Partnership Program are committed to supporting rural schools. In awarding grants, the CFO and its affiliates will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status. As part of the grant process, all grantees will be required to affirm that, in providing services funded in whole or in part by a CFO grant, the grantee will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status either in its employment practices or in its policies and procedures concerning access to services. 

The CHS Foundation supports initiatives that benefit the agriculture industry, focusing on 501c3 organizations within specific states. Their funding is aimed at empowering cooperative growth and sustainable practices. Local projects may also be eligible through the CHS Seeds for Stewardship program. However, funding is not available for individuals, sports teams, or religious groups, ensuring that the support remains directed towards community and cooperative development.

VOCA/SVAA Grants for Advocates

The Crime Victims Services section is responsible for the administration of the State Victims Assistance Act (SVAA) and the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant programs. The funds are provided to eligible crime victims assistance programs operating in public and non-profit agencies throughout the state of Ohio.

The State Victims Assistance Advisory Board and Ohio Attorney General staff make funding recommendations, which are submitted to the Attorney General for final consideration.

The Bonnycastle Fellowship for Wetland and Waterfowl Research supports graduate students in advancing conservation efforts. Offered by Ducks Unlimited, this fellowship provides up to $17,000 annually for research and personal support. The fellowship emphasizes the importance of research originality, ecological contributions, and feasibility. It is open to all North American graduate students, with a preference for doctoral candidates. The award is renewable for PhD students up to two years, and once for Master's students, contingent on satisfactory progress.

The State Library of Ohio Library Services and Technology Act Open Grants provide funding up to $4,999 for Ohio libraries to address community needs through innovative projects. Applications are accepted anytime, with evaluations occurring twice a year based on submission dates. The program encourages libraries to connect their projects to the State Library’s LSTA goals, fostering creativity and flexibility in project development without requiring local matching funds.

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.

Erica Alexis Bell Memorial Scholarship

The Erica Alexis Bell Memorial Scholarship has been established by her parents, with pride, to help others who, like Erica, want to become teachers. For graduating seniors from Columbus City Schools to attend Central State University in Xenia, Ohio.

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.

Floyd E. and Mary Irene Younkin Scholarship Fund of the Pickaway County Community Foundation

Floyd Edwin Younkin (1916) and Mary Irene Pontius (1920) were born and raised in Pickaway County. The struggles involved in working family farms during the Depression established a strong work ethic and determination that they carried throughout their lives. They instilled that same principle in their three children as well as Irene’s twin sister’s three children whom they raised after her untimely death.

Following Floyd’s death in 1997, Irene continued her active role in the businesses they built until her death in 2015. She paid forward to the communities they loved and educating youth with her contribution to form the Floyd E. Younkin branch library in Ashville and the Younkin Success Center at The Ohio State University. Although they never had the opportunity to attend college, both strongly believed in the rewards that education brings. To continue the legacy that they started, Floyd and Irene’s family established this scholarship.

Ohio History Connection

The Ohio History Connection, formerly the Ohio Historical Society, is a statewide history organization with the mission to spark discovery of Ohio’s stories. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization chartered in 1885, the Ohio History Connection carries out history services for Ohio and its citizens focused on preserving and sharing the state’s history. This includes housing the State Historic Preservation Office, the official state archives and the Community Engagement Department and managing more than 50 sites and museums across Ohio.

Certified Local Government Grant

Funding for grants to Certified Local Governments (CLG) comes from the U.S. Department of the Interior's Historic Preservation Fund (CFDA 15.904), administered by the National Park Service, which provides financial support to State Historic Preservation Offices. Under provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act, 10% of the annual appropriation to Ohio is set aside for CLG grants. Ohio's CLG grants are awarded on a 60%/40% matching basis except for projects that qualify as Funding Priorities; for these projects, the grant can cover up to 100% of the project cost. For other projects, the grant amount covers up to 60% of the total project cost with the grant recipient providing the balance. The grant recipient match can be made through any combination of cash, in-kind and donated services and materials. With the exception of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, federal funds cannot be used to meet the matching share requirements of CLG grants.

Funding Priorities

The matching fund requirement is waived if your project meets one of our Funding Priorities. These change every year, and represent specific goals outlined in the Statewide Historic Preservation Plan. If your project addresses one of these priorities the grant can cover 100% of your project costs. SHPO encourages applicants to contact our office with questions about qualifying for a Funding Priority. Examples of past funding priorities include:

• Projects to survey, nominate, or rehabilitate resources of the recent past, as defined in Ohio Modern: Preserving Our Recent Past / Statewide Historic Context, such as mid-20th century properties or properties reflecting mid-century themes such as civil rights.

• Projects that update National Register-listed historic district nominations with expanded periods of significance and/or boundary amendments. In-state historic preservation-related training for CLG commission and related bodies, design guidelines, or community-based preservation plan or plan components.

• Projects to survey, nominate or rehabilitate properties pertaining to the heritage of under-represented groups as defined in titled Reconciliation, Recovery and Resilience: A Historic Preservation Plan for Ohioans, 2023-2030, Goal 4. This can include ethnic minorities, women, and other regional, socioeconomic and ethnic groups.

The F26AS00104 State ANS Management Plan 2026 aims to combat aquatic nuisance species through pre-proposals followed by full applications. Managed by the US Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service, this initiative requires a 25% cost-share and limits administrative costs to 5%. Applications are due by October 14, 2026, though the funding opportunity closes on December 16, 2026. The plan is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and supporting a coordinated national approach to invasive species management.