Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

This funding opportunity aims to enhance the global response to rabies through innovative, cost-effective tools. The initiative focuses on reducing human rabies cases and advancing canine rabies elimination, particularly in high-burden regions. Research areas include tracking vaccination efforts, managing rabies exposure investigations, improving laboratory systems, and assessing the economic impact of interventions. Ultimately, it seeks to develop strategies that protect public health and ensure the sustainability of rabies-free status in the U.S.

The Elsa U. Pardee Foundation has been a pioneer in cancer research funding since 1944, providing over $110 million to more than 300 institutions across the U.S. It supports innovative approaches by both new and established researchers, ensuring diverse ideas receive necessary funding. Additionally, the Foundation addresses immediate financial needs for cancer patients, allocating about one-third of its grants to assist those in need. This dual focus on research and patient support distinguishes the Foundation in the fight against cancer.

The McGregor Foundation Grant, established in 2002, aims to support seniors in need across Cuyahoga County. Originating from a rich history of senior care, the Foundation continues the legacy of The A.M. McGregor Home and Amasa Stone House. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and located in Cuyahoga County, with a focus on specific areas of need. The Foundation does not fund scholarships or individual grants.

The Retirement Research Foundation (RRF) offers Responsive Grants for advocacy projects that significantly impact older Americans. These grants support initiatives focused on critical policy issues like economic security and health care. RRF aims to fund projects that use strategic efforts to address systemic challenges and encourage partnerships for resource optimization. Organizations must ensure that RRF funds are not used for lobbying activities. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations targeting individuals aged 60 and older.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

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.

The Louise Nader Khourey Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Louise Nader Khourey Memorial Scholarship Fund assists graduating high school seniors planning careers in foreign language education OR senior-level undergraduate or graduate foreign language students who have met the criteria for student teaching in a licensure program. 

This scholarship is renewable.

The Pūkoʻa Fellows Program, launched by the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute, is a 12-week virtual initiative aimed at Pasifika students in the diaspora. The program fosters exploration of diasporic identity and community responsibility through weekly sessions, mentorship, and a student-led event. Participants will connect with a national network of Pasifika organizers, enhancing their advocacy skills and building supportive campus spaces. This program is open to college students aged 18-26.

The PLTW Launch program, in collaboration with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by expanding access to innovative educational modules in eligible schools. This initiative supports public and charter schools in targeted counties, focusing on increasing student engagement in STEM fields. Through grant funding, participating schools can introduce new PLTW Launch modules and provide essential training for teachers, fostering a richer learning environment to prepare students for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The Nicholas R. Rizzi Foundation Grant aims to assist individuals in financial need who seek to further their education through accredited programs. Established in 2005 to honor Nicholas R. Rizzi, the foundation has awarded over $38,000 in scholarships and grants. Each year, eligible applicants can receive up to $1,000 for tuition and related expenses based on financial need, academic performance, and recommendations. The foundation prioritizes direct payments to educational institutions.

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.

Robert & Lynn Ness Scholarship

The Robert & Lynn Ness Scholarship was created by ODW Logistics on its 50th Anniversary to honor founder Robert (Bob) E. Ness and his wife Lynn Ness. Bob’s entrepreneurial spirit lead to the founding of the company in 1971. His leadership and commitment to ethics and integrity enabled ODW’s growth over the years. Bob learned the value of hard work, education and perseverance from his parents. He earned his Eagle Scout and attended Wittenberg University where he met Lynn. Lynn was a school teacher and then an active school volunteer as she raised her family. Together Bob and Lynn have invested in education and students throughout their lives. Bob served on the Board at Wittenberg for 25 years, Lynn earned an Honorary Degree from Wittenberg and together they endowed a chair at the university. Bob also served on the school board in Upper Arlington while Lynn spent decades volunteering in the schools and community. Their dedication to family, ODW, and their Christian (Lutheran) faith have inspired the company to develop this opportunity for the families of ODW Logistics. This scholarship is available to dependents of ODW Logistics employees to pursue their educational goals.

The Northern California DX Foundation Grant supports amateur radio projects that promote education and international goodwill. It provides financial assistance for well-designed DXpeditions to rare locations, especially those generating global interest. Grants are typically awarded to expeditions that align with the foundation's mission, ensuring participants have a financial stake in their initiatives. The foundation emphasizes thorough review of operator qualifications, equipment appropriateness, and operational plans before granting support.

The Institutional Research Grants (IRG) program by the American Cancer Society provides essential seed funding for newly independent investigators to launch cancer research projects. Aimed at junior faculty, these grants offer $120,000 annually for three years, supporting the development of preliminary results necessary for competing for larger national grants. Eligible applicants must be at US academic institutions and hold the rank of Associate or Full Professor, with a proven track record in research and mentorship.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) co-fund the Clinician Scientist Development Grant (CSDG), aimed at advancing the research careers of clinician scientists in radiation oncology. Eligible applicants are full-time faculty members at U.S. institutions with a doctoral degree and an active clinical license. The grant supports research for 3 to 5 years, providing $135,000 annually for direct costs, plus allowable indirect costs, while encouraging diversity in applications.

The Clinician Scientist Development Grant (CSDG) by the American Cancer Society supports full-time faculty aiming to become independent clinician scientists while maintaining clinical practice. Eligible applicants must hold a doctoral degree, an active clinical license, and have clinical care experience. The grant provides funding of $135,000 annually for 3 to 5 years, including allowable indirect costs, to advance cancer research in key priority areas.

The American Cancer Society's Mentored Research Grants for Postdoctoral Fellowships (PF) aim to support emerging researchers in their training programs, fostering their transition to independent cancer research careers. Eligible candidates include US citizens or non-citizens with valid visas who have completed their doctoral degrees within the last four years. The fellowship offers funding for up to three years, with stipends of $66,000 to $70,000 annually, alongside allowances for health insurance and professional development.

The Mission Boost Grants (MBG) by the American Cancer Society aim to enhance cancer research by funding projects that translate into human testing. These grants support investigators at all levels, offering resources for innovative clinical projects. The program consists of two funding stages: Stage I focuses on developing clear milestones for new treatments, while Stage II supports patient testing, ultimately contributing to advancements in cancer care and treatment.

The HCF: Health Services Endowment Fund Grant aims to support health services and education in Southwest Ohio. Established in 1998, this charitable fund assists organizations addressing health needs in the Hamilton community. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations, with a focus on local services. The fund prioritizes projects that benefit area residents and encourages collaboration among agencies. For further inquiries, contact the Hamilton Community Foundation.

The NIOSH Centers of Excellence for Total Worker Health® (U19) aims to enhance worker well-being by funding research and translation activities that address harmful exposures and improve working conditions. Priority areas include high-risk occupations, young workers, and chronic diseases. The initiative emphasizes strong project coordination, scientific rigor, and economic evaluations. Projects must utilize the NIOSH Worker Well-Being Questionnaire and share findings with the HERO Clearinghouse, fostering innovative solutions for employers and workers.

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

REU Powering Redding’s Future Scholarship Fund

Redding Electric Utility (REU) is proud to offer students in the Redding community awards from the REU Powering Redding’s Future Scholarship, Program. The purpose of REU’s Program is to identify and support local students dreaming and planning to attend community college, a 4-year college/university, or technical school. The primary goals of REU’s Powering Redding’s Future program is to encourage Redding’s youth to consider a college/university or technical school education that may lead to career opportunities in the electric utility industry, preferably with REU. This program will award up to $50,000 in scholarships for local students each year.

All REU scholarships are offered to Redding residents.

The AVID: Orange County Centennial Scholarship Fund (Art Awards) supports high school seniors enrolled in the AVID elective, aiming to pursue a four-year college education. Funded by Scholarship America, this program offers awards ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 for undergraduate studies. Eligible applicants must demonstrate community involvement, leadership, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship is intended for students from Orange County, CA, pursuing degrees in various art disciplines.

The AVID: Charles H. & Ethel E. Wolfe Scholarship Endowment, managed by Scholarship America, supports high school seniors from Orange County, CA, enrolled in the AVID program. Eligible students must have strong academic records, community involvement, and plan to attend a four-year college. The scholarship awards between $1,500 and $2,500 for undergraduate studies, helping to ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education.

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Pucek Family Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was established in honor of Bill, Jeannette, and Sidney Pucek.

Scholarship awards from this fund aim to benefit and support North State students pursuing an associate degree or certification in a vocational program.

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.

Clare Cooke Performing Arts Scholarship

Clare Cooke, the namesake of this fund, has worked as a performer, choreographer, and director for the Marion Palace Theatre since 1977, directing Christmas at the Palace and numerous community theater productions and junior musicals for many years, including The Wizard of Oz, The Will Rogers Follies, Annie, Oliver!, The Music Man, Guys and Dolls, Hairspray, and Oklahoma!

The Clare Cooke Performing Arts Scholarship Fund, created in 2012 through gifts from nearly 100 friends and family members, recognizes her outstanding contributions to the performing arts community and quality of life in Marion.

The Cooke Fund awards scholarships to Marion County high school seniors and graduates pursuing an education in the performing arts. Recipients are high school seniors who rank in the top 50th percentile of their graduating class or graduates with a college GPA of at least 2.5.

Kids’ Chance of Nevada

Kids’ Chance of Nevada, in collaboration with Kids’ Chance of America, was established for the purpose of creating, assisting, and supporting programs that provide educational opportunities and scholarships for the children of injured workers in Nevada who have been seriously injured or who have suffered from a fatality as a result of an on-the-job incident.

Kids' Chance of Nevada Scholarship

Kids’ Chance of Nevada scholarships are for children of workers who have been killed, seriously injured, or experienced a debilitating illness in a work-related incident. Scholarships are awarded once a year and students may apply every year for which they are eligible. Current annual scholarships are determined based on the student’s financial need.

Students between the ages of 16-25 whose parent’s on-the-job death or injury resulted in a substantial decline in family income are eligible to apply. The applicant must meet adequate academic standards set by the selection committee. Scholarships may be used to pay for technical school or undergraduate college tuition, books, housing, meals or transportation.

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Marcia McKenzie Pay It Forward Scholarship

This scholarship is open to all majors, with priority given to women returning to school at Shasta College, or CSU Chico.

The Marcia McKenzie ‘Pay It Forward’ Scholarship Fund honors Marcia’s strong belief in a college education to further a person’s career goals and life path. She was the first of her family to attend and graduate from college, and benefitted throughout her life from that education. Years after her bachelor’s degree, she commuted to CSU, Chico to obtain a master’s degree while teaching full time at Shasta College. 

A wonderful mother and scratch cook, this scholarship was organized by her daughters and niece to honor her unwavering educational legacy. This scholarship is open to all majors, with preference given to applicants with an articulated career path, and life or community experiences that have delayed but clarified career intentions.

The Chaim Schwartz Foundation Grant supports initiatives that preserve and enrich Yiddish language, culture, theater, and art. Established in memory of Sandra Schwartz Tangri, the foundation aims to continue the rich social justice heritage of Yiddishkeit. Proposals can be project-specific or for general support, with grant amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000, and the application process is designed to be straightforward for non-profit organizations.

The AVID: Beatrice Levin Scholarship Fund, managed by Scholarship America, supports high school seniors in Orange County, CA, who have participated in the AVID program for three years. This scholarship is for students who demonstrate community commitment, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and show financial need. One common application is used for all AVID scholarships, with awards granted for undergraduate studies only. This program encourages continued education at accredited four-year institutions.

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Gustafson Fritz Scholarship for Women

An opportunity for female high school graduates in Shasta or Trinity County who demonstrate attributes of generosity, creativity, exemplary work ethic and kindness.

Patricia “Pat” L. Gustafson was an exceptional woman. She was known for her stewardship, generosity, creativity, exemplary work ethic and kindness. Continuing the legacy gifted to her by Pat, her “daughter”, Lynn E. Fritz, the Guftason Fritz Scholarship for Women honors her by awarding support to other women demonstrating like attributes in their journey of self-discovery, empowerment, education and community service.