Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

The Local Section Member Engagement (LS-MEET) Grant Program, provided by the American Chemical Society, aims to enhance community engagement within local sections. With a funding cap of $2,000, this program supports initiatives that attract new members and strengthen existing communities. Eligible projects may include innovative technology use, targeted events for underrepresented local chemist groups, and activities that promote interaction among members. Applications should align with local section goals and detail specific budgetary needs.

The Corporation Associates Seed Grant, offered by the American Chemical Society, provides up to $5,000 per year for innovative projects in chemical sciences education, public engagement in the chemical industry, and safety enhancements in chemistry. This grant supports one-time initiatives that align with the goals of the ACS Committee on Corporation Associates. Note that funding excludes research, equipment purchases, travel, and illegal activities, ensuring resources are allocated to impactful educational endeavors.

The Corporation Associates Local Section & International Chapter Grant, offered by the American Chemical Society (ACS), provides funding up to $1,000 for ACS local sections and international chapters. This grant supports industry-focused events like job fairs, résumé workshops, and networking receptions, aimed at enhancing the professional development of members employed in the chemical industry. By fostering community engagement, ACS helps empower local chapters to champion scientific integrity and advance knowledge.

The ASNT Foundation Fellowship Award offers $20,000 to support research and innovation in nondestructive testing (NDT). Aimed at graduate students and early-career professionals, this fellowship encourages the exploration of groundbreaking ideas and development of new technologies in the NDT field. Recipients will be notified after evaluations, and the award includes opportunities for recognition at the ASNT Annual Conference and presentation of findings at ASNT symposia. This initiative is crucial for nurturing future NDT leaders.

The Women Chemists Committee + Eli Lilly Travel Award supports female chemists at undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral levels, enabling them to attend meetings and present their research. This initiative aims to enhance women's participation in the chemical sciences. Awards are based on scientific merit and financial need, covering registration, travel, and accommodations for U.S.-based meetings. Recipients also benefit from networking opportunities, including poster sessions and luncheons, fostering connections with ACS governance and peers.

The Gilbert Memorial Fund Grant supports organizations conducting innovative medical research. Established in memory of the Gilbert family, this fund aims to promote advancements in various areas of medicine. Applications are accepted year-round, with a review meeting held annually on March 1. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $40,000, and eligible organizations must be recognized as 501(c)(3) entities. This initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing healthcare through research and development.

The Community Organizing Grants Program by the Peace Development Fund empowers local organizations to drive social justice initiatives. It supports groups that foster grassroots leadership and systemic change while dismantling oppression. Grants are primarily for general support, focusing on projects that align with their mission. Eligible organizations include those in the U.S., Haiti, and Mexico, while excluding completed projects or lobbying activities. This initiative encourages sustainable, community-based solutions and diverse alliances for a just society.

The Simons Foundation's Scientific Software Research Faculty Award supports faculty positions focusing on scientific software development in mathematics and physics. It aims to enhance research capabilities by providing five years of salary support and a $50,000 yearly research allowance. Awardees must have a Ph.D. and demonstrate leadership in scientific software. This initiative addresses the career limitations faced by software experts and encourages applications from underrepresented groups.

The Limited Competition: Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Institutional Research Training Grant aims to enhance clinical and translational science training by supporting programs that prepare predoctoral and postdoctoral researchers. This initiative, funded by the NIH, focuses on translating scientific discoveries into effective health interventions. Eligible institutions will be invited to apply, and only high-quality applications will be considered for funding, ensuring a robust peer-review process.

The Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists honor exceptional faculty-rank scientists and engineers in the U.S. Recognizing achievements in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences & Engineering, and Chemical Sciences, each Laureate receives $250,000 in unrestricted funds. Nominations come from a select group of institutions and previous Laureates, emphasizing innovation and impact. The awards celebrate the future potential of young researchers, fostering diversity in STEM fields. The ceremony takes place annually in New York City.

The Stouder Memorial Foundation Grant, managed by the Troy Foundation, supports charitable organizations providing health care services in Miami County. Established in 1974, it transitioned to a donor advised fund in 1998 after the closure of Stouder Memorial Hospital. Grant requests are reviewed quarterly, with applicants notified within ten working days of the review meeting. This fund aims to enhance healthcare accessibility in the region, ensuring vital support for local medical services.

Project Lead The Way Inc is offering a grant of $14,000 to schools looking to implement the PLTW Computer Science program for the first time. Schools must commit to offering PLTW Computer Science courses over the next three years, ensuring that at least one course is available in the first year. This funding will support program implementation costs, with awards distributed directly to PLTW accounts for eligible schools.

L3Harris Technologies is expanding its partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to enhance STEM education for PreK-12 students. This initiative aims to support schools in launching or expanding PLTW Computer Science programs for the 2026-2027 academic year, focusing on diverse and economically challenged communities across multiple states. Eligible schools can receive grants to implement new courses, additional class periods, or teacher training, fostering a strong foundation in technology and engineering.

The National Institutes of Health is inviting applications for feasibility studies aimed at informing the design of future clinical trials. These studies should demonstrate scientific necessity and may involve mixed methods to assess recruitment, randomization, and intervention delivery. While applications are not currently being solicited, this notice encourages investigators with relevant expertise to prepare for potential collaboration on impactful public health trials.

The John C. Lasko Foundation Trust Grant supports the construction of worship spaces across the nation, requiring churches to fund at least 50% of the project costs. Established by John C. Lasko, the foundation aims to build enduring churches that adhere to its mission. Grants are specifically for sanctuary construction, and applicants must own the land designated for the church. Notably, funds are not available for debt repayment or non-sanctuary areas.

The MPS Materials Research Programs, funded by the National Science Foundation, aim to enhance the understanding of materials and their diverse applications. These programs cover areas such as biomaterials, ceramics, condensed matter physics, and electronic materials. With an emphasis on transformative research, NSF MPS encourages proposals that are innovative and foundational, without the necessity for immediate commercial outcomes, fostering long-term advancements in materials science.

The Linguistics Program, supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), promotes fundamental research in human language. It covers various areas including syntax, semantics, and phonetics, encouraging interdisciplinary projects that explore language production, comprehension, and social factors influencing language change. The program welcomes proposals from qualified scholars, including those focusing on endangered languages, while emphasizing the importance of basic research over applied methods. For more details, refer to the NSF's guidelines.

L3Harris Technologies partners with PLTW to inspire PreK-12 students in STEM education. The program provides $20,000 in grants to schools starting or expanding PLTW Computer Science courses in the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible public and charter schools in specified counties can receive funding to support diverse and economically challenged communities. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities and ensure students gain essential skills for future careers in technology and engineering.

Outstanding Educator Award (2026-05-01)

Since 1985, the AGC Education and Research Foundation has recognized annually an educator who makes a significant mark in the field of construction education. The Outstanding Educator award is based on a nominee’s academic contribution as well as his/her work with students outside of the classroom and involvement with colleagues in the industry.

The Outstanding Educator receives a $5,000 cash award and may name two students as recipients of $2,500 scholarships for the coming academic year. In addition, the recipient will be invited to the annual AGC convention as a guest of the foundation.

The CCWH/Berks Graduate Student Fellowship, offered by the Coordinating Council for Women in History, provides a $1000 award to graduate students in U.S. history departments who are completing a dissertation. This fellowship aims to support crucial research stages or the final year of writing. Applicants must be graduate students who have achieved A.B.D. status and may specialize in any history field, ensuring diverse representation in women's history.

The Gene Haas Foundation offers the Secondary Level Program Scholarship to promote education in CNC machining. This initiative aims to enhance manufacturing education and support local organizations improving community quality of life. The foundation has contributed over $225 million since 1999, focusing on scholarships and training programs for students. It also sponsors robotics and racing teams, ensuring hands-on experience for participants. Grants are awarded exclusively to tax-exempt entities, facilitating educational growth and community engagement.

The AHNS Presidential Award supports innovative research targeting novel therapeutic approaches in head and neck cancer. With a funding amount of $15,000 for one year, this grant encourages projects that utilize advanced methodologies such as genomics and immune profiling. Applicants must be AHNS members in good standing and provide letters of support from their institution. The goal is to foster research that can lead to significant advancements in treatment strategies for this challenging disease.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Outstanding Achievement Awards

The AWS Outstanding Achievement Awards honor exceptional contributions in welding, spanning historical structures, innovative fabrication, safety, and technical advancements across various categories.

Professor Koichi Masubuchi Award

This award is sponsored by the Center for Ocean Engineering at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The award will be given to one individual who has made significant contributions in the advancement of the science and technology of materials joining through research and development. The individual is to be 40 years old or younger and may live in any part of the world. The recipient need not be a member of AWS.

Complete nomination packets may be submitted for consideration to the AWS Awards Committee and must include an introduction letter of support and a complete resume or CV of the individual's qualifications.

The applicant is requested to indicate his/her birth year in the resume to verify that he/she is 40 years old or younger for the year in which the applicant is nominated.

Complete nominations must be received by the deadline of December 31. The award will be presented at the following year's FABTECH show. Submit your nomination to Wei Zhang at zhang.3978@osu.edu or at nationalawards@aws.org.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Outstanding Achievement Awards

The AWS Outstanding Achievement Awards honor exceptional contributions in welding, spanning historical structures, innovative fabrication, safety, and technical advancements across various categories.

Distinguished Welder Award

This award recognizes an individual whose welding skills and experience would earn them the recognition of being an AWS Distinguished Welder.

A complete nomination packet should include information addressing the Definition and candidate's Application Criteria as outlined in the AWS Distinguished Welder Award Nomination Form. The focus of the nomination packet should include specifics of the individual's skills.

The Engagement Award: Capacity Building aims to enhance the skills of patients and stakeholders in patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) and comparative effectiveness research (CER). With funding of up to $300,000 for projects lasting up to two years, this initiative seeks to foster meaningful participation from patients, families, and caregivers. The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) anticipates distributing up to $25 million for these efforts in fiscal year 2026, emphasizing community engagement in research.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Education / Meritorious / Service Awards

The Educational/Meritorious/Service awards recognize individuals who have made notable contributions to the welding industry. From educators who have advanced welding knowledge to those who've exhibited outstanding service, these awards celebrate dedication, expertise, and the advancement of welding as both an art and a science.

Dalton E. Hamilton Memorial CWI of the Year Award

This award, administered by the Certification Committee, is given annually by the American Welding Society as a means of recognizing individuals participating in the Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI) and Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) program whose inspection, American Welding Society, professional activity and civic activities are considered to have enhanced public awareness and opinion of both the Society and the CWI program or otherwise have made an outstanding contribution to the science of welding inspection.

This award is recognized at the National, District and Section levels. The nominee is selected at least 12 months in advance of FABTECH. Selections for the Section and District awards are made during the annual District Conference meetings. District and Section level recognitions are automatic but National level nominee information is submitted to the AWS Certification Committee for final selection.

• A nomination form must be submitted, along with an introduction letter of support and a complete resume or CV of the individual’s qualifications. Complete National nominations must be received by February 1st.