Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

The Little Giraffe Foundation is dedicated to supporting neonatal health through research grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. Since 2011, they have provided substantial resources to hospitals and institutions, focusing on both immediate and long-term health challenges faced by premature infants. Eligible applicants include scientists and healthcare professionals from U.S.-based institutions. The foundation aims to advance research in biological processes, genetics, clinical studies, and more, improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.

The Little Giraffe Foundation, a national non-profit based in Chicago, provides NICU Support Grants ranging from $100 to $1,000. Since 2011, they have positively impacted countless families by delivering over 32,000 gift bags and funding essential research. These grants aim to enhance the experience for parents and patients in neonatal intensive care units, supporting initiatives like holiday gift bags and resources for bonding with babies. Applications are welcomed from eligible U.S.-based institutions.

The NIDCD Mentored Research Education Pathway (R25) aims to enhance research education for otolaryngology residents and medical students. This program provides essential career development activities and mentored research experiences, fostering a new generation of researchers in biomedical and clinical sciences. By focusing on specialized training, it supports the recruitment of individuals from diverse backgrounds into impactful research careers, ultimately benefiting the field of otolaryngology and related health sciences.

The OVW Fiscal Year 2026 Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program provides crucial support to Indian Tribes and organizations in addressing sexual assault through intervention and advocacy. This program aims to assist victims of all ages, including youth and children, as well as their families and those affected by the trauma, except for perpetrators. Applications must be submitted by September 3, 2026, at 4:59 PM ET in JustGrants.

Catholic Extension's Enhancing Pastoral and Social Ministry Grants aim to empower the church to broaden its outreach and foster societal transformation through targeted pastoral and social initiatives. This program supports specific elements of the church's ministerial efforts, including funding for catechetical resources, marriage and family ministries, and social outreach for vulnerable populations. By investing in these areas, Catholic Extension seeks to enhance the church's role in communities, especially following disasters.

This funding opportunity aims to enhance a web-based ordering portal for distributing 1.5 million HIV and STI self-tests to high-burden communities. By optimizing access to these self-tests, the initiative seeks to raise awareness, prevent new infections, and improve the health outcomes of users, thereby contributing to better overall public health and wellbeing.

This funding opportunity aims to advance HIV/AIDS research by implementing human new approach methodologies (NAMs) to reduce the reliance on specific pathogen free (SPF) animal models. It emphasizes the integration of NAMs-enabled frameworks for in vitro testing while supporting essential SPF colony resources. The initiative seeks to enhance research rigor and reproducibility through innovative strategies that prioritize human-relevant models, ultimately improving HIV research outcomes and facilitating collaborative development in the field.

The CDC's Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program for States aims to enhance public health approaches to suicide prevention across the U.S. By targeting high-risk groups, such as veterans and rural populations, the program utilizes data to identify prevention areas, assess existing programs, and implement evidence-based strategies. Key outcomes include improved partner engagement and a measurable reduction in suicide rates. This initiative allows potential applicants to prepare by reviewing relevant data and forming strategic partnerships ahead of future opportunities.

The Lead-Safe and Healthy Homes Financing Demonstration aims to allocate approximately $10 million for a National Fund Manager to create a national platform that pools public and private capital. This initiative seeks to reduce residential lead exposure, particularly for children, and enhance housing-related health conditions in low-income communities. By leveraging public funds and encouraging private investments, the fund will support local financing programs addressing lead-safe and healthy homes activities effectively.

The Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program aims to protect children under six from lead poisoning by funding comprehensive programs that identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible housing. This initiative supports states, Native American Tribes, and local governments to undertake necessary actions. Additionally, Healthy Homes Supplemental funding is available to address other health-related housing hazards, ensuring a holistic approach to occupant safety in homes affected by lead hazards.

The Indigo Oak Fund's Education Grant Program supports educational initiatives in Colorado and the Bay Area, focusing on both traditional schools and alternative learning experiences. This program aims to empower individuals through education, fostering personal growth and lifelong learning. By funding resources for teachers and career advancement for adults, the Fund seeks to create equal opportunities, enhance community engagement, and contribute to a more equitable society.

The Lotte Lenya Competition, established in 1998 by the Kurt Weill Foundation for Music, honors the legacy of renowned actress Lotte Lenya. This unique contest blends acting and vocal skills, targeting performers aged 19-32 from diverse backgrounds. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2023, the competition has increased its prize offerings, with over $1.6 million awarded to more than 800 singers. It's a prestigious platform that has propelled many winners to successful careers in musical theater and opera.

The Mentored Quantitative Research Development Award (K25) aims to engage skilled professionals in NIH-relevant research, enhancing their expertise in addressing health-related issues. This award supports individuals with backgrounds in quantitative sciences and engineering, providing them with dedicated time for supervised research and study. Key application deadlines span from June 2024 to February 2027, emphasizing the program's commitment to fostering innovative research in health and disease.

The Stem Cell Grants: Travel Award supports students, postdocs, and faculty attending scientific conferences and workshops related to stem cell research. Up to $1,200 is available for each application, with a maximum of two applications per PI lab each calendar year. Priority is given to those presenting at stem cell meetings and workshops. All applications must be submitted at least one week before travel to ensure funding consideration.

The FY26 DoW Pancreatic Cancer Research Program Focused Pilot Award aims to drive innovative and impactful research in pancreatic cancer, enhancing patient quality of life. This award encourages the development of preliminary data to support future clinical or real-world applications. While allowing for clinical research studies, it does not permit clinical trials or preclinical animal studies, ensuring a strong patient-centered approach in its research focus.

The FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Research Program (PCARP) Translational Research Partnership Award encourages collaboration among clinicians and scientists to expedite the clinical application of innovative pancreatic cancer research. A minimum of two Principal Investigators is required, with one designated as the Initiating PI. This award supports preliminary data collection and various research methodologies, excluding large-scale clinical trials, to enhance pancreatic cancer understanding and treatment.

The FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Research Program (PCARP) Idea Development Award promotes innovative, high-risk research aimed at significant advancements for pancreatic cancer outcomes. This award supports projects with preliminary data, focusing on impactful discoveries. It features a Partnering Principal Investigator option, enhancing funding for collaborations between experienced mentors and early-career researchers. All applications must align with the FY26 PCARP Focus Areas, ensuring relevance and potential for transformative results in pancreatic cancer research.

The Rural Decentralized Water System Grant Program aims to assist low to moderate-income individuals in financing household water wells and decentralized wastewater systems. This program provides grants to eligible nonprofit organizations to create a revolving fund for loans and sub-grants. Funds can be utilized for constructing, refurbishing, or replacing water well and wastewater systems, ensuring safe and efficient water management for rural communities.

The Mentored Career Development Award (K01) from the NIH aims to diversify the biomedical research workforce by supporting candidates from underrepresented backgrounds. It provides mentoring and training in research independence, focusing on cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic diseases, and sleep disorders. Eligible institutions can guide faculty members in special studies, but applicants should not lead their own clinical trials. This initiative promotes diversity and enhances research capability in health disparities populations.

The Anne and Tony Hillerman Scholarship, part of the New Mexico Press Women Scholarship Fund, supports New Mexico students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in journalism or communications. Established in 2023, the fund promotes ethical journalism and offers networking opportunities through the NMPW Annual Conference. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a relevant program, provide a portfolio of work, and submit a personal essay detailing their interests and career goals. This scholarship fosters the next generation of communicators and advocates for First Amendment rights.

The Kiwanis Club of Albuquerque Scholarship Fund, established in 1948, supports graduating seniors from Albuquerque metro area high schools who demonstrate strong academic performance and community service. Annually, one to four scholarships of up to $1,000 are awarded to students pursuing careers in child development and teaching. The fund emphasizes the importance of community involvement and academic excellence, encouraging students to share their career goals and financial needs through an essay as part of their application.

The National Institute of Mental Health is inviting research applications for the AIDS Research Center program, which includes Developmental Centers and full Research Centers. This initiative aims to enhance interdisciplinary HIV/AIDS research through collaboration and innovative approaches across various scientific domains. The program emphasizes alignment with national strategies and encourages applications from teams skilled in fostering partnerships with diverse stakeholders. Although applications are currently not being solicited, this notice allows potential applicants time to prepare strong proposals.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is funding research to enhance drug susceptibility testing (DST) for mycobacteria. This initiative aims to improve testing for tuberculosis (TB) and non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections, which are on the rise. Current methods are slow and ineffective against drug-resistant strains, making rapid DSTs essential for effective treatment and reducing transmission rates. Innovative approaches, including rapid genotypic and phenotypic methods, will be supported to address these challenges.

The NINDS Exploratory Clinical Trials for Small Business (R41/R42) program supports Small Business Concerns in conducting investigator-initiated exploratory clinical trials. This funding opportunity emphasizes projects that align with the NINDS mission, evaluating diverse products including drugs, biologics, and devices. Only STTR Phase II and Fast-Track applications are eligible, fostering innovation in neurological disorder treatments. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time, with optional Letters of Intent encouraged 30 days prior to the deadline.

The Allergic Respiratory Diseases Award, supported by the American Lung Association and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, aims to bolster research in allergic respiratory diseases. Designed for faculty in Clinical Allergy and Immunology at academic medical centers, this award offers $75,000 annually for up to two years. It seeks to empower researchers at pivotal points in their careers, enhancing understanding and treatment of these conditions while promoting lung health.

The OREF/MTF Biologics Research Grant encourages innovative research in biologics, focusing on reconstruction, bone regeneration, and transplantation, including stem cells. It is open to licensed U.S. orthopaedic surgeons and PhD researchers with faculty appointments. The grant seeks clinically relevant projects that demonstrate practical applications and multidisciplinary collaboration, promoting excellence in research. New investigators are especially encouraged to apply, ensuring a commitment to advancing orthopaedic science.