Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

The Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program, administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, addresses abandoned mine lands in Appalachia. This initiative provides crucial funding for reclamation efforts that promote both environmental restoration and local economic development. Since 2017, Ohio has received over $100 million to revitalize communities affected by mining. The program targets areas with significant unfunded AML issues, fostering sustainable growth and enhancing community well-being.

The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative, led by the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services, aims to create safer communities by reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The program emphasizes community engagement, prevention, strategic enforcement, and accountability to foster trust and support in neighborhoods. By utilizing resources effectively, PSN seeks to address the root causes of crime, ensuring a comprehensive approach to public safety and improving community health.

The State of Ohio Security Grant (OSG) provides funding to nonprofit organizations, houses of worship, chartered nonpublic schools, and licensed preschools for security improvements. Authorized by House Bill 33, eligible organizations can apply for funding up to $125,000 per site, with a maximum request of $250,000. This grant aims to enhance security measures against potential acts of terrorism, ensuring safety and preparedness in the community.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Tribal Wildlife Grants (TWG) program, offered by the US Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service, provides vital technical and financial assistance to federally recognized Tribes. This funding supports various conservation activities, including habitat protection, species monitoring, and wildlife management, helping to preserve both culturally significant species and ecosystems. TWG grants empower Tribes to implement their conservation priorities effectively and sustainably.

The Big Bets Fellowship: Economic Opportunity in the United States is a transformative 4-month program designed to empower emerging leaders to tackle economic challenges head-on. With a focus on innovative solutions for job creation, affordable housing, and equitable access to resources, the fellowship equips participants with essential skills and a supportive network. The initiative aims to drive systemic change and promote sustainable economic prosperity, addressing inequalities while fostering resilient communities across the nation.

The Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Grant RFP aims to support Ohio residents affected by SLE through in-person education programs. This initiative will focus on providing essential lupus programming for all Ohioans, prioritizing areas with the highest need. Eligible projects will enhance public awareness and education about lupus, ensuring equitable access to resources regardless of race, ethnicity, or income. The Ohio Commission on Minority Health champions this effort to improve health outcomes for vulnerable communities.

The Mary S. and David C. Corbin Foundation Grants aim to enhance the lives of residents in Akron and Summit County, Ohio, by supporting diverse and inclusive charitable initiatives. Founded by the Corbins, the foundation focuses on local organizations in areas such as arts, education, healthcare, and social services. Grants are exclusively for 501(c)(3) organizations, ensuring funds are allocated to promote equal opportunity and community enrichment. The foundation prioritizes local chapters of national charities to maximize its impact.

The NHLBI Career Transition Award (K22) program supports postdoctoral fellows in transitioning their research to extramural institutions. The program includes a mentored intramural phase (up to two years) followed by an extramural phase (three years), totaling five years of support. Applications have multiple deadlines, including October 12, 2024, and February 12, 2025, among others. Successful transition depends on the awardee's progress during the mentored phase, evaluated by NHLBI.

The National Days of Service Funding: MLK Day Project Grant Competition, administered by ServeOhio, aims to support community service projects for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 19, 2026. Grants will fund initiatives that enhance community assets, engage youth volunteers, and include educational components. Eligible applicants are non-profit and public organizations in Ohio. Projects should promote collaboration and can occur throughout January 2026, with funding restrictions on volunteer support costs.

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

The Pinetop Assistance League (PAL) Grant provides crucial financial support to elderly blues musicians, ensuring their well-being during emergencies. This grant, part of the Pinetop Perkins Foundation's mission, offers assistance for medical expenses, home care, and essential living costs. Eligible applicants must be professional artists aged 50 or older with a household income below $35,000. By addressing these needs, PAL plays a vital role in preserving the legacy and care of blues musicians.

The Wabtec Direct Grant Program focuses on creating sustainable impacts in local communities by funding 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. Emphasizing education and environmental stewardship, the program supports initiatives that improve literacy, academic outcomes, and workforce readiness. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, prioritizing organizations that engage local Wabtec employees in volunteerism. The program promotes equitable access and non-discrimination while ensuring measurable results in funded projects.

Notice of Funds Available (RFP): Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

12EC06QU26: Executive Committee Discretionary Fund

The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council wishes to support one-time initiatives, not otherwise included in the state plan. These grants are intended to address the needs of people with intellectual or other developmental disabilities and their families – specifically those traditionally un/underserved and are limited to $5000 dollars or less.

Activities must include programming targeting at least one DD Council State Plan goal. These goals are:

• People with intellectual and developmental disabilities are provided services and supports by direct support professionals that are knowledgeable, trained and supported.
• All children, youth, and students with intellectual/developmental disabilities, aged birth to 21 years, will receive individualized, evidence-based supports and services in inclusive settings that will help them attain their maximum potential, including extra-curricular activities.
• Provide a broad range of leadership development opportunities for people with developmental disabilities, their family members and allies. Offer a variety of opportunities to develop the skills needed to become leaders in the disability movement.
• People with disabilities and their families will have increased access to services that promote leadership, accessibility, safety, independence, outreach, equality, inclusion, health, work opportunities, and community.

*Un/Underserved means people with developmental disabilities from:

• Racial and ethnic minority backgrounds
• Disadvantaged people (those living in poverty)
• People who use English as a second language
• Individuals in underserved geographic areas (rural areas and urban areas)
• Other groups within the population of people with DD
• People who required technology to participate in and contribute to community life

Ohio Department of Health

The Ohio Department of Health’s mission is advancing the health and well-being of all Ohioans by transforming the state’s public health system through unique partnerships and funding streams; addressing the community conditions and inequities that lead to disparities in health outcomes; and implementing data-driven, evidence-based solutions.

SS27 Sickle Cell Statewide Family Support Initiative

TheOhio Department of Health (ODH), Bureau of Maternal, Child, and Family Health announces the availability of grant funds.

Policy and Procedures

The Continuation Funding Application consists of three parts: Program Updates (if applicable), Program Budget and Budget Narrative, and Other Required Attachments.

This Solicitation pertains to budget period: 07/01/2026 to 06/30/2027 of the total project period, 07/01/2024 and ending 06/30/2028.

Number of Grants and Funds Available

The ODH Sickle Cell Program grants are comprised of funds generated from a portion of the state Newborn Screening fee. Only the subrecipient agency funding during the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2025 competitive application may apply for continuation funding. The total grant funding for the SFY 2027 budget period (07/01/2026 to 06/30/2027) is anticipated to be approximately $90,000.00. 

No grant award will be issued for less than $30,000. The minimum amount is exclusive of any required matching amounts and represents only ODH funds granted. Applications submitted for less than the minimum amount will not be considered for review.

Qualified Applicants

The following criteria must be met for grant applications to be eligible for review:

• The Applicant does not owe funds to ODH and has repaid any funds due with 45 days of the invoice date.
• Applicant has not been certified to the Attorney General’s (AG’s) office.
• Applicant has submitted an application and all required attachments by the deadline.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The JBF Do Good Grant, established by the Joe Burrow Foundation, aims to support innovative projects that assist underprivileged children, particularly those facing mental health challenges and food insecurity. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and public charities, with proposals up to $10,000 considered. The foundation encourages creative solutions that foster lasting impacts within communities in Greater Cincinnati and Baton Rouge. By fostering these initiatives, the foundation continues Joe Burrow's commitment to community service and social responsibility.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is inviting applications for the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment or Prevention (SBIRT/P) program. This funding opportunity aims to explore innovative methods for addressing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use among adults facing health disparities. The initiative seeks research proposals that will implement and evaluate SBIRT/P strategies in collaboration with healthcare and community partners. This approach is crucial for enhancing public health and ensuring effective interventions.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Recent Retirees

Retirees of Regions and its affiliated companies are eligible for the Matching Gift Program for up to 5 years after retirement (the gift date must be within the first 5 years of retirement). Regions will match donations of $25 or more, up to a total of $1,000 per year per retiree.

The Regions Community Affairs team will contact the organization on your behalf to verify the gift and review eligibility.

The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health is seeking qualified hospital systems in rural counties to participate in the MATernity Journey: Integrated Maternal Wellness Framework. This initiative aims to enhance integrated care and expand comprehensive health services for pregnant and parenting women in Northwestern and Western Ohio. By partnering with local programs, this project seeks to improve health outcomes and accessibility for this vulnerable population, fostering a supportive environment for maternal wellness.

Mission

The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) exists to provide statewide leadership of a high-quality mental health and addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery system that is effective and valued by all Ohioans.

Reducing Problem Gambling Harm on College Campuses

DBH will select one grantee to lead a statewide effort to reduce gambling harm among college students. The lead grantee will partner with at least three other IHEs and one non-profit coalition focused on reducing gambling harm on campuses. The selected grantee and partners will work to expand prevention and early intervention programming on campuses, embed comprehensive workforce capacity through training and technical assistance, develop a network of IHEs committed to addressing collegiate gambling risk, develop/expand course curricula that addresses problem gambling and connected behavioral health issues.

This project responds to the rapid growth of sports betting and mobile gambling access, which has increased exposure and risk for young adults, especially students and student athletes. By embedding gambling harm prevention into existing campus wellness and behavioral health systems and preparing students for a career in behavioral health, this initiative aims to equip colleges and students with sustainable strategies to educate, identify risk early, and connect those in need to appropriate support.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

The Scherman Foundation's Democracy Program champions the empowerment of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. It focuses on enhancing civic engagement, safeguarding voting rights, and reforming democratic processes to ensure inclusivity and accountability. By supporting locally-rooted organizations in key states, the foundation aims to build a more equitable democracy where diverse voices are heard and political power is reclaimed by those historically marginalized. This program is pivotal for advancing racial justice and fostering systemic change.

The Minority Health Month Grants, initiated by the Ohio Commission on Minority Health, aim to promote health awareness and disease prevention among economically disadvantaged minority populations. Celebrated in April, this campaign engages African Americans, Asian American/Pacific Islanders, Hispanics/Latino Americans, and Native Americans through various activities. The goal is to enhance health knowledge and practices, benefiting not only minority Ohioans but anyone seeking appropriate health services.

Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research

The Asia-Pacific region, home to over half the world's population, faces challenges due to its development goals, which strain natural resources, communities, and cultural heritage. These issues are exacerbated by adverse environmental changes. While research has shed light on these problems, it's clear that more challenges lie ahead. The Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN) is well-positioned to generate new knowledge and solutions for these evolving global change and sustainability issues by supporting collaborative research and scientific capacity development activities, particularly those aimed at training the next generation of early career professionals.

APN 2025 Call for Proposals: CRRP 

Through the competitive Collaborative Regional Research Programme (CRRP), we promote regional research that has potential to improve our understanding of global change and its implications while contributing to a sound scientific basis for policymaking in areas affected by global change. Under this pillar, APN supports collaborative research that contributes to the evolving science-policy arena, including the UNFCCC Paris Agreement, IPCC, IPBES, post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals, Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the UN Decade of Ocean Science as well as ongoing and new global change and sustainability research programmes.

Activities of interest under the CRRP Programme

APN promotes regional collaborative research that improves understanding of the physical, biological and human dimensions of change in the Earth system and advances actionable science that informs decision-making. APN accepts proposals that engage at least 3 member/approved countries in the region, and prioritise collaboratively designed, actionable research with non-academic stakeholders. Proposals must address one or more of the following activities:

• Collaborative research on global change and sustainability that particularly addresses GAPS, ANALYSIS, SYNTHESIS and ASSESSMENT work.
• Collaborative research that develops PATHWAYS and MECHANISMS to achieve sustainable development, and develop adaptation strategies.
• Collaborative PLACE-BASED INTEGRATIVE RESEARCH, particularly from developing countries.
• Collaborative research that is CO-DESIGNED to contribute to the Paris Agreeemnt, Sustainable Development Goals, Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, UN Decade of Ocean Science (2021-2030), and the accumulation of scientific knowledge at IPCC, IPBES, etc.

The Therapeutic Giving program by Johnson & Johnson focuses on funding initiatives that enhance patient access to treatment and advance health equity, particularly in immunology. Eligible nonprofit organizations can apply for support aimed at improving health outcomes through innovative programs. The initiative prioritizes measurable impacts over fundraising activities, emphasizing the importance of addressing healthcare disparities and promoting disease awareness efforts for diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.