Best Volunteer Grants in Ohio

Volunteer and combination fire departments and EMS organizations needing a wireless backup camera for apparatus in Ohio and nationwide can apply for Brothers Helping Brothers’ Backing Safety Initiative. Grants from Brothers Helping Brothers help small or rural agencies serving under 10,000 residents or with fewer than 30 staff, where most personnel are volunteer or paid-per-call.

Ohio volunteer and combination fire departments and EMS organizations serving under 10,000 residents or with fewer than 30 mostly volunteer staff can seek equipment funding to obtain vital tools and lifesaving gear. Brothers Helping Brothers provides support to small and rural agencies across the U.S., which may benefit volunteer-based operations in Ohio.

Nonprofit organizations serving children and youth in Ohio can receive approximately US $14,000 to support programs in arts and culture, education, healthcare, social services, and other community needs. The Charles H. Dater Foundation focuses on Greater Cincinnati counties, and values projects that effectively use volunteers and leverage its grants to attract additional support.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501(c)(6) organizations and eligible schools hosting community events in Ohio and other Honda communities can apply for American Honda’s sponsorships, with awards up to US $25,000. Funding supports parades, festivals, galas, runs, and walks that celebrate local culture and may engage volunteers and community participation.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing hands-on health, human services, youth, literacy, hunger, homelessness, senior, animal welfare, or veterans programs in Ohio’s Dayton-area counties may be eligible for support. The Reynolds and Reynolds Company Foundation focuses on impactful, efficient community services, with priority for projects involving Reynolds associates as volunteers.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits with volunteer-driven community programs can seek up to US $500 for specific projects like family services, safety education, or neighborhood improvement. Focused on community enhancement, Baltimore Life Foundation invites organizations to strengthen local quality of life rather than cover general operating expenses.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Ohio providing basic needs, disability support, Catholic education, or disaster relief may be eligible for funding, primarily in Summit County and nearby areas. Grants from JAH Foundation help human services and faith-based groups strengthen community support, which can include volunteer-driven programs and outreach efforts.

Ohio 501(c)(3) community organizations working to improve families, education, wellness, and local communities can apply for support from Motorists Insurance Group Foundation’s Encova Foundation of Ohio Grant. Funding may benefit groups that engage volunteers, especially where Encova associates serve or live, and that demonstrate strong governance and inclusive, non-discriminatory practices.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in eastern Ohio can access funding through approximately US $15,000 grants to support community enrichment, education and workforce development, and environmental programs. Grants from EQT Foundation help Ohio groups running food access, STEM education, arts, or conservation initiatives that align with EQT Corporation’s local operating footprint and demonstrate strong community impact.

Community-based, tax-exempt organizations and public agencies in Ohio’s Lorain County can receive grants to improve quality of life for African American residents through the Community Foundation of Lorain County’s African American Community Fund. Funding supports collaborative programs in neighborhood revitalization, nonprofit capacity building, K–12 education, and public safety, including efforts that engage volunteers and community leadership.

Grants from Ohio District Kiwanis Foundation help Ohio agencies, organizations, and Kiwanis family clubs fund service projects that keep kids safe and healthy and strengthen families, with awards up to US $3,000. Volunteer-driven community initiatives and outreach efforts that involve Kiwanis members and expand local volunteerism may be especially competitive.

Focused on animal welfare, eligible 501(c)(3) humane societies, animal welfare groups, spay/neuter clinics, wildlife centers, and related nonprofits in Ohio can apply for Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust support. Funding can back adoption and fostering programs, humane and wildlife education, medical and wellness care, spay/neuter initiatives, staff training, and equipment that directly benefits animals.

K-12 public schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Ohio serving at-risk children or those with special or medical needs can receive funding for programs like STEAM, literacy, therapy, and enrichment projects. GPD Group Employees Foundation provides annual grants that may benefit organizations engaging volunteers to enhance children’s educational and developmental experiences.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children, adolescents, and young adults with disabilities or significant economic barriers can seek funding for programs in the Greater Cincinnati area of Ohio. Grants from Greater Cincinnati Foundation support education, health, cultural experiences, social welfare, arts-based initiatives, and recreation, including capital, operating, and limited endowment needs that benefit this population.

The SummerTime Kids Grants, offered by the Stark Community Foundation, support innovative summer youth programs in Stark County, Ohio. Grants of up to $2,000 are available to tax-exempt organizations and government entities that enhance youth engagement through education, arts, and community service. Priority is given to programs that foster character development, provide healthy meals, and create opportunities for exploration, ultimately enriching the lives of participants and benefiting the community.

Students pursuing undergraduate or graduate study in the U.S. who live in Ohio and are motivated by spiritual values can receive $5,000 - $7,000 for tuition and educational expenses. The Roothbert Fund supports individuals in all fields and may benefit those engaged in volunteerism or community service alongside their studies.

Nonprofits, government entities, and fiscally sponsored groups serving Shelby County, Ohio residents can seek project-specific funding up to US $20,000 to improve community services and capacity. The Community Foundation of Shelby County supports initiatives that promote efficient use of resources, collaboration, volunteer participation, and stronger nonprofit management, which may benefit Ohio organizations building volunteer-driven programs.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Accessibility & Engagement

For museums, parks, other public spaces without a specific I/DD focus wanting to make property or equipment improvements and additions to better include visitors with I/DD.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Educational Spaces

For I/DD serving school programs with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) attached needing property improvements or equipment/resource purchases to better serve their students with I/DD.

The FCIDD Nonprofit Project Grants are designed to support 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across various states. Grants are awarded for projects that enhance accessibility, provide educational opportunities, and promote community engagement. The foundation encourages collaboration with local Civitan clubs, particularly in October and March funding rounds, while also offering open applications in July. The initiative aims to empower nonprofits to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Program Area Improvements

For I/DD specific 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) looking to add/improve programming potential via equipment and property improvements, updates and additions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Cox’s Ohio service area with youth STEAM education programs can apply for Cox Charities Community Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $12,000 for innovative projects. Focused on STEAM learning, Cox Communications invites eligible groups to propose youth innovation, conservation, sustainability, or inclusion initiatives with clear community impact and success metrics.

Nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community organizations in Ohio can access funding to run AmeriCorps service programs that address critical needs in education, health, economic opportunity, and environmental stewardship. Grants from ServeOhio help Ohio volunteerism and philanthropy efforts by supporting evidence-based AmeriCorps projects that strengthen communities while providing valuable service and education benefits to members.

ServeOhio offers grants for community service projects tied to National Days of Service, including Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and ServeOhio Day. These grants support initiatives that enhance community infrastructure through youth engagement. Eligible organizations in Ohio can apply for funding between $250 and $1,500, with a focus on educational components. Preference is given to applicants not currently funded by ServeOhio, aiming to foster impactful community involvement and service.

Nonprofit programs in central Ohio that improve education, literacy, or family stability for children can seek up to US $30,000 in support from the Siemer Family Foundation. Focused on educational opportunity and child well-being, the foundation may benefit organizations that rely on volunteers to deliver school-age, early learning, or family services programming.

The Health Foundation of Greater Massillon Fall Grant Cycle supports innovative health and wellness programs in Western Stark, Northern Tuscarawas, and Eastern Wayne counties. Since 1999, it has awarded over $3 million to enhance community health. The foundation encourages proposals that demonstrate effective health initiatives and directly impact designated service areas. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations and government entities within Stark County, with a focus on well-planned projects that promote holistic well-being.

Ohio-based nonprofit and public history organizations can receive $1,000 - $4,000 to build capacity through training, governance improvements, planning, and volunteer or membership program development. With a mission to strengthen community history, Ohio History Connection provides Ohio groups with matching support for organizational development projects that may enhance volunteer engagement and sustainability.