Best Ottawa County Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

The FirstEnergy Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations within FirstEnergy's service areas, aiming to enhance community quality of life, workforce development, and safety initiatives. Grants are directed towards local economic development and volunteer efforts aligned with corporate interests. However, the Foundation does not fund individuals, political activities, or certain organizations, ensuring support is focused on broad community benefits. Interested applicants should consult local FirstEnergy management before applying.

Ottawa County, Ohio environmental and conservation organizations can access funding through the Great Lakes Protection Fund for projects that measurably improve the Great Lakes ecosystem. Eligible teams may include nonprofits, universities, government agencies, businesses, and individuals, as long as they collaborate and pursue science-based, action-oriented strategies that drive basin-wide, transformational ecological change.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

The TCF: First Solar Community Giving Fund focuses on civic engagement and environmental impact through grants that support green education, access to clean energy, and innovative technologies. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and those demonstrating charitable purposes. The fund prioritizes impactful community initiatives while excluding requests for sectarian activities, annual campaigns, or scholarships. This initiative aims to foster sustainable solutions and positively influence underserved areas.

Ottawa County, Ohio transportation providers serving seniors and people with disabilities can access funding through the Ohio Department of Transportation for preventive maintenance of vehicle fleets. The Specialized Transportation Program (Section 5310) reimburses 80% of eligible maintenance costs, with a 20% local match required, helping preserve vehicles used for specialized transit services.

Nonprofit and charity organizations in Ottawa County, Ohio can seek funding for education, community services, or environmental work. Focused on creating long-lasting community investments, Makulinski Family Foundation invites proposals and may match donations of time or money to increase impact, with match ratios varying based on the beneficiaries’ circumstances.

The F26AS00084 Aquatic Invasive Species Grants to Great Lakes Tribes, funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support the development and implementation of Tribal Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans. Eligible Great Lakes tribes can apply for competitive grants to address invasive species issues within the Great Lakes Basin, including outreach and prevention efforts. This initiative focuses on early detection and control, significantly contributing to the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

Accredited schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in northwest Ohio, including Ottawa County, can receive US $100 - US $1,000 to cover bus transportation for field trips to Toledo Mud Hens baseball or Toledo Walleye hockey games. Grants from Toledo Community Foundation fund school or charter bus and van costs only, with one award per game annually.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Ottawa County, Ohio seeking more than US $20,000 for capital projects can apply for support from the Andersons Fund Supporting Organization. Toledo Community Foundation provides funding for facilities and equipment that advance missions in education, social services, health, community development, natural resources, arts, and related areas.

The Jack and Judy Schiller Dyslexia Fund supports initiatives that promote dyslexia awareness and facilitates identification and remediation for children with dyslexia. Grants are exclusively awarded to non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, focusing on projects that address dyslexia and reading disabilities in Ottawa County. This funding aims to enhance educational outcomes and provide necessary resources for affected students.

The Ottawa County Community Foundation Inc supports charitable programs through its Community Grants, addressing needs in education, health, social services, and the arts. Nonprofit organizations in Ottawa County can apply for funding to promote efficient resource use and enhance community quality of life. Grants prioritize innovative solutions and long-term benefits for residents, ensuring a sustainable impact aligned with the Foundation's mission of 'Doing Good. Forever'.

Nonprofit organizations serving K–12 youth with fitness and wellness programming in Ottawa County, Ohio can seek $1,500 to $10,000 to support cold-weather activities that promote healthy lifestyles and exercise. With a mission to enrich local quality of life, Toledo Community Foundation favors projects with educational components and those not previously funded by the Walleye Wishing Well Fund.

Focused on youth fitness and recreation, Toledo Community Foundation invites Ottawa County, Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits to seek support for children’s wellness programs, warm-weather activities, and youth sports. Funding may cover fees, transportation, equipment, and materials, as well as capital projects to maintain, rehabilitate, or construct sporting venues and facilities.

Nonprofit organizations serving youth under 21 in Ottawa County, Ohio can seek funding to enhance young people’s lives, with grants up to US $3,000. Grants from Toledo Community Foundation help youth services, juvenile justice, and social-emotional development programs, with priority for those serving youth facing behavioral challenges or justice-system involvement.

Ottawa County, Ohio nonprofits and other organizations working on freshwater conservation and habitat restoration can access funding through the Ohio Lake Erie Commission to support projects in the Lake Erie watershed. Grants up to US $50,000 back research or on-the-ground efforts that reduce harmful algal blooms, restore wetlands, reuse dredge materials, and improve long-term water quality.

The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation is dedicated to fostering a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem and a vibrant Southeast Michigan community. Since its inception, it has invested over $180 million in environmental, cultural, and educational initiatives. As it transitions to spend down its assets by 2034, the Foundation aims to make bold, impactful investments that address urgent community needs and promote sustainable development.

Ottawa County, Ohio nonprofits seeking event-based or general operating support for education, workforce, and community development can access funding through KeyBank’s Community Sponsorship program. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving areas where KeyBank operates may request community sponsorships to bolster fundraising events or provide flexible support for programs that prepare individuals for thriving futures.

Nonprofit and public agencies providing transportation for seniors and people with disabilities in Ottawa County, Ohio can seek vehicle funding to enhance accessible transit services. The Specialized Transportation Program (5310) from Ohio Department of Transportation supports capital vehicle purchases in small urban and rural areas, requiring a letter of intent before full application access.

DOH 59808- Rural Health Transformation Program- Healthier Ohio Initiatives - Preventing and Addressing Chronic Disease- Track One

Project Background:

The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) was authorized by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Section 71403 of Public Law 119-21) and empowers state to strengthen rural communities by improving healthcare access, quality and outcomes by transforming the current system. Five key strategic goals of the program, as defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) are:

• Make Rural America Healthy Again
• Sustainable access
• Workforce development
• Innovative Care
• Technology Innovation

Ohio’s plan aligns with federal priorities to improve the health of rural residents by building an innovative movement to bridge medicine and preventive behaviors into a holistic and collective impact approach to improve chronic disease outcomes. This Request for Proposals (RFP) is designed to strengthen preventive and clinical care for improved blood glucose and hypertension indicators across Ohio’s 73 non-urban counties (See Appendix B. Applicants could be but not limited to the following:

• State-level associations that support implementation in multiple clinics, health centers, and/or hospitals.
• Regional collaboratives or health system with multiple locations.
• Individual hospitals, health centers and clinics

Project Objective:

Based upon data analysis from Ohio’s State Health Assessment, including a supplemental deep dive into Appalachian health, 2025 Summary Assessment of Older Ohioans, the Ohio Chronic Disease Atlas 2025, and other publicly available data, Ohio seeks to reduce the prevalence and mortality rates associated with chronic disease. The collective aim of the strategies is:

to reduce hemoglobin A1C for patients diagnosed with prediabetes and diabetes by 10% and

to manage blood pressure at clinically appropriate levels for patients diagnosed with hypertension.

Nonprofit and public transit providers in Ottawa County, Ohio that offer open-door shared-ride services for seniors and people with disabilities can apply for the Specialized Transportation Program (5310) Contracted Transportation Service funding from the Ohio Department of Transportation. Funds reimburse 80% of contracted transit service capital costs; a 20% non-U.S. DOT local match is required.

Nonprofits, public agencies, and academic institutions in Ottawa County, Ohio can seek $50,000 - $150,000 for coastal planning, habitat restoration, water quality, research, education, and public access projects. Focused on coastal conservation, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources requires a 1:1 non-federal match, with construction and land acquisition limited to public entities in the designated coastal area.

The Township Safety Sign Grant Program, funded by ODOT, allocates $2 million annually to enhance safety signage on Ohio's township roads. For FY 2025, $845,040.42 has been designated for 38 projects across 30 counties, supporting local townships. Eligible townships may request up to $50,000 for signs, posts, and hardware, provided they meet specific criteria related to crash rates and prior funding. This initiative aims to improve road safety significantly.

The Great Lakes Foundation Grant supports projects aimed at preserving wilderness areas and promoting marine safety in the Great Lakes region. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the foundation has awarded over $318,212 since its inception in 1993. Grants have funded various initiatives, including breakwater construction and academic research, to enhance appreciation and safety of the marine environment for both members and the general public.

Focused on transportation services for seniors and people with disabilities, organizations in Ottawa County, Ohio can seek operating assistance to support day-to-day transit service. Eligible providers must offer open-door, shared-ride transportation, with Ohio Department of Transportation reimbursing a portion of operating costs while subrecipients supply the required local match.

Greater Toledo Community Foundation

Greater Toledo Community Foundation transforms generosity into lasting impact. With over $510 million in assets across 1,000+ funds, we've granted more than $370 million to strengthen education, health, arts, and social services throughout our region.

We connect donors with causes they care about while bringing together leaders, organizations, and resources to tackle our community's biggest challenges. What began with Walter E. Terhune's vision in the 1920s continues today as we help individuals, families, and businesses create positive change that will benefit our region for generations.

Healthy Aging Fund

The Community Foundation is funding programs that help older adults (60+) stay healthy, connected and independent.

This initiative follows the Ohio Department of Aging's State Plan, shaped with input from the Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio. Priorities of the plan include cognitive health, chronic disease reduction, mental health, social inclusion, and nutrition access, plus engagement opportunities, physical activity, and preventive screenings. The plan is built on research and input from content-area experts.

The Foundation’s Focus

The Healthy Aging Fund is seeking proposals aligned with the State Plan and the Community Foundation's place-based priorities: programs that promote physical and mental health, reduce social isolation and strengthen community connections for older adults.

The Community Foundation seeks to identify collaborative approaches that work well enough to scale. This is a chance for northwest Ohio providers to test new approaches and collaborations: the kind with real potential to increase impact for participants and move the needle on broader community goals.

Funding Priorities

• Multiple partners with complementary expertise, prioritizing diversity of resources across agencies
• Programs delivered through or including senior centers, community centers or long-term care facilities
• Diverse programming that reaches more participants
• Accommodations for specific needs — memory care, vision loss, etc.
• An educational component

The Community Foundation is seeking cross-agency partnerships that expand access to diverse programming and have real potential to scale. Available for projects up to two years. See more in the Grant Guidelines. 

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.