Search Through Private Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio in the U.S.

Buckeye Book Fair

The Buckeye Book Fair might just be Ohio’s best-kept literary secret—but it’s one we can’t wait to share with the world! For 38 years, this beloved event has ignited a passion for reading, welcoming book lovers of all ages and tastes. Set for Saturday, November 1st, 2025, at the Greystone Event Center in Wooster, the Buckeye Book Fair has grown from a local treasure into a national phenomenon.

Buckeye Book Fair Literacy Awards

The Buckeye Book Fair offers three types of Literacy Awards. This program makes it possible for us to support to Ohio reading programs, Ohio public and community libraries, and Ohio school librarians, teachers, and students.

• • Book Awards – Buckeye Book Fair loves to help libraries get more books. If you would like to apply for a Book Award please complete the application. 
  • Author & Illustrator Award – When students have an opportunity to meet an author in person it can be life changing.
    • The authors and illustrators of Buckeye Book Fair are available for school, club, and library presentations. Click here to download the application.
    • The authors and illustrators of Buckeye Book Fair are available for school, club, and library presentations.

In evaluating applications to determine the award recipients, the Buckeye Book Fair Literacy Awards Committee will consider the impact of the project, the financial need of the applicant, and evidence of careful planning in preparing the project.

The Minneapolis Foundation

The Minneapolis Foundation drives collective action to realize strong, vibrant communities. We cultivate generosity by taking action on the greatest civic, social, and economic needs—partnering with nonprofits, facilitating grantmaking, driving research and advocacy, and providing services to donors seeking to make a difference in their communities.

Great Lakes Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program

In partnership with the Midwest Environmental Justice Network, NDN Collective, and RE-AMP Network, the Minneapolis Foundation will award environmental justice grants to organizations working in and for underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region.

Grants will be awarded to community-based nonprofits and other eligible organizations in the following three tiers:

• Tier 1: Assessment and Engagement
• Tier 2: Community Education and Planning
• Tier 3: Project Development and Implementation

We aim to distribute 30% of grant funding to federally recognized tribes and Native American organizations, 25% to rural communities, and 45% to urban communities. The partnership anticipates making 206 grants: 83 in Year 1, 85 in Year 2, and 38 in Year 3.

You may submit an application for multiple tiers at the same time, in any order.

Program Goal

The Great Lakes TCGM Partnership will distribute $40 million to organizations working in and for underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region. The partnership was selected by the EPA as one of 11 grantmakers around the nation in its new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking program.

The program’s goal is to lift up community-led innovation and strengthen community-based groups by breaking down barriers to federal funding. All grants will be given to environmental and public health efforts in underserved communities as defined by the EPA.

Issue Areas

Grants will support projects that focus on issues including, but not limited to:

• Environmental health
• Air, soil, and water quality
• Healthy homes
• Access to healthy food
• Stormwater and green infrastructure
• Emergency preparedness
• Disaster resilience
• Environmental job training

Tier 1: Assessment and Engagement

Tier 1 awards are one-year grants of up to $150,000 for assessment and engagement efforts that increase understanding of the breadth, depth, or impact of local environmental or public health issues. These grants are limited to capacity-constrained and entry-level applicants, as determined by the information you submit in the intake form. These grants will be paid on a milestone basis: 50% up front and 50% at the midway point, upon completion of agreed-upon milestones.

Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

• GIS mapping
• Air quality sensor purchasing and siting
• Air, water, or soil sampling, testing, and monitoring
• Research, surveys, and studies
• Power mapping, public engagement, and public education to improve collective understanding of community challenges, needs, and opportunities.

Through a noncompetitive process, we will also award grants of up to $75,000 to capacity constrained communities and community-based organizations under Tier One.

You need not develop a new project to receive a grant. These one-time grants are well suited to support existing work that is currently not funded by another source or to complement other projects for which you already have funding. We also welcome proposals for high-priority new projects. 

The Minneapolis Foundation

The Minneapolis Foundation drives collective action to realize strong, vibrant communities. We cultivate generosity by taking action on the greatest civic, social, and economic needs—partnering with nonprofits, facilitating grantmaking, driving research and advocacy, and providing services to donors seeking to make a difference in their communities.

Great Lakes Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program

In partnership with the Midwest Environmental Justice Network, NDN Collective, and RE-AMP Network, the Minneapolis Foundation will award environmental justice grants to organizations working in and for underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region.

Grants will be awarded to community-based nonprofits and other eligible organizations in the following three tiers:

• Tier 1: Assessment and Engagement
• Tier 2: Community Education and Planning
• Tier 3: Project Development and Implementation

We aim to distribute 30% of grant funding to federally recognized tribes and Native American organizations, 25% to rural communities, and 45% to urban communities. The partnership anticipates making 206 grants: 83 in Year 1, 85 in Year 2, and 38 in Year 3.

You may submit an application for multiple tiers at the same time, in any order.

Program Goal

The Great Lakes TCGM Partnership will distribute grants to organizations working in and for underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region. The partnership was selected by the EPA as one of 11 grantmakers around the nation in its new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking program.

The program’s goal is to lift up community-led innovation and strengthen community-based groups by breaking down barriers to federal funding. All grants will be given to environmental and public health efforts in underserved communities as defined by the EPA.

Issue Areas

Grants will support projects that focus on issues including, but not limited to:

• Environmental health
• Air, soil, and water quality
• Healthy homes
• Access to healthy food
• Stormwater and green infrastructure
• Emergency preparedness
• Disaster resilience
• Environmental job training

Tier 2: Community Education and Planning

Tier 2 awards are one- to two-year grants of up to $250,000 for community-focused efforts that design, inform, and highlight solutions to local environmental or public health priorities. Up to 50% of the grant can be used for relevant property acquisition. Grants will be paid on a reimbursement basis, with a small number of grantees eligible for one advance payment of up to 10% of the total grant.

Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

• Developing project plans
• Developing communications and outreach plans
• Conducting workshops and trainings
• Developing curricula, toolkits, or guidelines; developing social media content
• Producing videos or printed materials
• Hosting events and gatherings
• Building or strengthening partnerships and collaboration
• Creating local advisory committees
• Engaging in public review or comment periods
• Developing or updating disaster resilience plans, emergency preparedness plans, or other community planning and visioning efforts

You need not develop a new project to receive a grant. These one-time grants are well suited to support existing work that is currently not funded by another source or to complement other projects for which you already have funding. We also welcome proposals for high-priority new projects. 

Welcome

The McDonough Foundation started with one goal in mind…to improve the communities within West Virginia.

We strive to find creative ways to achieve our goal by supporting the nonprofits who need it most — those in rural WV with limited resources and challenges in finding networking opportunities that result in grant funding.

What We Fund

Grants will be made primarily in the area of social welfare and shall be tax-exempt organizations as designated under IRS Code, primarily 501(c)(3). Our main focus is basic human needs.

Social Welfare shall be those organizations whose primary function is to serve the general welfare requirements of people whose circumstances in life require that they receive financial or social aid to improve their quality of life. 

When We Fund

We fund grant applications on a rolling cycle and do not have a specific grant deadline. Applicants may only receive funding one time during a calendar year. 

The Parkersburg Area Community Foundation and Regional Affiliates (PACF) works with individuals, families, businesses, and civic or nonprofit organizations to make a positive and permanent commitment for the future of our community.

The PACF is a single 501(c)(3) public charity that manages nearly 500 charitable funds started by people just like you. The PACF works in partnership with its local affiliates to provide leadership and develop philanthropic resources to meet the needs of an 11-county service area. Since 1963, PACF has helped local citizens support charitable needs and touch every aspect of life in the community in a variety of lasting ways.

The Foundation is committed to improving our collective future by inspiring philanthropy and connecting people with opportunities to make a meaningful difference; engaging citizens to address key issues; and delivering results that matter for the people of our area.

Special and Urgent Needs (SUN) Grants

SUN grants (up to $4,000) help organizations with non-budgeted, unforeseen, and time-sensitive emergencies or opportunities that arise from time to time and for which a quick response regarding Foundation support is necessary.

 Requests can be submitted at any time to the Foundation's Senior Program Officer. 

What does this program do?

This program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas.

How may the funds be used?

Funds may be used to finance the acquisition, construction or improvement of:

• Drinking water sourcing, treatment, storage and distribution
• Sewer collection, transmission, treatment and disposal
• Solid waste collection, disposal and closure
• Storm water collection, transmission and disposal

In some cases, funding may also be available for related activities such as:

• Legal and engineering fees
• Land acquisition, water and land rights, permits and equipment
• Start-up operations and maintenance
• Interest incurred during construction
• Purchase of facilities to improve service or prevent loss of service
• Other costs determined to be necessary for completion of the project
• See 7 CFR Part 1780.7 and 1780.9 for a complete list

Barnitz Fund

For the support of religious and charitable purposes in Middletown, Ohio and surrounding area.

Program Areas

• Animal Welfare,
• Arts and Culture,
• Civic Activities,
• Community Development,
• Education,
• Scientific,
• Human and Social Services,
• Religious,
• Health and Medical Research

Thanks to the generosity of individuals, families, and businesses, our Foundation administers several opportunities for nonprofits in our region to apply for financial support. Each opportunity is unique. This is because the donors who established the funds have thoughtfully constructed areas of focus and parameters for support to fulfill their own visions for improving the quality of life in our community.

Community Action Grants

Twice a year the Foundation's competitive grant process matches community needs with grants available from the Foundation's Unrestricted and Field of Interest Funds.

Generally, the largest grant that will be considered is 20,000. Requests for more than $20,000 may be considered for projects that are highly collaborative or have regional broad-scale impact; you must contact the Foundation prior to submitting a request in excess of $20,000.

What are the PACF’s Funding Priorities?

Community Action Grants are made in the fields of:

• Arts and Culture,
• Education,
• Health and Human Services,
• Recreation,
• Youth and Family Services, and
• Community and Economic Development.

The Foundation focuses on:

• Capital and Equipment Projects,
• Program Development,
• Capacity Building, and
• Operating Support.

Eligibility criteria differ based on the type of support requested, so please review the following descriptions carefully.

Capital and Equipment

Support the renovation or construction of facilities, purchase of major equipment, major repairs to facilities.

Program Development

Support the development of new services or programs designed to respond to unmet community needs and the expansion of existing programs to serve new audiences.

Capacity Building

Support projects that provide an organization with technical assistance and/or training to be able to more effectively meet their mission and/or provide services.

Operating Support

Support projects designed to: Increase financial stability (Type 1); Help a strong organization increase its capacity (Type 2). The Foundation expects to award only a limited number of operating support grants each grant cycle.

Funding Priorities

Priority is given to projects that serve communities where the PACF and its affiliates are the only community foundation in operation. Priority counties for Foundation support are: Calhoun, Doddridge, Gilmer, Ritchie, Roane, Wirt and Wood Counties in West Virginia.

Priority is given to projects that:

• have significant impact on the people and communities served by the applicant organization;
• reach new audiences, expand existing programs or services, or respond to emerging needs;
• strengthen the organization’s capacity to deliver its services and meet community needs;
• are well-planned and can reasonably be achieved;
• have a matching grant opportunity or seek a matching grant to leverage more funding;
• have limited access to other sources of support; 

The Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Charitable Fund is a private grantmaking foundation based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, established in 1992. It focuses primarily on philanthropy and voluntarism, with an emphasis on charitable and educational purposes.

The fund specifically supports K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations, aiming to improve educational opportunities in these communities.

The foundation administers grants primarily to select regions based on donor preferences, including Pittsburgh and various counties in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, Washington DC, and West Virginia.

 Illinois Arts Council 

The Illinois Arts Council serves the people of Illinois through a variety of grants and services, primarily geared to: 

Support Illinois' Arts Sector: Operating and technical support provided to organizations and programs statewide helps keep Illinois’ arts sector vital, vibrant, and accessible to all.

Advance Arts Education: The arts can be a part of the education of every single child in this state through the programs, services, partnerships, and collaborations of the Illinois Arts Council. 

Foster Creativity and Working Artists: Resources, opportunities, and direct support for the work of individual artists -- the foundation of Illinois' creative environment.

Illinois State funding for the arts includes programs offered by Arts Midwest.

About Arts Midwest

Arts Midwest advances creativity across our region, building unprecedented opportunity for everyone who calls this place home. We support, inform, and celebrate arts organizations and creative communities in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, the Native Nations that share this geography, and beyond. As one of six nonprofit United States Regional Arts Organizations, we work to strengthen local arts and culture efforts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, state agencies, private funders, and many others. Together, we nourish the creative roots of the Midwest—and share our region’s transformative ideas with the world.

This year, we’re pleased to offer two tracks of funding: GIG Fund and GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness.

GIG Fund

The GIG Fund is a grant of $2,000 – $15,000 for nonprofit organizations to offer public-facing arts projects and activities in Midwestern communities.

The goal of the GIG Fund is to make arts opportunities more accessible to underserved audiences across the region. Funds may be used for performances; exhibits; arts festivals; public art, or other activities that provide Midwesterners the opportunity to experience art and creativity. This round of GIG Fund grants is for supporting activities taking place between December 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. There are three requirements:

1) Engage a Professional Artist or Ensemble 2) Offer at Least Two Activities Featuring the Artist(s) and 3) Reach an Underserved Audience: At least one activity must engage an underserved audience—groups with limited access to the arts due to geography (such as rural audiences), economics (such as lower income audiences), disability, or lack of relevant content (such as families or school communities without ready access to children’s or all-ages programming).

These grants are federal funds that derive from the National Endowment for the Arts. A 1:1 match is required.

About Arts Midwest

We amplify Midwestern creativity, building community and opportunity across our region and beyond.

Arts Midwest advances creativity across our region, building unprecedented opportunity for everyone who calls this place home. We support, inform, and celebrate arts organizations and creative communities in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, the Native Nations that share this geography, and beyond. As one of six nonprofit United States Regional Arts Organizations, we work to strengthen local arts and culture efforts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, state agencies, private funders, and many others. Together, we nourish the creative roots of the Midwest—and share our region’s transformative ideas with the world.

This year, we’re pleased to offer two tracks of funding: GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness, and GIG Fund.

GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness

The GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness is a grant of $2,000 – $15,000 for organizations of any budget size whose projects have an arts and wellness focus.  Funds may be used for performances, workshops, programs in clinical settings, creative aging programs, efforts that engage veterans in the arts, etc.  Applicants may only apply for one GIG Fund grant per year.

Arts Midwest recognizes the field of arts and wellness to be far-reaching and applicants should identify how their arts project addresses some element of health and wellness.

This round of GIG Fund grants is for supporting activities taking place between December 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. There are three requirements.

1) Engage a Professional Artist or Ensemble 2) Offer at Least Two Activities Featuring the Artist(s) and 3) Professional Development: With support from The Hearst Foundations, Arts Midwest will offer professional development opportunities to grantees to strengthen arts and wellness initiatives across the Midwest.

Alfred & Lillie Dunlavey Charitable Trust

Disbursement of trust income is to be made to further public and private education as well as civic and charitable organizations in Jefferson County, Ohio.

Program Areas:

• Animal Welfare,
• Arts and Culture,
• Civic Activities,
• Community Development,
• Education,
• Environment,
• Health and Medical Research,
• Human and Social Services,
• Religious

Elsa Heisel Sule Foundation Grant

General Information

The Elsa Heisel Sule Foundation is an independent private Foundation philanthropic organization originally established in 2004 by Elsa M. Heisel Sule, a native of Northern Kentucky and businesswoman in the television industry.

The Foundation’s governing body meets three times during the year to review applications for grants during April, July and October. The Foundation staff maintains offices in Greater Cincinnati, a central point in the tri-state area it serves, of Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana. 

Operations and Purpose

Grant Applications must be filed for each calendar year in which an organization desires a Grant of funds. Grants are usually awarded for one year unless specifically noted in writing as a multiyear grant or renewable. 

Program Priorities and Objective

The Trustee of the Foundation was originally instructed by Elsa Sule to make grants in the Greater Cincinnati and tri-state area with a focus on Education, Community, and the Arts with the following areas of interests:

• Education Success and Scholarships
• Health, Wellness and Scientific Research
• Children’s Welfare and Competitive Sports
• Fine and Performing Arts and Cultural Vibrancy
• Civic Public Affairs
• Animal Welfare and Preservation
• Environmental and Community Stewardship

Capacity Building

Funding that Strengthens Organizational Ability

The Capacity Building program supports organizations' efforts to improve business practices, or add new knowledge and skills that forward organizations’ missions. Awards may fund technical assistance projects, planning or evaluation work, staff professional development opportunities, or other initiatives that upgrade an organization’s ability to do what they do. These internal projects help Ohio arts providers address new challenges, modernize practices and procedures, and strengthen their ability to serve their constituents.

How the Program Works

Capacity Building grants are six-month or one-year awards for . Funds may be used for a variety of expenses in an organization's efforts to improve practices, build skills, or engage in planning. Many grantees use Capacity Building funding to support outside consultant fees. Other allowable expenses include administrative expenses and planning and evaluation costs. The budget section of the Capacity Building application provides a full list of allowable expense areas.

Sterkel Fund

For the support of charitable purposes in Mansfield, Richland County, Ohio.

Program Areas

• Animal Welfare,
• Arts and Culture,
• Civic Activities,
• Community Development,
• Education,
• Environment,
• Scientific,
• Human and Social Services,
• Religious,
• Health and Medical Research

W. & H. Bender Memorial Fund

Grants are made to charitable organizations in Ohio, primarily those in Youngstown and Columbus areas.

Our Commitment

​Connecting with our community is an integral part of our company's core values. It is something we act on every day. From volunteering with local organizations to our relationships with community partners, Cox employees are making our community a better place.

Charitable Giving Overview

Since 2001, Cox has invested nearly $8 million in Cox Charities grants and in-kind support to organizations providing Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math programming to youth throughout Connecticut, Ohio, and Rhode Island.  

Cox Charities funds organizations that focus on youth education, health services, military and conservation.

Community Grants

Cox Charities Community Grants range between $5,000 and $12,000 and are given each year to deserving non-profit organizations dedicated to STEAM education.

Cox is seeking applications for the 2025 Cox Community Grant Program. This grant supports non-profit organizations focused on:

• Youth innovation programs centered on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math.
• Conservation and sustainability initiatives.
• Inclusion.

Since 2001, Cox has invested nearly $7 million in grants and in-kind support to non-profit organizations providing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) enrichment programs to youth in our service areas of Connecticut, Ohio, and Rhode Island. Cox Charities is funded entirely, by Cox employees and business partners. 

Cox Charities Community Grants range between $5,000 and $12,000 and are given each year to deserving non-profit organizations dedicated to STEAM education.

Recipients will be selected by considering a number of factors, including the following criteria:

• How well the project aligns with the Cox Charities focus area: STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math).
• The overall community impact of the program and a clear explanation of what makes this program unique.
• The ability to define clear metrics for success.

Funding

Cox plans to award nearly $140,000 in grants to nonprofits in our region. Proposals are reviewed by the Cox Charities Community Advisory Committee, comprised of area civic, business, community leaders and Cox employees.

Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA)

The Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) is a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. By statute, OCJS is the lead justice planning and assistance office for the state of Ohio, administering millions of dollars in state and federal criminal justice funding every year. OCJS also evaluates programs and develops technology, training, and products for criminal justice professionals and communities.

OCJS has been designated by Governor Mike DeWine to administer the FY 2025 Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) funds. The FVPSA funds support programming that prevents incidents of family violence and provides immediate shelter and related assistance for victims of family violence and their dependents.

Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities (Section 5310)

Improving mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities by removing barriers to transportation services and expanding transportation options. These funds increase mobility to and from:

• Employment
• Grocery shopping
• Medical appointments
• Educational opportunities

Under the Section 5310 program, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) provides federal funds for activities including the purchase of Paratransit vehicles and equipment to support transportation services for the elderly and people with disabilities where existing transportation is unavailable, inappropriate or insufficient. The FTA provides 80 percent of the cost of capital items; the remaining 20 percent must be provided by local funding, which may include funding from other federal programs other than U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) programs or from DOT’s Federal Office of Lands Highway program.

OKI, as the designated recipient of the Section 5310 federal funds in the Cincinnati urbanized area, is responsible for managing the program for agencies located in Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren counties in Southwest Ohio; Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties in Northern Kentucky and Dearborn County in Southeast Indiana.

Private nonprofit (501(c) (3)) corporations, public bodies identified by their state as lead agencies in a coordination project, or public bodies which certify that no private nonprofit corporations exist within their jurisdiction for the provision of elderly and disabled transportation are eligible to apply for Section 5310 federal funds.

The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive.

Our Mission

To conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.

Connectivity, Climate, Communities Fund

To make the highest possible impact on the climate and biodiversity crises, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is committed to advancing solutions and supporting partners throughout the Appalachians to connect and conserve vital wildlife habitat, build resilience to the impacts of climate change, and generate new job and recreation opportunities for communities.

Approximately one-third of the U.S. population lives in or within 100 miles of the Appalachians, including an estimated 36 million people that rely on the region for sources of drinking water. The landscape contains the world's largest remaining expanses of temperate broadleaf mixed forest and provides habitat to a wide diversity of plants of animals, many of which are listed as rare, threatened, or endangered. Conserving this landscape is critical for nature and for the people that live and work there.

However as climate change drives ecosystem instability, plants and animals are shifting their ranges northward, and people are having to find ways to adapt to complex and intertwined challenges. TNC and many others have been working to conserve vital Appalachian habitats for decades. Now we must ramp up our efforts and coordinate with partners across the Appalachians for maximum impact.

To succeed in these efforts, TNC’s Connectivity, Climate, Communities Fund offers two grant programs for conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Federally Recognized Tribal Nations, and local and state agencies in the Appalachians who are working to protect and conserve this region:

• The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program
• The New York Climate Resilience Grant Program

Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program

The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program provides grants of up to $100,000 for fee and easement acquisition projects throughout the Appalachians.

Equitable Conservation and Community Benefits

Conservation organizations are increasingly acknowledging the importance of incorporating social equity in their missions, partnerships, and projects and evolving how they work to have better outcomes for people and nature.

TNC defines community benefits as the positive outcomes that directly result from or are included within conservation projects as experienced by local communities and people. This is particularly important for historically marginalized communities, communities with limited access to nature, communities experiencing heightened impacts of climate change due to systemic underinvestment and poor infrastructure, and Indigenous communities. 

RCA program funding will support projects that demonstrate meaningful community engagement, work with those historically excluded from conservation, and lead to a fairer distribution of benefits for people and communities.

Some examples of community benefits include improved and greater access to nature, protection of drinking water sources, recreational and resource-based economic opportunities, flood mitigation, engagement in cross-cultural initiatives, or protection of lands that will meet community-defined conservation needs. We encourage projects with meaningful community benefits that are integrated with the land protection goals.

Project Evaluation

Projects will be evaluated  according to their capacity to deliver land protection outcomes aligned with the program goals, including:

• Location:
  • the project is located within TNC’s Appalachians Program boundary and is in or near a mapped focal area.  Projects outside of focal areas will also be considered.
• Resilience:
  • the percentage of the total project area that is part of the Resilient and Connected Network.
• Connectivity:
  • adjacency to protected lands or other attributes that will lead to landscape connectivity over time (e.g., the project is a necessary acquisition for advancing a local or regional plan that aims to protect a critical conservation corridor).
• Collaboration:
  • evidence of engagement with other organizations, community groups, or local governments (including, but not limited to, shared funding).
• Community:
  • project elements that directly engage and or benefit people, especially vulnerable or marginalized communities.
• Timeline:
  • the project will close within 12 months from the start of the grant agreement term.
• Feasibility:
  • likelihood that the project will close and the costs seem reasonable.

What does this program do?

This program is designed to provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses. Small means that the business has fewer than 50 new workers and less than $1 million in gross revenue.

What kind of funding is available?

There is no maximum grant amount; however, smaller requests are given higher priority. There is no cost sharing requirement. Opportunity grants are limited to up to 10 percent of the total Rural Business Development Grant annual funding.

How may funds be used?

Enterprise grants must be used on projects to benefit small and emerging businesses in rural areas as specified in the grant application. Uses may include:

• Training and technical assistance, such as project planning, business counseling and training, market research, feasibility studies, professional or/technical reports or producer service improvements.
• Acquisition or development of land, easements, or rights of way; construction, conversion, renovation of buildings; plants, machinery, equipment, access for streets and roads; parking areas and utilities.
• Pollution control and abatement.
• The capitalization of revolving loan funds, including funds that will make loans for start-ups and working capital.
• Distance adult learning for job training and advancement.
• Rural transportation improvement.
• Community economic development.
• Technology-based economic development.
• Feasibility studies and business plans.
• Leadership and entrepreneur training.
• Rural business incubators.
• Long-term business strategic planning.

Opportunity grants can be used for:

• Community economic development.
• Technology-based economic development.
• Feasibility studies and business plans.
• Leadership and entrepreneur training.
• Rural business incubators.
• Long-term business strategic planning.

ArtsNEXT

Funding for Bold, Ground-Breaking Projects

The ArtsNEXT program provides competitive funding for innovative and experimental projects. Awards support big ideas that push boundaries, engage participants in unexpected ways, pilot new solutions to challenging problems, improve program design with calculated risk-taking, or result in the creation of new work. These forward-looking projects help define Ohio as an exciting, cutting-edge place to make, consume, and experience the arts.

Grant Awards: Applicants may generally request up to $25,000, though larger awards are possible in unique circumstances. All awards require a 1:1 cash match.

How the Program Works

ArtsNEXT grants are one-year awards for organizational project support. This program supports projects that allow an organization's programming to evolve creatively. Priority is given to projects designed to improve the accessibility, affordability, and/or diversity of arts experiences, as well as those demonstrating an appropriate amount of risk with a strong potential for success. Funds may be used for a wide variety of expenses, including artist fees, production expenses, marketing, planning, education, and program evaluation. The budget section of the ArtsNEXT application provides a full list of allowable expense areas.

ArtsNEXT applicants must identify which one of these three types of innovation best describes their proposed project. When possible, panels will review applications from each type of innovation together. Types include:

Incremental Innovation. Projects exhibiting incremental innovation make small changes or improvements over time that nonetheless go above and beyond the routine course corrections required of all successful programs, and can be thought of as "variations on a theme." Examples might include trying a new marketing strategy, hosting an event in a new type of venue, or building on existing programming in a sequential, logical way. Incremental innovations involve minimal risk.

Transferable Innovation. Projects that borrow, replicate, or adapt a proven practice from another industry, organization, or community are employing transferable innovation. Projects improve the design of an existing program or service by applying ideas that have been successful in another setting. Examples include producing a new activity that has been well-received elsewhere, modifying an idea from the private sector for use in a nonprofit setting, or experimenting with programming that has flourished in a different arts genre. Transferable innovation typically involves moderate risk.

Disruptive Innovation. These are the big ideas that often come to mind when the concept of innovation is discussed. Disruptive innovation interrupts current behavior rendering existing practices obsolete. These projects are rare, unproven, and revolutionary. Examples might include radically changing the delivery of an arts experience, upending expectations about participation in a particular genre or type of arts activity, or creating something entirely new in the arts and cultural field. Disruptive innovation is inherently an unusual and high-risk proposition.

Sample activities might include:

• exploring the intersection of the arts and healing with activities produced in partnership with a healthcare institution
• implementing a pilot program or activity based on a promising practice from another industry
• executing a partnership that brings local artistic assets together to activate a nontraditional space
• adapting an arts event successful in a suburban setting to a new urban or rural community or region
• developing and evaluating specialized programming to serve as a model for other organizations
• expanding a longtime activity to include an entirely new creative element
• revamping the way a successful arts activity is marketed to attract new and more diverse participants
• launching a locally-driven and authentic creative place-making initiative
• developing a technology to deliver arts experiences in new and more accessible ways
• using partnerships to change the delivery of an arts experience, making it more affordable

The Legacy Fund

The LEGACY Fund​ lays the groundwork for systemic changes that utilize local strategies and visionary leadership. The focus is to provide ongoing financial charitable support for the improvement of the health, welfare and safety of Clinton County, Ohio.

History

The LEGACY Fund, which stands for Local Endowment for Governments and Charities for Years was established by the Clinton County Board of Commission on January 15, 2019 through funding of the sale of the Clinton Memorial Hospital. Board members Mike McCarty, Kerry Steed, and Brenda Woods transferred $10 million to establish the LEGACY Fund that supports the Clinton County, Ohio community.

Legacy Fund Grants

We invest in a broad range of nonprofit organizations working to strengthen and improve our home, Clinton County. The LEGACY Fund wants to improve the welfare of Clinton County in areas such as health, wellness, seniors, youth, and education. The LEGACY Fund’s mission is to strengthen Clinton County, Ohio and improve the lives of its citizens through project-based funding. The LEGACY Fund develops our communities through transformative ideas and creative, pioneering programs.

Background

The Donald R. Myers Legacy Fund to Support Partnership in Appalachian Ohio, in partnership with FAO, awards grants annually to nonprofit and public organizations across the region’s 32 counties for projects and activities that improve quality of life, with an emphasis on education, regional networking, support for community leaders and fulfillment of basic needs.

The Donald R. Myers Legacy Fund to Support Partnership in Appalachian Ohio supports Appalachian Ohio's organizations in collaborative activities that benefit quality of life, with an emphasis on the concerns Mr. Myers worked so passionately to address.

Grant distributions from the fund will make a difference in the areas Don Myers worked so passionately to promote, including education, regional networking opportunities, support for community leaders and fulfillment of basic needs. The fund’s investments are advised by representatives from Appalachian Ohio’s local development districts, the Eastern Ohio Development Alliance, Appalachian Ohio’s private sector and Don Myers’ family.

The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) especially thanks Columbia Gas of Ohio for its leadership in making this avenue of support available to our region through a contribution of $10,000 to ensure the Donald R. Myers Legacy Fund became a reality. The fund is a tremendous resource for our region, and we at FAO look forward to its continued growth and development.

ArtStart

General Project Support for Organizations

The ArtSTART program provides flexible, accessible funding to help organizations complete short-term projects addressing a wide variety of goals and objectives. Most awards support the programming of new or emerging organizations, including firsttime OAC applicants, as well as new or established organizations in areas not served by other arts providers.

Grant Awards: Applicants may request up to $5,000. All awards require a 1:1 cash match.

How the Program Works

ArtSTART grants are one-year awards for organizational project support. Funds may be used for a wide variety of expenses in an organization's overall operations, or in the execution of a given activity or suite of related activities. Many grantees use ArtSTART funds to support artistic or administrative expenses, but other allowable expenses include marketing, program planning, education, and evaluation. The budget section of the ArtSTART application provides a full list of allowable expense areas. 

Sample activities might include:

• dance performances at a community arts festival
• exhibition costs for a seasonal visual arts show
• printing costs for a community theatre's large print programs and sign language interpreter
• a weekly summer concert series
• production of a new literary journal
• an annual theatre production featuring local performers
• the yearlong suite of arts programming of a non-arts organization

Background

The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program provides opportunities for children who come from economically disadvantaged families and attend low-performing schools to receive academic supports. School districts, schools, community-based organizations, including faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education, city or county government agencies, for-profit corporations and other public or private entities are eligible for the 21st CCLC grant.

The Ohio Department of Education's Office of Future Forward Ohio administers the 21st CCLC grant. This federally funded grant program supports high-quality, out-of-school time learning opportunities and related activities for students who attend eligible schools. Recent flexibility from the U.S. Department of Education allows 21st CCLC funds to be used for expanded learning time programming during the school day, week or year in addition to out-of-school time. 

Annual Bidders' Conferences

The Ohio Department of Education hosts annual bidders' conferences to allow eligible applicants to learn more about the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) grant opportunity. This competitive grant provides quality after-school and summer learning programs – with an option for before-school programming - primarily for children of high poverty and low academic achievement. The programs focus on reading, mathematics, positive youth development, and parent and family engagement. Children participate in a wide array of enrichment activities in areas such as sports, science, technology, and arts and crafts.

Bidders' conference sessions are designed to give interested applicants the chance to ask questions regarding grant requirements, service expectations, and the application process. Eligible applicants include public and private school districts, county educational service centers, community and faith-based organizations, and businesses. Priority for funding is given to qualifying programs that serve small town or rural districts. Funds are awarded to high-quality programs for up to five years.

See FAQs for additional informations.

Our Mission

Our mission is to strengthen our communities by connecting people through charitable Giving

The Delaware County Foundation is one of more than 700 community foundations across the United States. As both a 501(c)(3) organization and a convener, community foundations hold a unique position in the regions they serve.

Since 1995, the foundation has distributed more than $18 million in charitable dollars. As a community foundation, we make it possible for anyone to be a philanthropist. We are a collection of ordinary people with an extraordinary passion for giving whose funds are invested and distributed to charitable organizations serving Delaware County and beyond.

Community Grants

The Delaware County Foundation supports numerous non-profit organizations that work to improve our community. Grant funds are made available across a variety of categories based on donor intent and the guidance of our committee.

Focus Areas

Consideration will be given to nonprofit organizations that are specifically addressing these areas:

Animal Welfare: Promoting the proper care of animals and the many ways they bring quality to our lives.

Arts & Culture: Support for arts and cultural activities that enrich the lives of individuals, promote interactions among residents, and build community.

Basic Needs: Investment in approaches that combat food insecurity, provide affordable housing, and remove barriers to transportation, childcare, and education for low-income residents.

Education: Support for innovative programs for all students, preschool through adult.

Economic Opportunity: Investment in the workforce of tomorrow by funding programs that build prosperity, create jobs, and enhance the quality of life in our communities.

Environment: Funding solutions that contribute to healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable Ohio.