Best Shelby County Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Ohio

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Shelby County, Ohio can apply for PNC Foundation’s Foundation Grant to support early childhood education or community economic development initiatives. Programs serving low- and moderate-income children and families, including education, affordable housing, community services, arts, and neighborhood revitalization in communities where PNC has a significant presence, may be eligible.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

PLTW Computer Science - New Program In Partnership With Lam Research

The Lam Foundation supports schools implementing or expanding a PLTW program in or near several of their U.S. communities. Schools seeking support for PLTW Gateway or PLTW Engineering will receive priority. The Lam Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Lam Research, a leading provider of equipment and services to the semiconductor industry.

Program Requirements

The purpose of this grant is to assist the grantee's implementation of the PLTW Computer Science program. Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Computer Science course in the 2027-2028 academic year and must offer one additional course in the 2028-2029 academic year (two different courses in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Computer Science courses of their choosing. Grantee must complete two years of grant reporting.

Emergency response organizations in Shelby County, Ohio can seek funding for safety equipment, professional training, or safety education programs, with typical awards of US $1,000 - US $10,000. With a mission to strengthen community safety, Enbridge provides support to fire departments, EMS, 9-1-1 centers, ambulance services, and law enforcement near its operations.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

PLTW Computer Science - Program Expansion In Partnership With Lam Research

The Lam Foundation supports schools implementing or expanding a PLTW program in or near several of their U.S. communities. Schools seeking support for PLTW Gateway or PLTW Engineering will receive priority. The Lam Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Lam Research, a leading provider of equipment and services to the semiconductor industry.

Program Requirements

The purpose of this grant is to assist the grantee's expansion of student access to the PLTW Computer Science program. Grantee must use their grant funds to expand their existing PLTW Computer Science program. Example expansion activities include but are not limited to adding an additional PLTW Computer Science course not previously offered, and/or adding additional class periods of an existing PLTW Computer Science courses previously offered, and/or training additional teachers in PLTW Computer Science courses for the 2027-2028 academic year. Grantee must complete one year of grant reporting.

Environmental nonprofits and community organizations working on freshwater conservation, watershed health, and climate resilience in Shelby County, Ohio can access funding through the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation; awards are typically more than US $10,000. Eligible Great Lakes–region projects may include environmental justice, advocacy, and policy efforts that strengthen community leadership and organizational capacity.

The F26AS00083 Aquatic Invasive Species Grants are part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for Fiscal Year 2026. These grants, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support state-level management plans to combat aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes region. Eligible applicants include Great Lakes states and their designees, with funding awarded through a competitive selection process.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)/(4)/(6) organizations and schools hosting community events in Shelby County, Ohio can seek up to US $25,000 to support parades, festivals, galas, runs, and similar activities. Grants from American Honda Motor support community culture, heritage, recreation, and arts-focused events in U.S. communities where Honda associates live and work.

The AES Ohio Foundation's Power Grants aim to create lasting community impact through innovative programs across its 24-county service area. With $822,000 allocated for 2024, these grants support initiatives addressing basic needs like food and housing, enhancing education, and fostering diversity and inclusion. The Foundation commits to at least two grants annually, prioritizing projects that demonstrate measurable outcomes. This approach aligns with their goal to uplift local communities and empower individuals to improve their lives.

The PLTW Launch - New Program initiative, sponsored by Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to eligible schools within specific U.S. counties. Schools must implement PLTW modules over two academic years, ensuring access to real-world learning experiences for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. This program emphasizes the importance of empowering educators and fostering student engagement in STEM fields to prepare them for future careers.

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion initiative by Burns & McDonnell aims to enhance access to STEM education in U.S. schools. This program focuses on empowering students by providing real-world learning experiences and essential skills. Grants will support schools in expanding PLTW programs during the 2026-2027 academic year, benefiting students from underserved communities. By fostering a deeper understanding of STEM, the initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

About National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) works with partners to foster sustainable and impactful conservation solutions so that people and nature thrive together. Chartered by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest conservation foundation. Since its founding, NFWF has funded more than 23,900 projects that have generated a total conservation impact of more than $12 billion.About Sustain Our Great Lakes Program

Sustain Our Great Lakes is a public–private partnership designed to sustain, restore and protect fish, wildlife and habitat in the basin by leveraging funding, building conservation capacity, and focusing partners and resources toward key ecological issues. The program achieves this mission, in part, by awarding grants for on-the-ground habitat restoration and enhancement.Funding priorities for this program include:

• Habitat Restoration to Conserve Species and Improve Water Quality
• Expand and Maintain Nature-Based Solutions in Great Lakes Communities
• Invasive Species Control to Protect and Enhance Restored Habitat
• Activate Restored Habitats and Natural Areas

The PLTW Gateway - New Program, in partnership with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM by providing teachers with essential resources and support. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, eligible schools can apply for grants to introduce and expand PLTW programs, fostering real-world skills through applied learning. This initiative targets schools with significant free and reduced-price lunch populations, promoting equity in education across various U.S. counties.

Shelby County, Ohio schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can receive US $100 - US $1,000 to cover bus or charter transportation for field trips to Toledo Mud Hens baseball or Toledo Walleye hockey games. Grants from Toledo Community Foundation support accredited schools and nonprofit agencies in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan demonstrating financial need.

Research institutions and organizations conducting fisheries and ichthyology studies in Shelby County, Ohio can access funding through Great Lakes Fisheries Trust. Grants up to Up to US $1,300,000 support ecological and biological research, tools, and capacity-building that inform management, strengthen fish community resilience, and enhance sustainable, self-sustaining fish populations.

Shelby County, Ohio nonprofits and other organizations working on freshwater conservation and Great Lakes ecosystem health can access funding through the Great Lakes Protection Fund for action-oriented, science-based projects. Eligible teams worldwide may include nonprofits, universities, government agencies, for-profits, and individuals, as long as projects deliver regionally significant ecological improvements in the Great Lakes basin.

The PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion initiative, led by Burns & McDonnell in partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW), aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to PLTW programs for students in eligible communities. This program empowers students through real-world applied learning experiences, promoting essential skills for college and careers. Grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Gateway programs starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, fostering a brighter future through education.

Shelby County, Ohio nonprofit and charity organizations working in education, community services, or environmental programs can seek funding to support impactful local or international initiatives. Focused on creating long-lasting community investments, Makulinski Family Foundation invites proposals and may match contributions of time or money, with special openness to projects associated with Rotary.

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.

The PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion initiative aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs in communities served by Burns & McDonnell. This partnership focuses on empowering students through real-world learning experiences, helping them develop essential skills for future careers. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs to foster greater participation and engagement in STEM fields.

Great Lakes tribes or their designees working on aquatic invasive species management near Shelby County, Ohio can seek US $20,000 - US $100,000 to develop or implement Tribal Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supports prevention, early detection, rapid response, and control efforts that protect the Great Lakes Basin.

The PLTW Engineering - New Program, supported by Burns & McDonnell, aims to empower U.S. students through STEM education. By offering at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year, schools can enhance their curriculum and foster critical skills. This initiative not only increases access to valuable programs but also prepares students for future challenges in college and careers, ensuring they thrive in an evolving world.

Focused on operating transportation services for seniors and people with disabilities, this program invites Shelby County, Ohio transit providers to seek operating assistance. The Ohio Department of Transportation reimburses a portion of day-to-day service costs for open-door, shared-ride transportation in small urban and rural areas across eligible Ohio counties.

The Village of Anna Endowment Fund aims to enhance the quality of life for residents through education and charity. Established for public charitable purposes, the fund supports unique community projects and established organizations, responding to diverse local needs. Grants are awarded based on available funds, allowing for innovative initiatives that benefit citizens and promote community engagement.

Nonprofit and public transit providers in Shelby County, Ohio that offer open-door shared-ride services for seniors and people with disabilities can apply for Ohio Department of Transportation’s Section 5310 Contracted Transportation Service funding. Awards reimburse up to 80% of contracted transit capital costs, with a 20% local match from non-U.S. DOT sources required.

The Hartstein/Favorite International Vocational Fund, established by Edna and Thelma Hartstein, aims to promote global vocational and social economic knowledge transfer. This fund prioritizes projects that foster international understanding and benefit students from the Upper Miami Valley and abroad. Eligible projects include vocational education exchanges and internships, enhancing cultural appreciation and vocational achievements. Grants support initiatives that encourage students to excel and appreciate diverse economic backgrounds, aligning with their mission to facilitate international development.

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.