Best Shelby County Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

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.

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.

501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible fiscally sponsored projects serving the New Knoxville and Sidney, Ohio school districts can apply for the Kermit T. & Ella M. Kuck Fund Grant to support community services in Shelby County, Ohio. The Community Foundation of Shelby County favors projects that coordinate resources and plan for long-term financial sustainability.

501(c)(3) public charities in Shelby County, Ohio can apply for Charles D. Berry Foundation support for programs, operating needs, or capital campaigns. Funding focuses on arts, education, community enrichment, and health and human services, including food insecurity, disability services, poverty reduction, disaster relief, and animal welfare, primarily in the Greater Dayton region.

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 Minster Community Fund supports civic projects, education, recreation, health, conservation, and the arts within the Minster School District. It aims to enhance community resources through unique projects, volunteer involvement, and efficient collaboration among organizations. Grants are awarded based on available funds, with a focus on addressing diverse community needs and promoting innovative solutions. The Fund encourages proposals that cannot be funded by other sources, strengthening local non-profits and fostering citizen participation.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Shelby County, Ohio that run technology access and digital literacy programs for families or seniors may be eligible for US $2,500 - US $50,000 to expand existing efforts. Spectrum supports programs in its service areas that bridge the digital divide and can report clear impact metrics for diverse, low-income communities.

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.

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 SpartanNash Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on Hunger, Heroes, and Hope. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located within a 30-mile radius of SpartanNash facilities. The Foundation ensures that every dollar raised directly benefits partner organizations, with a commitment to community impact. Grants are not available for ineligible entities, including those outside the radius or not aligned with the Foundation's mission. Since its inception in 2015, the Foundation has positively influenced local communities.

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.

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 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 Small City Program in Ohio allocates federal funds to small cities with populations between 5,000 and 24,999, not included in Metropolitan Planning Organizations. With an annual budget of $10.5 million, this program supports road, safety, and signal projects. The funding covers up to 80% of eligible construction costs, and a scoring system prioritizes projects based on various factors, ensuring effective use of resources and improved transportation infrastructure for eligible communities.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Bayer Fund: Food & Nutrition Grant supports high-quality programs that combat malnutrition and improve access to nutritious foods, particularly for underserved communities and families with young children. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government units. The fund prioritizes long-term behavioral change towards healthy eating and nutrition, with grants typically not exceeding 25% of an organization's operating budget. International requests start at $25,000, fostering sustainable food security and education initiatives.

The CFSC: Louise Sheets Fund Grants support organizations serving the Botkins, Ohio area, focusing on efficient resource use and collaboration among nonprofits. Eligible applicants must be within the Botkins School District and hold IRS 501(c)(3) status or apply through a fiscal agent. The fund encourages sustainable financial planning and considers multi-year funding requests. However, it does not typically support general operations, individuals, religious organizations, political groups, endowments, or specific research projects.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County offers Arts Grants to support educational programs in the arts for K-12 students in Shelby County, Ohio. Grants, totaling $2,000, can be awarded in smaller amounts to various projects, including visual, literary, musical, and performing arts. All schools in the area are eligible to apply, with a preference for requests related to classroom materials or programming. This initiative aims to enrich the cultural landscape and provide valuable opportunities for young artists.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County offers grants to recognized 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities that benefit Shelby County residents. Priorities include efficient resource use, collaboration among organizations, and innovative approaches to community issues. Applicants must provide specific project details, including funding requests and timelines. Note that certain projects, such as ongoing operational funding or those not serving Shelby County, are ineligible. For more details, contact the Grants Administrator before applying.

Shelby County, Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, workforce development, economic development, arts, or diversity, equity and inclusion may be eligible for community impact grants supporting local programs and projects. AES Ohio Foundation funds efforts that improve quality of life and sustainability within its 24-county service area, including Shelby County.

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.

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.