Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

Nonprofits, public agencies, tribes, and educational institutions in eligible Appalachian counties in Ohio can seek funding for critical infrastructure and business and workforce development projects. The Appalachian Regional Commission supports efforts like water and wastewater systems, transportation, broadband, entrepreneurship, and worker training that strengthen local capacity and long-term economic opportunity.

Nonprofit intermediaries and collaboratives offering capacity-building or administrative support to at least three nonprofits in Ohio, with primary impact in Franklin County, may be eligible for this funding. Focused on strengthening nonprofit infrastructure, The Columbus Foundation’s Sector Building Grants back programs that share services, bolster operations, and enhance sector-wide effectiveness, with awards ranging from US $50,000 to US $150,000.

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

With a mission to strengthen early-stage social impact organizations, nonprofits and impact-first ventures in Ohio and other priority regions can receive up to US $300,000 from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation for capacity, capital, and community support. Eligible entities are independent, scalable, data-driven organizations addressing urgent social or environmental problems for underserved communities.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, workforce development, community development, arts, environment, or inclusion can seek sponsorship support through Bank of America Charitable Foundation. This national program may benefit organizations building capacity to advance economic mobility, preserve neighborhoods, address hunger and shelter, and strengthen the social and cultural life of their communities.

Ohio 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, and libraries can seek US $5,000 - US $10,000 in unrestricted funding for environmental, human services, disaster relief, or other community programs. Focused on broad charitable impact, the Lawrence Foundation supports both program and general operating requests, including reasonable indirect costs, from U.S.-headquartered organizations without geographic restrictions.

Ohio arts and cultural nonprofits and educational or community organizations providing arts programming in Ohio can access $1,000 - $5,000 to hire outside experts for internal capacity building and professional development. With a mission to strengthen arts providers, Ohio Arts Council supports projects like consulting, planning, evaluation, and staff training that enhance organizational skills and practices.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Ohio working on basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven programs can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s community grants. Focus areas include hunger relief, shelters and supportive housing, adult self-sufficiency and workforce readiness, financial literacy, and community development or cultural enrichment, with priority for sites engaging Ameriprise employee or advisor volunteers.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public institutions improving health, neighborhoods, or mental health and addiction in the Mid-Ohio Valley can access funding for capacity building, projects, equipment, technology, small capital, or general operations. Grants from Sisters Health Foundation help Ohio organizations, including those in Athens, Meigs, and Washington counties, strengthen community health and related services; awards More than US $5,000.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking project support in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental work can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants are typically for one year and may help strengthen organizational capacity within these program areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and public agencies in Ohio can apply for The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient and Connected Appalachians grants, with awards up to US $100,000 for fee or easement land acquisition. Funding can cover project capital, due diligence, stewardship, and community engagement costs for conservation within the Appalachians boundary.

Grants from Wayne County Community Foundation help Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits fund wellness and community success projects in Wayne County. Eligible organizations can request project, start-up, or capacity-building support to address issues like homelessness, food insecurity, elder care, or developmental disabilities, provided funded activities are completed within one year.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public institutions seeking capital, program development, capacity building, or operating support in Ohio’s Washington County can apply for Parkersburg Area Community Foundation’s Community Action Grants, with awards up to US $20,000. With a mission to strengthen community quality of life, the foundation prioritizes impactful, well-planned projects addressing local needs.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Tax-exempt organizations and government agencies serving PK–12 children and young adults in Ohio’s Greater Cincinnati region can apply for Greater Cincinnati Foundation’s Building Bright Futures: Education grants, with awards up to US $50,000, to launch, expand, or strengthen education programs. Funding may support capacity building, capital improvements, or general operations for mentoring, tutoring, SEL, and college and career preparation.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Ohio working on youth education, family services, food security, housing, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Funding can strengthen programs serving underserved youth and their families, which may include capacity-building needs.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofit organizations in Ohio can seek US $2,500 - US $10,000 for battlefield preservation planning and education projects. National Trust for Historic Preservation funding can support staff or consultants for preservation planning, organizational capacity building, and innovative public education or outreach efforts related to battlefields, viewsheds, and historic structures.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Nonprofit organizations working to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant can apply for Gupta Family Foundation’s global grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $250,000 for focused interventions and humanitarian relief. Ohio nonprofits meeting its revenue, mission alignment, leadership, and non-sectarian criteria may be eligible as part of its support for smaller organizations worldwide.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofits and qualified government entities serving women and girls in Wayne County, Ohio can seek project, start-up, and capacity-building support for education, economic empowerment, and health and wellness initiatives. Wayne County Community Foundation’s Women’s Fund encourages collaborative proposals that expand services and create lasting opportunities for women and girls.

With a mission to strengthen history organizations, Ohio History Connection provides Ohio nonprofits and public entities with matching grants of US $1,000 - US $4,000 for organizational development. Funding can support board and staff training, governance improvements, strategic planning, and volunteer or membership program development to build long-term capacity for history-focused work.

Ohio and West Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public institutions can apply for Parkersburg Area Community Foundation’s Fall Community Action Grants, awarding up to US $20,000 for capital, equipment, program development, capacity building, and operating support. Eligible projects must benefit the Foundation’s 11-county service area, including Washington County, Ohio, with priority to under-served West Virginia counties.