Best Grants for Journalism in Ohio

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can apply for the Community Possible Grant Program. Focused on community development, US Bancorp Foundation invites organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color, to seek collaborative, high-impact support that may benefit journalism-related initiatives.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits running programs for children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary support that strengthens community-based services. Focused on youth, education, and human services, Costco Foundation invites organizations, including those with journalism or media components that support these priorities, to apply for program funding rather than capital or individual aid.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth through education, health, development, or welfare programs in Ohio and beyond can seek funding for direct services and enrichment activities. The Dan Paul Foundation supports projects such as child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, environmental education, and refugee enrichment with grants up to US $15,000.

Early-stage nonprofit and impact-first, mission-driven for-profit organizations tackling major social or environmental challenges in Ohio and beyond can seek up to US $300,000 for scalable solutions and organizational growth. With a mission to support bold social impact, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides capacity, capital, and community to help ventures expand their reach.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology to tackle major social challenges may be eligible for Global Impact Cash Grants, supporting crisis response, education access, economic empowerment, and climate resilience initiatives in Ohio and worldwide. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help programs serving predominantly economically underserved communities, with awards up to US $100,000 and a year-round LOI process.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Journalists and newsroom teams in Ohio and worldwide using machine learning or advanced data techniques for investigative reporting can access funding through the Pulitzer Center; awards range from US $10,000 - US $25,000 for reporting costs. Grants cover travel, data analysis, visualization, and local partners for impactful, transparent, data-driven storytelling.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering early childhood education or community economic development programs can seek funding to serve low- and moderate-income residents. With a mission to strengthen communities, PNC Foundation provides grants for early learning, affordable housing, small business support, arts and culture, and neighborhood revitalization in counties where it has a significant presence.

Ohio accredited charities running humanitarian, social development, education, community, environmental, or arts projects may be eligible for Roche’s global corporate philanthropy funding. These donations prioritize innovative, sustainable initiatives that can engage Roche expertise and employees; journalism or media-related efforts that fit within these focus areas and operate where a Roche affiliate is based may qualify.

Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations providing health, education, or disaster relief services can apply for support from Semnani Family Foundation, including those serving Ohio communities. Semnani Family Foundation provides Ohio journalism organizations with potential funding if their work intersects with issues like health care access, disaster relief, or services for vulnerable and marginalized populations worldwide.

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.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Nonprofit and independent journalism organizations covering public-interest issues can seek funding to support investigative reporting and reporting positions in Ohio and the broader Great Lakes region. With a mission to advance racial equity and economic mobility, the Joyce Foundation also backs projects that strengthen nonprofit journalism networks, local and community news, and early-career journalists, particularly journalists of color.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can apply for The Tjx Foundation’s grants to support basic needs, youth education, workforce readiness, and safety from domestic violence. Ohio journalism or media nonprofits that also provide these community services may be eligible if they meet all criteria.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries seeking support for environmental or human services programs can apply for unrestricted grants from the Lawrence Foundation. Focused on broad community and environmental work, the foundation offers US $5,000 - US $10,000 for operating or program costs; Ohio journalism organizations may be eligible if their work fits these priorities.

Nonprofit organizations in Ohio and across the U.S. can seek funding for community-based programs, including education, cultural institutions, health facilities, environmental and wildlife protection, and services for youth, seniors, and people with disabilities. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help organizations whose journalism or related initiatives need US $1,000 - US $20,000 to make a significant impact.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in education, social services, health care, civic or cultural programs, or environmental initiatives can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation for one-year projects. Grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000 primarily support U.S. organizations and may benefit journalism-related efforts that fit these program areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups working on BIPOC-led democracy, civic engagement, and political power-building in Ohio can apply for Scherman Foundation’s Democracy Program, with awards from US $40,000 - US $200,000. Journalism and media organizations focused on narrative change, voting rights, or civic participation within BIPOC communities may be eligible.

Ohio organizations working on health information access and education can seek funding to expand outreach, training, and technology that improve use of biomedical and consumer health resources. Focused on health information equity, the National Library of Medicine invites projects that support underrepresented communities, especially through libraries, clinics, and other Network of the National Library of Medicine member institutions.

Ohio organizations with nonprofit status or intent that provide arts programming in Ohio can receive project support for short-term arts initiatives. Ohio Arts Council provides Ohio arts and cultural groups, other community organizations, and educational institutions with up to US $5,000 (1:1 cash match) for artistic, administrative, marketing, education, or evaluation expenses, which may include journalism-related literary or publishing projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving community quality of life in Ohio can seek project, general operating, or capital support focused on economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief. With a mission to strengthen underserved communities, O'Reilly Automotive Foundation provides funding to local, non-discriminatory charities in areas where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates; journalism-related nonprofits may be eligible if their programs match these priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth and families with education, housing, food security, or environmental programs in Ohio and other eligible regions can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000. Funding supports underserved youth through character development, hunger relief, housing services, and environmental stewardship initiatives.

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 funding, with awards of US $5,000 - US $250,000. U.S. 501(c)(3)s and qualifying foreign entities in countries including the U.S. may be eligible, and Ohio journalism nonprofits serving disadvantaged communities could benefit.