Note: The community-based funding sources provided in this document are not exhaustive and many other local and regional foundations for Ohio exist to provide large and small grants for various community programs, organizations as well as to area schools and school districts. To learn more about other funding opportunities across Ohio please visit http://www.fundsnetservices.com.
Akron Community Foundation
Type: Competitive
Who may apply for or access this funding?
Various non-profit community programs and organizations, schools and school systems.
To learn more:
Description:
Akron Community Foundation grants are available to work collaboratively to identify best approaches and strategies for investing in children’s future focusing on transitioning points in student’s education, including kindergarten readiness, third grade reading, eighth grade math and college readiness. Additionally, focus is given to early learning programs that prepare children from birth to age 5 for success.
Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation
Type: Competitive
Who may apply for or access this funding?
Schools, community organizations
To learn more:
Description:
Grants available to promote literacy and education in K-16 programs through effective strategies, including partnering with families and equipping families to help their children develop literacy skills.
The Cleveland Foundation
Type:Â Competitive
Who may apply for or access this funding?
Primarily 501(c)(3) organizations; however, government agencies and churches are also eligible to apply.
To learn more:
Description:
Cleveland Foundation grants aim to serve the greater Cleveland area with the mission of enhancing the lives of all Cleveland residents through community endowment, addressing other community needs, and providing leadership on community issues. Cuyahoga, Lake, and Geauga counties apply most often. The Foundation’s work in education emphasizes community engagement.
Columbus Foundation
Type:Â Competitive
Who may apply for or access this funding?
501(c)(3) organizations
Description:
The Columbus Foundation and supporting foundations offer a variety of grant opportunities that support youth and education for Franklin and surrounding central Ohio counties. Funds are available for supporting student well-being and improving and expanding educational opportunities for school age children. Improving education and literacy throughout the community through family involvement initiatives are a focus of Siemer Family Foundation grant, for example.
Dollar General Family Literacy Grants
Type: Competitive
Who may apply for or access this funding?
Public schools, 501(c)(3) organizations, and public libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General Store or Distribution Center
To learn more:
Description:
Dollar General offers several grants aiming to support youth and community literacy, including a Youth Literacy, Summer Reading, and Family Literacy grants.  Selected grantees must be a direct service provider working to help individuals learn to read, prepare for the high school equivalency test or learn English. The Family Literacy grant specifically must include three components: adult education instruction, children’s education, and Parent and Child Together Time (PACT).
Ezra Jack Keats Mini-grant Program
Type: Competitive
Who may apply for or access this funding?
Public schools and public libraries
To learn more:
Description:
The Ezra Jack Keats program offers mini-grants of $500.00 for public schools and public libraries.  Programs can involve whole families to both support student’s academic growth and benefit the larger community.
Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
Type: Competitive
Who may apply for or access this funding?
Nonprofit 501 (c) organizations, public organizations, public school districts, higher education institutions, and other government subdivisions (e.g., municipalities) that are audited through the Auditor or State. Priority will be given to projects led by organizations headquartered in Appalachian Ohio, but organizations outside this region are also eligible to apply.
Description:
The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio is a regional community foundation serving Appalachian Ohio donors, community members and other organizations with the mission to create opportunities for Appalachian Ohio’s citizens and communities through inspirational and supportive philanthropy. A variety of grant opportunities are available and are referred to as the Pillars of Prosperity Funds, which include grants for education and community development.
Martha Holden Jennings Foundation
Type: Competitive
Who may apply for or access this funding?
Schools
To learn more:
Description:
The Foundation’s Open Grants program will support innovative programs for preschool, elementary and secondary school students and their teachers. Prospective programs should ensure that the specific project work aligns with the Foundation’s funding theme(s): deep learning and/or excellent teaching.
Meta Data Center Community Action Grants
Type: Competitive
Who may apply for or access this funding?
Nonprofit organizations and public schools in Franklin and Licking counties
To learn more:
Description:
The Meta Data Center Community Action Grants are available for communities surrounding Meta’s operational data centers (Franklin and Licking County in Ohio). Meta funds a wide range of projects that address critical community needs, including implementing technology, STEM education, and initiatives that empower strong communities.
Nord Family Foundation
Type: Competitive
Who may apply for or access this funding?
501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, public libraries, or public agencies
To learn more:
Description:
The foundation gives grant priority to programs that address the needs of economically or socially disadvantaged families in Lorain County. Additionally, the foundation seeks project applications that are directed at the root cause of social problems. Grants may be awarded for education initiatives and to strengthen family partnerships.
Walmart Spark Good Community Grant Program
Type: Competitive
Who may apply for or access this funding?
K-12 public, private, charter schools or colleges/universities; church or other faith-based organizations; government entities (non501c3) including state, county and city agencies including law enforcement or fire departments; nonprofit organizations. 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible to apply for all grant opportunities related to the Spark Good programs and other nonprofits (non 501c3, c3, c6, c19) are eligible for a subset of availiable grants.
Description:
Walmart believes in funding programs that give back to the community through education and health initiatives. These grants are designed to meet the specific needs of local communities by strengthening community connections and supporting a variety of local projects and programs. Grant amounts range from a minimum of $250 to a maximum of $5,000.
