Note: Grant opportunities may vary over time. To learn more about additional funding opportunities currently available in the State of Ohio, please visit https://grants.ohio.gov.
Early Childhood Education Grant
Type: Competitive
Who may apply for or access this funding?
City, local, exempted village, joint vocational school districts or Educational Service Centers
Description:
The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Grant provides funding to programs serving preschool-aged children from income-eligible families to enhance their readiness for kindergarten. However, exceptions to meeting income requirements exist for children with Individualized Education Plans (IEP), children in foster or kinship care, and children experiencing homelessness. The grant supports developmentally appropriate environments that foster healthy development and academic growth. Funded programs include public preschools, Head Start, and childcare centers, particularly in high-needs areas. As of 2023, Ohio allocates funding for over 30,000 children annually. Additionally, this funding can be used to support family-school partnership initiatives such as family-centered events, the implementation of communication tools, providing resources for family-teacher collaboration to address children’s individual needs.
Student Wellness and Success Funds and Disadvantaged Pupil Impact Aid
Type: Entitlement
Who may apply for or access this funding?
LEAs, school districts, community schools, joint vocational school districts
Description:
The Student Wellness and Success Funds (SWSF) program in Ohio provides financial support to schools to enhance student well-being and academic achievement, with a focus on addressing non-academic barriers to learning. Districts and schools are required to allocate at least 50% of the funds toward mental health services or physical health care services, or a combination of both. The remaining funds can be used for other services, such as family engagement, Parent Mentors, and after-school programs. Schools are encouraged to partner with local organizations to implement these services, including programs for parent mentors that foster stronger family-school connections and support student achievement.
How Can Schools Sustain Grant-Funded Partnership Programs?
A common challenge with grant-funded initiatives is ensuring their longevity once the initial funding ends. Schools and organizations can improve sustainability by:
- Integrating Costs into Existing Budgets – Advocate for long-term funding through district or state allocations.
- Seeking Multi-Year Grants – Some grants allow for renewal or phased funding.
- Building Community Partnerships – Collaborate with local businesses, nonprofits, and parent organizations to share costs.
- Leveraging Data for Future Funding – Demonstrate program impact to secure additional grants or district buy-in.
- Exploring Alternative Revenue Streams – Consider fundraising, sliding-scale fees, or donor contributions to sustain efforts beyond the grant period.
