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Nonprofit Resources in Ohio

Ohio’s nonprofit roots date all the way back to the establishment of the state’s first ambulance in 1885; since then, the nonprofit sector has flourished throughout the state. According to the Independent Sector, Ohio’s nonprofit organizations employ more than 480,000 people, and generates over $100 billion in annual revenue—making the nonprofit sector crucial to the state of Ohio’s wellbeing. Because of this, funding for impactful nonprofit organizations is readily available throughout the state.

So if you’re looking for Ohio nonprofit grant funding it doesn’t matter if you’re from Akron, Cincinnati, Toledo, Dayton, or another Ohio locale- we’ve got you covered. Want to learn more about how to win grants in Ohio? We think it’s best to start with the following steps.

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If you’re wondering how to get nonprofit grants in Ohio, the first step is to start by familiarizing yourself with the different types of funding and sources available. It’s crucial to do your research on Ohio funding sources! All Ohio nonprofit funding is different, so it’s important to note not only what resources are available, but also which grants your Ohio nonprofit is qualified for. The second step is to learning how to write a nonprofit grant proposal.

In need of an Ohio grant proposal course? No worries—the Grantsmanship Center has you covered, as we regularly offer trainings throughout the state that will teach you how to write a grant proposal and how to win funding! The third step is making sure you’re comfortable with the basics of a grant management program, as knowing how to maintain a grant is equally as important as obtaining funding for your Ohio nonprofit.

OHIO TRAINING

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Questions? Contact: Gail Brauner: gail@tgci.com (213) 482-9860 X1

 

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OHIO FUNDING SOURCES
Use these free resources to find funders in the state of North Carolina
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Top Giving Foundations in Ohio
Community Foundations in Ohio
Corporate Giving Programs in Ohio
Ohio State Home Page
OHIO RESOURCES & TOOLS

While Ohio’s nonprofit sector is well-linked throughout the state, it can still be difficult for nonprofits to obtain information about relevant grant opportunities. So, if you’ve been wondering how to win grant funding in Ohio, you’re in the right place! Whether you’re in Cleveland, Youngstown, Columbus, Hamilton, Springfield, or another Ohio city—the following resources will help you find the nonprofit grant funding you need.

One of the state’s most influential organizations is Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations (OANO) whose mission is to “provide leadership, education, and advocacy to enhance the ability of Ohio’s nonprofit organizations to serve their communities.” If you’re interested in government nonprofit grants, start by Finding Your Representative and visiting their website for information about federal grants relevant to Ohio nonprofits. Another fantastic Ohio resource is the Attorney General’s Guide to Ohio Nonprofits which offers helpful information for nonprofits in need of grant funding in Ohio.

Below you’ll find a list of some additional helpful Ohio nonprofit resources. If you know of a resource we may have missed, please reach out and let us know!

 

General Ohio Resources

- Philanthropy Ohio

- Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations (OANO)

- Ohio Attorney General Handbook for Nonprofits

- Ohio History Fund

- Ohio Humanities

- Ohio CDC Association

- Ohio Prospect Research Network

- Pro Bono Partnership of Ohio

- Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies

- Ohio Arts Council

- Ohio Attorney General Resources for Nonprofits

- Ohio Minority Business Assistance Centers

- Ohio Community Grants, Loans, Bonds & Tax Credits

- Find My Legislators

- Foundation for Appalachian Ohio

- Saint Luke’s Foundation

 

Northern Ohio (Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown, Toledo) Grant Resources

- The Cleveland Foundation

- Grant Resource Center at Morley Library

- Akron Community Foundation

- Nonprofit Resource Center at the Akron-Summit County Public Library

- GAR Foundation

- United Way of Summit County

- AFP Northwest Ohio Chapter

- Grant Center at The Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County

- Creative Compass

- Foundation Center Cleveland

- The Center for Nonprofit Resources at the Toledo Community Foundation

- Business Volunteers Unlimited

- Northern Ohio Area Chambers of Commerce

 

Central Ohio (Columbus, Zanesville, Dayton, Lima) Grant Resources

- The Columbus Foundation

- The Dayton Foundation

- Flyer Consulting

- AFP Central Ohio Chapter

- Springfield Foundation

- The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio

- Neighborhood Partnership Center

- Licking County Foundation

- Nonprofit + Grant Resources at the Dayton Metro Library

- The Catholic Foundation

- The Columbus Jewish Foundation

- The Muskingum County Community Foundation

 

Southern Ohio (Cincinnati, Hamilton, Huntington, Athens, Parkersburg) Grant Resources

- Greater Cincinnati Foundation

- Grant Resource Center at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County

- AFP Greater Cincinnati Chapter

- Cincinnati Community Tool Bank

- Onesource

- United Way of Greater Cincinnati

- The Charles H. Dater Foundation

- Grant Resource Center at the Hamilton Lane Library

- Social Venture Partners

- Impact 100

- Greater Cincinnati African American Chamber of Commerce

RECENT BLOGS
When a Federal Grant Suddenly Ends
Political changes can lead to changes in laws, policies, and rules. In the first few months of 2025, many federal grants and contracts have been terminated. Thousands of federal employees have been fired. The functions of complete agencies have been eliminated. There continues to be uncertainty about the future of many federal grant programs. While the legal status of these actions may still be unknown, nonprofits must decide how to move forward.
Context is Everything: Part 2
In an earlier blog, I discussed how to strengthen your proposal by adding context to the Problem Discussion with descriptive detail. Part Two is about adding meaning to the proposal by giving the reader a sense of place. The reader of your proposal may not live in the same area of the state as you, or even in the same part of the country.
Context is Everything: the Problem Statement
When writing a grant proposal, assume the reader doesn’t know much about your community or the challenges and problems your organization is addressing. By providing context for the information you present, you will help the reader better understand the issues at stake in the proposal. Context can supply insight into the particular makeup and/or challenges of your community and can help create a mental picture for the reader.
OHIO ARCHIVED TRAINING

Looking to sign up? Click here.

Click here for a partial list of archived training

March 10, 2014, Grantsmanship Training Program, Columbus
March 27, 2012, Essential Grant Skills, Columbus
April 4, 2011, Grantsmanship Training Program, Toledo
May 3, 2010, Grantsmanship Training Program, Columbus
July 12, 2010, Grantsmanship Training Program, Cincinnati
October 4, 2010, Competing for Federal Grants, Toledo
March 30, 2009, Grantsmanship Training Program, Columbus
July 6, 2009, Grantsmanship Training Program, Cincinnati
November 9, 2009, Competing for Federal Grants, Columbus
February 4, 2008, Grantsmanship Training Program, Akron
February 25, 2008, Grantsmanship Training Program, Cincinnati
February 25, 2008, Grantsmanship Training Program, Columbus
March 3, 2008, Grantsmanship Training Program, Miami
May 5, 2008, Grantsmanship Training Program, Toledo
January 29, 2007, Grantsmanship Training Program, Toledo
March 19, 2007, Grantsmanship Training Program, St. Clairsville
May 7, 2007, Grantsmanship Training Program, Cleveland
July 9, 2007, Grantsmanship Training Program, Columbus
August 27, 2007, Grantsmanship Training Program, Cincinnati
October 8, 2007, Grantsmanship Training Program, Toledo
January 23, 2006, Grantsmanship Training Program, Marion
March 20, 2006, Grantsmanship Training Program, St. Clairsville
April 24, 2006, Grantsmanship Training Program, Orient
June 5, 2006, Grantsmanship Training Program, Toledo
August 7, 2006, Grantsmanship Training Program, Cincinnati
January 10, 2005, Grantsmanship Training Program, Reynoldsburg
March 28, 2005, Grantsmanship Training Program, Cincinnati
June 6, 2005, Grantsmanship Training Program, Pepper Pike
June 6, 2005, New Business Ventures, Columbus
November 7, 2005, New Business Ventures, Dayton
May 24, 2004, Grantsmanship Training Program, Columbus
August 2, 2004, New Business Ventures, Cincinnati
August 30, 2004, Grantsmanship Training Program, Mansfield
December 13, 2004, Grantsmanship Training Program, Canton
February 24, 2003, Grantsmanship Training Program, Toledo
May 5, 2003, Grantsmanship Training Program, Columbus
July 21, 2003, Grantsmanship Training Program, Wilmington
August 4, 2003, Strategic Fundraising Workshop, Cincinnati
September 8, 2003, Grantsmanship Training Program, Mansfield
October 13, 2003, Grantsmanship Training Program, Cincinnati
February 4, 2002, Grantsmanship Training Program, Columbus
July 29, 2002, Grantsmanship Training Program, Cleveland
September 9, 2002, Grantsmanship Training Program, Mansfield
December 2, 2002, Grantsmanship Training Program, Columbus
December 2, 2002, Grantsmanship Training Program, Columbus
January 29, 2001, Grantsmanship Training Program, Toledo
February 12, 2001, Grantsmanship Training Program, Columbus
March 5, 2001, Grantsmanship Training Program, Cleveland
March 12, 2001, Grantsmanship Training Program, Cincinnati
April 2, 2001, Grantsmanship Training Program, Cincinnati
May 21, 2001, Grantsmanship Training Program, Mansfield
June 25, 2001, Grantsmanship Training Program, Cincinnati
July 30, 2001, Grantsmanship Training Program, Cleveland (University Heights)
August 13, 2001, Grantsmanship Training Program, Cincinnati
August 13, 2001, Grantsmanship Training Program, Cincinnati
October 1, 2001, Grantsmanship Training Program, Cincinnati
October 15, 2001, Grantsmanship Training Program, Columbus
November 12, 2001, Grantsmanship Training Program, Cincinnati
July 31, 2000, Grantsmanship Training Program, Cleveland
October 2, 2000, Grantsmanship Training Program, Columbus