Best Butler County Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

The Hanover Life Squad Fund, established in 1999, supports local fire departments and emergency medical services in Butler County. Founded by Joseph B. Pater, the fund ensures these organizations have necessary resources for community safety. Grant priorities include equipment purchases, staffing, and training, with a preference for units on the west side of Butler County. Nonprofits applying for funding are encouraged to provide matching funds to strengthen their applications.

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.

The Hamilton Community Foundation offers scholarships for adults aged 25 and older who are either starting or continuing their college education. With no application deadline, this program is designed to support adult learners returning to academia or completing unfinished degrees. The Foundation emphasizes its commitment to lifelong learning and expanding access to higher education for individuals at all stages of life, thereby enhancing community development in the Greater Hamilton, Ohio area.

Wells Fargo Community Giving supports nonprofit organizations focusing on financial health, housing affordability, small business growth, and sustainability. The grant cycle runs from February to October, inviting organizations with 501(c)(3) status or equivalent to apply. Funding is prioritized for programs addressing critical community needs, while limited support is available for local initiatives like disaster relief and arts. Organizations must demonstrate fiscal stability and potential impact to be considered for funding.

The Daniel and Susan Pfau Foundation, established in 1994, focuses on enhancing education, health, cultural experiences, and social welfare for youth with disabilities and economic challenges in the Greater Cincinnati area. It supports arts organizations and recreation initiatives, prioritizing programs that help young individuals realize their potential. Eligible applicants must be recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofits and demonstrate benefits to specific counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. The Foundation encourages collaboration with other donors for project funding.

The Donald C. and Laura M. Harrison Family Foundation, established in 2006, aims to enhance educational opportunities for underprivileged students in the Greater Cincinnati area. With a focus on innovative programs and scholarships, the foundation supports initiatives in primary, secondary, and adult education. Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000 annually, promoting sustainability and collaboration with other donors. Eligible applicants must be IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organizations, prioritizing local community impact.

The Andrew Jergens Foundation Grant, administered by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, focuses on enhancing the health, education, cultural experiences, and social welfare of children in the Greater Cincinnati area. With a commitment to supporting programs for children through high school, the foundation seeks to foster vibrant communities by connecting with nonprofits dedicated to improving quality of life. The foundation emphasizes the importance of generous contributions to create lasting change in the region.

The Thomas J. Emery Memorial Grant, established by prominent Cincinnati philanthropists, aims to enhance the lives of individuals in the Greater Cincinnati area through grants that support social, cultural, educational, civic, and physical betterment. Founded in 1925, the grant prioritizes nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status, focusing on collaborative projects and impactful initiatives, while not providing ongoing operational support. This initiative honors the legacy of Thomas and Mary Emery in fostering community development.

The David C. Herriman Fund, established by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, aims to support regional performing arts organizations in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. This fund prioritizes proposals that enhance performances and foster youth education in the arts. Grants range from $200,000 to $350,000 for larger projects and $15,000 to $50,000 for smaller initiatives, with a total budget not exceeding $400,000. Eligible applicants include local 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to the arts.

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation invites organizations to apply for the Vibrant Places: Community and Cultural Vibrancy grant, aimed at enhancing community well-being through equitable access to resources and cultural enrichment. With $500,000 available for the 2025 cycle, grants of up to $25,000 will support initiatives that strengthen community ties and promote safe public spaces. Eligible organizations include those with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal agents, focusing on measurable outcomes and collaboration.

The Pat Landi Access Fund aims to enhance local economic development in Butler and Warren Counties, Ohio, by investing in small business initiatives. With funding up to $10,000 per project and an annual budget of $50,000, the fund supports various economic-mission based activities, including direct loans and workforce development programs. By partnering with local organizations, the fund seeks to ensure sustainability and viability of small businesses, fostering a robust economic environment in the region.

The Erma A. Bantz Foundation, established to honor Erma Bantz's legacy, focuses on enhancing the lives of individuals with visual impairments. Located in Cincinnati, the Foundation supports local nonprofit organizations that assist the visually impaired, having allocated 60% of its resources to this cause. While it previously funded hearing impairment initiatives, it no longer accepts grant requests for such purposes. The Foundation encourages collaborative funding for specific projects, reinforcing community support.

The Michael J. Colligan Fund, established by the Hamilton Community Foundation, honors veterans by providing financial support for bands in Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Fourth of July parades. It also funds speakers on military topics and preserves historical memorabilia. This initiative reflects a commitment to patriotism and community pride, ensuring that the sacrifices of veterans are recognized and celebrated, while fostering civic engagement and remembrance within the community.

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation's Building Bright Futures: Education initiative aims to empower children and young adults by funding innovative programs that foster academic success. This inaugural grant cycle focuses on evidence-based solutions that enhance mentoring, tutoring, and socio-emotional development. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to high-quality education in the Greater Cincinnati region. Funding can support new initiatives, program expansions, or operational support, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.

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.

The Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities (Section 5310) program aims to improve transportation options for seniors and individuals with disabilities by removing barriers to access. It provides federal funds for necessary services, including vehicle purchases for paratransit. Eligible applicants include private nonprofits and local authorities approved to coordinate such services. This initiative enhances mobility for essential activities like employment, medical appointments, and grocery shopping, ultimately supporting community integration and independence.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

About Us

The Elk County Community Foundation was started in the late 1990’s by a group of business and civic leaders, with the support of the Stackpole-Hall Foundation, who recognized the need for creating a perpetual funding stream to support Elk County—now and in the future. The Foundation was incorporated in 2000 and a year later was classified as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

The Foundation provides donors with a simple but powerful and highly personal approach to achieving their philanthropic goals while enhancing the quality of life for the people of Elk County.

The Community Foundation makes it easy for individuals, businesses, and organizations to establish a scholarship fund. Your fund can be created in as little as one meeting, with a short fund agreement, and a single gift. Or your fund can be set up with an initial gift that is added to in the future. We manage all the administrative details of your fund for you.

By establishing a uniquely-named scholarship, you have the ability to designate eligibility requirements including education level, the field of study, geographic area, etc. Many scholarships are established to honor parents, a family member, or someone who influenced your life.

Most scholarship funds at the Foundation are permanent endowments, with the annual earnings used to provide the scholarships

Tyler Bender EMS Scholarship Fund

Tyler Bender recently graduated from the Center for Emergency Medicine, and he felt compelled to give back by starting this scholarship to encourage other individuals to consider the EMS field. There is a constant demand for well-trained and qualified EMS professionals. Tyler hopes that this scholarship fund will help attract individuals to the field and alleviate a shortage of EMS personnel.

Amount: $500 annually

The Youth For Youth Grant, previously known as Fondersmith and Summertime for Kids, is an annual initiative by the Middletown Community Foundation designed to support youth-serving programs and projects. Funded by local high school students on the Youth Philanthropy Council, the grant aims to empower organizations that enhance the lives of youth in the Greater Middletown area. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized nonprofits and local agencies, fostering community engagement and development.

The Butler County Scholarship, established by the Central Alabama Community Foundation, aims to support graduating African American seniors from Georgiana School, Greenville High School, and McKenzie School. Annually, one scholarship is awarded, with the amount determined each year. Recipients may renew the scholarship for up to three additional years, provided they submit a high school transcript and references during the application process. This initiative underscores a commitment to educational advancement in the community.

The Burton E. Stevenson Endowment Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, supports underprivileged children in Ross County, Ohio. Named after the influential librarian and author Burton E. Stevenson, this scholarship aims to alleviate the challenges faced by these children, promoting access to education regardless of race, sex, or religion. Applicants must be graduating seniors from Ross County high schools and plan to attend a public or nonprofit college in the U.S. Awards range from $500 to $6,500.

The Dayton Daily News Si Burick Scholarship honors the legacy of sports editor Si Burick, awarded annually to a graduating senior from specific counties in Ohio pursuing journalism. The scholarship emphasizes academic success and journalistic aspirations, supporting students with a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrated financial need. Established by The Dayton Foundation, this initiative reflects a commitment to fostering talent in journalism while contributing to the community's cultural and educational landscape.

The HIGHER Fund Grants, established in 2023 by the Neil Cohen family, are administered by the Hamilton Community Foundation. These grants focus on youth-centered programs that promote character and social-emotional development. With a commitment to fostering personal growth, the fund prioritizes innovative initiatives that embody values such as honesty, integrity, and empathy. This initiative continues the Cohen family's legacy of philanthropy, supporting the community's future through impactful funding.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Butler County St. Vincent de Paul Council Grant, funded by an anonymous donor, provides vital support to local communities by addressing urgent needs such as rent, utilities, food, and furniture. This grant empowers St. Vincent de Paul Hamilton District Councils to deliver assistance with compassion and respect, ensuring dignity for those in crisis. It plays a critical role in preventing evictions and enhancing the quality of life for vulnerable families, reflecting a strong commitment to community welfare.

The First Financial Community Grants, managed by the Hamilton Community Foundation, focus on enhancing community growth in low-income areas. Established in 1951, the Foundation supports programs in neighborhood development, workforce education, and arts initiatives. By prioritizing financial literacy and cultural experiences, the Fund aims to revitalize communities and foster long-term impact, ensuring resources benefit the region sustainably. This initiative reflects a commitment to improving the quality of life for residents in Butler County, Ohio.

The Hamilton Community Foundation, the largest community foundation in Butler County, offers scholarships for students currently enrolled in college, including those in graduate programs. With a commitment to higher education, the Foundation supports students beyond their first year, emphasizing academic achievement and community impact. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and be full-time students at accredited institutions, ensuring access to educational resources for future leaders.