Best Summit County Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

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.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Rosalie and Cecil Smith Fund, established by Cecil Smith in 2007, aims to reduce the feral cat population in Summit County through spaying and neutering initiatives. This grant supports nonprofit organizations with expertise in feral animal care, focusing on low-income households. Eligible applicants must operate within Summit County, either independently or in affiliation with larger organizations, to ensure effective program implementation and community welfare.

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 Ridgecliff Foundation Grant Program supports nonprofit organizations focusing on mental health and chemical dependency in Northeast Ohio. This funding is aimed at education, prevention, and treatment initiatives. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and operate within specific counties. The foundation does not fund general operating support, construction projects, or research. Grants are limited to one per organization annually, and multi-year projects require yearly re-application.

The Akron Community Foundation's Health & Human Services Grant focuses on enhancing the quality of life in Summit County. It supports approved 501(c)(3) organizations addressing essential needs such as food, shelter, and medical care. Grants prioritize systemic impact, organizational strength, and inclusiveness, aiming for sustainable solutions that benefit the community. The foundation seeks to empower nonprofits and ensure ethical stewardship of donor investments, ultimately contributing to self-sufficiency and wellness for the county's most vulnerable residents.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Akron Community Foundation's Community Fund for Education Grants focuses on investing in the future of Summit County students. By partnering with local schools and community members, the foundation aims to support programs aligned with the Cradle to Career continuum. Grants target key transition points in education, particularly for early learning initiatives, ensuring children from birth to age five are equipped for success. This holistic approach enhances educational outcomes in the community.

The Vernon L. Odom Fund, established in 1993 by the Akron Community Foundation, honors civil rights leader Vernon L. Odom. It supports programs that enhance diversity and improve the quality of life in local minority communities. With nearly $245,000 in grants awarded, the fund addresses specific needs of minority groups in Akron, promoting education and advocacy. As the minority population grows, the fund continues to play a vital role in fostering community empowerment and ensuring Odom's legacy endures.

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.

The Akron Community Foundation offers Community Fund Grants focused on Arts & Culture, aimed at enriching the community's quality of life. These grants support diverse artistic and cultural initiatives that foster inclusiveness and systemic change in Summit County. Eligible applicants include approved 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to addressing community needs through effective and sustainable programs. However, grants do not cover endowments, scholarships, or direct financial support to individuals.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Multicultural Committee of the Stark County Board of MRDD Scholarship Fund

The Multicultural Committee of the Stark County Board of MRDD Scholarship Fund assists college juniors and seniors enrolled full-time at a four-year college or university in the area (including Stark, Tuscarawas, Summit, Wayne and Portage counties) who maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants must major in a special education or related field.

This scholarship is renewable.

About Us

Since its founding in 1875, the Akron Bar Association has served as the primary guardian of the Summit County legal system. Through education, advocacy and community service, the Akron Bar empowers its members to reflect the highest professional standards, enabling them to earn the community’s utmost respect so our legal system will be recognized as fair, accessible and just.

Mission Statement

The Akron Bar Association, through education, advocacy and community service, empowers its members to reflect the highest professional standards, enabling them to earn the community’s utmost respect so our legal system will be recognized as fair, accessible and just.

Vision Statement

The Akron Bar Association will be recognized as the voice of the legal community to promote the highest respect for the law and justice system, thereby creating a thriving democracy.

Grants

The Akron Bar Foundation (Foundation) welcomes grant requests from 501(C)(3) nonprofit organizations to fund law-related programs or projects that serve the communities of Summit County, Ohio.

The WGPF: Ohio Historical Markers Grant Program, initiated by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation in collaboration with Ohio History Connection, offers grants for historical markers that commemorate significant people, places, and events in Ohio's history from 1800 to 1900. Open to municipalities and nonprofit organizations, the program provides a total of 20 grants across various counties, fostering a deeper appreciation and recognition of Ohio's rich historical heritage.

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 Akron Community Foundation offers capital grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations for facility renovations and essential equipment purchases. Grants range from $2,500 to $25,000 and require at least 50% of project funds to be secured prior to application. Since 2018, $880,000 has been invested in community improvements, prioritizing projects in arts, health, and sustainability, particularly those benefiting Summit County residents and addressing historical inequalities.

The Akron Community Foundation's Community Fund Grants for Civic Affairs support nonprofits in Summit County to enhance community well-being through citizen engagement and quality-of-life programs. Grants promote organizational strength, systemic impact, accountability, and inclusiveness, ensuring that funded initiatives address immediate needs while fostering long-term improvements. Eligible applicants must be approved 501(c)(3) organizations serving the region, while ineligible requests include endowments, scholarships, and direct financial support to individuals.

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.

The Millennium Fund for Children, a collaboration between the Akron Community Foundation and the Akron Beacon Journal, aims to enhance the quality of life for children across Summit, Medina, Portage, Stark, and Wayne counties. This fund supports various programs in arts, education, and health services, making impactful grants that address community needs. By connecting passionate philanthropists with local organizations, the fund fosters enduring philanthropic relationships and inspires new donors to contribute to meaningful causes.