The LIHTC gives investors a dollar-for-dollar reduction in their federal tax liability in exchange for providing investment equity to develop affordable rental housing. Investors' equity contribution helps developments maintain financial viability while restricting rents to affordable levels. In return, investors receive tax credits paid in annual allotments, generally over 10 years. LIHTC-financed developments must keep the units rent restricted and available to low-income tenants for at least 30 years. Deadline: February 26
Annually, a portion of the Ohio Housing Trust Fund (OHTF) is set aside for the Special Projects Grant Program. This program, administered by the Ohio Department of Development, provides funding for special projects and innovative proposals that will principally benefit persons or households with incomes at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Deadline: February 28
The ArtsNEXT program provides competitive funding for innovative and experimental projects. Awards support big ideas that push boundaries, engage participants in unexpected ways, pilot new solutions to challenging problems, improve program design with calculated risk-taking, or result in the creation of new work. These forward-looking projects help define Ohio as an exciting, cutting-edge place to make, consume, and experience the arts. Applicants may request up to $25,000. All awards require a 1:1 cash match. ArtsNEXT grantees generally receive a portion of their request relative to their application score.
The Ohio New Markets Tax Credit program provides an incentive for investors to fund businesses in low-income communities. These "new markets" are traditionally underserved by private sector capital. This lack of capital stifles entrepreneurs and impedes growth, despite promising opportunities for investment and business expansion. The Program awards tax credit allocation authority to Community Development Entities (CDE) serving Ohio that serve as an intermediary between investors and projects. The investor provides cash to a CDE in exchange for the tax credit (39 percent of their investment claimed over seven years). The CDE uses the cash for projects in low-income communities.
The LIHTC is designed to finance a portion of the total development costs of a development via an up-front equity investment by an investor in exchange for the tax credit benefit. The amount of equity is the result of a calculation based upon the amount of eligible expenses and which the LIHTC type is claimed. 4% credits are considered non-competitive, meaning that as long as a development meets the program requirements, the development will be awarded LIHTCs. Developments seeking 4% credits receive an equity investment that amounts to approximately 30-40% of the development's total development cost. Due to the smaller equity investment, 4% LIHTC developments often require higher amounts of alternative funding streams to make the development viable.
The Residential Development Revolving Loan Fund (RDRLF) Program will make approximately $100 million in loans available to help communities fund critical infrastructure needed to support the construction of new single-family homes.
The program will provide low-interest loans to cover up to 50 percent of eligible infrastructure development, repair, or upgrade costs, with support of up to $30,000 per single-family home included in the project served by the new or improved infrastructure.
Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as long as funding remains available.
The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant programs provide funding for rural projects through local utility organizations. USDA provides zero-interest loans to local utilities which they, in turn, pass through to local businesses (ultimate recipients) for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas.
USDA provides grants to local utility organizations which use the funding to establish Revolving Loan Funds (RLF). Loans are made from the revolving loan fund to projects that will create or retain rural jobs. When the revolving loan fund is terminated, the grant is repaid to USDA. Deadline: Third Quarter, March 31; Fourth Quarter, June 30
The purpose of the fund is to assist in the preservation, restoration, and interpretation of historic interiors. Grants from the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors generally range from $2,500 to $15,000. The selection process is very competitive.
The fund aims to save historic environments in order to foster an appreciation of our nation’s diverse cultural heritage and to preserve and revitalize the livability of the nation’s communities. Grants from the Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation generally range from $2,500 to $15,000. The selection process is very competitive. Only Organizational Level Preservation Leadership Forum Members, Main Street America Community Members, and Main Street America General Members are eligible to receive funding from the Johanna Favrot Fund. Organizations do not need to have an active membership to apply for a grant, but selected grantees will be required to become members prior to the release of funds.
CSCI awards provide funding and technical assistance to advance community-based climate resilience in US communities or regions that are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The total grants budget is $1.5-2 million, and grants typically range from $75,000 to $115,000 based on the scope of work proposed in the application. CSCI anticipates awarding between 16-20 grants for the 2026 cycle. The program prioritizes funding for communities that include historically disinvested populations at increased risk to climate-related impacts. It is open to US-based project teams composed of a climate adaptation practitioner and representatives from a local or regional government entity and a community-based organization.
The Coalition’s Community Quarterback for Small Business Grant is designed to support nonprofit organizations located within 14 designated market areas that have a demonstrable track record or strong commitment to serving small businesses in under-resourced communities. The grant aims to equip and support local nonprofit organizations in their role as “community quarterback,” working to effectively build and strengthen their small business ecosystem using a community-centric approach.
T-Mobile is investing $25M in 500 rural towns over 5 years to jumpstart projects and build stronger communities. Grants can help upgrade tech at your local library, build new hiking trails, revitalize historic buildings, etc. Elected officials, town managers/employees, tribal leaders, or nonprofit community leaders from small towns with population less than 50,000 can apply. T-Mobile awards up to $50,000 for shovel-ready projects.
For over 20 years, the Peoples Bank Foundation has distributed contributions across our communities to foster a lasting impact and continue to increase support of local programs that help low to moderate-income individuals and families. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded $8 million in grants and scholarships. Deadline: Quarterly reviews are March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 1.
The CareSource Foundation funds programs that improve health outcomes and conditions for low-income, underserved populations in the communities where we live and work. They are especially interested in pilots and partnerships with local and national nonprofits that align with our areas of focus and foster learning and/or innovation.
The CareSource Foundation provides community grants: responsive grants strategically aligned with our focus areas and have a direct impact on the local needs of the states we serve. These grants are awarded year-round for a one-year period by CareSource Foundation committees established in each market. The Foundation primarily supports programs within the states CareSource does business.
Deadline: Grant requests are reviewed on an on-going basis.
In partnership with the City of Cincinnati and with generous support from additional funders, more than $750,000 will be available in grants of up to $25,000 each. Proposals are encouraged from small, community-rooted organizations with operating budgets under $1 million that actively involve community members in their decision-making and elevate the perspectives of those most directly affected by the issues they address.
The Boots on the Ground Fund seeks to provide support to organizations that have demonstrated experience and aim to address:
Homelessness prevention and access to affordable housing
Access to affordable, healthy foods – reduction of food deserts
Access to healthcare and public health
Workforce development
Youth development
Youth gun violence reduction and prevention
Mental and behavioral health, including substance use services
