National Days of Service Funding: ServeOhio Day Grant

National Days of Service Funding: ServeOhio Day Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: ServeOhio
Last Updated: March 03, 2026

Summary

ServeOhio offers grants for community service projects tied to National Days of Service, including Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and ServeOhio Day. These grants support initiatives that enhance community infrastructure through youth engagement. Eligible organizations in Ohio can apply for funding between $250 and $1,500, with a focus on educational components. Preference is given to applicants not currently funded by ServeOhio, aiming to foster impactful community involvement and service.

Overview

National Days of Service Funding ServeOhio provides grants to support community service projects organized for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service (January), Global Youth Service Day (April), ServeOhio Day (June), and Make a Difference Day (October). Non-profit and public organizations in Ohio including, but not limited to, volunteer connector organizations, K-12 school buildings and districts, community colleges, universities, and local governments are eligible to apply. ServeOhio Day Project Grant Competition ServeOhio Day intentionally takes place on summer solstice in June, the day in the year with the longest period of daylight, to maximize participation in a number of service projects ranging from educating youth about summer safety to community clean-ups. Purpose The primary intent is to support projects or a series of projects that create or improve community assets or infrastructure, such as parks, schools, senior centers, community gardens or low-income homes through youth volunteer engagement. Projects may span multiple days throughout the project window. Projects should be collaborative in nature, involve a broad spectrum of community participants, and benefit the larger community. All projects must include an educational component to help volunteers learn more about the issue they’re impacting and the community/population they’re serving. Examples might include a brief training, inviting community members and leaders to participate and speak to the group, or a facilitated discussion of the issues affecting the community. Funding Depending on amounts requested, an estimated five to ten grants will be awarded. There is no matching requirement for these grants. Consistent with the approved project budget, funds may be used for: Supplies/materials Volunteer Support Funds requested should be commensurate with the number of volunteers engaged; the higher the grant request, the higher number of volunteers that should be engaged in the project. The primary purpose of the grant is to support the project(s), therefore no more than 20% of the total funding request should be allocated to volunteer support costs. For example, if requesting $1,000, no more than $200 should be budgeted for volunteer support. Supplies/materials may include small equipment (useful life of two years or more) up to $100 unit cost. All awards will be paid by reimbursement upon submission of the project report and documentation of expenditures.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Non-profit and public organizations in Ohio including, but not limited to, volunteer connector organizations, K-12 school buildings and districts, community colleges, universities, and local governments are eligible to apply. AmeriCorps members are encouraged to be involved in planning, leading, and serving on the day of service.

Ineligibility

Funds may not be used for staffing, travel costs, gift cards, awards, or grantee administration/overhead costs. Because the source of funds may be federal, AmeriCorps members may not apply for these funds directly.