Ohio History Fund Grants

Ohio History Fund Grants

Program Type: Competitive matching grants program

Status: Active (now in its 13th year as of 2024)

Geographic Scope: Ohio statewide

Funding Source: Funded through Ohio taxpayers' voluntary contributions via "Ohio History Fund" selection on Ohio state income tax returns (one of six tax check-off funds)

Program History:

Started in 2012

As of 2024, has awarded 136 total grants totaling more than $1.4 million

2023 awarded $185,624 in grants (12 grants)

2024 awarded $187,600 in grants (14 grants)

Focus Areas:

Historic preservation projects

Museum collections improvement and preservation

Archaeological collection preservation

Building restoration and stabilization

Digitization of historical materials and newspapers

Artifact storage and climate control

Accessibility improvements to historic sites

Educational programming related to local history

Window restoration

Masonry and structural repairs

What They Fund:

Collections management and storage improvements

Historic building restoration and repair

Museum accessibility upgrades

Digitization and archival projects

Educational programs in historic settings

Material conservation

Eligibility:

Local history and cultural organizations

Community history organizations

Museums

Historical societies

Matching grants program (requires local match)

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 614-297-2300 or 800-686-6124

Address: 800 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, OH 43211

Manager of Media and Public Relations: Neil Thompson (614-917-9348 or [email protected])

Standards & Guidelines:

Projects guided by Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties

Professional oversight required for many projects

Focus on sustainable and climate-appropriate solutions

Example Recent Recipients (2024):

American Sign Museum, Cincinnati: $7,804

Alliance Area Preservation Society, Alliance: $12,700

Dairy Barn Arts Center, Athens: $19,000

Mahoning Valley Historical Society, Youngstown: $19,000

Medina County District Library, Medina: $18,723

City of Niles: $18,981

Pro Football Hall of Fame, Canton: $3,552