Ohio History Fund Grants: Programs & Collections Grant

Ohio History Fund Grants: Programs & Collections Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Ohio History Connection
Amount: US $2,000 - US $20,000
Last Updated: August 04, 2025

Summary

The Ohio History Fund Grants support history-related projects through a competitive matching grant program. Non-profit organizations and local government entities in Ohio can apply for funding ranging from $2,000 to $20,000. Eligible projects include public programs, exhibits, and conservation efforts. The grant covers 60% of total costs, with a 2-year project length. This initiative aims to enhance community engagement and preserve Ohio's rich history, showcasing the importance of local heritage.

Overview

The Ohio History Fund is a competitive matching grant program that annually awards grants for history-related projects. Eligible applicants include a wide range of non-profit organizations and local government entities. The Ohio History Fund is also a way for Ohioans to support community history. All the money we grant is voluntarily contributed by you! Most funding comes from contributions of portions of state income refunds, which you make using your donations to the Ohio History Connection are ever-increasing sources of grant support, too. ince its inception in 2012 and first round of grants in 2013, the fund has awarded 110 grants in half of Ohio's 88 counties totaling over $1 Million as of March 2022. However, the Ohio History Fund has received 474 applications for a total of more than $5.7 million in requests - proving there is a great need for this grant program! Programs & Collections Grants Programs & Collections encompasses a variety of projects that further the study, recordation, interpretation, publication and dissemination of historical information, engagement of communities in history, or conservation of historical collections and archives. Projects funded under this broad category can include, but are not limited to, public programs, exhibits, care and management of archival materials and artifacts, digitization of collections, oral history, archeological/architectural/historical surveys, archaeological field work, nominations of historic buildings and sites to the National Register of Historic Places, preparation of historic preservation plans or feasibility studies, mobile or online applications, walking tours, and events. Requirements: Grant Minimum: $2,000Grant Maximum: $20,000 Project Length: 2 yearsMatch Requirement: 60/40. The grant will pay 60% of a project's total cost, and the applicant will be responsible for a 40% match. For example: for a $10,000 project, the History Fund would provide $6,000. The applicant’s match would be $4,000.Funds Distribution: 50% of the grant amount at the beginning of the project. Remainder paid upon completion of the project, pending approval of the final report.

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Ohio-based, nonprofit organizations in good standing    Public entities in Ohio, such as units of local government, public libraries, and educational institutionsOrganizations operating Ohio History Connection sites under “site management agreements” are eligible to apply under their own names. Functions and fiscal responsibilities assigned to the Ohio History Connection under site management agreements are not eligible for grants from the History Fund. Examples of eligible applicants include, but are not limited to local historical societies, public libraries, genealogical societies, university archives and special collections, historic preservation groups, archeological societies, county records management offices, and incorporated “friends” groups of any of the above.

Ineligibility

Ineligible applicants include for-profit businesses and entities, private individuals, and the Ohio History Connection.Ineligible applicants may serve as contractors to grant awardees but are not eligible to apply for History Fund grants directly.Ohio History Connection staff or programs shall not serve as contractors for a History Fund projects. The Ohio History Connection staff shall not endorse projects for funding.One grant per organization at a time:  otherwise eligible grantees that have an open grant with the History Fund are not eligible to apply for a second History Fund grant until the first grant has been closed (i.e. the History Fund has accepted the grantee’s final report).Kinds of costs are ineligible for History Fund grant assistance:Acquisition of historical materials for an institution’s collection. Buildings – moving or reconstructing: Cost of moving historic buildings, generally. (Contact the Ohio History Connection if you are contemplating such a project.) Cost of reconstructing historic buildings. Buildings – remodeling: Projects to remodel or modernize building interiors unrelated to the guidelines above. For example, general maintenance and redecorating are not eligible. Copyright: Projects that would convert to a digital format to which the applicants' institution does not hold the copyright. Materials must no longer be restricted by copyright. The applicant must hold copyright or document that copyright has been turned over to the organization or ceded to the public domain. Costs of operation include utilities, security system maintenance fees, groundskeeping, hosting services for website, digital image storage, etc. Public works of art, including monuments, sculptures, and murals that do not address Ohio history and the goals of the History Fund (see above section). Equipment: Purchase of equipment not related to accomplishing a specific project goal. Historical markers: Grants to erect or repair Ohio Historical Markers. For grants for markers, see www.remarkableohio.org. Honoraria when the primary intent is to confer distinction. Insurance costs, unless shown as a match for an event or program. Interest and debt payments. Direct lobbying or fundraising. Mitigation costs (under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act). Oral history does not focus on a particular subject or theme. Contact the Ohio History Connection if you have a question about whether an activity is eligible for funding.