Open Grants

Beginning in 2026, and as part of our Visioning Forward process, our grant periods have been changed, as well as the steps of the application process; see below. 

The Open Grant program is designed to make a positive lasting impact on student learning and teaching across Ohio. Any public school district, non-religious private school or non-profit organization working in conjunction with public schools, in any county of Ohio, can apply.

The typical size of an Open Grant is $15,000, but they can range from $4,000-$55,000. While providing a picture for the larger scope of the work is helpful, the Foundation only approves funds for one year. An organization may resubmit a proposal for continued funding based on the Final Evaluation report.

See the Grant Deadlines schedule

New dates!

GUIDELINES:

  1. All grant requests are reviewed through the lens of our tripodal approach, with priority given to proposals that demonstrate clear alignment with one or more of our strategic focus areas. Please review our grantmaking overview carefully to ensure your proposal aligns with our grantmaking strategy.

  2. Average grant amount: $15,000 (your budget total must match the budget requested from MHJF).

  3. Grants are awarded for a one-year period. While a broader project scope may be outlined, funding is approved on an annual basis. Organizations or districts may reapply for a grant only after submitting the Final Educational Report and Financial Report from any previously awarded grant.

  4. Organizations or districts may apply for a grant or a renewal grant only after they have submitted the Final Reports for any previously awarded grant.

APPLICATION STEPS:

Login to, or create, an account:

Log in to your organization’s existing account, or set up a new account, on our online application portal. All steps of the grant application process must be filled out in this portal.

New in 2026!

Eligibility Quiz:

The Eligibility Quiz is the first required step in our grant application process. All prospective applicants must complete the quiz to determine whether their organization is eligible to apply. Once you are logged in to the grant portal, you will be prompted to complete this first step.

  • If your organization is eligible, you will be directed to submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI); read on below.

  • If your organization is not eligible, you will be informed that you are unable to proceed at this time.

Letter Of Inquiry:

Organizations that pass the Eligibility Quiz may submit an Open Grants LOI (Letter of Inquiry). The LOI allows us to review requests at a high level and assess alignment with our current grantmaking priorities.

  • LOI submission deadlines: February 15, May 15, August 15, October 15.

  • Not all organizations that submit an LOI will be invited to submit a full application.

  • We will prioritize requests that we determine are closely aligned with our new grantmaking focus areas.

  • Applicants will typically be notified within 2–3 business days after submitting an LOI whether they are invited to apply.

  • Submitting your LOI earlier within the cycle gives you more timeto prepare a full application if invited.

A PREVIEW OF NEXT STEPS:

    1. If you are invited to apply after submitting your LOI, log in to your account on the online application portal to continue to the full grant application.

    2. Upload a signed Letter of Endorsement from a superintendent on district letterhead - this is required for every grant application. If you are an organization working with a public school, you must also upload a Letter of Endorsement from the Chief Executive of your organization.

    3. Submit the application by the deadline listed on our application deadlines schedule.

  • Congratulations! We look forward to seeing your project in action and are honored to support your great work.

    1. You must complete and submit the required Proposal Terms and Conditions, and then funding will be distributed.

    2. Grant monies awarded must be used within one year. You can re-apply for consecutive years of funding (renewal grant).

    3. Submit any required report/s by the deadline/s. All required reports must be submitted before applying for additional funding, regardless of their deadlines.

    1. You can re-apply for consecutive years of funding (a renewal grant).

    2. You must complete all the steps of the grant process, beginning with the Eligibility Quiz and the LOI.

    3. All required reports must be submitted before applying for additional funding, regardless of their deadlines.