The Ohio History Fund application deadline for 2023 is fast approaching. Here is a quick overview of the program and a link to where to get complete details.
The Ohio History Connection has established the Ohio History Fund, a competitive matching grant program, to satisfy an immense demand for financing local, regional, and statewide initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting Ohio’s history. Since its inception in 2012, the fund has received close to 500 applications, amounting to more than $5 million in grant requests. Supported primarily by voluntary donations from Ohio residents, contributions come from various sources, including parts of Ohio income tax refunds, purchasing Ohio History “mastodon” license plates, and direct donations to the Ohio History Connection. The number and size of the grants fluctuate yearly, depending on the previous year’s donations.
Eligible Applicants:
- Ohio-based nonprofit organizations in good standing, as determined by the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office.
- Public entities within Ohio, such as local government units, public libraries, and educational institutions.
- Nonprofit organizations that operate Ohio History Connection sites under “site management agreements” can apply under their own names, though specific functions and fiscal responsibilities under these agreements aren’t eligible for grants.
- Some examples of eligible applicants are local historical societies, historic preservation groups, public libraries, genealogical societies, university archives and special collections, archeological societies, county records management offices, and incorporated “friends” groups related to the above.
Ineligible Applicants:
- For-profit businesses and entities, private individuals, current History Fund grant recipients with ongoing projects, and the Ohio History Connection itself.
- Ineligible applicants may act as paid contractors to those awarded grants but cannot apply directly.
- Ohio History Connection staff or programs cannot be contractors for History Fund projects, nor can the staff endorse projects for funding.
- Organizations can only have one grant at a time. If they have an open project with the History Fund, they must wait until the first grant is closed to apply again.
Eligible Activities for Funding:
- Bricks & Mortar:
- This includes the rehabilitation, restoration, protection, or acquisition of historic properties and archaeological sites.
- Building work or construction directly related to preserving historical or archival collections, ensuring any additions do not destroy historic materials that characterize the property.
- Organizational Development:
- Grants in this category aim to build organizational capacity.
- They can include training for board and staff, professional assistance with organizational issues, governance structure improvements, volunteer or membership program development, and strategic plans or assessments.
- Programs & Collections:
- This broad category covers various projects that promote the study, recording, interpretation, and dissemination of historical information.
- Eligible projects might include public programs, exhibits, care and management of archival materials and artifacts, digitization of collections, oral history, archaeological work, nominations of historic sites, historic preservation plans or feasibility studies, mobile or online applications, walking tours, and events.
A complete overview of the Ohio History Fund and how to apply can be accessed here.
