Grants and Funding Opportunities

Federal and state grant programs are a valuable resource for counties. They offer a funding stream for specific projects that might otherwise have to be funded through the General Fund, if they would even be pursued at all. 

This page provides a listing of available grant programs through both the federal government and the state government. It will be updated as application windows open and close and as new programs are announced. If you are aware of a program that is not listed but you believe should be, please email Research Analyst Nick Ciolli.

If you have questions specific to a particular grant, please contact the CCAO Policy Team.

Two notes regarding the "Eligibility Criteria" column in the tables below: First, only the criteria under which county governments can apply are listed. An entry of "county governments" is not meant to imply that the grant is available to only counties. Second, some of the grant programs listed below may not be available to county governments. These are listed because, while the county itself may be unable to apply, other organizations such as non-profits may be able to, and the purpose of the grant is one of value that counties may recommend organizations apply for. These grants will be noted as such under the "Eligibility Criteria" column by the inclusion of "[non-county grant]".

State Grant Programs

Grant Program

Brief Summary

Eligibility Criteria

Amount Available

Application Due Date
BroadbandOhio Line Extension Program To defray the costs of line extension for houses that are set back from main roads.

Internet service providers

[NON-COUNTY GRANT]

 $200,000 remaining June 30, 2026
Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council Grant Programs A grouping of 16 individual programs intended to increase the quality of life of Ohioans with developmental disabilities. Broad availability, but entities serving individuals with developmental disabilities are best suited Varies by program, but all require a match of at least 33% July 10, 2026
Shine a Light on Dumpers Program To assist local governments in cleaning existing solid-waste dump sites and to take preventative action to deter future dumping. Counties and other local governments

Max awards: $100,000 (clean-up projects);

$20,000 (deterrence projects)

 July 31, 2026

 

Counties may also find the following links regarding how to use SAM.gov, the main federal intergovernmental assistance portal, useful: A presentation slide deck and the accompanying recording, as well as a one-page guide.

Federal grants often have broad eligibility criteria due to the diversity of local governments across the nation. If there are certain requirements that a government must meet, it is is noted; otherwise, "General Availability" denotes a program that most counties will be able to apply for.

Federal Grant Programs

Grant Program

Brief Summary

Eligibility Criteria

Amount Available

Application Due Date
Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program To improve railroad safety, efficiency, and reliability, to mitigate congest at both intercity passenger rail and freight rail choke points, and to enhance multi-modal connections. General Availability

Total available: $2 billion

Local match of at least 20% (limited exceptions apply)

 June 22, 2026
Defense Community Infrastructure Program To address deficiencies in community infrastructure supportive of a military installation. Counties in proximity to a military installation

Maximum award: $20 million

Local match of at least 30% (limited exceptions apply)

 June 25, 2026
Community Connect Grant Program To provide financial assistance to 
provide service at or above the broadband grant speed to all premises in rural, economically-
challenged communities where broadband service does not exist.		 General availability, but project area must be a rural area without broadband service.

$17 million available.

Local match of at least 15%

 June 29, 2026
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative – Joint Venture Habitat Restoration and Protection To assist in the protection, restoration, or enhancement of migratory bird habitats within the Great Lakes coastal zone. Particular focus on projects that address declining habitat types. General availability among entities along the Great Lakes, with favor for projects within 15 miles of the coastline

$800,000 available

Local match of at least 25%

 July 6, 2026
Automated Permitting Systems Demonstration Grant To support jurisdictions that will deploy automated building code permitting systems and partner with HUD to evaluate their applicability and effectiveness within real-world operating conditions. General availability

$3 million available

No match requirement

 July 13, 2026
Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program To assist law enforcement agencies in hiring and/or rehiring career sworn law enforcement officers to assist in community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. General availability for entities with law enforcement functions

$157.6 million available, maximum award of $6.3 million

Local match of at least 25%

 July 23, 2026
Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities Grants To support partnerships that will design and implement industry-driven training programs that will close skills gaps and boost the talent pipeline in critical sectors. General availability for entities within the jurisdiction of the Appalachian Regional Commission

$49.2 million available

No match requirement

 July 23, 2026
COPS Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Program To provide LEAs that do not have established law enforcement-specifc mental health and wellness programing with start-up funds to establish those supports. General availability for entities with law enforcement functions

$9 million available

No match requirement

 July 30, 2026
Title X Family Planning Services Grants To promote the general family planning programs and goals under Title X of the Public Health Service Act. General availability

Maximum award: $22 million

Local match of between 1% and 10%

 January 9, 2027

 

None at this time.