Grants

Ohio Attorney General’s FY2Y Project Based School Safety Grant

Every eligible school organization is eligible for a program-based grant of up to $40,000, until the funds are exhausted.

Ohio school leaders can now apply for a share of appoximately $4 million in grants for safety-related projects for the 2026-27 academic year.  It is believed that projects will be evaluated based on a competitive nature along with preference being given to first-come, first-serve.

Ohio Attorney General’s FY27 Formula Based School Safety Grant

Every eligible school organization is eligible for a formula-based grant of $2,500 or $4.50 per student, whichever amount is greater until the funds are exhausted.

Slightly over $5 million is available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Can be used on virtually anything safety related; security equipment, security supplies, security training and security assessments are all generally covered.

The contact for this grant is Mary Cannon at SchoolSafetyGrants@OhioAGO.gov.

EPA DERA School Bus Replacement Grant

Competitive Federal Funding for Replacement Diesel, Propane, Gasoline, Natural Gas, and Electric School Buses

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced approximately $180 million in competitive funding through its 2026 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) National Grant Program. Eligible projects include school bus replacements, engine upgrades, and certain emissions-reduction technologies, with funding generally covering 25%–45% of eligible vehicle replacement costs. EPA anticipates a limited number of awards nationwide, and applications require substantial preparation. Interested districts are encouraged to evaluate their fleet eligibility, potential emissions reductions, and available matching funds. Applications are due January 22, 2027.

Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit

The Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit is available for qualified AFV fueling property installed in qualified locations on or after January 1, 2023, and through December 31, 2032. A single item of 30C property is each charging port or fuel dispenser, as well as each energy storage property for electricity, hydrogen, natural gas, propane, E85, or biodiesel blends of at least 20% (B20+). Components and parts that are essential to the operation of the charging port or fuel dispenser, including labor costs for constructing and installing the property, are also eligible for the 30C credit. Businesses are eligible for a tax credit of:

• 6% of the depreciable costs, up to $100,000 per item; or,
• 30% of the depreciable costs, up to $100,000 per item, if the installation meets U.S. Department of
• Labor prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements.

Additional requirements may apply. For further details, see the IRS Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 website and IRS Form 8911, which is available on the IRS Forms and Publications website. Additional location eligibility information is available in the IRS Guidance on Satisfying the Geographical Requirements of the Section 30C Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit. For more information, including frequently asked questions and an eligibility locator map, see the Argonne National Laboratory Refueling Infrastructure Tax Credit website.

(Reference 26 U.S. Code 30C, 30D, 38, and 6417 and Public Law 117-169)

Energy Conservation Project Grants

The Ohio Schools Council is here to support your energy conservation efforts. With several grants and direct tax payment incentives currently available—and more on the way—you have the opportunity to fund a wide range of energy projects.

BWC Safety Grants Program FY27

The Ohio BWC’s FY27 Safety Grant Program is now accepting applications. However, due to high demand in previous years, the application window may close without notice. We strongly encourage early submission, as funds are limited and not guaranteed.

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) recently announced the reopening of their Safety Grants Program for FY27.

It is not known how long the FY27 monies will be available.

The BWC has two major grants available. Both of these grants are for up to $40,000 every three years. These grants are 3:1 match, which means that for every $3 BWC provides, you must match $1.

The School Safety and Security Grant provides a wide variety of security and safe equipment, such as radios, panic buttons, access control, security cameras, bollards, etc. In addition, it has been recently modified to include a wide variety of HVAC improvements/upgrades: Learn more here.

The Safety Intervention Grant provides equipment for the purpose of reducing workers comp claims: Learn more here.

For general questions about the grants, you can contact the BWC Division of Safety & Hygiene Safety Grant Programs at:

Phone: 1-800-644-6292

E-Mail: DSHSG@bwc.state.oh.us

Salad Bars to Schools Grant Program

Installing salad bars in schools can have a powerful impact on student health and environmental sustainability.

Salad Bars to Schools was created in response to the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010, championed by former First Lady Michelle Obama, which modernized federal school meal standards by requiring schools to serve students at least a half cup of fruit or vegetables with breakfast and lunch. While salad bars offer an effective way for schools to meet these federal standards, chronic underfunding of school food programs and historic divestment in kitchen infrastructure left many schools unable to afford salad bar equipment.

To bridge this gap, the Chef Ann Foundation, National Fruit and Vegetable Alliance, United Fresh Start Foundation, and Whole Foods Market launched the Salad Bars to Schools program to donate salad bar equipment, recipes, and training resources to schools across the country.

Since 2010, the program has donated over 6,000 salad bars, providing more than 3 million children with more access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Today, Salad Bars to Schools is operated by the Chef Ann Foundation with support from the Whole Foods Market Foundation.

Ohio Attorney General’s FY2Y Project Based School Safety Grant

Every eligible school organization is eligible for a program-based grant of up to $40,000, until the funds are exhausted.

Ohio school leaders can now apply for a share of appoximately $4 million in grants for safety-related projects for the 2026-27 academic year.  It is believed that projects will be evaluated based on a competitive nature along with preference being given to first-come, first-serve.

Ohio Attorney General’s FY27 Formula Based School Safety Grant

Every eligible school organization is eligible for a formula-based grant of $2,500 or $4.50 per student, whichever amount is greater until the funds are exhausted.

Slightly over $5 million is available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Can be used on virtually anything safety related; security equipment, security supplies, security training and security assessments are all generally covered.

The contact for this grant is Mary Cannon at SchoolSafetyGrants@OhioAGO.gov.

Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit

The Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit is available for qualified AFV fueling property installed in qualified locations on or after January 1, 2023, and through December 31, 2032. A single item of 30C property is each charging port or fuel dispenser, as well as each energy storage property for electricity, hydrogen, natural gas, propane, E85, or biodiesel blends of at least 20% (B20+). Components and parts that are essential to the operation of the charging port or fuel dispenser, including labor costs for constructing and installing the property, are also eligible for the 30C credit. Businesses are eligible for a tax credit of:

• 6% of the depreciable costs, up to $100,000 per item; or,
• 30% of the depreciable costs, up to $100,000 per item, if the installation meets U.S. Department of
• Labor prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements.

Additional requirements may apply. For further details, see the IRS Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 website and IRS Form 8911, which is available on the IRS Forms and Publications website. Additional location eligibility information is available in the IRS Guidance on Satisfying the Geographical Requirements of the Section 30C Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit. For more information, including frequently asked questions and an eligibility locator map, see the Argonne National Laboratory Refueling Infrastructure Tax Credit website.

(Reference 26 U.S. Code 30C, 30D, 38, and 6417 and Public Law 117-169)

Energy Conservation Project Grants

The Ohio Schools Council is here to support your energy conservation efforts. With several grants and direct tax payment incentives currently available—and more on the way—you have the opportunity to fund a wide range of energy projects.

Ohio Attorney General’s FY2Y Project Based School Safety Grant

Every eligible school organization is eligible for a program-based grant of up to $40,000, until the funds are exhausted.

Ohio school leaders can now apply for a share of appoximately $4 million in grants for safety-related projects for the 2026-27 academic year.  It is believed that projects will be evaluated based on a competitive nature along with preference being given to first-come, first-serve.

Ohio Attorney General’s FY27 Formula Based School Safety Grant

Every eligible school organization is eligible for a formula-based grant of $2,500 or $4.50 per student, whichever amount is greater until the funds are exhausted.

Slightly over $5 million is available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Can be used on virtually anything safety related; security equipment, security supplies, security training and security assessments are all generally covered.

The contact for this grant is Mary Cannon at SchoolSafetyGrants@OhioAGO.gov.

BWC Safety Grants Program FY27

The Ohio BWC’s FY27 Safety Grant Program is now accepting applications. However, due to high demand in previous years, the application window may close without notice. We strongly encourage early submission, as funds are limited and not guaranteed.

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) recently announced the reopening of their Safety Grants Program for FY27.

It is not known how long the FY27 monies will be available.

The BWC has two major grants available. Both of these grants are for up to $40,000 every three years. These grants are 3:1 match, which means that for every $3 BWC provides, you must match $1.

The School Safety and Security Grant provides a wide variety of security and safe equipment, such as radios, panic buttons, access control, security cameras, bollards, etc. In addition, it has been recently modified to include a wide variety of HVAC improvements/upgrades: Learn more here.

The Safety Intervention Grant provides equipment for the purpose of reducing workers comp claims: Learn more here.

For general questions about the grants, you can contact the BWC Division of Safety & Hygiene Safety Grant Programs at:

Phone: 1-800-644-6292

E-Mail: DSHSG@bwc.state.oh.us

EPA DERA School Bus Replacement Grant

Competitive Federal Funding for Replacement Diesel, Propane, Gasoline, Natural Gas, and Electric School Buses

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced approximately $180 million in competitive funding through its 2026 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) National Grant Program. Eligible projects include school bus replacements, engine upgrades, and certain emissions-reduction technologies, with funding generally covering 25%–45% of eligible vehicle replacement costs. EPA anticipates a limited number of awards nationwide, and applications require substantial preparation. Interested districts are encouraged to evaluate their fleet eligibility, potential emissions reductions, and available matching funds. Applications are due January 22, 2027.

Transportation Grant – The Ohio Department of Taxation

The Ohio Department of Taxation offers a Motor Fuel Tax Refund Claim Form, providing an avenue to recoup a portion of the taxes paid on qualifying fuel purchases.

Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit

The Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit is available for qualified AFV fueling property installed in qualified locations on or after January 1, 2023, and through December 31, 2032. A single item of 30C property is each charging port or fuel dispenser, as well as each energy storage property for electricity, hydrogen, natural gas, propane, E85, or biodiesel blends of at least 20% (B20+). Components and parts that are essential to the operation of the charging port or fuel dispenser, including labor costs for constructing and installing the property, are also eligible for the 30C credit. Businesses are eligible for a tax credit of:

• 6% of the depreciable costs, up to $100,000 per item; or,
• 30% of the depreciable costs, up to $100,000 per item, if the installation meets U.S. Department of
• Labor prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements.

Additional requirements may apply. For further details, see the IRS Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 website and IRS Form 8911, which is available on the IRS Forms and Publications website. Additional location eligibility information is available in the IRS Guidance on Satisfying the Geographical Requirements of the Section 30C Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit. For more information, including frequently asked questions and an eligibility locator map, see the Argonne National Laboratory Refueling Infrastructure Tax Credit website.

(Reference 26 U.S. Code 30C, 30D, 38, and 6417 and Public Law 117-169)

Energy Conservation Project Grants

The Ohio Schools Council is here to support your energy conservation efforts. With several grants and direct tax payment incentives currently available—and more on the way—you have the opportunity to fund a wide range of energy projects.