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

Rural EMS and Dispatch Modernization Grant Program To improve emergency medical services (EMS), public safety communications, and emergency dispatch capabilities in rural communities. The project is intended to strengthen emergency response systems through investments in technology, workforce development, communications infrastructure, and innovative models of care PSAPs, emergency dispatch centers, EMS, and Fire serving rural areas

$12 million available

October 6, 2026
Body-Worn Camera Grant Program To assist law enforcement agencies in establishing a body-worn camera program or to acquire body cameras and associated technology.

Law enforcement agencies.

Cannot be used to support Corrections.

$5 million available

October 7, 2026
Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Grant Program To provide funding for the demolition of commercial and residential buildings and revitalization of surrounding properties on sites that are not brownfields.

The designated lead agency in each county

(Listed in "Lead Agency List")

$21.5 million available

October 16. 2026
MARCS Grant To assist volunteer fire departments and small fire departments in acquiring systems and equipment to integrate into the Multi-Agency Radio Communication System.

Volunteer fire departments and fire departments serving areas with less than 25,000 residents

[non-county grant]

Maximum award: $50,000

October 24, 2026
H2Ohio Conservation Ditch Grant Program To provide reimbursement for the construction of two-stage and self-forming conservation ditches. Soil and water conservation districts and county engineers

Unspecified

Reimbursement model

June 1, 2027
(Rolling until)

 

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

Upholding the Rule of Law and Preventing Wrong Convictions Program To enhance wrongful conviction review entities and to prevent future wrongful convictions. General availability

$5.4 million available

No match required

November 2, 2026
DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program To increase capacity for existing crime labs to process DNA samples for entry into CODIS. General availability to entities with crime labs.

$4.9 million available

No match required

November 3, 2026
Family Treatment Court Program (New Courts) To support the implementation of family treatment courts. General availability to entities without a family treatment court.

Maximum award: $850,000

Local match of at least 25%.

November 16, 2026
Family Treatment Court Program (Existing Courts) To support the expansion of family treatment courts. General availability to entities with a preexisting family treatment court.

Maximum award: $750,000

Local match of at least 25%.

November 16, 2026
Opioid Affected Youth Initiative To reduce violent crime and overdose deaths through prevention, intervention, and treatment strategies. General availability

$8.9 million available

No match required

November 16, 2026
Expanding Youth Access to Community-Based Treatment To support the development and expansion of community-based treatment programs serving youth. General availability

$4.0 million available

No match required

November 16, 2026
Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence To improve communities' ability to help children exposed to violence in their homes, schools, and communities. General availability

$7.3 million available

No match required

November 16, 2026
Juvenile Justice System Enhancements To improve the cost-effectiveness of the juvenile justice system by implementing targeted solutions to high-cost crime drivers. General availability

$4.0 million available

No match required

November 16, 2026
Mentoring for Youth Impacted by Opioids and Substance Use To support high-quality mentoring services for youth currently using or dependent on substances, as well as youth with close family members using or dependent on substances. General availability

$16.5 million available

No match required

November 16, 2026
Strengthening Operations to Reduce Crime and Recidivism To support projects that address one or more urgent local justice system challenges. General availability

$12.7 million available

No match required

November 20, 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.