The Ohio Historical Society's History Fund is a matching grants program funded by voluntary contributions via Ohioans' state income tax returns and by gifts to the Ohio Historical Society designated to the History Fund. Tax year 2011 marked its first year of operation, making it one of four "tax check-off" funds found on Ohio's personal income tax form. It is currently the only such fund dedicated to supporting history-related projects.
Congratulations to the 2013 History Fund grant recipients!
The first ever recipients of the History Fund grants were announced at the Statehood Day event at the Statehouse on February 27, 2013. For a complete list of recipients and brief descriptions of the funded projects, read our news release.
Donate to the History Fund.
To sustain the History Fund, the Ohio Historical Society needs your help. You can again donate part of your income tax refund from 2012 to the program using your Ohio tax return. Look for "Ohio Historical Society" on line 25b of Form IT-1040 or line 18b of Form IT-1040EZ.
Still want to support the History Fund, but not receiving an Ohio tax refund? Click here for a downloadable contribution form.
OHS needs your help to promote contributions to the History Fund! Click here for an article you can "copy and paste" into your organization's newsletter or website.
About History Fund Grants
History Fund grants are competitive and require a match from recipients. Eligible history projects fall into one of three broad grant categories: "Organizational Development," "Programs & Collections," and "Bricks & Mortar." A body of representatives from history-related organizations across Ohio make grant recommendations, and the Ohio Historical Society provides program support and administration.
Learn more about History Fund grants. The Guidelines for the program describe eligibility, allowable projects, and criteria for grant awards.
The application process is online. Check back in June for a link to 2013's application and deadline. (The deadline for last year's applications was October 29, 2012.) Click here for a link to last year's grant application. For a PDF of this application, click here.
Click here for application form instructions. (These instructions can also be viewed on the application website when it goes live.)