Nationwide Foundation – Community Impact Grants (2026)

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Grants Supporting Food Security, Children’s Wellbeing, Crisis Stability, and Economic Empowerment
Application Window: June 1 – September 1, 2026

The Nationwide Foundation provides grant funding to nonprofit organizations that improve quality of life in communities where Nationwide associates, members, and partners live and work. Funding decisions are guided by a Community Impact Model that prioritizes organizations delivering direct, measurable community benefit.

Organization: Nationwide Foundation
Support Type: General operating support, program/project support; limited capital support (case-by-case)
Geographic Focus:

Columbus (Metro), OH
Des Moines, IA
Gainesville, FL
Raleigh, NC
San Antonio, TX
Scottsdale/Phoenix (Metro), AZ
Wausau, WI

About the Funder

Since 2000, the Nationwide Foundation has contributed over $700 million to nonprofits addressing critical community needs. The Foundation’s mission is to improve quality of life in communities with a significant Nationwide presence, with a strong emphasis on children, families, and economic stability.

Strategic Impact Areas

Nationwide Foundation grants support organizations working in four core areas:

Children’s Wellbeing

Child advocacy
Mental and behavioral health
Pediatric clinical care and research

Food Security

Agriculture education and research
Food sourcing and distribution
Youth development related to food access

Crisis Stabilization

Disaster relief
Domestic violence services
Mental and behavioral health supports

Social & Economic Empowerment

Education
Economic mobility
Housing and homelessness

Arts & Culture organizations and Higher Education institutions are by invitation only.

What This Program Funds

General operating support
Project and/or program support
Capital support (limited; considered case-by-case)

Eligibility & Key Requirements

Applicants must:

Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Operate within one of Nationwide Foundation’s eligible communities
Provide direct services (local chapters preferred over national organizations)
Attend a mandatory grant training prior to applying

⚠️ Important:
Eligible applicants may submit one application per year, only between June 1 and September 1. No exceptions are made.

What Is Not Funded

The Nationwide Foundation does not fund:

Organizations that discriminate against protected classes
Veterans, labor, religious, or fraternal groups (unless serving the broader community)
Re-granting organizations (except United Way)
Public or private K–12 schools
Athletic teams, bands, choirs
Individuals
Lobbying or advocacy
Fundraising events or sponsorships
Debt reduction, endowments, or travel

Timeline & Application Window

📅 Mandatory Grant Training: Required before applying
📅 Application Opens: June 1, 2026
📅 Application Deadline: September 1, 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET)
(Deadline does not shift if it falls on a weekend or holiday.)

Application / Request Process

All applications must be submitted through the Nationwide Foundation’s online grants portal after completing the mandatory training.

Apply / Learn More:
➡️ https://www.nationwide.com/personal/about-us/giving/nationwide-foundation/

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

This program is a strong fit for organizations that:

Serve communities within Nationwide’s core geographies
Focus on children, food access, crisis response, or economic mobility
Can demonstrate measurable outcomes and community impact
Are seeking flexible funding, including general operating support

Corporate Grants Guide Notes
Review Type: Competitive, annual
Application Window: June 1 – September 1
Best Suited For: Local nonprofits addressing essential community needs in Nationwide markets