Ohio Awards $53,150 in Financial Literacy Grants to Five Organizations

COLUMBUS, Ohio, August 7, 2026 — The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions has awarded $53,150 to five organizations across the state through the Financial Literacy Education Grant Program for fiscal year 2027. The grants will fund programs designed to improve access to financial education for students, families, and community members while supporting initiatives focused on personal finance skills, money management, and financial empowerment. The awards were provided through the Financial Literacy Education Fund, which supports both new and existing programs designed to address gaps in financial literacy education across Ohio.

“These grants play a critical role in ensuring Ohio’s next generation has the knowledge and tools needed to navigate today’s financial landscape,” said Ohio Division of Financial Institutions Interim Superintendent Ingrid White. “We are grateful for the work these organizations, and many others across the state, are doing to empower Ohio’s youth. Their efforts are helping to prepare students for successful futures and contribute to a stronger Ohio.” The grant awards come after Ohio introduced a financial literacy requirement in 2021, when Gov. Mike DeWine signed legislation making one-half credit in financial literacy a graduation requirement for students entering ninth grade. The requirement reflects the state’s focus on helping young people understand budgeting, saving, investing, credit, and other financial concepts before entering adulthood.

State Funding Supports Financial Education Programs

The Financial Literacy Education Grant Program provides funding for organizations developing financial education initiatives across Ohio. This year’s recipients include community organizations, libraries, museums, and schools that will use grant funding to create learning opportunities for different age groups. Candyland Children’s Museum in Portsmouth, located in Scioto County, received the largest award of $25,000 to support the Money Smart Kids Initiative, which introduces children to financial concepts through educational activities. Lorain County Community Action Agency in Wellington received $15,000 for the Lorain County Smart Start Finances program, which will provide resources related to personal finance management and financial planning.

St. Marys Community Public Library in St. Marys received $6,400 for the Financial Empowerment Hub, providing community members with access to financial education resources through library-based programming. Child Focus in Cincinnati received $6,000 for the Money 101 curriculum, which will help families develop knowledge related to personal finance and financial stability. Plymouth High School in Plymouth received $750 to implement Ramsey Education’s Foundations in Personal Finance curriculum, giving students classroom instruction on essential personal finance topics. Together, the five programs represent different methods of delivering financial education, from youth activities and classroom learning to community-based resources.

Photo credit: Candyland Children’s Museum

Grant Applications Increase Across Ohio 

The Division of Financial Institutions received 168 applications for this year’s Financial Literacy Education Grant Program, exceeding the 156 applications submitted during the previous year. The number also represents a significant increase from the 22 applications received during the 2025 fiscal year, demonstrating greater interest among organizations seeking funding for financial literacy initiatives. Schools, nonprofit organizations, libraries, and community groups have sought additional resources to provide financial education opportunities for students and residents across the state.

Financial literacy programs help individuals make informed decisions about spending, saving, borrowing, and long-term financial planning. By funding organizations at the local level, Ohio’s grant program allows communities to create educational resources that reflect the needs of the people they serve. The state’s financial literacy graduation requirement has also increased demand for classroom materials and learning programs that help students meet academic requirements while gaining knowledge relevant to everyday financial decisions.

Organizations Expand Local Financial Literacy Opportunities

The five grant recipients represent different regions of Ohio and serve a variety of audiences, including children, students, families, and community members. Candyland Children’s Museum’s Money Smart Kids Initiative will introduce younger learners to financial concepts through interactive experiences, while the Lorain County Smart Start Finances program will provide financial education resources for individuals seeking greater knowledge about managing personal finances. These programs demonstrate how financial literacy education can be delivered through different community settings.

Libraries and schools remain important locations for financial education access. St. Marys Community Public Library’s Financial Empowerment Hub and Plymouth High School’s Foundations in Personal Finance curriculum demonstrate how educational institutions can provide residents and students with opportunities to learn about money management. Child Focus will use its Money 101 curriculum funding to help families gain knowledge related to budgeting, saving, and other financial topics. Through these grants, Ohio is providing resources for organizations working to increase access to financial education and help residents develop financial skills for everyday decisions.