COLUMBUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions has selected eight organizations across the state to receive a combined total of $50,000 through its Financial Literacy Education Grant Program for the 2026 fiscal year.

The grants, funded through the Financial Literacy Education Fund, aim to support new and existing programs that address gaps in financial literacy education, fostering long-term economic success. These initiatives align with the state’s ongoing efforts to prioritize financial literacy education, which includes a 2021 law requiring Ohio students entering ninth grade to earn a half-credit in financial literacy for graduation.

“These grants are critical to helping ensure the next generation of Ohioans is equipped with the education and skills they need to understand the complexities of finances, which is vital to achieving financial security and prosperity,” said Sherry Maxfield, Director of the Ohio Department of Commerce. “We extend our gratitude to these and the many other organizations across the state for the important work they are doing to educate and prepare Ohio’s youth to lead fulfilling and successful lives, which will help to further strengthen Ohio in the years to come.”

The division reported a record-setting 156 applications this year, a 609% increase from the 22 applications submitted last year, highlighting the growing demand for financial education.

The following organizations have been awarded Ohio Financial Literacy Education Grants for the 2026 Fiscal Year:

  • Toledo Zoo and Aquarium (Toledo) – $2,500: Funds will support a program providing life skills classes for teens with disabilities, including money management and budgeting.
  • Kiducation Community Center (Wellsville) – $6,150: Funds will support financial literacy and youth entrepreneurship programs, including a youth-led farmers market.
  • DoverPhila Federal Credit Union (Dover) – $13,000: Funds will support financial education workshops and tools for students, families, and educators.
  • Alpaugh Family Economic Center (Cincinnati) – $6,850: Funds will support educating students in financial decision-making through programs like the Student Enterprise Program and Stock Market Game.
  • Columbus Urban League (Columbus) – $7,000: Funds will launch a summer financial literacy series for teens entering the workforce, focusing on budgeting, savings, and investment basics.
  • BBB Marketplace Education Initiative (Akron) – $2,500: Funds will educate teens on scam prevention and financial safety through the TeenSmart program.
  • Breadwinners Academy (Cleveland) – $5,000: Funds will help deliver semester-long financial literacy programs to students at John F. Kennedy High School, focusing on financial planning and asset-building.
  • Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio, Eastern Ohio, and OKI Partners (Cincinnati) – $7,000: Funds will enhance engagement of approximately 2,400 students across a 47-county footprint with financial literacy programs covering budgeting, saving, and credit management.