Ohio Department of Commerce announces 5 Financial Literacy Education Grant recipients
Ohioans across the state will soon have access to additional resources to gain knowledge and skills related to financial literacy education. This after the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions recently awarded a combined total of $53,150 to five organizations across the state through its Financial Literacy Education Grant Program for the 2027 fiscal year.
Funded through the Financial Literacy Education Fund, these grants support new and existing initiatives designed to close gaps in financial literacy education and help Ohioans build long-term economic stability. This work reflects the state’s continued commitment to strengthening financial education. In 2021, legislation signed by Governor Mike DeWine began requiring Ohio students entering the ninth grade to earn one-half credit in financial literacy as part of their graduation requirements.
“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.”
This year, the Division received a record-breaking 168 applications for Program funds. That surpasses last year’s record of 156 submitted applications, which was a 609% increase in applications from the 22 received during the 2025 fiscal year.
The following organizations have been awarded Ohio Financial Literacy Education Grants for the 2027 Fiscal Year.
• Candyland Children’s Museum (Portsmouth – Scioto County) – $25,000 Funds will support the Money Smart Kids Initiative, expanding access to financial literacy education for a diverse community of families, including those who may have limited opportunities to engage with traditional financial education resources. The initiative will feature structured programming, youth entrepreneurship activities, and a permanent interactive exhibit that uses real-world simulations to teach foundational financial concepts through hands-on, experiential learning.
• Lorain County Community Action Agency (Wellington – Lorain County) - $15,000 Funds will support the Lorain County Smart Start Finances program, which works to bridge the gap between the financial challenges residents face and the foundational money management skills they need to thrive. The program delivers comprehensive financial education to parents and at-risk young adults participating in the agency’s work experience program.
• St. Marys Community Public Library (St. Marys – Auglaize County) – $6,400 Funds will support the Financial Empowerment Hub, which provides budgeting, saving, credit management, and long-term financial planning education for youth, young adults entering the workforce, and low- to moderate-income households. The program offers inclusive, hands-on resources and age-appropriate activities to build practical skills such as managing expenses, understanding credit, and preparing for postsecondary education.
• Child Focus (Cincinnati – Hamilton County) – $6,000 Funds will support families in achieving long-term stability through structured financial literacy education using the Money 101 curriculum. Participants will examine their relationship with money, create a spending plan, and understand their debt, expenses, and related ratios. The program delivers engaging, skills-based instruction that equips families with practical financial tools and helps prevent future financial crises.
• Plymouth High School (Plymouth – Richland County) – $750 Funds will be used to help students build confidence in budgeting and planning for long-term goals through structured, standards-aligned instruction. The program will implement Ramsey Education’s Foundations in Personal Finance curriculum to create a cohesive, semester-long course, replacing previously fragmented and isolated lessons.