The History Fund's mission focuses on supporting the preservation and sharing of Ohio's heritage. It aims to fund local, regional, and statewide projects, programs, and events that highlight the extensive sweep of the state's history and pre-history. This initiative is crowd-funded, relying on voluntary contributions from Ohioans.
The History Fund grant program is designed to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Ohio's historical heritage. Broad goals of the program include the support of a variety of projects that further the study, documentation, interpretation, publication, and dissemination of historical information. It also aims to engage communities in history or conserve historical collections and archives. Specific causes supported include public programs, exhibits, care of archival materials and artifacts, digitization of collections, oral history projects, archaeological work, nominations of historic buildings and sites to the National Register of Historic Places, preparation of historic preservation plans or feasibility studies, and the development of mobile or online applications, walking tours, and events. The program operates as a competitive matching grants initiative, varying in number and size of grants based on the amount donated.