Ohio Income Tax Refund + Ohio Historical Society = History Fund Grant Program

[Note: You are welcome and encouraged to “cut and paste” this article to reprint in your organization’s newsletter or website, now through April. OHS needs your help to promote contributions to the History Fund, a competitive matching grant program created to support local history and preservation projects. Thank you!]

Tax time is your time to support local history in Ohio. Again this year, Ohio taxpayers have a convenient way to donate part of their tax refunds to the Ohio Historical Society for the History Fund, OHS’s competitive grant program for local history and preservation projects. In 2012, OHS accumulated $114,000 to re-grant, but had $891,000 in grant requests. You can narrow the gap between what the History Fund receives and what it gives for great history projects with your contribution to OHS and the History Fund.

On your Ohio income tax return, look for “Ohio Historical Society” at line 25b on Form IT-1040 or line 18b on Form IT-1040EZ. Fill in the box and that’s it – you have made your contribution. Not receiving a tax refund, but still what to help? Visit www.ohiohistory.org/historyfund for a downloadable donation form.

On the website, you will also find information about the History Fund grant program. The History Fund accepts applications for projects in three broad areas: Bricks & Mortar, Organizational Development, and Programs & Collections. The Fund welcomes applications from local historical societies, historical preservation groups, libraries, archives, archeological organizations, and any non-profit group based in Ohio.

The number, amount, and size of grants is determined in part by the dollars OHS receives in donations. Tell your friends, family, and tax preparers about the program and post information to your Facebook page, Twitter account or other social media. Contact the Ohio Historical Society’s Local History Office with questions: 1-800-567-0381 or localhistory@ohiohistory.org Thank you!