Court Improvement Program (CIP) Mediation Grant
🏛 Ohio Judiciary / Supreme Court
✓ Free, no account · Source: Ohio Grants Partnership · Last verified Jul 7, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for Ohio courts seeking to establish or expand mediation programs. Applicant courts must be part of the Ohio Judiciary system. Programs must address abuse/neglect/dependency cases, emancipation mediation for aging-out youth, or school attendance issues. Up to seven courts will be selected for competitive funding.
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Program description
The Supreme Court of Ohio is requesting grant applications to support the creation or expansion of mediation programs within abuse, neglect, and dependency (A/N/D) cases, the establishment of emancipation mediation programs for older youth preparing to transition out of foster care, as well as school attendance mediation programs designed to address absenteeism and prevent child welfare or juvenile justice involvement. Up to seven applicant courts will be competitively selected to receive funding through a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, administered under the Court Improvement Program (CIP) by the Children and Families Section. These programs aim to strengthen family engagement, improve communication among families and system partners, reduce conflict, support timely permanency outcomes, address barriers to school attendance, and promote collaborative problem-solving. This grant opportunity supports courts in implementing mediation strategies that improve outcomes for children and families while strengthening collaboration among courts, schools, agencies, caregivers, youth, and community partners. Applications will be received until 5:00 p.m. on August 5, 2026, and must be sent via email to CFC@sc.ohio.gov.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Grant application form (via email submission)
- Project narrative describing mediation program design
- Budget and budget narrative
- Letters of support from partner organizations
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Program evaluation plan
Program contact
- 👤 Linda Topping
- 📧 Linda.Topping@sc.ohio.gov
- 📞 (614) 387-9389
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.586 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$3,018,582
-
$2,733,275
-
$2,116,609
-
$2,109,658
-
$2,095,406
-
$2,074,619
-
$1,884,039
-
$1,853,476
-
$1,838,674
-
$1,832,481
Top States by Funding
- CA 9 awards $14.2M
- TX 9 awards $12.5M
- FL 5 awards $6.4M
- NY 6 awards $6.4M
- WA 7 awards $4.7M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.586). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $29,000,000 | |
| 2025 | $29,319,245 | |
| 2026 est. | $38,000,000 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
Ohio courts participating in the Judiciary system. School districts or community agencies may apply through court partnerships.
What programs qualify for funding?
A/N/D case mediation, emancipation mediation for older foster youth, and school attendance mediation programs.
Is there a match requirement?
No cost-sharing or matching funds are required for this grant.
How many awards will be made?
Up to seven courts will receive competitive funding.
What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by August 5, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. via email to CFC@sc.ohio.gov.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize how your mediation program strengthens family engagement and reduces conflict in court proceedings.
- Clearly show how the program supports timely permanency outcomes and improves child welfare system coordination.
- Detail partnerships with schools, agencies, and community organizations to demonstrate collaborative approach.
- Explain specific barriers you'll address and measurable outcomes you expect to achieve.
- Include letters of support from partner agencies and schools that will participate in the mediation initiative.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to clearly connect mediation activities to improved permanency outcomes and reduced court conflict. Submitting applications without documented partnerships with schools, courts, and child welfare agencies. Proposing mediation programs that don't address at least one of the three priority areas (A/N/D, emancipation, or school attendance).
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