The Toledo Zoo is one of eight organizations selected to receive a Literacy Education Grant during the 2026 fiscal year. This was presented from the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions.
The Toledo Zoo and Aquarium was awarded $2,500. The funds will be used to support a program that provides life skills classes for teens with disabilities, teaching money management, budgeting and other essential skills. The program fosters inclusion and personal growth, helping participants thrive alongside their neurotypical peers.
Other awardees are:
•Kiducation Community Center (Wellsville) – $6,150
•DoverPhila Federal Credit Union (Dover) – $13,000
•Alpaugh Family Economic Center (Cincinnati) – $6,850
•Columbus Urban League (Columbus) – $7,000 •BBB Marketplace Education Initiative (Akron) – $2,500
•Breadwinners Academy (Cleveland) – $5,000
•Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio, Eastern Ohio, and OKI Partners (Cincinnati) – $7,000 Funded through the Financial Literacy Education Fund, grant awards support new and existing programs that address gaps in financial literacy education to foster long-term economic success. These initiatives align with the state’s ongoing efforts to prioritize financial literacy education. In 2021, Governor Mike DeWine signed into law a requirement for Ohio students entering the 9th grade to earn one-half credit in financial literacy as part of their graduation requirements.
“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.”
This year, the division received a record-setting 156 applications, marking a 609 percent increase from the 22 submitted applications last year. This stark increase highlights the growing need and demand for financial education.
