Best Environmental Education Grants in Indiana

Eligible tribal governments, community-based nonprofits, local governments, and educational institutions in Indiana can apply for The Minneapolis Foundation’s Tier 1 grants, awarding up to US $150,000 for environmental and public health assessment and engagement projects. Programs that include environmental education in disadvantaged Great Lakes communities may be supported through activities like research, monitoring, and public education.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Nonprofit organizations and equivalent charities working in health, education, or community services, including in Indiana, can apply for grants supporting healthcare access, food pantries, STEM education, and related programs. Grants from Labcorp Charitable Foundation help U.S.-based organizations expand services for underserved populations and promote healthier lifestyles through research, screening, and community initiatives.

Indiana not-for-profit organizations focused on preserving ecologically significant lands and related environmental education can seek funding for land acquisition, restoration, stewardship, and education/access projects. Laura Hare Charitable Trust supports efforts that protect undeveloped natural areas, allow appropriate public access, and promote environmental awareness and stewardship across Indiana.

Indiana teachers and youth group leaders can seek funding to cover transportation, naturalist fees, and supplies for educational nature field trips in Indiana. Indiana Native Plant Society’s Letha’s Youth Outdoors Fund awards US $50 - US $700, prioritizing youth with limited access to natural environments and programs highlighting native plants, their habitats, or invasive species impacts.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Indiana can seek funding for environmental, education, youth development, recreation, health, arts, and community development projects benefiting Starke County residents. Northern Indiana Community Foundation favors innovative, one-time projects that reach underserved people, encourage collaboration, and help organizations become more effective and self-sustaining.

Nonprofit and community groups in Miami County, Indiana can seek project-based funding for education, environmental, youth, health, arts, recreation, and community development initiatives. Focused on broad community benefit and innovative, one-time projects, the Northern Indiana Community Foundation favors efforts that reach unmet needs and can leverage additional support, which may include environmental education programming.

Nonprofits and community groups in Miami County, Indiana can seek micro grants up to US $2,500 for projects in education, health, human services, environment, youth development, and more. Grants from Northern Indiana Community Foundation help Indiana organizations launch one-time or seed projects, which may include environmental education efforts serving local residents.

Indiana 501(c)(3) organizations addressing basic needs, health care, education, civic, or environmental initiatives in Bluffton, Linden, or Mount Vernon can apply for Valero Energy Foundation’s invitation-only community grants. Funding may benefit environmental education efforts that fit these pillars in areas where Valero has major operations; all annual requests must be submitted together.

Nonprofits, community groups, and university partners in Indiana can seek up to US $5,000 to plan collaborative projects addressing health, social determinants of health, and health equity. Grants from Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute help partnerships fund meetings, conferences, travel, and stakeholder engagement that lay groundwork for future community-engaged research, which may include environmental education or justice components.

Indiana environmental nonprofits and schools can seek programmatic funding for decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient use of natural resources projects that benefit communities where Honda associates live and work. Grants from American Honda Motor help support environmental education, awareness, and infrastructure initiatives through the Environment Pillar Award, with awards ranging from US $25,000 - US $100,000.

Indiana-based organizations planning Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service projects that address economic, environmental, educational, or other equity issues can apply for mini-grants of US $500 - US $5,000. Serve Indiana funds supplies, materials, volunteer transportation, and related needs, which may support environmental education and justice-focused community service activities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children’s health, education, cultural, and social welfare needs in the Greater Cincinnati area, including Dearborn County in Indiana, can apply for support. Greater Cincinnati Foundation’s Andrew Jergens Foundation prioritizes programs for children ages 0–6, with eligibility extending generally through high school age.

Indiana 501(c)(3) public charities in Marion County offering human services, education, animal welfare, or community enrichment programs can access funding through the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, with awards up to US $250,000. Environmental education or nature-focused programs that fit these priorities in Indianapolis may be eligible to seek an invitation.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering environmental, educational, or related programs in Indiana, especially around Fort Wayne, can seek US $2,500 - US $10,000 for specific projects or general operations. Ian and Mimi Rolland Foundation prioritizes human and social services but also supports environmental and community enrichment initiatives that benefit the local community.

Indiana environmental education and conservation nonprofits can seek funding for energy efficiency, conservation, and environmental education projects that enhance community vitality. CenterPoint Energy Foundation also supports related efforts like affordable housing, digital access, literacy, STEM, and workforce development, with priority for programs serving low- to moderate-income residents in its Indiana service counties.

Organizations serving children and young adults with academic and enrichment programs in Indiana’s Dearborn County can apply for Greater Cincinnati Foundation’s Building Bright Futures: Education grants. Focused on youth education, this opportunity supports mentoring, tutoring, social-emotional development, college and career exploration, and overall academic improvement, with funding up to US $50,000 for programs or general operations.

Indiana community organizing groups focused on social justice and democracy can seek general operating support to build power and engage low- and moderate-income communities. The Needmor Fund for Social Justice supports multi-issue, membership-based organizations using direct action and long-term base building, which may include environmental justice and related environmental education within broader organizing agendas.

The Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence, offered by the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, honors outstanding nonprofit organizations in St. Joseph County, Indiana. This biennial award recognizes exceptional leadership and programming, providing a $200,000 endowment challenge grant, contingent upon the recipient raising $100,000 in matching funds. This initiative fosters sustainability and high standards within the local nonprofit sector, ultimately enhancing community welfare through strategic philanthropic efforts.

Nonprofits, schools, government units, and religious organizations offering education, human services, or environmental programs in Indiana’s AEP service area can apply for Heart of Cook Grants, awarding US $100 - US $10,000. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Berrien Community Foundation supports projects including environmental education, STEM, workforce readiness, and services for youth, families, and seniors.

Indiana municipalities, solid waste districts, schools, and similar organizations working on recycling and waste reduction can access funding through the Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s Community Recycling Grant Program. Awards of US $1,000 - US $100,000 support recycling education, source reduction, organics and composting, and household hazardous waste projects that may complement environmental education efforts in Indiana.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Youth-led organizations and groups in the Chicago metropolitan area and Northwest Indiana can seek US $5,000 - US $15,000 to run social change campaigns, including environmental and community issues. With a mission to back grassroots justice work, Crossroads Fund provides Indiana youth projects with resources for advocacy, organizing, and long-term policy change efforts.

Organizations delivering core public health services in LaGrange County, Indiana can apply for the Core Public Health Service Delivery Partnership to support evidence-based programs improving health outcomes and behaviors. Partnerships may involve Health First Indiana funds and must report data to the Indiana Department of Health’s coordinator using state-defined core service metrics.