Best DeKalb County Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust offers grants aimed at enhancing the lives of animals in the Ohio/Great Lakes region. It prioritizes projects that foster animal adoption, behavior training, and humane education. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and demonstrate a commitment to animal welfare. The Trust seeks innovative, collaborative initiatives that significantly improve the well-being of animals, particularly in underserved communities, ensuring a high quality of life for both individual animals and larger populations.

The Horizon Bank Community Grant Program aims to enhance local communities by funding initiatives in education, arts, and economic development. With grants starting at $5,000, the program supports 501(c)(3) organizations addressing housing needs for low- to moderate-income families. Applications are accepted annually, with a strong emphasis on corporate citizenship and community involvement. However, grants are not available for political activities or organizations that discriminate. This commitment reflects Horizon Bank's dedication to fostering community growth and responsibility.

Animal welfare 501(c)(3) nonprofits in DeKalb County, Indiana can seek project funding to improve quality of life for companion animals and native wildlife. Grants from Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust support initiatives like adoption and fostering programs, spay/neuter efforts, medical care, humane education, staff training, equipment, and other innovative animal care projects.

Nonprofit organizations in DeKalb County, Indiana can seek support for community programs, social services, education, arts, agriculture, and environmental initiatives. With a mission to enhance quality of life where it operates, The Andersons Charitable Foundation provides funding for events and programs that strengthen local communities and families.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and government agencies in DeKalb County, Indiana can seek grants for charitable projects, programs, and operational support. Focused on community needs, Community Foundation of DeKalb County invites applicants working in areas like arts, education, health, environment, human services, literacy, and youth development to apply; awards are made quarterly.

Nonprofit organizations and student-led school groups serving community and educational needs in DeKalb County, Indiana can seek support through the VOICES of Philanthropy Grant Program. Focused on local charitable projects, Community Foundation of DeKalb County invites proposals that address current needs and help prepare the community for future challenges.

The 1st Source Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in communities by supporting established 501(c)(3) organizations. Focused on social welfare, education, arts, and economic development, the foundation emphasizes partnerships with successful nonprofits to maximize impact. Applicants must provide financial documentation, including a recent 990 form. The foundation prioritizes proven organizations over new ones, seeking to ensure effective resource utilization and community benefit through collaborative efforts.

DeKalb County, Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in higher education, economic and community development, or human services can access funding through the Steel Dynamics Foundation to enhance local quality of life. Eligible organizations should be located in communities served by Steel Dynamics facilities and typically engage employees’ time, talent, or financial support.

Nonprofits, universities, agencies, businesses, and individuals working on Great Lakes ecosystem health can seek support for action-oriented conservation projects in DeKalb County, Indiana and the wider basin. Great Lakes Protection Fund provides funding for collaborative, science-based efforts that deliver measurable, regionally significant improvements in freshwater quality, habitat, and water resource management.

Member Lutheran congregations and schools in DeKalb County, Indiana can seek grants of more than US $1,500 for leadership development, vision and strategy, and caring ministries for church and community. Grants from Lutheran Foundation help northeastern Indiana faith communities enhance ministry skills, plan strategically, and support Word and sacrament and mercy outreach, including collaborative projects.

Lutheran schools providing religious education and mental health support in DeKalb County, Indiana can seek more than US $1,500 to expand counseling services for students and families. The Lutheran Foundation’s Lutheran School Grant is open to its 18 member-associated schools, including Concordia Lutheran High School and The Lutheran Schools Partnership, within its northeast Indiana service area.

Lutheran schools in DeKalb County, Indiana seeking to grow their endowments for long-term sustainability can access funding of more than US $1,500 through the Lutheran School Support Grant. Lutheran Foundation provides northeast Indiana Lutheran schools with annual support to strengthen their financial future and ministry impact.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

The 3 Rivers Credit Union Foundation Grant aims to improve community well-being by funding initiatives in financial literacy, education, and health. Grants are available up to $7,500, supporting organizations that are tax-exempt under 501(c)(3) and serve specific counties. The foundation encourages measurable outcomes and local impact, ensuring that at least 80% of funds remain within the community. Reapplication is permitted after one year for recipients. This grant represents a commitment to fostering sustainable growth and development.

The English, Bonter, Mitchell Foundation Grant honors Dr. Calvin English, the first medical director of the Lincoln National Life Insurance Company. This private foundation primarily supports operating, programming, and multi-year capital campaigns in Northeast Indiana. The Distribution Committee convenes biannually to review proposals and allocate resources, ensuring impactful contributions to the community.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving people with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities in DeKalb County, Indiana can apply for Mighty Money Mini Grants up to US $5,000 to support programs, capital needs, or operations. WindSwell Foundation accepts applications year-round with decisions typically made within 30 days.

The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation is dedicated to fostering a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem and a vibrant Southeast Michigan community. Since its inception, it has invested over $180 million in environmental, cultural, and educational initiatives. As it transitions to spend down its assets by 2034, the Foundation aims to make bold, impactful investments that address urgent community needs and promote sustainable development.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups serving children and youth can access funding for early childhood, middle childhood, adolescent, and community development programs in DeKalb County, Indiana through Dekko Foundation. Grants from Dekko Foundation help DeKalb County, Indiana nonprofits strengthen environments that nurture self-sufficiency and long-term economic freedom for young people from birth through age 18.

Licensed public school special education teachers in Northeast Indiana, including DeKalb County, Indiana, can apply for the AWS Foundation Scholarship Fund to pursue additional special education certifications. Administered by the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, this scholarship supports accredited part-time or full-time continuing education in special needs education and teacher development.

About The James Foundation

Mission Statement

The James Foundation believes that education is a lifelong journey and learning experiences should be made available to all. Through education, quality of life will be enriched; strengthening both families and community.

The James Foundation’s Mission

The James Foundation believes that education is a lifelong journey and learning experiences should be made available to all. Through education, quality of life will be enriched; strengthening both families and community.

Grant Giving Focus:

The James Foundation strives to create change, enhance quality of life, and provide opportunities to individuals to thrive by focusing on the following funding priorities:

• Educational Impact and Innovation
• Arts and Culture

The James Foundation is continually testing new ideas and pushing boundaries of the current concept of operations, searching for new grant opportunities to be funded that explore thought provoking and motivation projects with benevolent intent.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running community programs in DeKalb County, Indiana and other eligible counties can seek more than US $2,500 to support local charitable work. Grants from Beacon Credit Union Foundation help established, financially sound, non-discriminatory organizations keep funds in the communities they serve, with exceptions possible during large-scale crises.

The Enbridge Safe Community First Responder Program is designed to support emergency response organizations across Canada and the U.S. by providing grants for safety equipment, training, and educational programs. Launched in 2002, it has invested over $22 million in enhancing community safety. Eligible organizations include fire departments and medical services located near Enbridge operations. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, helping improve the capabilities of first responders in rural and underserved areas.

About Us

Near the sunset of a full career filled with hard work, perseverance, and many successes, Don Wood founded the 80/20 Foundation Trust in 2018, which was later renamed the Don Wood Foundation. Don built his life and career on a simple but powerful belief: opportunity should not be limited to one path. 

Don recognized the immense value of industrial trades, advanced manufacturing, innovation, having an entrepreneurial mindset, and leadership skills. He believed individuals should have access to the tools, credentials, and real-world training necessary to build meaningful careers and provide for their families and the community. He saw his Foundation as a vehicle to get there.

Opening Pathways

Young people thrive when they are given meaningful opportunities to do, lead, and imagine what’s possible. The Don Wood Foundation awards grants for programs that prioritize early and frequent opportunities for young people to:

• Explore STEAM through doing, not just observing
• Build foundational leadership skills and an entrepreneurial mindset alongside technical curiosity, building their capability for adaptability, problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork                                                                                     
• Explore and navigate career pathways, so more students can see themselves in high-skill, high-wage technical careers

When every student in northeast Indiana has access to hands-on STEAM experiences and can connect learning to real careers in their communities, they develop the leadership skills and entrepreneurial mindset needed to power Next-Gen Manufacturing—today and tomorrow.

Engaging Youth Grant Program

Through the Engaging Youth Grant Program, the Don Wood Foundation supports programs and initiatives that: 

• Engage youth in STEAM and career exploration experiences that help them imagine future possibilities
• Provide early, frequent, and hands-on learning experiences that engage students as active participants, not passive observers
• Build foundational skills and mindsets, including curiosity, confidence, creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, persistence, and a growth mindset
• Offer progressive experiences that deepen over time as youth grow
• Expand access to opportunity by reducing barriers to participation 

​We are particularly interested in programs that center student voice and agency, are developmentally appropriate, and are delivered in partnership with schools, educators, and community organizations.   

The AWS Foundation offers Traditional Grants aimed at supporting organizations in Northeast Indiana that assist individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. These grants provide funding for various programs, capital needs, and operations that align with their mission of promoting independence and community inclusion. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) and serve specific counties to qualify. The foundation values innovative approaches that significantly impact the lives of beneficiaries.

The Empowering Manufacturing Grant Program, initiated by the Don Wood Foundation, aims to enhance northeast Indiana's manufacturing ecosystem by engaging nonprofit-led initiatives that collaborate with manufacturers. This program focuses on enabling young people to explore STEAM fields, develop leadership skills, and navigate career pathways. By providing essential resources and fostering partnerships, the program seeks to create sustainable workforce systems and promote innovation in the manufacturing sector, ensuring a robust future for the industry.