Best DeKalb County Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in DeKalb County, Indiana seeking support for arts, education, community empowerment, conservation, or urban development projects may be eligible for funding from the Ardelle and Theresa Glaze Foundation. The foundation invests in nonprofits serving communities connected to the Fort Wayne Metals family with strong leadership and measurable outcomes.

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.

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.

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.

State agencies or their designees implementing aquatic invasive species management plans in DeKalb County, Indiana can apply for US $100,000 - US $600,000 in competitive grants to carry out approved Great Lakes State Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supports wildlife management, invasive species control, wildlife health, and fish conservation efforts under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

About National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) works with partners to foster sustainable and impactful conservation solutions so that people and nature thrive together. Chartered by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest conservation foundation. Since its founding, NFWF has funded more than 23,900 projects that have generated a total conservation impact of more than $12 billion.About Sustain Our Great Lakes Program

Sustain Our Great Lakes is a public–private partnership designed to sustain, restore and protect fish, wildlife and habitat in the basin by leveraging funding, building conservation capacity, and focusing partners and resources toward key ecological issues. The program achieves this mission, in part, by awarding grants for on-the-ground habitat restoration and enhancement.Funding priorities for this program include:

• Habitat Restoration to Conserve Species and Improve Water Quality
• Expand and Maintain Nature-Based Solutions in Great Lakes Communities
• Invasive Species Control to Protect and Enhance Restored Habitat
• Activate Restored Habitats and Natural Areas

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.

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.

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.   

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.

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.

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 Developing Talent Grant Program, established by the Don Wood Foundation, aims to empower young individuals in northeast Indiana by enhancing access to high-quality STEAM education and career pathways. By fostering partnerships among schools, nonprofits, and industry, the program promotes experiential learning and essential skills like leadership and adaptability. This initiative not only equips students with the necessary tools for future success but also strengthens the local workforce, ensuring a sustainable impact on the community.

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 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.

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 Great Lakes Foundation Grant supports projects aimed at preserving wilderness areas and promoting marine safety in the Great Lakes region. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the foundation has awarded over $318,212 since its inception in 1993. Grants have funded various initiatives, including breakwater construction and academic research, to enhance appreciation and safety of the marine environment for both members and the general public.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in DeKalb County, Indiana can seek more than US $5,000 to support whole-person health programs, including mental health, preventative care, and access to health services. Focused on wellness of body, mind, and spirit, Lutheran Foundation invites projects that aid vulnerable populations and foster family resilience within its northeast Indiana service area.

Great Lakes tribes or their designees in DeKalb County, Indiana can apply for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grants to develop or implement Tribal Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans. Awards of US $20,000 - US $100,000 support prevention, early detection, rapid response, outreach, inspections, and control efforts benefiting the Great Lakes Basin.

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.