Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations providing education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs can receive US $2,000 - US $10,000 in seed funding, including those in Indiana. McGraw Foundation provides support for general operations, specific projects, and occasional capital needs, with a focus on impactful, community-serving initiatives.

East Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Indiana can apply for Foundations of East Chicago’s general operating grants, awarding up to US $12,500 for core expenses like rent or mortgage, utilities, office equipment, and basic supplies. Funds must be used between January 1 and August 31, 2026, with one application per organization.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits in good standing can receive up to US $35,000 to run specific programs in education, health, safety, or community enrichment, including equipment, materials, and related program costs. Foundations of East Chicago supports measurable, well-planned initiatives, which may help seed or expand nonprofit programs across Indiana.

Indiana cancer research organizations and academic teams can receive up to US $50,000 for one-year pilot projects studying how demographics, social determinants, comorbidities, and behaviors affect cancer risk, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute prioritizes work on high-incidence cancers like lung, colorectal, prostate, breast, pancreatic, and cervical cancers in its catchment area.

Graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can apply for this scholarship, which provides US $3,000 for impactful, water-industry-focused research. Focused on advancing water and environmental research, American Water Works Association support may benefit Indiana students whose work underpins future nonprofit or public-sector initiatives.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture may be eligible for Community Possible funding, including seed support. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, with priority for leaders of color and programs advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

With a mission to support environmental sustainability, Honda provides Indiana nonprofits and schools with programmatic funding for decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient use of natural resources. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and school districts serving Indiana communities where Honda associates live and work can apply for US $25,000 - US $100,000 to advance these initiatives.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Indiana and other KeyBank markets can seek funding for community development, education, and workforce programs through KeyBank Foundation’s invitation-only grants, typically ranging from US $10,000 - US $25,000. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help Indiana nonprofits launch or grow initiatives in affordable housing, financial literacy, small business growth, and job readiness that create measurable, sustainable impact.

Nonprofit organizations in Indiana supporting women, children, and families through humanitarian aid, education, job readiness, homelessness services, or child welfare can apply for funding to expand or create self-sufficiency projects. The Father's Table Foundation offers highly selective grants, up to US $750,000, for programs such as microfinance, food security, health care, disaster relief, and anti-trafficking initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering social services, health, education, environmental, or arts access programs in Indiana may be eligible for general community support. Focused on community services, the Patrick and Anna M Cudahy Fund invites organizations in eligible northwest Indiana counties to apply for program funding rather than capital or individual support.

Indiana nonprofits and eligible educational or religious organizations can seek monetary or in-kind support for community programs, including education, workforce development, social services, climate action, food security, and mental health. Indiana organizations in counties where Caesars operates may be eligible through The Caesars Foundation’s regional and property giving program.

Indiana nonprofits and community partners implementing evidence-based cancer programs can access funding through Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, co-led with an IUSCCC faculty member. Projects must address Indiana’s cancer burden—especially lung, breast, colon, pancreatic, prostate, or cervical cancer—include evaluation, and may focus on underserved populations, with awards up to US $15,000 for one year.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Indiana can access funding for small-scale biomedical research projects that engage students and strengthen campus research environments. The National Institutes of Health provides up to US $375,000 for schools that award baccalaureate science degrees and have historically received limited NIH support; eligible campus-based nonprofits may use this as seed funding.

Indiana nonprofit organizations seeking support for humanitarian, educational, environmental, or arts initiatives can apply for Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy. Roche supports accredited charities with innovative, high-quality projects worldwide, so Indiana groups launching or expanding community-focused programs may be eligible when working through the company’s local affiliate structure.

Agricultural producers, forest landowners, Indian tribes, and other land stewards in Indiana can receive support to enhance conservation on working lands through the Conservation Stewardship Program. USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service of Indiana offers technical and financial assistance to improve soil, water, wildlife habitat, climate resilience, and overall environmental stewardship on eligible farms, ranches, and private forestlands.

Early-career biomedical research scientists at academic or research institutions in low- or middle-income countries can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award to secure protected time and support for independent clinical research careers. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help Indiana-focused partners collaborating with LMIC investigators advance cancer, cardiovascular, mental health, environmental health, and related medical research priorities.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits with projects in education, environmental conservation, or healthy and vibrant communities can seek funding to serve areas where Cleveland-Cliffs operates. Grants from Cleveland Cliffs Foundation help organizations build workforce skills, restore land and water, expand green spaces, and improve health, safety, arts, and community services in local neighborhoods.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) status serving Indiana communities can seek program-specific funding for community services, affordable housing, and economic and community development initiatives. Focused on racial and social equity, Huntington National Bank invites discussions about innovative partnerships through its local Community Development Relationship Managers; formal applications are by invitation only.

Early-career research scientists in low- or middle-income countries with junior faculty posts at LMIC institutions can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award from the National Institutes of Health, with approximately US $140,000 supporting mentored health research career development. Indiana-based nonprofits hosting eligible LMIC investigators or collaborations may benefit from this opportunity.

Indiana environmental and justice-focused nonprofits working on climate policy, Great Lakes protection, or drinking water access can access funding through the Joyce Foundation. Grants support policy and advocacy efforts on carbon-free electricity, freshwater conservation, and equitable water systems across Great Lakes states, with priority for organizations rooted in impacted communities.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

Biogen Corporate Sponsorships provide funding to support congresses, events, and initiatives in exchange for tangible benefits such as marketing opportunities and recognition. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and requests must be submitted 50 days in advance. Biogen considers various disease areas for sponsorship, including Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis. Approval depends on funding availability, alignment with interests, and event details, ensuring transparency for all potential sponsors.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Recent Retirees

Retirees of Regions and its affiliated companies are eligible for the Matching Gift Program for up to 5 years after retirement (the gift date must be within the first 5 years of retirement). Regions will match donations of $25 or more, up to a total of $1,000 per year per retiree.

The Regions Community Affairs team will contact the organization on your behalf to verify the gift and review eligibility.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

The CFGFW Agile Grants program, offered by the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, provides funding up to $20,000 for innovative projects that enhance the community's quality of life. Emphasizing diversity and inclusion, these grants support various issue areas, including education, health, and arts. Applications are accepted from March to October, and organizations can apply for new initiatives or significant enhancements to existing programs. This initiative aims to create lasting, positive impacts across Allen County and Northeast Indiana.

The Conservation Partners Grant Program, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, supports private landowners in implementing regenerative agriculture and conservation practices. By awarding competitive grants, the program facilitates technical assistance for developing management plans and best practices, enabling landowners to maximize the ecological benefits of their lands. This initiative is crucial for enhancing fish and wildlife habitats, addressing pressing conservation issues, and promoting sustainable land stewardship across the United States.