Best Fort Wayne Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

The Great Lakes Fisheries Trust offers grants for ecological and biological research aimed at enhancing ecosystem health and sustainable fish populations. These grants support competitive fisheries research, focusing on resilience, sustainability, and stakeholder value. The next funding cycle will open with a request for proposals in late 2026 for the 2027 program year, promoting innovative research and capacity-building efforts within the fisheries sector.

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.

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.

BAE Systems offers community investment grants aimed at enhancing the well-being of military families and supporting future workforce development in STEM fields. As a U.S. subsidiary of a global defense and aerospace leader, they require applicants to be recognized 501(c) organizations. The initiative underscores a commitment to charitable partnerships that uplift local communities and contribute positively to society.

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.   

Holman Enterprises Community Grants aim to support low-income communities by providing essential resources like food, housing, education, and healthcare. With financial aid of $10,000 for single-year support or $15,000 for multi-year commitments, these grants focus on organizations dedicated to enhancing opportunities for low-income individuals in the areas served. This initiative reflects Holman Enterprises Inc's commitment to community welfare and social responsibility.

The Steel Dynamics Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community quality of life and local economies by supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Priorities include higher education, economic development, and human services, particularly in communities where Steel Dynamics operates. Grants are awarded based on community impact, employee involvement, and organizational integrity. Applicants must demonstrate a strong ethical track record and effective community engagement to qualify for funding opportunities.

The F26AS00083 Aquatic Invasive Species Grants are part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for Fiscal Year 2026. These grants, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support state-level management plans to combat aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes region. Eligible applicants include Great Lakes states and their designees, with funding awarded through a competitive selection process.

Nonprofit organizations seeking physical and cybersecurity upgrades to their facilities in Indiana, including Fort Wayne, can apply for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program – State (NSGP-S). Focused on security and facility hardening, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security supports 501(c)(3)s outside designated high-risk urban areas, with awards up to US $4,700,000.

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.

The Parrot Charitable Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Fort Wayne area focused on children's well-being. Grants are awarded for year-round programs that provide direct services, address community needs, and have measurable outcomes. Eligible organizations must demonstrate financial accountability and collaboration while ensuring their projects complement existing efforts. Ineligible expenses include general operating costs and capital campaigns. This grant aims to foster impactful initiatives that benefit underserved populations.

The Owen & Jean Pritchard Foundation, based in Pittsburgh, awards approximately $82,000 in grants annually, with a median grant size of $5,000. Focused on the physical and emotional well-being of children in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate community need, measurable outcomes, and collaboration with other organizations, while avoiding funding for general operating costs and new programming.

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 organizations in Fort Wayne, Indiana seeking operational support for workforce development, housing, or basic needs programs can apply for the CFGFW Rising Together: Everyone's Economy Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $20,000. Focused on economic mobility and security, Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne backs efforts that expand opportunity for local residents.

Fort Wayne, Indiana nonprofits supporting mental and physical health can access funding through the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne’s Rising Together Healthy Mind and Body grants. Awards of US $5,000 - US $20,000 provide operational support for organizations focused on healthcare, mental health, food and fitness, basic needs, and related well-being services.

The CFGFW Rising Together Grants: Inspiring Places Program aims to enhance community well-being by providing operational funding for initiatives that create engaging and energizing spaces. This program aligns with the Community Foundation's strategic 'Let’s Rise!' Vision Plan, which focuses on fostering connections among residents and visitors through various sectors such as arts and community development. Funded by the Paul Clarke Endowment and the Community Impact Fund, the grants are designed to support projects that positively impact the quality of life in the community.

The CFGFW Rising Together Grants support a culture of lifelong learning, enhancing community well-being and quality of life. Funded by the Paul Clarke Endowment and the Community Impact Fund, these grants align with the strategic 'Let’s Rise!' Vision Plan. They aim to strengthen the workforce and increase resiliency through operational funding for education, after-school programs, and adult learning initiatives, ensuring a thriving environment for all community members.

The CFGFW Rising Together Grants aim to enhance community well-being by providing operational funding aligned with the Community Foundation's strategic plan. These grants are designed to support initiatives that advocate for underserved populations, foster pride, and cultivate relationships that promote belonging. With five grant windows linked to specific pillars of the 'Let's Rise!' Vision Plan, the program emphasizes collaboration across various sectors, including arts, transportation, and health support, ensuring a comprehensive approach to community development.

Youth Empowered Philanthropy (YEP) is a transformative program offered by the Community Foundation that teaches students in grades 10-12 about charitable giving. By empowering youth to make impactful decisions with real funding, YEP fosters a vibrant community in Allen County. Participants learn about nonprofit organizations, grantmaking, and develop essential skills like public speaking and critical thinking. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000, and applications are reviewed by YEP members, ensuring youth engagement in philanthropy.

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 Center for Diabetes & Metabolic Diseases offers a Pilot & Feasibility Grant aimed at fostering new diabetes-related researchers and supporting innovative, high-risk projects. This grant, up to $50,000 for one year, is directed to new investigators without prior NIH support. It promotes interdisciplinary collaboration among Indiana University campuses and encourages applications that may lead to significant extramural funding. Eligible applicants must be independent investigators with necessary resources for proposed research.

The Center for Diabetes & Metabolic Diseases Pilot & Feasibility Grant aims to support innovative diabetes research by established investigators with no prior work in the field. The program offers funding of up to $50,000 for one year, encouraging applications from faculty at various Indiana institutions. This initiative seeks to promote interdisciplinary collaborations and aims to advance research that leads to major extramural grant submissions, fostering new insights into diabetes and metabolic diseases.

Fort Wayne, Indiana medical faculty researching diabetes, obesity, or metabolic diseases can access funding through Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute’s Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases Pilot & Feasibility program. Category 3 awards up to US $50,000 for one-year, high-risk projects that depart from an investigator’s usual work and build toward major extramural grants.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting arts, education, community empowerment, conservation, or urban development in Fort Wayne, Indiana may be eligible for this funding. Ardelle and Theresa Glaze Foundation supports work in these areas across Allen County and other nearby counties where the Fort Wayne Metals family lives and works.

Faculty investigators at Indiana University, Purdue, Notre Dame, and IBRI developing new diabetes or metabolic disease research techniques can apply for Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute’s pilot funding, awarding up to US $50,000 for one year. Fort Wayne, Indiana–based researchers whose work could be used in a CDMD Core facility may be eligible.

The Lutheran Foundation offers Community Grants to support whole-person health initiatives in northeast Indiana. Eligible organizations can apply for a minimum of $5,000 to address focus areas such as mental health awareness, early screening, and access to care for the uninsured. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance community resilience and well-being. Organizations must be located in specific counties and hold 501(c)(3) status. Applications are limited to one per year per organization, ensuring focused impact.

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.