Best Fort Wayne Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

The Do it Best Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on community needs, particularly in health and wellness, youth enrichment, the arts, and community development. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $20,000, with no strict limits based on quarterly applications. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and be located near specific areas. This initiative aims to enhance community resources and foster connections among residents.

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.

Licensed public school special education teachers in Northeast Indiana seeking additional special education certifications can apply for the AWS Foundation Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne. Educators in Fort Wayne and surrounding counties may receive financial assistance for part-time or full-time accredited continuing education programs.

The IUSCCC Early Career Investigator Award offers funding for pilot research projects in cancer research and population science. Sponsored by the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, this award is open to Associate level members and IUSCCC trainees aiming to advance their careers. The funding duration is one year, with a maximum budget of $50,000, encouraging innovative proposals that meet eligibility criteria. Applicants must not have prior funding from similar mechanisms or national competitive grants.

The Erie Insurance Giving Network Grant supports organizations focused on community building, safety, and environmental responsibility. Grants under $10,000 can be submitted at any time, while larger requests follow specific deadlines. Priority is given to organizations with community representation in their governing bodies. Eligible entities include nonprofit organizations, accredited educational institutions, and municipalities. The initiative emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion, aligning with ERIE's corporate values.

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.

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

Nonprofit and community organizations focused on Great Lakes ecosystem health in Fort Wayne, Indiana can access funding through the Fred A and Barbara M Erb Family Foundation; awards are more than US $10,000 for environmental initiatives. Support includes watershed and freshwater conservation, climate resilience, environmental justice, and policy advocacy within the broader Great Lakes region.

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.

Nonprofits and other organizations in Allen County working on local journalism, economic opportunity, or arts and culture projects can seek up to US $200,000 through the Knight Cities Challenge. Grants from Knight Foundation help Fort Wayne, Indiana community-focused groups pilot creative ideas that strengthen information, opportunity, and connection in their city.

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 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.

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 Florence M. and Paul M. Staehle Foundation Grant supports impactful projects in the Fort Wayne/Allen County area. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and at least three years of operation. The grant prioritizes year-round programming, direct services, and collaborations that address community needs. Projects should demonstrate measurable outcomes and sustainability, while avoiding support for general operating costs, pilot programs, and for-profit initiatives. For detailed guidelines, contacting the program officer is recommended.

The Dr. Samuel D., Martha B. and Mabel I. Sledd Foundation Grant supports impactful projects in the Fort Wayne/Allen County area. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under 501(c)(3) and have three years of operation. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that address community needs, benefit underserved populations, and demonstrate measurable outcomes with plans for sustainability. Notably, it does not fund general operating costs or new programming.

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering year-round, direct-service programming in Fort Wayne, Indiana can seek project support that demonstrates measurable impact and long-term sustainability. Focused on strong, ongoing programs, the Poinsatte-Altman Foundation favors efforts with proven results, diversified income, collaboration, and broad community benefit, especially for underserved populations in Allen County.

Fort Wayne, Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering established, year-round direct-service programs can access funding through the Flora Dale Krouse Foundation. Projects must serve the Fort Wayne/Allen County area, demonstrate measurable outcomes, address clear community needs, and show strong financial accountability, diversified income, and collaboration, with at least one year of documented program impact.

Fort Wayne and Allen County 501(c)(3) nonprofits running established, year-round community programs can seek project support that provides direct services and demonstrates measurable impact. Grants from Dr. Louis and Anne B. Schneider Foundation prioritize sustainable initiatives with documented results, diversified income, collaboration, and broad benefit or service to underserved residents in the Fort Wayne, Indiana area.

The Ian and Mimi Rolland Foundation, established in 1994, enhances the Fort Wayne community through grants focusing on social services, arts, and education. With over $6 million in assets, the foundation prioritizes local organizations and projects that benefit the public. Approximately 70% of grants support human and social services aimed at promoting equity. The foundation also considers requests in the arts and environmental sectors, reflecting a commitment to community enrichment.

Mobile Beacon's Connect for Success program addresses the digital divide by providing schools with essential technology resources. This initiative offers up to 25 laptops and 4G devices with 12 months of complimentary high-speed internet service. By targeting students and communities facing digital inequities, the program ensures that all students can complete homework and access educational content from home. With ongoing support options available post-grant, Mobile Beacon is committed to fostering equitable learning environments and empowering educators to enhance digital inclusion.

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 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.

Great Lakes tribes or their designees working on aquatic invasive species management near Fort Wayne, Indiana can receive US $20,000 - US $100,000 to develop or implement Tribal Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supports prevention, early detection, rapid response, outreach, and control efforts that protect the Great Lakes Basin.

The Old National Bank Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations for community impact initiatives across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Focused on four key areas—Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Financial Empowerment—the foundation prioritizes programs that support underrepresented communities. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the foundation’s funding priorities to qualify for grants, which can be applied for every two years.

Nonprofit organizations in Fort Wayne, Indiana whose board members have shown strong governance, leadership, financial sustainability, and program impact can receive operating support through this award. Foellinger Foundation provides Fort Wayne nonprofits with a US $30,000 operating grant when a current or recently retired board member is selected for the Nonprofit Board Member Leadership Award.

Allen County 501(c)(3) nonprofits at least three years old that serve children, youth, and families in Fort Wayne, Indiana can apply for Foellinger Foundation’s Community-Based Grants to support early childhood, youth, and family development programs or operations. Eligible organizations may request single- or multi-year support for mission-driven, results-oriented services for families with the greatest economic need.

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.