Best Fort Wayne Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

The Foellinger Foundation Nonprofit Executive Leadership Award honors exceptional nonprofit executives demonstrating outstanding leadership and impact in Allen County. Awarded to one recipient, the organization will receive a $5,000 grant for professional development activities, including leadership training and coaching. The selection criteria emphasize adaptive leadership, organizational culture, community engagement, and leadership development, ensuring that the award recognizes leaders who exemplify integrity, innovation, and resilience.

The CFGFW Emergency Grant Program provides crucial funding to Allen County nonprofits facing unexpected expenses that hinder their mission. These grants are designed to address urgent, unforeseen challenges, including community disasters like floods or tornadoes. The Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne is committed to supporting local organizations in overcoming financial hurdles, ensuring they can continue their vital work in the community. Emergency Grants may also cover reimbursements for expenses incurred within 14 days of an emergency.

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.

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 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.

Nonprofit organizations hosting community events or fundraisers in Fort Wayne, Indiana can apply for Old National Bank sponsorships to support activities that improve quality of life. Programs serving underrepresented groups or low-to-moderate income residents, especially in economic development, workforce development, affordable housing, small business services, or financial education, may be prioritized.

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.

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.

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 Indiana CTSI (IUSM) Core Equipment Grant invites proposals from designated IU School of Medicine Cores for equipment purchases that enhance research capabilities. Funding between $5,000 and $100,000 is available, with consideration for higher amounts if matching funds are identified. Eligible applicants must demonstrate the potential for new technologies and broad user engagement, with preference given to projects leveraging additional funding sources.

The Stark Neurosciences Pre-Clinical Neuroimaging Pilot Grant offers up to $10,000 in seed support for innovative, high-risk animal imaging projects utilizing the Bruker BioSpec 9.4T PET-MRI scanner. Open to new investigators at Indiana University and partner institutions, the grant aims to foster groundbreaking research in the neurosciences. Collaborations are encouraged, and the program emphasizes the importance of developing submissions for major extramural funding opportunities. Eligibility excludes faculty in visiting ranks and postdoctoral fellows.

The Stark Neurosciences Pre-Clinical Neuroimaging Pilot Grant supports innovative, high-risk animal imaging projects with funding up to $10,000. Aimed at established neuroimaging investigators, it encourages research that diverges from ongoing interests. Eligible applicants include faculty from Indiana University and partner institutions, while collaborations are welcomed. The initiative promotes the submission of major extramural grants and prioritizes image acquisition and processing costs, ensuring effective use of resources in advancing neuroscience research.

The Large Collaborative Grant RFA, sponsored by the Executive Associate Dean for Research at Indiana University School of Medicine, aims to support large, interdisciplinary grants. Open to full-time faculty, it encourages collaboration and innovative research. Up to $75,000 is available per application, with a requirement for matching funds. This initiative seeks to enhance research capabilities and advance the goals of IUSM through collaborative efforts.

Indiana Alcohol Research Center Pilot Project Program

The NIAAA-supported Indiana Alcohol Research Center (IARC) is soliciting proposals for pilot projects from investigators who want to develop research on alcohol use disorders. Applications pertinent to basic mechanisms of alcohol misuse, neurophysiological and behavioral phenotypes of drinking, and genetic underpinnings of alcohol preference are welcome. The purpose of an IARC pilot grant is to allow an investigator to obtain preliminary data leading to extramural funding. Previous experience in research on alcohol use and/or alcohol use disorder is not required.

Pilot projects are limited to $50,000 (direct costs) per year for two years.

Fort Wayne, Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities running community health programs can access funding through Parkview Health System to support program and event costs. Eligible projects must serve Parkview’s local service area and address priorities like access to care, healthy lifestyles, prenatal care, or mental health, with measurable outcomes and collaboration.

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 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.

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.

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.

Fort Wayne, Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits and some governmental entities can seek one-year operating or program support for community services that benefit Allen County residents. Through its Community Interests Grant, Foellinger Foundation funds mission-driven, well-governed, results-oriented organizations at least three years old that address broader community issues and quality-of-life needs.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.