Best Community Development Grants in Indiana

The Carol Ann and Ralph V Haile Jr Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Established by Carol and Ralph Haile, the foundation focuses on funding initiatives in arts and culture, civic engagement, education, and human services. It supports organizations that are tax-exempt and aligns with their mission across ten counties. By fostering collaboration, the foundation seeks to create a vibrant community and drive meaningful change.

The Charles H. Dater Foundation Grants support programs benefiting children in Greater Cincinnati. Established in 1985, the Foundation focuses on arts, education, healthcare, social services, and community needs. Grant applications require a pre-application summary for feedback. Funds are typically awarded within two weeks, following a thorough evaluation process. The Foundation encourages leveraging grants for additional funding and values effective use of volunteer resources, ensuring ongoing support for community enrichment.

Community-based nonprofits, tribal governments, local governments, schools, and higher education institutions in Indiana can apply for the Minneapolis Foundation’s Tier 1 grants, awarding up to US $150,000 for environmental and public health assessment and engagement projects in disadvantaged communities. Funding may support mapping, monitoring, research, and community engagement that strengthen local community development efforts.

Indiana community development and human service nonprofits can access funding through Lilly Endowment to enhance quality of life, especially in Indianapolis and across the state. Support may include neighborhood revitalization, housing, economic development, arts and culture, and services for residents facing poverty, unemployment, domestic violence, disabilities, or other challenges.

Lilly Endowment provides Indiana Christian organizations and theological institutions with funding to deepen and enrich the religious lives of Christians and strengthen congregational vitality. Eligible U.S.-based nonprofits may propose religion-focused projects, with priority for efforts that improve quality of life in Indiana, particularly through community development, education, and youth initiatives connected to Christian faith and leadership.

Museums and public cultural institutions in Indiana seeking support to expand photography programming can apply for funding for acquisitions, exhibitions, and publications. Focused on photography and museum initiatives, the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation may benefit community development efforts that involve public access to photographic arts and related cultural programming.

Nonprofit organizations hosting community events, fundraisers, or special activities in Indiana can seek sponsorship funding that supports broad community initiatives and impact. Old National Bank focuses on programs serving underrepresented groups and low-to-moderate income communities, especially those advancing economic development, workforce readiness, financial education, small business services, and equitable, affordable housing.

Indiana 501(c)(3) organizations providing basic needs, health care, education, or civic and environmental programs in Bluffton, Linden, or Mount Vernon can apply for Valero Energy Foundation’s invitation-only community investments. Eligible nonprofits must align with Valero’s four pillars of support and submit all funding requests for the calendar year at the same time.

Nonprofit organizations supporting arts and culture, education, environment, health, human services, or youth and family programs in Indiana communities near Wolverine Worldwide corporate offices may be eligible for this funding. Grants from Wolverine Worldwide Foundation help Indiana community development efforts, particularly around Richmond and Wayne County, through community programs and partnerships.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation for economic, environmental, racial, or social justice in Indiana and nationwide can access recoverable grants from the Impact Fund, typically US $10,000 - US $50,000, for out-of-pocket litigation costs. Grants may benefit community development efforts by challenging systemic injustices affecting local residents.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Horizon Bank provides Indiana 501(c)(3) organizations with grants supporting community development, education, arts, housing, and social services. Eligible nonprofits can request more than US $5,000 for one-time or one-year projects, including building programs and initiatives that leverage matching funds and other reliable financial support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community development and related services in Indiana counties where Penn National Gaming operates may be eligible for this funding. Grants from Penn National Gaming help Indiana community development groups, educators, health providers, and human services agencies support local residents, including veterans, youth, seniors, and diverse communities in their immediate service areas.

The Gun Violence Prevention & Justice Reform Grant by The Joyce Foundation aims to create safer communities in the Great Lakes region. It focuses on reducing gun violence, addressing racial disparities in the justice system, and promoting violence intervention strategies. The foundation invites innovative proposals that support these goals, emphasizing research, policy advocacy, and community engagement to effectively address the challenges of gun violence and promote racial equity.

Organizations working on voting rights, fair representation, or accurate census data in Indiana can access funding to advance democracy-focused public policy and systems change. Grants from Joyce Foundation help Great Lakes-region efforts use research, policy development, litigation, and public engagement to protect and expand voting rights and improve democratic participation, especially for communities of color and young voters.

Nonprofit organizations and select government initiatives in Indiana working on education policy, economic mobility, or community outcomes can seek support for research, policy development, advocacy, and implementation efforts. Focused on closing racial and income gaps in college and career success, the Joyce Foundation backs K–12 and postsecondary policy change benefiting Great Lakes states, including Indiana.

Environmental and community development organizations in Indiana working on climate policy, clean drinking water, or Great Lakes protection can seek support for policy and advocacy initiatives. The Joyce Foundation funds national and regional groups advancing climate solutions, freshwater conservation, and environmental justice across Great Lakes states, with a focus on equitable, community-guided policy change.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community development, disadvantaged youth, education, health, or hunger can seek up to US $5,000 for projects and programs. With a mission to enhance quality of life, Samerian Foundation provides Central Indiana organizations with funding for youth sports, poverty prevention, humanitarian efforts, and related initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools running manufacturing workforce education programs in Indiana and other eligible states can apply for the Education Pillar Award, which offers US $25,000 - US $100,000 for programmatic support. With a mission to cultivate a future-ready workforce, American Honda Motor provides funding for hands-on training in design, data analytics, AI, automation, and related technical skills that may strengthen local community development.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits and schools running environmental programs in decarbonization, clean energy, or efficient use of natural resources can seek US $25,000 - US $100,000 for programmatic support. Grants from American Honda Motor help communities where Honda associates live and work, which may include community development efforts with strong sustainability components.

Grants support Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits for programs helping people in need, protecting animals and nature, and enriching community life in Marion County. Grants from Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust can fund adult education, crisis intervention, foster care, literacy, entrepreneurship, and civic and cultural initiatives, with awards up to US $250,000.

Nonprofits, public charities, schools, and community organizations in Indiana serving Greater Cincinnati communities can seek up to US $10,000 for innovative youth mental health and food insecurity projects. Focused on children’s mental health and hunger, the Joe Burrow Foundation invites community development groups to propose sustainable, high-impact initiatives supporting underprivileged and underserved children.

Indiana community development nonprofits proposing capital, start-up, technology, or program expansion projects in culture, education, environment, family, or health can seek US $100,000 to address defined local needs. Impact 100 supports 501(c)(3) and 509(a) public charities serving the Greater Cincinnati Tri-State area, including Dearborn County, Indiana, with measurable, time-bound projects.

Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities in Indiana can apply for approximately US $15,000 from Old National Bank Foundation to support community development, affordable housing, workforce development, and financial empowerment programs. Nonprofits based in the bank’s Indiana footprint, especially those serving underrepresented and low- to moderate-income communities, may use these grants for measurable, long-term community impact initiatives.

Indiana community development and education nonprofits can seek funding for affordable housing, environmental initiatives, literacy, STEM education, and workforce development programs serving local residents. CenterPoint Energy Foundation supports innovative, measurable projects that enhance community vitality and prioritize low- to moderate-income populations in the Indiana counties where the company operates.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools serving economically disadvantaged K–12 students in STEM education can apply for Boston Scientific Foundation’s STEM Education Grant Program. Programs within 60 miles of Spencer that use evidence-based approaches and track STEM learning outcomes may be eligible, especially where at least half of participants are at 185% of poverty or lower.

Network member organizations in Indiana and other Midwest states can apply for the National Library of Medicine’s Health Information Outreach Award, with grants of US $25,000 to expand access to reliable health information. Projects that improve health literacy and information access for underrepresented or medically underserved communities may be especially competitive.

The Heart of Cook Grants support non-profit organizations, schools, and government units in furthering education, enhancing human services, and protecting the environment within Southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana. With funding priorities focused on skill development, community independence, and environmental restoration, the grants aim to foster local leadership and innovative solutions. Eligible applicants may submit one application per cycle, with particular attention given to measurable outcomes and projects addressing emerging community needs.