Best Grants for Environmental Justice in Indiana

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving youth through education, health, welfare, or environmental programs can access funding through the Dan Paul Foundation for projects such as early childhood development, child advocacy, clean air and water education, homelessness, and refugee enrichment. Grants up to US $15,000 are available, with no geographic restrictions, for initiatives that directly benefit children and youth.

Early-stage nonprofit and impact-first, mission-driven for-profit organizations tackling urgent social or environmental problems in Indiana can access funding through Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, with awards up to US $300,000 over three years. Eligible ventures must serve underserved communities, operate post-pilot and pre-scale, and demonstrate scalable, data-driven impact and financial sustainability.

Eligible tribal governments, community-based nonprofits, local governments, and educational 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. Funding supports environmental justice work in disadvantaged communities, including air, water, and soil monitoring, research, mapping, and community education across EPA Region 5.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education, economic empowerment, or climate resilience in Indiana and worldwide can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation, with awards up to US $100,000. Eligible programs must primarily serve economically underserved communities and may include green jobs, regenerative agriculture, conservation, or clean energy solutions that support environmental justice goals.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Indiana organizations and social enterprises serving urban low-income children through education, health, or family economic stability projects can receive more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides funding across the U.S., India, and South Africa; Indiana groups advancing environmental justice alongside these priorities may be eligible.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in early childhood education or community economic development can seek funding for programs serving low- and moderate-income residents in PNC service areas. Focused on education, the PNC Foundation invites organizations to propose initiatives in early learning, workforce readiness, affordable housing, community services, or neighborhood revitalization that may advance environmental justice goals.

Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations improving health, education, or disaster relief can apply for funding that supports marginalized communities worldwide, including Indiana. With a mission to advance human welfare, Semnani Family Foundation provides support for health care access, women and children’s services, literacy, and humanitarian aid; Indiana groups with related environmental justice impacts may be eligible.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in areas like education, science, or health that can use funds within the U.S. can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust. Grants support well-managed charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations whose programs have broad reach and materially improve community welfare, which may include environmental justice efforts.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation on environmental, economic, racial, or social justice can access recoverable grants from The Impact Fund, including work in Indiana. Awards of US $10,000 - US $50,000 help cover out-of-pocket litigation costs like expert fees and discovery in systemic justice cases.

Youth-led organizations and groups in the Chicago metro area and Northwest Indiana can seek $5,000 - $15,000 to run social justice advocacy and activism projects. With a mission to strengthen grassroots movements, Crossroads Fund provides support for campaigns on issues like environment, education, health, incarceration, media, and discrimination, connected to a 501(c)(3) or fiscal sponsor.

Indiana organizations building community-university partnerships to address health, social determinants of health, or health equity can access funding through the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute. Grants up to US $5,000 support planning activities like meetings, conferences, travel, and stakeholder engagement that lay groundwork for future collaborative research, including projects that may touch environmental justice in Indiana communities.

Environmental justice and conservation-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Indiana can seek the Storytelling Grant to share the real-world impact of their work through compelling media and narratives. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation funds storytelling projects for organizations working in areas like environmental conservation, waste management, wellness, and education, with awards of more than US $50,000.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

Environmental and environmental justice organizations working on climate or water policy in Indiana and other Great Lakes states can seek support for advocacy and policy change initiatives. The Joyce Foundation funds work advancing climate solutions and Great Lakes and drinking water priorities, with emphasis on communities facing structural racism and water or energy inequities.

Nonprofit organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities working on education, environment, community enrichment, or entrepreneurship in Indiana communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities can seek funding to strengthen local well-being. Grants from Georgia-Pacific Foundation help Indiana groups serving GP communities, which may include environmental justice and advocacy initiatives that improve long-term community sustainability.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations near TJX locations in Indiana that support basic needs, at-risk youth, or domestic violence services can seek project funding. The Tjx Foundation supports programs providing food, clothing, shelter, out-of-school enrichment, workforce readiness for ages 16–24, and safety from domestic violence; applications follow an eligibility questionnaire and invitation-only process.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Indiana community organizing nonprofits focused on social, economic, or political justice can seek general operating support for multi-issue, base-building work that empowers low- and moderate-income communities. Needmor Fund for Social Justice supports strong, democratically run organizing groups in an eight-state Midwest region, which may include campaigns addressing environmental justice and advocacy priorities.

Indiana environmental justice and advocacy nonprofits that lead strong cross-sector partnerships may be eligible for the Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award, a national U.S. recognition program. This award honors exemplary collaborations that measurably improve communities, can be replicated elsewhere, and introduce innovative approaches to significant social issues.

Indiana nonprofits and qualifying foreign organizations working on poverty, disability, disaster relief, or human services may be eligible for Gupta Family Foundation support to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant. Environmental justice and advocacy groups that fit this mission and operate within the foundation’s current countries, including the U.S., can seek US $5,000 - US $250,000 in annual or multi-year funding.