Best Grants for Nonprofit Child Care Centers in Indiana

Indianapolis Colts Foundation Inc

Committed to improving the lives of our fellow Hoosiers by building a healthy, inclusive and compassionate community through meaningful outreach, projects and partnerships. The Colts also support current and former Colts players by engaging with them in charitable, off-field efforts, helping them leave a legacy of service to the community.

Hometown Grant Program

The Indianapolis Colts and the America Dairy Association Indiana are teaming up to show their continued commitment to child health and wellness by opening their application for a $10,000 'Hometown Grant'.

The 'Hometown Grant' program, developed by Fuel Up to Play 60 and the NFL, provides local organizations with the opportunity to identify deserving schools in their area and award them with a $10,000 to help meet their health and wellness goals. In its seventh year, the Hometown Grant program allows each of the 32 NFL Clubs, Fuel Up to Play 60 and local dairy representatives to provide funding to schools throughout the country totaling $320,000 this year. Previous Indiana Hometown Grant winners include Pike Township, Decatur Township, Lawrence Township, Warren Township and Beech Grove.

Focused on child care services, Indiana Family and Social Services Administration invites Indiana school-age child care programs to seek reimbursement grants up to US $40,000 per county. Eligible applicants are public school corporations or 501(c)(3) nonprofit child care programs licensed or regulated for at least one year and serving children ages 5–15.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Indiana that directly deliver essential health and human services, including child care and early childhood education, can apply for United Way of Marshall County’s Statewide Capital Projects Initiative, with awards from US $50,000 - US $1,500,000. Funding supports matched capital projects such as construction, renovation, and equipment for service-delivery spaces.

Indiana nonprofit child care and youth-serving organizations can access funding through the Andrew and Alice Fischer Charitable Trust to support education for children with disabilities, early childhood development, and related child care services. Administered by First American Bank, this grant also supports programs for senior citizens and U.S. veterans in the greater Chicago metropolitan area.

Indiana child care and early learning employers can receive up to US $50,000 to train, hire, and retain staff in high-demand positions through this Employer Training Grant. Grants from Indiana Department of Workforce Development help Indiana child care services provide job-skills training that leads to post-secondary or industry credentials and improved wages for employees.

Nonprofit child care and early learning organizations in Indiana can seek funding for programs that fit Ball Brothers Foundation’s focus areas, including child care services, early education, and basic human needs. Ball Brothers Foundation supports strategic, measurable projects, offering US $5,000 - US $100,000 that can leverage additional funding and demonstrate clear results.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Indiana nonprofit child care and human services organizations planning projects over $50,000 in Jefferson County can access funding through Bethany Legacy Foundation to strengthen community well-being. Eligible long-application projects must advance pillars like quality childcare, affordable housing, recreation, workforce development, mental health, transportation, or social services, following a pre-application and approximately 12-week review process.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting children’s health, wellness, or child care services, including those in Indiana, can apply for grants up to US $15,000 to improve the lives of children. Grants from 15 and the Mahomies Foundation help fund programs for children’s health, mental health, disabilities, early childhood development, and communities in need.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored projects serving Clark and Floyd counties in Indiana can seek capacity-building support to strengthen operations, leadership, technology, and evaluation. Focused on organizational effectiveness, the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana invites Indiana child care and related service providers to request US $5,000 - US $25,000 through its year-round, quarterly program.

Indiana 501(c)(3) organizations providing child care, housing, education, or related services for economically or educationally disadvantaged people can seek funding and program-related investments that strengthen self-sustaining community programs. The Erich & Hannah Sachs Foundation supports efforts like affordable day care, after-school programs, job training, and other economic development initiatives, with proposals accepted year-round.

CAPTRUST Community Foundation provides Indiana child-focused charities with funding to serve the needs of children, including those in child care services and related programs. Local and national nonprofits working in areas like child welfare, early childhood development, and youth services may be selected for significant partnership grants through its National Partnership Grant program.

Foundations of East Chicago offers General Operating Grants to support local nonprofits and agencies improving community quality of life. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 entities based in East Chicago, with funding for operational expenses from January 1 to August 31, 2026. The grant covers daily costs such as utilities, office supplies, and maintenance, ensuring community-focused initiatives are supported while adhering to strict eligibility criteria.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing child care, education, or youth services can apply for the Comis Foundation’s Comis Foundation Grant, with awards from US $5,000 - US $75,000 for programs improving outcomes for children and youth. Organizations in Indiana with child care or early learning initiatives may be eligible if they have national scope and reach.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and government agencies in DeKalb County, Indiana can seek funding for child care services, early childhood development, and related youth programs, including general operating support. Focused on broad community needs, the Community Foundation of DeKalb County invites applications for projects in areas such as education, health, human services, and community development.

Organizations planning visible community events or projects, including those offering child care services in Indiana, can seek sponsorship funding to support their primary mission and community benefit. Tyson Foods welcomes proposals that highlight event visibility, leverage funding for core programs, and specify the tax-deductible portion of the request.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Central Indiana Community Foundation provides Indiana nonprofit child care and human services organizations with competitive grants up to US $50,000. 501(c)(3) public charities serving Hamilton County residents may fund childcare, housing, social services, or workforce and education programs, including projects where a qualified nonprofit serves as fiscal sponsor.

Indiana nonprofit child care providers seeking funding for program development or equipment may be eligible for support through the Terre Haute Day Nursery Endowment Fund, administered by Wabash Valley Community Foundation. Clay, Sullivan, and Vigo County organizations focused on quality childcare can propose impactful projects that create lasting, measurable benefits for local families and communities.

Nonprofit child care and youth programs in Indiana, especially those connected to the Cole Center Family YMCA in Noble County, can receive support for services like child care, education, recreation, and fitness. Noble County Community Foundation provides this restricted fund to strengthen YMCA programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all ages.

Nonprofit organizations providing child care and related services in Indiana can seek up to US $50,000 for projects that strengthen families and workforce stability in Jefferson County. Bethany Legacy Foundation supports initiatives such as expanding quality childcare, improving affordable housing, enhancing recreation, and growing mental health and social services that promote community well-being and self-reliance.

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.

The Thing 1∙2∙3 Foundation Grant Program, established in 1999, is dedicated to improving the lives of children. This private foundation, inspired by Dr. Seuss' characters, focuses on providing essential support to organizations that help children. Grants are awarded to U.S. and U.S.-based international entities that align with the foundation's mission. The foundation seeks to empower those on the front lines delivering impactful services, ensuring that children's needs are met effectively.

Community Foundation of Morgan County

The Community Foundation of Morgan County (CFMC) was founded on January 5, 2000, thanks to a grant from Lilly Endowment. CFMC was originally a partnership with the Mooresville Community Foundation and Morgan County Community Foundation. The historic Academy Building on the Newby Campus in Mooresville was CFMC’s original location.

After 25 years of service, the Community Foundation of Morgan County continues to grow our community endowment for purposes of enhancing the lives of all Morgan County citizens, now and for those in the future. We address community needs through grantmaking, including scholarships, connect donors to local needs, and provide leadership on key community issues.

Lilly Endowment GIFT IX Community Project Grant

The Community Foundation of Morgan County is committed to strengthening the long-term vitality of our community by addressing critical needs. The Community Project Grant Program, funded by Lilly Endowment Gift IX, provides strategic funding opportunities for transformative initiatives aligned with three key pillars:

• Affordable Housing- Temporary & Permanent
• Childcare Access & Affordability
• Food Insecurity & Poverty Relief

Up to $500,000 in funding is available per pillar to support high-impact, collaborative, and sustainable solutions that directly benefit residents of Morgan County.

About Us

Our Mission

To improve the quality of life in Noble County by serving as catalyst for positive change, enabling donors to carry out charitable intent, and making grants.

Community Impact Fund

The purpose of this fund is to be used for grantmaking through grant requests submitted to the community foundation.

Donor Story

This fund was established in 1993 by the then board of directors of the Community Foundation of Noble County. The Community Impact Fund holds the unrestricted dollars used by the Community Foundation of Noble County Grants Committee to support programs and charitable efforts in our county.

Community Impact Grant

Current grant cycles focus on three priority areas. The first cycle, with a deadline of March 2, focuses on senior issues and human services. The second cycle, with a deadline of July 2, focuses on childcare and education. The final cycle, with a deadline of November 2, focuses on economic development and other charitable services. These categories allow for a wide range of project types that align with the foundation’s mission of improving quality of life in Noble County.

Joseph G Markoly Foundation Inc

When Joseph Markoly originally established the foundation more than thirty years ago, its focus was on Alzheimer’s and heart disease support, funded through a number of the larger national disease-related organizations. Over time the focus has shifted to helping small to mid-size organizations in our local communities which support children and seniors in a variety of effective ways. 

Markoly Foundation was established in honor of Joseph G. Markoly, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who wanted to make a positive impact in people’s lives. Joseph’s family was affected directly by both Alzheimer’s and heart disease having lost a family member to each condition. For that reason, the foundation dedicates a majority of their resources to providing grants to organizations that focus on the treatment of each of these diseases. In addition, Markoly Foundation supports a variety of programs dedicated to helping children and seniors by providing services, supplies, programs and research in areas impacting these demographics.

Joseph G. Markoly Foundation Grant Support for Children’s Organizations

Children are the future of this world and the Markoly Foundation is proud to fund local programs dedicated to improving the lives of children and their families. From providing vision services for school kids to classes on parenting, we are proud to do our part to help fund critical community programs for families.

We are dedicated to providing funding for local nonprofit programs that improve the quality of life for all, but particularly for the children and elders in our community.

The Wisdom Family Foundation Grant Program supports organizations that empower children and strengthen communities. Founded in 2007, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit focuses on providing essential resources such as food security and educational assistance. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, with larger capital grants considered on a case-by-case basis. The Foundation operates primarily in Greater Chicago, Northern Wisconsin, and the Twin Cities, promoting a spirit of generosity and collaboration within communities.

The Community Impact Grant for Senior Issues & Human Services, provided by the Noble County Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in Noble County. This grant supports innovative projects addressing pressing community needs, particularly for seniors. Eligible nonprofits can apply to receive funding for creative initiatives that align with the foundation's mission to foster lasting positive change in the community.