Best Fort Wayne Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

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 CFGFW Rising Together Grants: Inspiring Places Program aims to enhance community well-being by providing operational funding for initiatives that create engaging and energizing spaces. This program aligns with the Community Foundation's strategic 'Let’s Rise!' Vision Plan, which focuses on fostering connections among residents and visitors through various sectors such as arts and community development. Funded by the Paul Clarke Endowment and the Community Impact Fund, the grants are designed to support projects that positively impact the quality of life in the community.

The Great Lakes Foundation Grant supports projects aimed at preserving wilderness areas and promoting marine safety in the Great Lakes region. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the foundation has awarded over $318,212 since its inception in 1993. Grants have funded various initiatives, including breakwater construction and academic research, to enhance appreciation and safety of the marine environment for both members and the general public.

The CFGFW Agile Grants program, offered by the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, provides funding up to $20,000 for innovative projects that enhance the community's quality of life. Emphasizing diversity and inclusion, these grants support various issue areas, including education, health, and arts. Applications are accepted from March to October, and organizations can apply for new initiatives or significant enhancements to existing programs. This initiative aims to create lasting, positive impacts across Allen County and Northeast Indiana.

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.

Fort Wayne, Indiana nonprofits supporting mental and physical health can access funding through the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne’s Rising Together Healthy Mind and Body grants. Awards of US $5,000 - US $20,000 provide operational support for organizations focused on healthcare, mental health, food and fitness, basic needs, and related well-being services.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting arts, education, community empowerment, conservation, or urban development in Fort Wayne, Indiana may be eligible for this funding. Ardelle and Theresa Glaze Foundation supports work in these areas across Allen County and other nearby counties where the Fort Wayne Metals family lives and works.

The Waterfield Foundation Grant supports charitable and educational initiatives primarily in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and political subdivisions within the state. The foundation emphasizes projects that demonstrate a proven track record in the community or require private support. Note that grants are typically awarded once a year, and applications are reviewed during quarterly meetings. Organizations that are private foundations are not eligible for funding.

WindSwell Foundation provides Fort Wayne, Indiana nonprofits with funding to create inclusive arts programs for people with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in Northeast Indiana can request up to US $25,000 for new programming or capital projects that engage individuals with disabilities in local arts communities.

The NOAA Great Lakes Fish Habitat Restoration Partnership Grants aim to support habitat restoration projects to enhance coastal habitats and promote the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. These grants will focus on projects that align with GLRI goals, particularly in addressing toxic substances and restoring habitats for native fish species affected by degradation. Proposals will be evaluated based on their contribution to environmental priorities set by Lake Committees, ensuring sustainable fish populations in the Great Lakes.

Nonprofit organizations in Fort Wayne, Indiana seeking operational support for workforce development, housing, or basic needs programs can apply for the CFGFW Rising Together: Everyone's Economy Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $20,000. Focused on economic mobility and security, Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne backs efforts that expand opportunity for local residents.

The CFGFW Engage Grants, offered by the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, provide up to $3,000 to first-time applicants for operational support and specific programs. This initiative aims to enhance community well-being by funding new organizations and projects. Emphasizing diversity and inclusion, the grants are accessible to various backgrounds without the necessity of 501(c)(3) status. Applications are accepted from March to October, fostering community impact through equitable funding opportunities.

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.

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.

The Great Lakes Protection Fund Grant aims to support projects that deliver significant ecological improvements to the Great Lakes region. The Fund seeks transformative initiatives that involve collaboration among diverse stakeholders and rely on scientific rigor. Eligible applicants include non-profits, universities, and businesses, and the projects must demonstrate a positive environmental impact on the Great Lakes ecosystem. Importantly, the Fund does not support advocacy or compliance-related activities.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust offers grants aimed at enhancing the lives of animals in the Ohio/Great Lakes region. It prioritizes projects that foster animal adoption, behavior training, and humane education. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and demonstrate a commitment to animal welfare. The Trust seeks innovative, collaborative initiatives that significantly improve the well-being of animals, particularly in underserved communities, ensuring a high quality of life for both individual animals and larger populations.

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.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust Grants focus on enhancing the quality of life for companion animals and native wildlife. This private foundation supports innovative projects that go beyond basic care, ensuring the well-being of homeless and abused animals. Eligible organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status and be located in specific states, including Ohio and parts of Indiana and Michigan. The Trust emphasizes humane treatment and sustainable funding for animal welfare initiatives.

The JADE Learning Electrical Technologies Scholarship supports students enrolled in North Carolina technical or occupational schools focused on electrical systems technologies. Eligible candidates include undergraduates, graduates, and apprentices who demonstrate financial need and strong academic performance. The scholarship application requires careful attention to specific donor-defined eligibility criteria. Applications open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026, with preference given to those pursuing a two-year associate’s degree.

The Joyce Price Johnson’s Samaritan Fund provides scholarships for young people in North Carolina who are exiting foster care or facing poverty. Eligible candidates include undergraduates, graduates, and adult re-entry students attending various accredited institutions. Applications for NCCF scholarships open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026. Preference is given to applicants from Wayne County and adjacent areas, ensuring support for those with exceptional financial need.

Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains

Our mission at the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains is to improve the region’s quality of life through the power of philanthropy. We do this by offering individuals, families, and businesses the most effective charitable giving tools available in the marketplace today. Founded in 1998, the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains is honored to work with hundreds of donors, nonprofits, advisors, and civic leaders to achieve dreams for making the Endless Mountains region of Northeastern Pennsylvania an even better place to live for everyone.

Scholarships

Many generous individuals, families, and businesses have established scholarship funds to provide support to graduates in our region. Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors.

Lawrence & Phyllis DeWolfe Scholarship

Established by the family and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence DeWolfe to provide college scholarships to graduating seniors from Blue Ridge, Lackawanna Trail, and Mountain View school districts who will major in agriculture, education, a STEM field or law enforcement.

Scholarships

We partner with donors to administer scholarships for students across the state. Most NCCF scholarships open for applications on Dec. 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026.

Undergraduates, graduates, medical and professional school students and adult re-entry students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities, career/technical schools, teaching credential programs and graduate, medical or professional schools in the United States are eligible for scholarships offered at NCCF.

Each scholarship has specific eligibility requirements defined by the donor when the scholarship was established. Be sure to read the requirements of each scholarship carefully as directed through the universal application and address those elements as needed in your application.

Grayce Wills MacDonald and Ivan A. MacDonald Endowment

Shall support students who attended high school in Cherokee, Graham, Clay, Swain, Macon, Jackson, Haywood, Buncombe, and Henderson counties, and who are pursuing a college or post-graduate level degree in the field of nutrition with emphasis on the study of natural foods and the vegetarian lifestyle. Scholarships may be based on both need and merit.

The Fred and Betty Worsh Scholarship Fund, managed by the North Carolina Community Foundation, offers financial support to residents of New Hanover and Brunswick Counties who are U.S. citizens attending accredited four-year colleges or universities. Scholarships are available to undergraduates, graduates, and adult re-entry students, and may be renewed annually based on academic performance and financial need. Applications open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026.

Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains

Our mission at the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains is to improve the region’s quality of life through the power of philanthropy. We do this by offering individuals, families, and businesses the most effective charitable giving tools available in the marketplace today. Founded in 1998, the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains is honored to work with hundreds of donors, nonprofits, advisors, and civic leaders to achieve dreams for making the Endless Mountains region of Northeastern Pennsylvania an even better place to live for everyone.

Scholarships

Many generous individuals, families, and businesses have established scholarship funds to provide support to graduates in our region. Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors.

Thomas Conaty Memorial Scholarship

Established by the family of Mr. Conaty to provide a college or post-secondary degree program scholarship to a student from Blue Ridge, Elk Lake or Montrose Area School Districts, including home schooled students from those districts. Preference will be given to a student who will pursue a degree in business or a related field.

The Scholarships for Careers Endowment, established by a local family in connection with the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains, aims to support graduates of Elk Lake School District and the Susquehanna County Career & Technology Center. This scholarship prioritizes students with financial need and promise for future success, assisting them in pursuing vocational, technical, academic, or other post-secondary programs. Additionally, it contributes to special projects within the school district and community.

Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains

Our mission at the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains is to improve the region’s quality of life through the power of philanthropy. We do this by offering individuals, families, and businesses the most effective charitable giving tools available in the marketplace today. Founded in 1998, the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains is honored to work with hundreds of donors, nonprofits, advisors, and civic leaders to achieve dreams for making the Endless Mountains region of Northeastern Pennsylvania an even better place to live for everyone.

Scholarships

Many generous individuals, families, and businesses have established scholarship funds to provide support to graduates in our region. Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors.

Robert and Diane Turrell Family Scholarship

Established by Robert and Diane Hill Turrell. Provides a post-secondary scholarship to a high school graduate who is a student of good moral character and who demonstrates financial need through their Student Aid Report. Students from Lackawanna Trail, Tunkhannock, Elk Lake, Homeschooled and Wyalusing Valley High Schools may apply. Priority will be given to students living in Habitat for Humanity Housing. The recipient may re-apply during each of the remaining years of undergraduate study until reaching the age of 25.

The NC Hunter and Jumper Association’s Norah Morris Memorial Scholarship Endowment supports individuals pursuing higher education who have engaged in equestrian activities. Open to undergraduates, graduates, and adult re-entry students, the scholarship aims to assist those attending various educational institutions in the United States. Applications for NCCF scholarships will be accepted from December 16, 2025, to March 3, 2026. Be sure to check specific eligibility requirements for each scholarship.