Search Through Grants for Nonprofit Human Services in Indiana in the U.S.

Community Grants

The Community Grants program meets the mission of The Community Foundation to exercise leadership in directing resources to enhance the quality of life for residents of Muncie and Delaware County, Indiana. Additionally, it reinforces the Foundation’s vision to impact and empower Muncie and Delaware County by enabling philanthropy as a trusted community leader promoting positive change now and for generations to come.  We award grants broadly in the following areas:

• Arts and Culture
• Human Services
• Economic Development
• Education
• Community Betterment

2022-2026 Strategic Plan Goals

Goal 1: Increase awareness of The Community Foundation

Goal 2: Expand donor relations

Goal 3: Strengthen relationships & opportunities with partner funders

Goal 4: Enhance grantmaking in response to Picture, Purpose, Practice statement

Goal 5: Show support to nonprofits beyond traditional grantmaking

Goal 6: Improve efficiency & sustainability of the scholarship program

Goal 7: Encourage and influence shared community results

Goal 8: Explore and develop impact investing program

Goal 9: Build operational sustainability and efficiencies

Community Grants 

All grant requests of $2,500 or less submitted by the second Monday of the month will be reviewed and recommendations will be sent to the board for a vote on the third Monday of that month. Requests submitted after the second Monday will be voted on during the next calendar month.

Fields of Interest

While we expect to remain flexible in our grant making activities, we will focus primarily on the following fields of interest: 

• Education
• Human Services
• Recreation
• Arts and Culture
• Citizenship
• Environment
• Economic Development

Criteria that Governs Grant Decisions

• Does the grant proposal fit the overall charitable purposes of the Warren County Community Foundation, Inc.
• Does it maintain both a proactive focus and an ability to respond to creative ideas?
• Will the project make a significant improvement to the community?
• Does the Project address an important community need or priority?
• The organization responsible for the project utilizes local resources and community support.
• The organization has the capacity to implement and sustain the project in the future.
• The project is reasonable, feasible, and timely.

Mission

Impact 100 Greater Indianapolis is a charitable women’s giving circle dedicated to awarding high impact grants to nonprofits in our community in the areas of Arts, Culture & Preservation; Education; Environment & Animal Welfare; Family; and Health & Wellness.

Philosophy

Impact 100 Greater Indianapolis is a charitable women’s giving circle dedicated to awarding high impact grants to nonprofits in our community. We seek to fund critical needs, new ventures, and innovative ways to solve social problems in order to create a more civil and respectful climate.

• We seek to fund critical needs, new ventures, and innovative ways to solve social problems and to create a more civil and respectful climate in our community.
• We believe that every member of our community should have access to a clean, safe environment, cultural enrichment, family services and quality education and healthcare.
• We encourage all greater Indianapolis nonprofits with the vision and capacity to manage a gift of this size to apply.

Core Values

Impact 100 Greater Indianapolis approaches grant making with open minds and a belief that our commitment to our core values makes our giving circle stronger.

• Integrity
  • We approach decision-making with open minds, respect for the ideas of others, and with fairness. We are ethical in our actions and accountable for them.
• Excellence
  • We strive for the highest possible outcomes in all our actions. We educate ourselves to ensure that we are employing “best practices” and that our decisions are made objectively.
• Thoughtfulness
  • We value discussion and spend the necessary time to work through all decisions, giving consideration to all possible paths.
• Collaboration
  • We expect everyone to participate, and value the individual strengths that each member brings to the process. Once a consensus has been reached, we believe all members should fully embrace the decision.
• Humanity
  • We foster kindness and benevolence in our interactions and relationships. The humane consideration of every member of our community is at the heart of our philanthropic endeavor.
• Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)
  • We strive to be diverse, equitable, and inclusive in our leadership, membership, grantmaking, and community partners. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression.

Focus Areas

Each grant applicant must select only one focus area for grant consideration. Impact 100 will not provide guidance on selecting the appropriate focus area.

The five Impact 100 Greater Indianapolis focus areas committees will consider projects from nonprofits that examine the following subject areas (although this list is not meant to be comprehensive):

• Arts, Culture, & Preservation
  • The arts and culture committee will focus on charitable initiatives that cultivate, develop, educate, preserve, and enrich the theater, museums, both visual and performing arts and literary opportunities in Greater Indianapolis.
• Education
  • The education committee will focus on charitable initiatives that advance learning opportunities and improve education in Greater Indianapolis.
• Environment & Animal Welfare
  • The environment committee will focus on charitable initiatives that:
    • improve, enhance or restore the surroundings in the Greater Indianapolis area;
    • encourage research, public awareness and education relating to the environment;
    • promote conservation of our natural resources;
    • restore, preserve, revitalize or enhance recreational facilities, and/or
    • promote animal welfare.
• Family
  • The family committee will focus on charitable initiatives that strengthen and enhance the lives of children and families in Greater Indianapolis.
• Health & Wellness
  • The health and wellness committee will focus on charitable initiatives that improve the mental and/or physical well being of people living in the Greater Indianapolis area.

The Community Foundation's purpose is to contribute to improving the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County, Indiana for today, tomorrow, and always. The Community Foundation's philosophy for our grantmaking is designed specifically to best accomplish this mission.

Community Grants

Program Information

The Community Grants program meets the mission of The Community Foundation to exercise leadership in directing resources to enhance the quality of life for residents of Muncie and Delaware County, Indiana. Additionally, it reinforces the Foundation’s vision to impact and empower Muncie and Delaware County by enabling philanthropy as a trusted community leader promoting positive change now and for generations to come.

To that end, grants are awarded in the following areas of interests: arts and culture, community betterment, economic development, education, and human services. Community betterment includes but is not limited to recreation, public safety, neighborhood revitalization, animal welfare, beautification and preservation, environment, community well-being, and community development.

Grants are awarded from the Unrestricted Fund of The Community Foundation, named unrestricted funds, and select field of interest funds and align with the priorities established by the Board of Directors of The Community Foundation. Grants are generally awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations and may also be awarded to units of government, schools, etc., that are classified as public charities.

Grants

The gifts of many generous people allow the Community Foundation to award grants to nonprofit organizations for charitable projects and programs that address today’s needs and prepare for tomorrow’s challenges.

These grants are focused on meeting the needs of the people in DeKalb County, Indiana. Grants are awarded based on the charitable objectives of the donors who established the funds.

Grantmaking Areas of Interest

• Arts & Culture
• Community Development
• Education
• Environment
• Health
• Human Services
• Literacy
• Youth & Youth Development

Grants are also available for general operating expenses or capacity building of organizations that address local charitable needs.

An Operational Support Grant from the Community Foundation intends to fund an organization's general operation expenses and overhead costs. 

Building Thriving Communities

Greater Cincinnati Foundation’s mission is to connect generous people with trusted nonprofits to create a vibrant tri-state region where every person has a fair opportunity to thrive.

As the region's leading community foundation, it’s our role to act as a partner, funder, and connector – creating trusted relationships with generous people, nonprofits and community stakeholders to improve quality of life across the region. Since 1963, we have been inspired by your passion and generosity – it fuels our work. Together, we’re making investments in arts and culture, education, housing affordability, health care, job creation, environmental sustainability, human services and more. Your unwavering commitment to our community is making a lasting difference.

Purpose of The Andrew Jergens Foundation

The Foundation’s prime interest is the health, education, cultural experiences and social welfare of children in the Greater Cincinnati area.

The Impact Fund awards recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits, private attorneys, and small law firms who seek to confront economic, environmental, racial, and social injustice. Since our founding in 1992, the Impact Fund has made more than 800 recoverable grants totaling more than $10 million for impact litigation. We award grants four times per year, most within the range of US$10,000 to US$50,000.

Social Justice

The Impact Fund provides grants and legal support to assist in human and civil rights cases. We have helped to change dozens of laws and win cases to improve the rights of thousands. The cases we are funding allege that:

• In Texas and North Carolina, incarcerated people with mental health disabilities are forced to remain in jail despite being found not guilty and unable to proceed with a criminal trial.
• In Orange County, California there are currently 13 gang injunctions under effect, which disproportionately affect young men of color.
• In Chicago, Illinois, the city’s homeless shelter program is inaccessible to people with disabilities.
• In Springfield, Oregon, the city and its police department used excessive force against Black Lives Matter protesters.
• In West Virginia, the state fails to protect children in foster care from abuse and neglect. 
• In Montana, voter suppression laws disadvantage young adults and give priority to gun owners.
• In Gary, Indiana, a gun manufacturer negligently marketed and distributed its guns, leading to an epidemic of gun violence in the city. 
• In Vancouver, British Columbia, the police perpetuate systemic discrimination against Indigenous people through bureaucratic measures.

Environmental Justice

The Impact Fund provides grants to support local litigation for environmental justice. These grants are for cases aiming to help people or communities who are affected by environmental harm or who lack access to basic environmental needs, such as clean water, clean air, adequate waste treatment, and green spaces. The cases we are funding allege that:

• In Centreville, Illinois, the city’s failure to maintain its sewer system has caused raw sewage to flood peoples’ homes, endangering the property and health of a predominantly Black community.
• In Fresno County, California, the California Department of Transportation approved a highway expansion project that would increase air pollution and traffic in one of the state’s most environmentally burdened communities.
• In downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the proposed expansion of a highway would divide the region's Black, Asian, and Latine neighborhoods and cause pollution and ill health.
• In North Dakota, the five-month closure of a highway in response to the Dakota Access Pipeline protests disproportionately affected the livelihoods and health of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe members.
• In Ontario, Canada, mercury contamination of the English-Wabigoon river system causes catastrophic environmental and health impacts for the Grassy Narrows First Nation.
• In Sacramento, California, the county government and Sacramento Area Sewer District violated the Clean Water Act by discharging raw sewage into nearby rivers.
• In the Eastern Coachella Valley in California, 1,900 residents of the Oasis Mobile Home Park suffer from arsenic-laced drinking water, wastewater contamination, and overcharging for utilities.

Economic Justice

The Impact Fund provides financial and other forms of support to cases fighting for economic justice. From workers' rights to consumer protection for vulnerable populations, impact litigation is a powerful tool to hold corporationss and the government accountable. The cases we are funding allege that:

• In Brooklyn, New York, a prominent mortgage lender engaged in predatory practices, leaving homeowners of color at risk of losing their homes. 
• In Washington, live-in caregivers are unconstitutionally excluded from the state’s wage-and-hour protections.
• In Ravalli County, Montana, the county has created a “modern-day debtors’ prison” by incarcerating people unable to afford pre-trial fees. 
• In San Diego, California, vehicle ordinances target unhoused vehicle owners even when no adequate housing alternative exists.
• In New York, a federal immigration detention facility is violating minimum wage and forced labor laws by forcing detainees to work for just a dollar a day. 
• In Minneapolis, Minnesota, the city and county destroy the property of unhoused individuals and conduct forced evictions from public spaces. 
• In Miami, Florida, insurance companies discriminate against a nonprofit community development corporation renting to tenants with Section 8 rental subsidies.

Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities (Section 5310)

Improving mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities by removing barriers to transportation services and expanding transportation options. These funds increase mobility to and from:

• Employment
• Grocery shopping
• Medical appointments
• Educational opportunities

Under the Section 5310 program, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) provides federal funds for activities including the purchase of Paratransit vehicles and equipment to support transportation services for the elderly and people with disabilities where existing transportation is unavailable, inappropriate or insufficient. The FTA provides 80 percent of the cost of capital items; the remaining 20 percent must be provided by local funding, which may include funding from other federal programs other than U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) programs or from DOT’s Federal Office of Lands Highway program.

OKI, as the designated recipient of the Section 5310 federal funds in the Cincinnati urbanized area, is responsible for managing the program for agencies located in Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren counties in Southwest Ohio; Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties in Northern Kentucky and Dearborn County in Southeast Indiana.

Private nonprofit (501(c) (3)) corporations, public bodies identified by their state as lead agencies in a coordination project, or public bodies which certify that no private nonprofit corporations exist within their jurisdiction for the provision of elderly and disabled transportation are eligible to apply for Section 5310 federal funds.

Our Mission

Building partnerships between donors and community to enrich and enhance the quality of life in Adams County.

Purpose

The ACCF's purpose is to contribute to improving the quality of life in Adams County for this generation and generations to come. To do this, the ACCF funds projects through grant application cycles to nonprofit organizations that benefit our community. 

Project Types

In all cases, grant requests must benefit Adams County, IN residents. To include but not limited to projects associated with these leadership projects.

• Arts and Culture
• Human Services
• Economic Development
• Education
• Community Improvement

Collaborative Grants

• Two or more nonprofit organizations come together for a common event/program
  • One organization takes lead to be responsible for grant paperwork
• Amount requested typically ranges from $400 - $5,000

Our Mission

Building partnerships between donors and community to enrich and enhance the quality of life in Adams County.

Purpose

The ACCF’s purpose is to contribute to improving the quality of life in Adams County for this generation and generations to come. To do this, the ACCF funds projects through grant application cycles to nonprofit organizations that benefit our community.

Project Types

To include but not limited to projects associated with these leadership projects.

• Arts and Culture
• Human Services
• Economic Development
• Education
• Community Improvement

Traditional Grants

• Submitted by one nonprofit organization
• Amount requested typically ranges from $200 - $5,000

Our Mission

To fulfill the wishes of Paul Ogle to give back to the community by strategically funding nonprofit organizations, activities and projects that directly improve the lives of the citizens in Southern Indiana.

Our Vision

There are four key areas of interest in grant funding that must be addressed in order to successfully accomplish the Mission:

• Economic: Promote the overall economic prosperity of Southern Indiana by investing in key infrastructural components like commerce, public works, and education along with other special projects that encourage community growth and can be sustained;
• Human Needs: Strengthen the physical and mental well-being of the citizens while assisting those in the greatest of need;
• Regionalism: Foster regional awareness and promote activities that accentuate cross-regional cooperation between the people, organizations and nonprofit entities;
• Preservation: Stress the importance of preserving the artistic, historical and cultural heritage of our community for future generations as long as such projects are manageable and financially sustainable.

Paul Ogle Foundation Grant

Four Common Decision Criteria for Successful Grant Requests

Over the years, we have observed some common decision criteria within many of the grants made by the Ogle Foundation. The following items are probably Ogle’s top characteristics that we have found in a successful grant request and of the organizations that apply for them:

• Fit & Focus – The very first thing that the Ogle Foundation looks at is the type of an organization applying, the purpose of the grant request and how its mission fits within our own mission, vision and core strategic values as set by our donor. Organizations must fit within Ogle’s Grantmaking Guidelines as an organization foremost as well as show how our funds are to be specifically used if given a grant. It must have a focus or impact upon Southern Indiana in some way or at least upon a minimum percentage of its overall clients from there. The Foundation’s Board does alter its priorities and direction from time to time as needs in the community change or if an opportunity to promote a specific issue takes precedent over others in their opinion. That’s why we always require an organization to call or email us first before going through a lot of effort in putting a proposal together, particularly if they are having a hard time decerning this crucial criteria and where you fit within it.
• Sound Financials – Organizations that clearly demonstrate they are good stewards of the funds they raise and spend are always the next key decision factor to the Foundation. We expect that a nonprofit’s request are not creating undue burdens or putting them at risk financially overall, to the point that a grant is the difference between keeping the doors open or not. The Ogle Foundation utilizes Guidestar.com to review an organization’s annual IRS 990 tax filings for overall health as well as request budgets and/or expense-revenue breakdowns for the specific programs or projects that are seeking grants. If your organization is currently in a state of severe financial distress, it is probably best to not apply for a grant as this is a key indicator to us on your ability to successfully implement your grant’s vision and still keep the lights on for years to come, serving your clients and end-users.
• Executive Leadership – We view an organization’s top personnel as very important to the success of its mission and their ability to do what they say they are doing. Executive Directors, Presidents or CEO’s along with their leadership teams should be professional in their works, show expertise in the areas in which their nonprofit operates and a clear vision on how to improve themselves and the community they serve. While longevity in a position(s) is not always indicative of success, it is always good to see a track record from these individuals or their teams, as this gives us a level of confidence in their ability to execute the plans for which they seek our funds.
• Board Oversight – Lastly, Ogle’s Board takes a close look at an organization’s board of directors because we believe that nonprofits need to must have the proper organizational structure and oversight in which survive long-term. A board needs to have the right mix of people with key professional backgrounds and/or expertise in which to help guide the strategic direction of the nonprofit. Professional backgrounds can consist of expertise in professional fields like legal, health, accounting or marketing to name a few along with possessing a strong common interest in the areas in which the nonprofit operates. Also, if you are a Kentucky 501c3, how many of your board reside in Southern Indiana, an area that makes up at least 20% of the Louisville MSA? Ogle believes that the best nonprofits are those that reflect the community in which is serves, with active and engaged boards, ones that have a strong working relationship in its supervisory role with the organizational leadership versus none whatsoever.

While we are sure your organization or cause is worthy of funding, the question for you is “How does it compare in light of what you’ve just read above?”   

Ball Brothers Foundation provides funding to organizations operating in Indiana. Historically, the vast majority of our funding has been targeted to organizations in East Central Indiana with a particular emphasis in the Muncie/Delaware County area. While organizations outside the Muncie/East Central Indiana area are welcome to apply for support, please be aware that funding for organizations outside this footprint is rare.

Our Areas of Focus

Arts, Culture, & Humanities

In alignment with our rich history and the vibrant identity of Muncie and East Central Indiana, Ball Brothers Foundation places a significant emphasis on the Arts, Culture, and Humanities. Our funding focuses on inspiring creativity, fostering community engagement, and supporting a variety of cultural initiatives. We provide significant grants to museums, theaters, art education, public art, and more, helping to cultivate a vibrant cultural network in our region.

Education

Education is a fundamental commitment at Ball Brothers Foundation that continues to grow. Our support extends from early childhood education to public schools in Muncie’s Central City, emphasizing teacher development, student programs, and K-12 excellence. We also invest in outdoor learning, after-school, and summer programs that nurture critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, our commitment to career, technical, and continuing education programs aims to help individuals secure employment and thrive in their families. Since our founding, we have continued to support higher education institutions, recognizing the valuable role colleges and universities play in the lives of individuals and in the communities where they locate. 

Environment

Our funding focuses on preserving and protecting land, creating opportunities for children to connect with nature, reclaiming and restoring waterways, and encouraging conservation practices among landowners. In recent years, we've intensified our support for East Central Indiana's waterways, recognizing their vital role in sustaining local industries and providing drinking water. We actively engage the community by promoting outdoor activities like cycling, canoeing, and hiking, transforming our region into a vibrant outdoor recreation destination. Together with our grantees, we proudly contribute to safeguarding our natural resources and supporting organizations dedicated to improving our environment.

Health

Building on a legacy that began with Ball Memorial Hospital in 1929, we prioritize efforts that nurture a robust pipeline of future healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, CNAs, and more. Our funding is helping East Central Indiana build its reputation as a statewide leader in training future healthcare workers.. In addition to training, Ball Brothers Foundation has long supported efforts that prioritize community wellness, including initiatives that target underserved populations, expand access to healthy meals, and encourage physical activity.

Human Services

Ball Brothers Foundation recognizes the transformative power of nonprofits in Muncie and East Central Indiana. Our funding often supports nonprofits that are on the front-lines of neighborhood revitalization, emergency food and shelter, job training, disaster recovery, addiction and recovery services, and more to support community well-being and resilience. To bolster nonprofit capacity, we also provide grants that enhance leadership, organizational effectiveness, and professional development, addressing the unique challenges nonprofits face on tight budgets with lean staffing.

Public Society Benefit

We are steadfast believers in the potential of Muncie and East Central Indiana. The foundation supports initiatives that promote vitality, entrepreneurship, recreational opportunities, and neighborhood development. Our aim is to instill community pride and revitalize downtown areas, fostering inclusive hubs for growth. We also prioritize public safety by supporting local emergency responders and initiatives addressing growing cybersecurity threats.

Overview

The Community Foundation Alliance was incorporated in March 1991 after Lilly Endowment announced its Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) Initiative in the summer of 1990. From the beginning, the Alliance was designed to be a regional structure serving counties throughout southwestern Indiana.

Alliance organizers believed that the regional structure would allow centralized, cost-effective administration and governance of the organization. Alliance leadership also believed that the best organization would serve willing partners. Rather than creating a separate charitable non-profit corporation, a county could choose to join the Alliance by becoming an affiliate, through the creation of a named Foundation fund to serve its community.

The Alliance Board of Directors is the legal entity responsible for all aspects of Alliance oversight and operation: governance, policymaking, legal requirements, financial stewardship, and strategic plans for the Alliance as a whole.

Each county affiliate is guided by local volunteers focused on impactful grantmaking, asset development, and community leadership.

Today, the Community Foundation Alliance holds more than 1,200 named funds established by individuals, families, businesses, civic groups, and agencies to improve the quality of life in their local communities, with charitable assets over $148 million.

Warrick Community Good Grants Program

Community Good grants provide funding to charitable organizations for new or ongoing programs and projects that meet a broad range of local needs. Funding requests are accepted once each year according to our grant cycle. Funding requirements may change from year to year. Grantseekers are advised to revisit this page prior to beginning the grant application process. Grants are made possible by Community Good Unrestricted Funds and Field of Interest Funds which support a wide variety of needs in Warrick County.

Mission

Indiana Humanities is a statewide nonprofit that infuses the humanities into our daily lives. We do this by providing grants, convening discussions, uplifting humanities scholars, spotlighting humanities organizations and activities, and creating our own programs that help Hoosiers think, read and talk.

Historic Preservation Education Grant

As its name suggests, the Historic Preservation Education Grant funds programs that educate Indiana citizens about the historic places and properties in their communities—and particularly about the need to preserve and protect them. Programs may come in a variety of formats— workshops, presentations, booklets, brochures, reading/discussion programs, exhibitions, film documentaries, and more—and we’re increasingly interested in supporting digital projects, such as online exhibits, webinars , and podcasts, that expand the program’s reach and educate even more people about the value of historic preservation.

We plan to award nine or ten Historic Preservation Education Grants in 2025.

Our Mission

The Owen County Community Foundation is committed to enhancing the quality of life for all citizens of Owen County, now and for generations to come.

Background

The work of local nonprofit organizations impacts the quality of life for everyone in Owen County. Recognizing the essential role they play in the economy and health of our community, OCCF is committed to sharing knowledge about the nonprofit sector and strengthening nonprofit organizations through grants and training.

The Owen County Community Foundation administered more than $480,000 in 2021 in community grants and contracts, primarily through nonprofit organizations. Our core programs and community impact initiatives are designed to strengthen nonprofits and solve community problems while delivering solid results and leveraging relationships.

The Large Impact Grant is intended for requests from $10,000 to $30,000.

The programs that are considered for support are those located in Owen County or will directly benefit the citizens of Owen County. Currently we will consider grand awards in five broad areas.

Priority Areas

• Civic Affairs
  • Improving neighborhood quality of life
  • Encouraging preservation/education of area history
  • Improving access to timely, unbiased information on local issues and events
  • Supporting emergency preparedness
• Education
  • Supporting career planning and career awareness initiatives
  • Strengthening community/education/parent involvement
  • Bolstering awareness and support of high-quality early education initiatives and community involvement
  • Advancing leadership training and civics education for youth and adults
• Health & Wellness
  • Meeting the needs of an aging population
  • Increasing access to healthcare, including mental, behavioral, and dental health
  • Supporting maternal, prenatal, and newborn health
  • Supporting chronic disease treatment and prevention
• Human Services
  • Building organizational capacity to meet area housing and social welfare needs
  • Strengthening families and meeting needs of at-risk children
  • Addressing food security, nutrition literacy, and access to healthy foods
  • Assisting the chronically poor
• Trails & Parks
  • Providing a high quality, diversified system that provides for all age and interest groups
  • Preserving and enhancing significant environmental resources
  • Promoting physical activity and community engagement
  • Preserving the health, independence, and social connections of older adults through trails and parks programs

In these five funding areas, OCCF is interested in working with organizations and associations to build on community strengths and find solutions to community problems. However, we also welcome good ideas emerging from the community. 

Our goal is to support innovative, collaborative, and transformative projects that support the goals and strategies of the priority areas. Funded projects are also intended to show sustainability over time, as well as leveraging existing community resources.

BCCF Grants

The Brown County Community Foundation has the best interests of the community at heart. We are concerned with many different areas affecting the well being of people who live and work here. By supporting charitable organizations in broad areas of community need – education, social services, health care, arts and humanities, and environment – we help build a stronger, healthier Brown County.

Grants shall be made for specific requests under broad areas of interest. The current BCCF grant focus areas are defined as childhood education, environment, health and wellness, housing, and arts and culture. Preference will be given to grant requests that support BCCF Board of Trustees’ current identified community initiative focus area(s).

Grant Process

On an invitation-only basis, the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust funds primarily nonprofit organizations in Arizona and Indiana that align closely with our giving areas: Helping People in Need, Protecting Animals and Nature, and Enriching Community Life.

Protecting Animals and Nature: Environmental Requests

Mrs. Pulliam loved animals – domesticated and wild – and the natural environment. She sought ways to encourage human bonds with both.

The Trust supports organizations and programs that:

• Programs that provide humane and wellness services for domestic animals, including shelter, rescue, spay/neuter and adoption.
• Programs that promote conservation of natural habitats and ecosystems that advance preservation, protection and restoration of land, water, wildlife and plants.
• Programs that promote environmental awareness to connect people to the natural world, promote personal stewardship, or offer knowledge and tools for addressing current and future problems.

Environmental Initiatives- Protecting nature in Arizona and Indiana

The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust focuses its environmental strategy primarily on critical waterways and increasing awareness of environmental issues in Arizona and Indiana, the states where we invest.

The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust is implementing a five-year environmental roadmap, initiated in 2020, that dedicates $19.5 million to investments in protecting nature in Arizona and Indiana, with special emphasis on protecting and restoring the Verde and White rivers, and underwriting environmental reporting and environmental journalism awards.

These efforts are improving our waterways, driving important conversations about our water future and informing the public about broader environmental issues.

Grant Process

On an invitation-only basis, the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust funds primarily nonprofit organizations in Arizona and Indiana that align closely with our giving areas: Helping People in Need, Protecting Animals and Nature, and Enriching Community Life. 

Helping People in Need

Mrs. Pulliam valued giving people experiencing difficulty a hand-up and firmly believed that education was essential to reaching one’s full potential.

The Trust supports:

Self-sufficiency

• Programs that provide adult education or training with accompanying social supports for individuals to obtain and maintain gainful employment.
• Programs that focus on economic self-reliance through micro-lending, small business development and entrepreneurial efforts for low-income individuals.
• Programs that assist the elderly in maintaining their independence and remaining in their homes.

Crisis Intervention

• Programs that assist vulnerable families, women and children to help move them from crisis or instability to greater functioning.
• Programs that provide basic needs, such as food, clothing, emergency shelter or transitional housing.

Foster Care

• Programs that increase the number of licensed foster families and kinship providers.
• Multigenerational programs that help prevent children from entering the system.
• Programs that support young adults ages, 18-25 who are aging out of the system, with post-secondary educational attainment, job training and financial self-sufficiency.

Education and Literacy

• Programs that provide mentoring and tutoring to disadvantaged youth.
• Out-of-school time programs and projects for underserved children.
• Programs that improve literacy skills of adults.
• Programs that help high school students gain access to careers or post-secondary education.
• Programs that work with children (0 – 5) and their families to improve literacy, reading and language acquisition.

Protecting Animals and Nature

Mrs. Pulliam loved animals – domesticated and wild – and the natural environment. She sought ways to encourage human bonds with both.

The Trust supports organizations and programs that:

• Programs that provide humane and wellness services for domestic animals, including shelter, rescue, spay/neuter and adoption.
• Programs that promote conservation of natural habitats and ecosystems that advance preservation, protection and restoration of land, water, wildlife and plants.
• Programs that promote environmental awareness to connect people to the natural world, promote personal stewardship, or offer knowledge and tools for addressing current and future problems. 

Enriching Community Life

Mrs. Pulliam appreciated the importance of having vibrant communities that benefit all residents, while ensuring that nonprofit organizations fulfill their missions at a level of excellence.

The Trust supports:

• Programs that add to the overall civic vibrancy and cultural vitality of the community.
• Programs that create innovative solutions to enhance the quality of life in Indianapolis or Phoenix. 

Overview

The Community Foundation Alliance (Alliance) was incorporated in March 1991 after Lilly Endowment announced its Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) Initiative in the summer of 1990. From the beginning, the Alliance was designed to be a regional structure serving counties throughout southwestern Indiana.

Alliance organizers believed that the regional structure would allow centralized, cost-effective administration and governance of the organization. Alliance leadership also believed that the best organization would serve willing partners. Rather than creating a separate charitable non-profit corporation, a county could choose to join the Alliance by becoming an affiliate, through the creation of a named Foundation fund to serve its community.

Under the Alliance by-laws, each county affiliate is, therefore, a “county services committee,” but is known locally as the “[Name of County] Community Foundation.”

The Alliance Board of Directors is the legal entity responsible for all aspects of Alliance oversight and operation: governance, policymaking, legal requirements, financial stewardship, and strategic plans for the Alliance as a whole.

Each affiliate has a volunteer County Advisory Board whose role and efforts are focused on asset development, learning about the community’s charitable needs and nonprofits working to meet them, and awarding grants and scholarships. The first 2 counties to organize their own County Advisory Boards were Posey and Vanderburgh, both of which held their first meetings in June 1992. In the next year, the Daviess, Perry, and Gibson County Community Foundations were formed. Spencer and Knox counties formed Foundations in 1996, followed by Warrick and Pike in 1998.

All recommendations made by the County Advisory Boards must be presented to the Alliance Board for final approval. At least one County Advisory Board member from each affiliate serves as a county representative on the Alliance Board of Directors.

Today, the Community Foundation Alliance holds more than 1,200 named funds established by individuals, families, businesses, civic groups, and agencies to improve the quality of life in their local communities, with charitable assets over $100 million. During fiscal year 2019, grants and scholarships awarded from all Alliance funds to benefit the programs, projects, and people in the nine affiliate counties totaled $3,323,968.

Community Good Grants Program

The Spencer County Community Foundation’s Community Good Grants Program supports a variety of charitable purposes in Spencer County. This grant program is open year-round and will accept funding requests at any time.

Distributing charitable funds is a vital part of our mission. Through the charitable funds established by our donors, the Foundation awards grants to charitable organizations throughout Spencer County.  

Established in 1996, the Spencer County Community Foundation is one of nearly 700 community foundations in the United States today.  We serve Spencer County, offering people a variety of ways to achieve their goals for this community through charitable giving.

Program Areas Considered For Funding:

• Arts and Culture
• Community Development
• Education
• Health
• Human Services
• Other Civic Endeavors (Environment, Recreation, and Youth Development)

Funding:

The grant cycle is open year-round and encompasses four different request levels:

• Level 1 – Requests of $500 or less
• Level 2 – Requests of $501 – $2,500
• Level 3 – Requests of $2,501 – $9,999
• Level 4 – Requests of $10,000 or more (Please contact the Community Foundation before beginning your application.)

The grants committee will make its recommendations on funding to the board of directors of the Community Foundation Alliance.

Mission

Indiana Humanities is a statewide nonprofit that infuses the humanities into our daily lives. We do this by providing grants, convening discussions, uplifting humanities scholars, spotlighting humanities organizations and activities, and creating our own programs that help Hoosiers think, read and talk.

INcommon Grant

INcommon Grants provide tax-exempt organizations with funds to develop and implement public programs that use the humanities to explore subjects related to race and ethnicity. Grant-supported programs may examine a variety of topics, including the longer histories driving contemporary debates around immigration, gentrification, incarceration, policing, institutional racism, the legacies of segregation in housing and education, and more.

Goals

Immigration, gentrification, incarceration, policing, institutional racism, and the legacies of segregation in housing and education are issues that continue to affect our communities. This grant opportunity invites Hoosiers to take a step back and use the humanities to look at the longer histories driving contemporary debates. We welcome diverse projects from across Indiana, addressing different themes and using a variety of public humanities formats, including reading series and civic reflection discussions; public lectures or panels; film screenings and discussions; or the creation of exhibits, web projects, podcasts, walking tours or documentary films.

About Us

Established in 1992, the Posey County Community Foundation is one of over 800 community foundations in the United States today. The Community Foundation is a charitable resource devoted to our local community. We help people make meaningful gifts that improve life in Posey County, Indiana today and for generations to come.

We are part of the Community Foundation Alliance (The Alliance), a network of nine community foundations serving counties in southwestern Indiana. The Alliance, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, provides management and administrative expertise to county-wide community foundations, empowering each to promote philanthropy, build endowments, and improve well-being in our local community. The Alliance Board of Directors is the governing body and is comprised of up to two representatives from each county affiliate. All are civic-minded volunteers who live or work in the counties they serve.

The Posey County Community Foundation is guided by a County Advisory Board comprised of local leaders promoting philanthropy, building endowments, identifying community needs, and improving the well-being of our community. Grantmaking and scholarship recommendations are made by committees comprised of Posey County advisory board members and other local representatives.

Community Good Grants Program

Funding requests are accepted once each year according to our grant cycle. Funding requirements may change from year to year. Grantseekers are advised to revisit this page prior to beginning the grant application process. Grants are normally given as one-time support of a project but may be considered for additional support, or for expansions or outgrowths of an initial project. Grants are made possible by Community Good Unrestricted Funds and Field of Interest Funds which support a wide variety of needs in Posey County.

Program Areas Considered For Funding:

Arts and Culture -

• Activities that strengthen the stability of arts organizations, make the arts accessible to low-income populations, enhance the understanding of all types of arts and humanities, and promote the appreciation or understanding of historical events.

Community Development -

• Activities that foster civil rights, our society, advocacy, community improvement, capacity building, philanthropy, volunteerism, grantmaking, strong neighborhoods; that improve the effectiveness of government, public administration and public officials; that assess community needs; and that support the programs of leadership organizations.

Education -

• Activities that improve the educational attainment of children and adults, both in and out of the classroom; that support formally constituted educational institutions and organizations or entities that administer or support these institutions; that support libraries and organizations whose primary purpose is to provide opportunities for supplementing and continuing education outside the framework of formal education institutions; and that support organizations which provide education-related services to students and schools.

Health -

• Activities that improve and promote health outcomes; general and rehabilitative health services; mental health; crisis intervention; associations or services associated with specific diseases, disorders, and medical disciplines; and medical research.

Human Services -

• Activities that maximize the functioning of special needs populations in mainstream society; that protect the public (crime and delinquency prevention, legal administration, legal services); that promote and support employment and jobs, food and nutrition, agriculture, housing and shelter, public safety, and disaster preparedness and relief; and that support child daycare programs, the United Way, YMCA, YWCA, firefighting activities, and programs of community centers.

Other Civic Endeavors - 

• Environment -
  • Activities that foster pollution control and abatement, protection and conservation of natural resources, botanic and horticulture, environmental beautification, preservation of open spaces, environmental education and outdoor survival, protection and welfare of animals, humane societies, wildlife preservation and protection, veterinary services, zoos and aquariums, and specialty animal services.
• Recreation - 
  • Improving and promoting recreational and leisure activities, parks, and community sporting events and activities.
• Youth Development -
  • Activities that strengthen the family unit, help children grow and develop, foster youth sports and athletics, that support the Future Farmers of America or other youth development programs, Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and scouting.

Daviess County Community Foundation

Established in 1993, the Daviess County Community Foundation is one of over 800 community foundations in the United States today. The Community Foundation is a charitable resource devoted to our local community. We help people make meaningful gifts that improve life in Daviess County, Indiana today and for generations to come.

We are part of the Community Foundation Alliance (The Alliance), a network of nine community foundations serving counties in southwestern Indiana. The Alliance, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, provides management and administrative expertise to county-wide community foundations, empowering each to promote philanthropy, build endowments, and improve well-being in our local community. The Alliance Board of Directors is the governing body and is comprised of up to two representatives from each county affiliate. All are civic-minded volunteers who live or work in the counties they serve.

Program Areas

Arts and Culture

Activities that strengthen the stability of arts organizations, make the arts accessible to low-income populations, enhance the understanding of all types of arts and humanities, and promote the appreciation or understanding of historical event.

Community Development

Activities that foster civil rights, our society, advocacy, community improvement, capacity building, philanthropy, volunteerism, grantmaking, strong neighborhoods; that improve the effectiveness of government, public administration and public officials; that assess community needs; and that support the programs of leadership organizations.

Education

Activities that improve the educational attainment of children and adults, both in and out of the classroom; that support formally constituted educational institutions and organizations or entities that administer or support these institutions; that support libraries and organizations whose primary purpose is to provide opportunities for supplementing and continuing education outside the framework of formal education institutions; and that support organizations which provide education-related services to students and schools.

Health

Activities that improve and promote health outcomes; general and rehabilitative health services; mental health; crisis intervention; associations or services associated with specific diseases, disorders, and medical disciplines; and medical research.

Human Services

Activities that maximize the functioning of special needs populations in mainstream society; that protect the public (crime and delinquency prevention, legal administration, legal services); that promote and support employment and jobs, food and nutrition, agriculture, housing and shelter, public safety, and disaster preparedness and relief; and that support child daycare programs, the United Way, YMCA, YWCA, firefighting activities, and programs of community centers.

Environment

Activities that foster pollution control and abatement, protection and conservation of natural resources, botanic and horticulture, environmental beautification, preservation of open spaces, environmental education and outdoor survival, protection and welfare of animals, humane societies, wildlife preservation and protection, veterinary services, zoos and aquariums, and specialty animal services.

Recreation

Improving and promoting recreational and leisure activities, parks, and community sporting events and activities.

Youth Development

Activities that strengthen the family unit, help children grow and develop, foster youth sports and athletics, that support the Future Farmers of America or other youth development programs, Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and scouting.

Greater Cincinnati Foundation

Greater Cincinnati Foundation’s mission is to connect generous people with trusted nonprofits to create a vibrant tri-state region where every person has a fair opportunity to thrive.

As the region's leading community foundation, it’s our role to act as a partner, funder, and connector – creating trusted relationships with generous people, nonprofits and community stakeholders to improve quality of life across the region. Since 1963, we have been inspired by your passion and generosity – it fuels our work. Together, we’re making investments in arts and culture, education, housing affordability, health care, job creation, environmental sustainability, human services and more.

Vibrant Places: Community & Cultural Vibrancy 

Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) invites your organization to partner with us to create a Greater Cincinnati where every person has a fair opportunity to thrive.

Our grantmaking in Community & Cultural Vibrancy focuses on two key areas: promoting healthy people and cultivating vibrant places. We believe that a strong community is built through equitable access to resources, arts & culture, and spaces that connect and uplift residents. For the 2025 Vibrant Places: Community & Cultural Vibrancy RFP cycle, GCF has approximately $500,000 available and grants will be awarded for up to $25,000.  Vibrant Places: Community & Cultural Vibrancy RFP funding will be made available annually. However, organizations that are awarded funding are not eligible to apply the following year.

Funding Focus 

All residents should have access to the resources they need to live full, stable and healthy lives. GCF will invest in safe public spaces, accessible parks, arts and culture and resident–led programs to strengthen individual and community well-being. To drive this impact, we invest in:

• Strengthening community spaces and cultural institutions that bring people together.
• Creating and fostering safe neighborhoods through sustained community engagement.

Use of Funds

Funding may be used to support, expand, or strengthen existing programs, enact capital improvements, launch a new program or build organizational capacity. Collaboration between well-aligned organizations is highly favored.

Mary J. Proctor Trust

Grants support charitable organizations impacting children and youth in the greater Indianapolis, Indiana area.

Program Areas

• Arts and Culture
• Community Development,
• Education,
• Human and Social Services,
• Religious

Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank

The Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank is committed to creating a meaningful impact on programs and initiatives that create strong, vibrant communities and provide pathways to opportunity. We aim to strategically align resources entrusted to us by connecting the needs of the community to private foundations. Grants for programming in education, the arts, community development, and health and human services are considered. 

Evansville, IN Foundations

• James R. and Adelaide H. Duncan Foundation: For organizations or institutions that specialize in caring for, maintaining, and educating indigent, sick or disabled children or young persons
• Henry Koch Charitable Foundation: Supports religious, charitable, scientific, literacy and educational purposes, and the prevention of cruelty to children or animals.
• The Bower–Surheinrich Foundation: Supports charitable, religious, scientific, literary or educational purposes.
• George L. Mesker Music Trust: To provide music in public facilities in the City of Evansville, Indiana, including parks, concert halls, auditoriums and other public facilities in the public domain, which would be appropriate for the use for musical concerts, regardless of any admission charge.

Greater Cincinnati Foundation

Greater Cincinnati Foundation’s mission is to connect generous people with trusted nonprofits to create a vibrant tri-state region where every person has a fair opportunity to thrive.

As the region's leading community foundation, it’s our role to act as a partner, funder, and connector – creating trusted relationships with generous people, nonprofits and community stakeholders to improve quality of life across the region. Since 1963, we have been inspired by your passion and generosity – it fuels our work. Together, we’re making investments in arts and culture, education, housing affordability, health care, job creation, environmental sustainability, human services and more.

Building Bright Futures: Education

GCF is excited about our bold new vision for Education partnerships and this inaugural Building Bright Futures grant cycle launch.

Funding Focus

Every child deserves a bright future where they are empowered to succeed and thrive. Meaningful change in student outcomes to realize this future will require innovative and evidence-based solutions. Applications should explicitly address how your organization supports work to ensure every child and young adult is cultivating a future of limitless potential.

Use of Funds

Funding may be used to support efforts to launch a new program, expand or strengthen existing programs, enact capital improvements, build organizational capacity, or for general operating support.

United Way of Marshall County 

Our Mission

For over 60 years, the United Way of Marshall County has conducted annual fundraising campaigns in support of local health and human service not-for-profit organizations. The United Way helps thousands of caring individuals, regardless of income level, to contribute to a united community cause. United Way volunteers have spent millions of hours advocating for much needed programs and services that help build a stronger Marshall County community and, as a result, the United Way has granted more than $8 million to local agencies that serve Marshall County households for everything from basic necessities like nutritious food to tutoring programs for youth to helping the elderly get to the doctor.

Statewide Capital Projects Initiative

What is it?

The Statewide Capital Projects Initiative is a five-year initiative that will infuse capital funds into real estate spaces for Indiana counties served by Indiana United Ways’ (IUW) United Way members. The purpose of this initiative is to increase the availability and quality of essential health and human services in all communities. Supported by Lilly Endowment Inc., the Statewide Capital Projects Initiative will distribute $80 million in the form of matching capital grants for these real estate needs.

There are two tiers of funding available under this Initiative:

Tier 1 ($50K-$200K)

Projects under this Tier will typically be non-structural, less complex, less time-intensive, and lower risk than those under Tier 2.

Example projects: roof or HVAC replacement, remodeling, or equipment needed to maintain program operations or expand capacity to serve more people, such as a generator or larger commercial freezer for food banks

Tier 2 ($200,001-$1.5 million)

Projects under this Tier will be more complex, time and resource intensive, and higher risk. A formal partnership agreement will be required between the applicant and local IUW Member United Way. There is a two-step preliminary and final approval process for Tier 2 projects. 

Example projects: construction of a new childcare center that expands local capacity, renovation of an existing structure to become a one-stop community resource center for nonprofit services to the community

Match Required! All requests for Tier 1 and Tier 2 funding will require a 1:1 match from funds that do not originate from Indiana United Ways. Funds originating from Lilly Endowment Inc. will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. In addition, funds committed as part of the match cannot be simultaneously committed under another funding opportunity.