Search Through Health and Wellness Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana in the U.S.

Barker Welfare Foundation Grants

The Barker Welfare Foundation provides grants to qualified charitable organizations whose initiatives improve the quality of life, with an emphasis on strengthening youth and families and to reflect the philosophy of Catherine B. Hickox, the Founder.

With the sale of the Haskell-Barker Car Company to the Pullman Company, Catherine Barker established the Barker Annuity Fund in 1924 to provide pensions for former Haskell & Barker employees and their families who were ineligible for benefits under the Pullman Company plan.

In 1934, The Barker Welfare Foundation was founded to support nonprofit organizations. After fulfillment of the Annuity Fund, the remaining balance was transferred to the Foundation, which is operated with the involvement of numerous Barker-Hickox heirs.

Consideration will be given to grant applications from institutions and agencies operating in the field of health, welfare, education, cultural activities, and civic affairs, primarily serving New York City (the five boroughs only) and Michigan City, Indiana.

Our Mission Statement

The mission of the Barker Welfare Foundation is to make grants to qualified charitable organizations whose initiatives improve the quality of life, with an emphasis on strengthening youth and families, which reflects the philanthropy of Catherine Barker Hickox The Founder.

Who We Are

The Creag Foundation is a private grant making foundation established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington.

The founders of the Creag Foundation believe that meaningful change can only be achieved through hard work, creativity and passion. They also understand the practical mechanisms that allow charitable organizations to succeed and grow. As a group, Creag Foundation principals are dedicated to helping today’s most innovative programs improve the human condition in a wide variety of ways.

Our Focus

The broad purpose of the Foundation is to support the efforts of nonprofit organizations who are innovators in the field of human services. Our particular focus is on smaller organizations that are starting out or established organizations that are looking for funding to take their organization in a new direction.

What We Fund

/ What We Fund

The Creag Foundation is focused on innovation in the industry. We will consider proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations that are finding new ways to address societal issues facing the nonprofit community. Applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for one year before submitting. If your organization has held 501(c)(3) status for over a year, and your believe that your organization has a new approach to an existing social problem or is addressing a previously unaddressed social issue, you are welcome to contact us and request that we consider your organization for a funding opportunity.

The Minneapolis Foundation

The Minneapolis Foundation drives collective action to realize strong, vibrant communities. We cultivate generosity by taking action on the greatest civic, social, and economic needs—partnering with nonprofits, facilitating grantmaking, driving research and advocacy, and providing services to donors seeking to make a difference in their communities.

Great Lakes Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program

In partnership with the Midwest Environmental Justice Network, NDN Collective, and RE-AMP Network, the Minneapolis Foundation will award environmental justice grants to organizations working in and for underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region.

Grants will be awarded to community-based nonprofits and other eligible organizations in the following three tiers:

• Tier 1: Assessment and Engagement
• Tier 2: Community Education and Planning
• Tier 3: Project Development and Implementation

We aim to distribute 30% of grant funding to federally recognized tribes and Native American organizations, 25% to rural communities, and 45% to urban communities. The partnership anticipates making 206 grants: 83 in Year 1, 85 in Year 2, and 38 in Year 3.

You may submit an application for multiple tiers at the same time, in any order.

Program Goal

The Great Lakes TCGM Partnership will distribute $40 million to organizations working in and for underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region. The partnership was selected by the EPA as one of 11 grantmakers around the nation in its new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking program.

The program’s goal is to lift up community-led innovation and strengthen community-based groups by breaking down barriers to federal funding. All grants will be given to environmental and public health efforts in underserved communities as defined by the EPA.

Issue Areas

Grants will support projects that focus on issues including, but not limited to:

• Environmental health
• Air, soil, and water quality
• Healthy homes
• Access to healthy food
• Stormwater and green infrastructure
• Emergency preparedness
• Disaster resilience
• Environmental job training

Tier 1: Assessment and Engagement

Tier 1 awards are one-year grants of up to $150,000 for assessment and engagement efforts that increase understanding of the breadth, depth, or impact of local environmental or public health issues. These grants are limited to capacity-constrained and entry-level applicants, as determined by the information you submit in the intake form. These grants will be paid on a milestone basis: 50% up front and 50% at the midway point, upon completion of agreed-upon milestones.

Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

• GIS mapping
• Air quality sensor purchasing and siting
• Air, water, or soil sampling, testing, and monitoring
• Research, surveys, and studies
• Power mapping, public engagement, and public education to improve collective understanding of community challenges, needs, and opportunities.

Through a noncompetitive process, we will also award grants of up to $75,000 to capacity constrained communities and community-based organizations under Tier One.

You need not develop a new project to receive a grant. These one-time grants are well suited to support existing work that is currently not funded by another source or to complement other projects for which you already have funding. We also welcome proposals for high-priority new projects. 

The Minneapolis Foundation

The Minneapolis Foundation drives collective action to realize strong, vibrant communities. We cultivate generosity by taking action on the greatest civic, social, and economic needs—partnering with nonprofits, facilitating grantmaking, driving research and advocacy, and providing services to donors seeking to make a difference in their communities.

Great Lakes Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program

In partnership with the Midwest Environmental Justice Network, NDN Collective, and RE-AMP Network, the Minneapolis Foundation will award environmental justice grants to organizations working in and for underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region.

Grants will be awarded to community-based nonprofits and other eligible organizations in the following three tiers:

• Tier 1: Assessment and Engagement
• Tier 2: Community Education and Planning
• Tier 3: Project Development and Implementation

We aim to distribute 30% of grant funding to federally recognized tribes and Native American organizations, 25% to rural communities, and 45% to urban communities. The partnership anticipates making 206 grants: 83 in Year 1, 85 in Year 2, and 38 in Year 3.

You may submit an application for multiple tiers at the same time, in any order.

Program Goal

The Great Lakes TCGM Partnership will distribute grants to organizations working in and for underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region. The partnership was selected by the EPA as one of 11 grantmakers around the nation in its new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking program.

The program’s goal is to lift up community-led innovation and strengthen community-based groups by breaking down barriers to federal funding. All grants will be given to environmental and public health efforts in underserved communities as defined by the EPA.

Issue Areas

Grants will support projects that focus on issues including, but not limited to:

• Environmental health
• Air, soil, and water quality
• Healthy homes
• Access to healthy food
• Stormwater and green infrastructure
• Emergency preparedness
• Disaster resilience
• Environmental job training

Tier 2: Community Education and Planning

Tier 2 awards are one- to two-year grants of up to $250,000 for community-focused efforts that design, inform, and highlight solutions to local environmental or public health priorities. Up to 50% of the grant can be used for relevant property acquisition. Grants will be paid on a reimbursement basis, with a small number of grantees eligible for one advance payment of up to 10% of the total grant.

Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

• Developing project plans
• Developing communications and outreach plans
• Conducting workshops and trainings
• Developing curricula, toolkits, or guidelines; developing social media content
• Producing videos or printed materials
• Hosting events and gatherings
• Building or strengthening partnerships and collaboration
• Creating local advisory committees
• Engaging in public review or comment periods
• Developing or updating disaster resilience plans, emergency preparedness plans, or other community planning and visioning efforts

You need not develop a new project to receive a grant. These one-time grants are well suited to support existing work that is currently not funded by another source or to complement other projects for which you already have funding. We also welcome proposals for high-priority new projects. 

The Minneapolis Foundation

The Minneapolis Foundation drives collective action to realize strong, vibrant communities. We cultivate generosity by taking action on the greatest civic, social, and economic needs—partnering with nonprofits, facilitating grantmaking, driving research and advocacy, and providing services to donors seeking to make a difference in their communities.

Great Lakes Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program

In partnership with the Midwest Environmental Justice Network, NDN Collective, and RE-AMP Network, the Minneapolis Foundation will award environmental justice grants to organizations working in and for underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region.

Grants will be awarded to community-based nonprofits and other eligible organizations in the following three tiers:

• Tier 1: Assessment and Engagement
• Tier 2: Community Education and Planning
• Tier 3: Project Development and Implementation

We aim to distribute 30% of grant funding to federally recognized tribes and Native American organizations, 25% to rural communities, and 45% to urban communities. The partnership anticipates making 206 grants: 83 in Year 1, 85 in Year 2, and 38 in Year 3.

You may submit an application for multiple tiers at the same time, in any order.

Program Goal

The Great Lakes TCGM Partnership will distribute grants to organizations working in and for underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region. The partnership was selected by the EPA as one of 11 grantmakers around the nation in its new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking program.

The program’s goal is to lift up community-led innovation and strengthen community-based groups by breaking down barriers to federal funding. All grants will be given to environmental and public health efforts in underserved communities as defined by the EPA.

Issue Areas

Grants will support projects that focus on issues including, but not limited to:

• Environmental health
• Air, soil, and water quality
• Healthy homes
• Access to healthy food
• Stormwater and green infrastructure
• Emergency preparedness
• Disaster resilience
• Environmental job training

Tier 3: Project Development and Implementation

Tier 3 awards are one- to two-year grants of up to $350,000 to pilot or implement project plans. Projects may have educational and outreach components, but must focus on developing tangible community assets or providing environmental or public health benefits to one or more disadvantaged communities. Up to 50% of the grant can be used for relevant property acquisition or purchase. Grants will be paid on a reimbursement basis, with a small number of grantees eligible for one advance payment of up to 10% of the total grant.

Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

• Strengthening cumulative impact, public health, or environmental protections
• Increasing access to healthy food
• Reducing the use of pesticides or toxic substances
• Cleaning up contaminated sites
• Conducting healthy home assessments
• Increasing energy or water efficiency in homes or buildings
• Launching community energy or water efficiency programs
• Installing water filters; developing community gardens
• Creating community resilience hubs
• Installing green infrastructure projects
• Creating internships or implementing workforce development programs

You need not develop a new project to receive a grant. These one-time grants are well suited to support existing work that is currently not funded by another source or to complement other projects for which you already have funding. We also welcome proposals for high-priority new projects. 

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. Connects people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come. Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive. As one of Indiana’s largest community foundations, Legacy Foundation works for Lake County in multiple ways, playing multiple roles. For donors, the Foundation offers an effective way to manage giving by providing expert philanthropic advice rooted in a deep knowledge of our community and an array of philanthropic vehicles and services. For the community, the Foundation serves as a grant-maker, a civic leader, and awards grants to the region’s non-profits to help meet community needs, fulfill donors’ philanthropic wishes, and strengthen the nonprofit sector. Using local knowledge, networks, influence, and creativity, the Foundation brings people together to improve the community’s quality of life now and in the future.Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Nonprofit Teambuilding Grant

Purpose

To support an activity that promotes the well-being and renewal of nonprofit staff and core volunteers. Volunteers selected to participate in the proposed activity must be identified as playing a core role in the day-to-day operations of your organization and regularly volunteer at least one time per week. Organizations may receive one teambuilding grant during the 2025 calendar year

Grant Details

Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis. Please submit your application a minimum of six weeks prior to the date you wish to complete your activity. Funding cannot be used to reimburse an activity previously paid for by the organization. Submission of an application does not guarantee an award.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Vision

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation, "A Foundation for All", was established in 2002. It was begun in order to give a clear voice for those who wish to be a part of the many, worthy, forces for change in our world.

We are a foundation whose purpose is to look ahead towards the future, giving the past its due by remembering where we came from, and how much we can all accomplish together. We aim to make the critical difference on our planet by recognizing and having respect for our ever changing world. We respect all Life, the Environment, and all People, no matter who they are.

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?”   

Community Foundation Offers Seed Grants for “See You in Terre Haute” Community Plan

The Community Foundation is now offering Seed Grants to further fulfill the objectives of the Terre Haute Community Plan, “See You in Terre Haute”. Seed grants assist projects in their preliminary stages, helping cover the groundwork costs necessary for larger projects. These grants will help expand programs that are developed to encourage population growth and/or increase per capita personal income. The Community Foundation is able to provide opportunities and funding for various entities in the community through this “See You in Terre Haute” Community Plan.

The grant opportunities mirror the integral aspects outlined in the Community Plan. The categories include economic development, health & wellness, infrastructure, quality of life, talent attraction & retention and tourism.

Nonprofit organizations can apply for up to $10,000 from the Community Foundation. 50% of the grant funds will be distributed at the beginning of the grant cycles with the balance distributed upon confirmation of the matching funds. It is the intention of the Community Foundation to fund 10 Seed Grants within the next 18 months.

Decisions will be made within six weeks of the submission.

The Community Foundation is excited to partner with the city of Terre Haute and Vigo County to assist in the fulfillment of the “See You in Terre Haute” Community Plan. The Seed Grants provided through this plan will help the community flourish through engagement and integrity, further upholding the Community Foundation’s mission of engaging people, building resources and enriching lives.

About The Joe Burrow Foundation

On December 14, 2019, Joe Burrow was selected as the 85th winner of the Heisman Memorial Trophy, an annual award for the most outstanding player in college football. That night, in his acceptance speech, his mind and his words focused not just on football, but on people he knew who were underprivileged and underserved.

With that night as a springboard, Joe and his parents, with business and community leaders from Ohio and Louisiana, founded the Joe Burrow Foundation. The primary focus is helping children with mental illness and those experiencing food insecurity as well as providing resources and support to the underprivileged and underserved in a variety of ways. The Joe Burrow Foundation promises to bring to these children the same passion, dedication and creative energy displayed by Joe on the football field.

Joe’s parents, Jimmy and Robin, are obviously proud of his remarkable success on the field. They are equally proud of his efforts off the field and in the community. The Burrows ask you to join with Joe and donate to the Joe Burrow Foundation because, “Everyone has a responsibility to do good.”

Do Good Grants from the Joe Burrow Foundation

The mission of the Joe Burrow Foundation (JBF) is to provide resources and support to the underprivileged and underserved. While our primary focus is helping children with mental illness and those experiencing food insecurity in Greater Cincinnati (Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana) and Baton Rouge (Louisiana), we also support projects and programs fulfilling our broader mission.

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.

Women's Giving Circle Grant Program

The WGCJC makes grants annually to organizations that have the greatest potential to help the women and children of Jefferson County, Indiana. The Grants Sub-Circle reviews applications and provides grant recommendations to the general membership, which then votes on the recommendations at the annual meeting/dinner in the Spring. Grants are focused on the following four fields of interest, with the specific purpose of benefitting women and/or children:

Education

Educational attainment is closely correlated to one’s economic success and well-being. Examples of initiatives might include:

• programs that prepare children to enter school ready to learn or programs delivering quality after-school/summer academic or enrichment experiences;
• literacy programs for children or parents;
• efforts to ensure students’ graduation from high school;
• efforts to address life skills and/or job skills for adult women

Economic Empowerment

Many factors influence women’s abilities to achieve financial independence. Among them are workforce participation, earnings, and education attainment. Examples of possible initiatives include:

•  programs for women business owners to ensure the growth and success of their firms;
• efforts that encourage women and/or youth to pursue non-traditional career opportunities;
• programs enhancing women and/or children’s personal financial management, budgeting, saving, and investing

Physical and Mental Health

The majority of factors that contribute to the health and well-being of women and children are lifestyle related, but problems may be exacerbated by inadequate access to quality, affordable healthcare services. Examples of possible initiatives might include:

• programs improving access to prenatal care and risk reduction for pregnant women/girls;
• programs providing physical and mental health information to women and children;
• nutrition and health education programs to address issues such as obesity and/or eating disorders;
• programs addressing issues that lead to substance abuse among women and children

Violence and Crime Prevention

Women and children experience many forms of violence. In addition to the immediate results of victimization, there are often longer-term impacts. Victimization often plays a role in delinquent and criminal behavior. Examples of possible initiatives might include:

• programs promoting healthy child/parent interaction in order to prevent child abuse and neglect;
• programs addressing issues that lead to spousal and child abuse;
• programs for women and children who have been victims of violence and crime;
• gender-specific intervention services to address the increasing number of females incarcerated in the criminal justice system

Healthy Eating & Active Living

Communities across the nation are facing a growing prevalence of obesity and associated preventable chronic diseases – the Tri-State is no different. Currently, in our region, one-third of adults are obese – higher than the national average. Tri-State children are also affected, with a third of our youth either obese or overweight. Unfortunately, excess weight dramatically increases the risk of many conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and some cancers. In January 2016, the World Health Organization warned, “…obesity is particularly concerning and has the potential to negate many of the health benefits that have contributed to increased life expectancy.” In their 2012 report, Trust for America’s Health cautioned, “…the current generation of young people could be the first in U.S. history to live sicker and die younger than their parents’ generation.” The solution is not in access to health care alone because obesity is difficult and expensive to treat. Prevention is necessary – through community solutions focused on policy, systems, and environmental changes – ultimately leading to lifestyles that incorporate healthy eating and active living.

Social Determinants of Health

There’s a lot of discussion today focused on the Social Determinants of Health. These are defined as the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age and include factors like socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood, and physical environment, employment, and social support networks as well as access to health care.

There are a growing number of programs and initiatives working to address the Social Determinants of Health both within and outside of the healthcare system.

Health Equity

The underlying message of the “Social Determinants of Health” is that the conditions in which people live have a more significant impact on their overall state of health than their genetics. Access to quality food, education, transportation, and living conditions all play a critical part in our health.

The concept of “Equity versus Equality” challenges the idea that giving “equal” treatment to every individual is adequate. Instead, equitable treatment accounts for individual/community needs and unique sets of circumstances.

This month, we’re taking what we’ve learned from each of the past two advocacy topics (the Social Determinants of Health and Equity versus Equality) as we look at Health Equity.

Understanding Health Equity is a vital piece in moving the needle in health outcomes. If we understand the relationship between “equity” and the Social determinants of Health (access to quality food, affordable housing, education, transportation, stable income, and stable relationships), we are more likely to create sustainable change.

Our Investment

A culture of Healthy Eating & Active Living will contribute to the following community changes:

• More residents of all ages are meeting the recommended guidelines for nutrition and physical activity
• Fewer residents of all ages will have weight-related chronic disease

The Foundation has identified four specific priorities that rely on comprehensive planning and systemic change:

• Nutritious Food and Beverage Availability – Increasing opportunities for healthy eating
• Physical Activity Access – Increasing opportunities for active living
• Healthy Environments – Increasing opportunities to facilitate systems change
• Motivate Usage – Encouraging individuals to make healthy choices

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.

Elsa Heisel Sule Foundation Grant

General Information

The Elsa Heisel Sule Foundation is an independent private Foundation philanthropic organization originally established in 2004 by Elsa M. Heisel Sule, a native of Northern Kentucky and businesswoman in the television industry.

The Foundation’s governing body meets three times during the year to review applications for grants during April, July and October. The Foundation staff maintains offices in Greater Cincinnati, a central point in the tri-state area it serves, of Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana. 

Operations and Purpose

Grant Applications must be filed for each calendar year in which an organization desires a Grant of funds. Grants are usually awarded for one year unless specifically noted in writing as a multiyear grant or renewable. 

Program Priorities and Objective

The Trustee of the Foundation was originally instructed by Elsa Sule to make grants in the Greater Cincinnati and tri-state area with a focus on Education, Community, and the Arts with the following areas of interests:

• Education Success and Scholarships
• Health, Wellness and Scientific Research
• Children’s Welfare and Competitive Sports
• Fine and Performing Arts and Cultural Vibrancy
• Civic Public Affairs
• Animal Welfare and Preservation
• Environmental and Community Stewardship

Awareness. Education. Prevention.  These are three key tenets of Bayer Fund’s investments in health and wellness.  With a focus on cancer and cardiovascular disease, we provide resources to organizations dedicated to educating and/or providing services to patients, caregivers and at-risk populations.

Health & Wellness Grants

Programs that Bayer Fund will support include those that focus on patients and their families needing assistance with issues to managing cardiovascular disease and cancer. This includes education, disease awareness, and supportive services for these diseases. In areas related to cardiovascular disease, priority (though not exclusivity) will be given to charitable organizations that focus on programs and support for the African American community due to the high incidence rate of disease in this population.

Giving in this category will focus on support services such as education, disease awareness, and general access to care (e.g., housing for families traveling for cancer or heart care).

All funding requests and budgets must be for program activities and expenses that start after funding decisions are made. All programs must be completed within one year of the start date, except in limited situations where longer term programs have been agreed upon. Grant award amounts vary, depending on the size of the community, the type of programming, and the reach of the organization.

Please see FAQs for additional guidelines.

Community Grants

Community organizations in northeast Indiana may apply for a Community Grant that will focus on whole-person health supporting wellness in body, mind, and spirit. The funding request must align with one of the current focus areas. A grant application must be a minimum of $5,000.

Community Grant Focus Areas

• Advocate for whole-person health through elevating community awareness and understanding that mental, behavioral, and chronic physical health conditions are common, can be debilitating, and are responsive to treatment.
• Promote early screening, diagnosis, and treatment to improve and integrate physical, mental, and behavioral health.
• Provide access for uninsured or underinsured individuals for physical, mental, and behavioral health.
• Invest in programs that help vulnerable individuals by strengthening resiliency, developing coping skills, and increasing self-worth.

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.

Large Impact Grant

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).

About

Impact100 Southern Indiana invites nonprofit organizations that serve the residents of Clark, Floyd, and/or Harrison County to apply for our 2025 grant. The actual amount of the grant(s) will be announced on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Historically our grant amounts have ranged from $50,000 - $140,000.

The recipient of our grant will use the funds to support transformational change in one of the focus areas. We define transformational change as:

• a change in the structure or composition of a program, or
• the addition of a new project which has a significant impact on the constituents served by the organization.

Focus Areas

Impact100 Southern Indiana embraces the national model’s five focus areas:

• Arts & Culture
• Education
• Environment & Recreation
• Family
• Health & Wellness

All grant applications must propose a project or program that will make a difference in at least one of these five focus areas.

Grant Categories

We will fund grant projects in one or more of three categories:

• programming
• capital expenditures
• technical assistance/training

Examples of projects could include implementing new technologies or utilizing innovative techniques, methods, and/or procedures in the introduction of new services, programs, and/or products. Transformational change creates dramatic improvement in how an organization’s constituents are served.

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.

CFMC Community Impact Grants offer financial assistance for charitable programs and projects serving Morgan County. Our 2025 Community Impact Grant is a responsive grant program designed to be open-ended allowing for nonprofits and charitable groups to apply for funding to help meet the needs and missions of their organization in order to serve Morgan County. Our goal is to help fund a project/program/initiative that will propel your organization and our county forward.

Impact Grant Funding

Impact Grants provide funding for innovative projects and initiatives that bring transformative solutions to our community’s most pressing needs.

The following will be priority funding areas:

• K-12 Mental Health
• K-12WorkforceDevelopment
• Quality of Life to improve the following:
  • NeighborhoodEnvironment o EconomicStability
  • Education
  • Healthcare and Food
  • CommunityInvolvement

Expectations

What the CFMC Expects From Partner Organizations

• Visionary Funding and Grant Requests: We want to read inspired applications with imaginative ideas for how to positively impact Morgan County. We may contact applicants requesting more clarification or more detailed information.
• Timeliness: Applicants must submit all required materials by the deadline; late applications will not be accepted.
• Grant Agreement Adherence: Upon being awarded a grant, recipients must establish a grant agreement with the CFMC. If your budget or plan changes, the grant agreement must be reapproved and amended. Any unused grant money must be returned.
• Meeting Attendance: Throughout the year, Impact Grantees will be required to attend various seminars and meetings as part of the grant program.
• Thorough Final Reports: We expect typed reports that show us exactly how the money was used and how it made a difference in the community. This includes measured outcomes and well-tracked data. An extension of time to submit the report is permitted only with written approval prior to the deadline. Grantees may also be asked to provide photos or other media for publicity purposes.
• Candor: As your partner, we need to know about your successes and struggles, and we always welcome your feedback.

What Partner Organizations Can Expect From the CFMC

• Ongoing Support: We want to help you deliver a strong application and an even stronger impact to Morgan County. From before the application deadline to after the final report, feel free to communicate with us.
• Feedback: We can provide feedback before you submit your application, and if your request is not funded, we are happy to discuss ways to strengthen future applications. We want to enhance the collective capacity of all organizations serving Morgan County.
• Visits From CFMC Staff and Board Members:You can also expect visits from us, as we want to experience your work in action too.
• Equal Opportunity: The Community Foundation operates without discrimination as to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, ancestry, religion, medical condition or any other basis in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. The Community Foundation will award grants only to organizations who also exhibit a commitment to non-discrimination.

Tips for Strong Applications

• Partner with another agency or organization to leverage resources and areas of expertise
• Look for less conventional ways to address issues or seek opportunities
• Revamp a current project or build on programs in other communities that are working
• Engage your stakeholders in the process of exploring new directions and opportunities; involve people with a variety of perspectives that might lead to novel ideas or solutions
• Share evidence that show your current impact
• Determine the administrative costs associated with adequately monitoring program effectiveness, and include them in your proposal

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.

About Arts Midwest

We amplify Midwestern creativity, building community and opportunity across our region and beyond.

Arts Midwest advances creativity across our region, building unprecedented opportunity for everyone who calls this place home. We support, inform, and celebrate arts organizations and creative communities in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, the Native Nations that share this geography, and beyond. As one of six nonprofit United States Regional Arts Organizations, we work to strengthen local arts and culture efforts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, state agencies, private funders, and many others. Together, we nourish the creative roots of the Midwest—and share our region’s transformative ideas with the world.

This year, we’re pleased to offer two tracks of funding: GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness, and GIG Fund.

GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness

The GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness is a grant of $2,000 – $15,000 for organizations of any budget size whose projects have an arts and wellness focus.  Funds may be used for performances, workshops, programs in clinical settings, creative aging programs, efforts that engage veterans in the arts, etc.  Applicants may only apply for one GIG Fund grant per year.

Arts Midwest recognizes the field of arts and wellness to be far-reaching and applicants should identify how their arts project addresses some element of health and wellness.

This round of GIG Fund grants is for supporting activities taking place between December 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. There are three requirements.

1) Engage a Professional Artist or Ensemble 2) Offer at Least Two Activities Featuring the Artist(s) and 3) Professional Development: With support from The Hearst Foundations, Arts Midwest will offer professional development opportunities to grantees to strengthen arts and wellness initiatives across the Midwest.

Crossroad Fund Grants

Crossroads Fund supports grassroots groups working for racial, social and economic justice in the greater Chicago metropolitan area (including Northwest Indiana, which we define as the area between the state border and Gary, IN. All applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for funding:

• Working for Social Change: Crossroads Fund supports organizations working to examine and challenge the underlying causes of injustice affecting their communities. They seek to change the conditions, institutions, and policies that create and maintain inequality and oppression.
• Cross-Issue Organizing: Our grantees work with an understanding of the connectedness among the various people and issues that make up the whole community.
• Grassroots Leadership: We support groups that involve the people who are directly affected by an issue at all levels of the organization - in planning, organizing and leading, and working to continue building leadership within the grassroots community.
• Solid Plan: We fund groups whose work is driven by the following:
  • a clear purpose with well-planned goals, objectives, activities and a tool to measure outcomes and impact;
  • a timeline and budget that reflects the proposed objectives and activities;
  • a realistic fundraising plan.
• Work in the Chicago Metropolitan Area: Crossroads Fund supports organizations rooted in communities in the Chicago metropolitan area. Counties include: Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and Will, along with Lake County, Indiana.
• Budget: Groups with previous year annual expenses under $500,000.

Youth Fund for Social Change

In 2007, Crossroads Fund received a legacy grant from the Girls Best Friend Foundation, supporting the formation of a special grantmaking initiative, which funds youth advocacy and activism projects in the Chicago area. The Youth Fund for Social Change enables us to have a targeted impact on the growing sector of youth organizations in the Chicago area.

The Youth Fund for Social Change provides resources to youth working on social justice issues in their communities. The Youth Fund supports youth activists who want to change and challenge existing policies and/or organized structures that prevent their communities from achieving equality. 

Projects may cover many areas ranging from community, education and schools, health, environment, incarceration, media, racism, discrimination, voting, etc.

Examples of such projects are:

• Community: youth working to find solutions to overall issues of equality like access to education, healthcare, jobs and political power: working on alternatives to detention and incarceration.
• Education and schools: youth organizing for: restorative justice programs in schools; representation on school boards; alternatives to military recruitment on campus; or programs that address sexual harassment, homophobia, gender, or ability stereotypes/oppression.
• Health: youth organizing to expand reproductive health and comprehensive sex education.
• Environment: youth organizing around: lead clean up in their community; environmental pollution; or access to cleaner and better transit.
• Violence: youth working on: alternatives to the criminal justice system; peer to peer intervention; pursuit of strategies to reduce police harassment of youth; strategies to improve public safety in your neighborhood.
• Media: youth holding corporate media accountable by demanding that the public airwaves promote justice and peace rather than hate, violence and war.

Crosser Family Foundation

The Crosser Family Foundation, a fund of Hamilton County Community Foundation, is dedicated to enhancing the lives of youth and families in Hamilton County. By partnering with innovative nonprofit organizations, the Crosser Family Foundation strives to cultivate a strong and engaged community. This is an invitation-only grant opportunity.

The Crosser Family Foundation was established by Janet R. Crosser and the late Richard H. Crosser in 2001. The Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of youth and their families in our community by providing them with everyday needs and opportunity.

The Crosser Family Foundation is rooted in the belief that philanthropy should be compassionate, responsible, provide opportunity and justice, and support diversity in our community. The Foundation is committed to celebrating and inspiring philanthropy in our community today and in the future.

Focus Areas

The Crosser Family Foundation, a fund of Hamilton County Community Foundation, is dedicated to enhancing the lives of youth and families in Hamilton County.

By partnering with innovative nonprofit organizations, the Crosser Family Foundation strives to cultivate a strong and engaged community. Its current focus areas are:

• community engagement
• health and wellness
• housing
• youth development

Guided by a philosophy of compassionate and responsible philanthropy, the Foundation advocates for opportunity and diversity within our community.