Best Agriculture Grants in Indiana

The CHS Foundation's Ag Leadership Grant aims to enhance agricultural leadership and cooperative education. This program supports projects that cultivate a diverse pipeline for future agricultural leaders, focusing on education and career training for high school students to young professionals. Priority is given to initiatives that impact multiple states within the CHS trade area, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of the cooperative business model in agriculture.

The CHS Foundation supports initiatives that benefit the agriculture industry, focusing on 501c3 organizations within specific states. Their funding is aimed at empowering cooperative growth and sustainable practices. Local projects may also be eligible through the CHS Seeds for Stewardship program. However, funding is not available for individuals, sports teams, or religious groups, ensuring that the support remains directed towards community and cooperative development.

The Employer Training Grant (ETG) by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development aims to assist local employers in filling over a million job vacancies in the state over the next decade. Offering up to $5,000 per employee trained, this grant focuses on six priority sectors including advanced manufacturing and health sciences. Eligible training must last at least 40 hours and lead to recognized credentials, ensuring a skilled workforce that meets industry demands.

The E. Wayne Baumgartle Agricultural Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Decatur County Community Foundation, aims to support students from Decatur County, Indiana, pursuing post-secondary education in agriculture. This scholarship seeks to alleviate the financial burden of educational expenses for deserving candidates. Interested students are encouraged to reach out to the local FFA instructor for more information. This initiative reflects the foundation's commitment to fostering community growth through educational opportunities.

The Corporate Giving Program by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations within specific states. They prioritize initiatives that enhance community welfare, especially in agriculture, education, health, and environmental sustainability. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status to apply, and preference is given to those involving Perdue associates. Ineligible requests include those from religious, political, or individual-focused groups. This program emphasizes broad community benefits over organizational affiliations.

The Indiana Clean Water Act Section 319(H) Grants program aims to enhance water quality by addressing nonpoint source pollution, which is a major contributor to water quality issues in the state. Funded projects focus on educational outreach, developing watershed management plans, and implementing best management practices (BMPs). Eligible organizations include nonprofits, universities, and government agencies, with a required 40% match. The program promotes community-based solutions to foster sustainable water management.

The NCR-SARE Partnership Grant Program aims to enhance sustainable agriculture by fostering collaboration between agricultural professionals and groups of farmers. By facilitating innovative research and educational activities, this program supports projects that test new cropping strategies, develop marketing approaches, and enhance food security. Focused on the North Central Region, it encourages partnerships that drive on-farm research, ultimately improving economic viability and environmental stewardship for communities across 12 states.

About Us

We are YOUR Community Foundation! Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation of Randolph County, Inc. is here to make our community the very best place to live, work, and raise a family. As a non-political private organization, we are uniquely able to provide grant money for innovative projects that have a major impact on our community.

Donald Forrest Hahn & Wilma Fraley Hahn Memorial Scholarship Fund

Donald Forrest Hahn and Wilma (Fraley) Hahn were high school sweethearts in Hollandsburg, Ohio where they graduated in 1941. Don enrolled at Earlham College, but was drafted into the Army to serve in World War II. He was part of the 3rd Army under the command of General Patton and his unit fought at Normandy Beach on D-Day, in the Battle of the Bulge, and in the battle for the Remagen Bridge. Don received a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, one with clusters and a purple heart for shrapnel wounds. Don was a member of the Honor Guard for General Patton’s funeral. Wilma obtained her nursing degree from Reid Memorial Hospital. When Don returned from the war in 1946, they married and moved to 298 No. Jackson Street in Winchester where they lived as man and wife for 70 years in that same house. Don passed away on December 24, 2016 and just 30 hours later Wilma died on December 25. Wilma worked as an emergency room nurse from 1946-1949 and then was employed by the Randolph County Hospital from 1950-1968. From 1968 until her retirement in 1986 Wilma was Randolph Central School corporation’s nurse. Don farmed, was a rural route mail carrier, a member of the Lion’s Club and served on the school board for the Randolph Central School Corporation. He was on the board when the new high school was built. Don and Wilma were members of the First United Methodist Church of Winchester for 70 years. Both Don and Wilma were awarded Sagamores of the Wabash. They had three children, Greg, Randy and LeighAnne. Both Don and Wilma valued public school education and held higher education as a priority.

Awarded to a Randolph County, Indiana High School graduate with a financial need. Preference to be given to a student(s) pursuing a degree in Agriculture or Nursing.

About Us

Driving Positive Change in Noble County!

At the Community Foundation of Noble County we are passionate about making Noble County an even better place to call home. Since 1991, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Noble County to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible, as we see it as our mission to serve as a catalyst for positive change. The Community Foundation of Noble County is a public charity 501 (c) 3 entity.

As a group of invested community members, we identify local current and emerging issues and stimulate resources to address those needs, helping our region prepare for the future. We then leverage gifts and bequests from generous donors like you to drive positive change through grants in such areas as arts and culture, education, health and human services, civic affairs and other charitable areas of interest.

Our Mission

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

Donor Story – Joest, Brian H. Memorial Fund

Brian Henry Joest was born in Lagrange, Indiana in 1957. He grew up on the Atwood family farm that was settled by his ancestors in the mid-1800s. Now a historical Hoosier Homestead, the Atwood Farm provided him with all the outdoor activities possible for a farm boy in northern Indiana. Brian’s love of nature and the outdoors continued throughout his life. After high school, he attended Glen Oaks Community College and then Purdue University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics

For decades, Brian went on annual backcountry camping and canoeing trips across the US and Canada. He paddled some of the most beautiful rivers in North America. He took a road trip to remote northern Alaska. He camped out on an active volcano in Guatemala. He explored most of the US National Parks. In his later years, his travels were less rustic but still adventurous as he and his wife, Cindy, checked off many items on his bucket list. They traveled to Paris, Rome, Florence, the Amalfi Coast of Italy, Ireland, and all around the US and Canada.

Brian began his professional career with management positions at Many Glacier Hotel at Glacier National Park in Montana; the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan; the Mountain View Grand Resort in New Hampshire; and Copper Mountain Ski Resort in Colorado. He also worked for Marriott Corporation where he opened new hotels across the Midwest.

Upon the birth of his first child, Brian moved his young family back to Lagrange County so his children could grow up on the Atwood Farm near their family. Brian worked for Life Care Center of Lagrange, was a substitute teacher for the Lakeland School District, and worked for fifteen years for East Noble School Corporation, most recently as an Instructional Assistant for high school students with special needs.

Brian enjoyed doing things for other people and took so much joy in their happiness. His career choices reflected his servant’s heart. He loved working in the hospitality industry and being able to make someone else’s vacation more memorable. He helped the patients and their families at Life Care Center. He spent years making a difference for students in our local schools.

Brian experienced first-hand the unique challenges faced by the families of individuals with special needs. He was a father, stepfather, and step-grandfather to children with different disabilities. He understood the difficulties of navigating support systems and knew there are gaps in these systems that result in unmet needs. At the end of his life, while he was fighting cancer, Brian dreamed of being able to return to the classroom to help special needs students. This was not to be. In 2022, his family created this fund in his honor with the intent of continuing his dream to help improve the lives of individuals with special needs.

The Max W. Johnson Scholarship, established by Max Johnson, supports students from Montgomery County, Indiana, enrolled in the Purdue University College of Agriculture. This educational scholarship recognizes achievements in soil and water conservation practices. The award is renewable for up to four years and covers tuition only. Eligible applicants must be graduates from local high schools and demonstrate a commitment to conservation efforts, enhancing the importance of sustainability in agriculture.

The Duesler, Charles and Bernard Scholarship Fund offers a $2,000 scholarship for Central Noble High School seniors or graduates planning to attend Purdue University in the fall. Preference is given to students entering agriculture, consumer and health services, veterinary, nursing, or pharmacy fields. Established by Charles Duesler to honor his brother Bernard and provide support to the community that nurtured his growth, this scholarship aims to assist deserving students in their educational pursuits.

Daviess County Community Foundation

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.

The Community Foundation can help you...

• Make a difference where it matters
• Invest in the future of the community you love
• Create greater good together

Leonidas (Lon) R. Horrall Memorial Scholarship

Annual scholarship established by Patty A. Summers in memory of her father.

Award Amount

• $660

Daviess County Community Foundation

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.

The Community Foundation can help you...

• Make a difference where it matters
• Invest in the future of the community you love
• Create greater good together

McKinley Vance Agri-Business Scholarship

Annual scholarship established by Lucile Vance in memory of her husband.

Award Amount

• $20,910 (multiple scholarship may be awarded from this amount)

The Posey County Co-op Scholarship offers $2,630 annually to graduating high school seniors from Posey County, Indiana, with a GPA of at least 2.75. Eligible students must plan to pursue post-secondary education in fields such as agriculture, animal sciences, welding, electrical or mechanical maintenance, electronics, or computer technology at accredited institutions.

The Cornelius R. Collignon Family Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation Alliance, supports graduating seniors or graduates from Spencer County high schools pursuing a four-year degree in agriculture, forestry, or aviation. Established in memory of Cornelius R. Collignon, this scholarship honors his dedication to protecting natural resources. Eligible applicants must demonstrate leadership, patriotism, and financial need, with preference given to students entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year in college.

The Friends of Pioneer Scholarship, established by Pioneer sales representatives, supports high school graduates and seniors in the LPH Territory who have a parent in agriculture. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrate community involvement. This initiative, managed by the Community Foundation Alliance, aims to empower local students pursuing higher education through financial assistance and recognition of their achievements in academics and community service.

The CHS Foundation's Cooperative Education Grant aims to support educational projects that enhance understanding of the agricultural cooperative business model. With a focus on middle school to college-age students, the program encourages innovative approaches, measurable outcomes, and engagement strategies. It prioritizes initiatives with a national or state-level reach within the CHS trade area, fostering success and growth in cooperative education. Funding will be allocated to programs that align with these goals, ensuring a robust educational framework for future leaders in agriculture.

Armstrong County Community Foundation (The Community Foundation Serving the Heart of Western Pennsylvania)

In 1997 Merchants National Bank, an Armstrong County community bank, marked its 100th anniversary. The centennial celebration included a unique expression of gratitude to the community in the form of $100,000 to be used as a seed fund to initiate a community foundation for Armstrong County. The bank challenged the community to keep the principal balance of the endowed funds intact and spend only a portion of the interest earnings to ensure a lasting legacy.

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Richard G. Snyder Family Scholarship

The Richard G. Snyder Family Scholarship for the Fields of Agriculture and the Fields of the Earth and Mineral Sciences was established to provide funds for scholarships for students majoring in the fields of agriculture or the fields of the earth and mineral sciences. 

We administer a number of scholarships, which range from the traditional academic and athletic awards to corporate and special circumstances offerings. These scholarships are open to all residents of Marshall County, as long as other requirements are met.

Applying for a scholarship is free, so we invite you to spend some time finding opportunities for which you are a good fit.

Marshall County Farm Bureau Agriculture Scholarship

The purpose of this fund is to provide one or more annual scholarships to any graduating senior or any non-high school senior residing in Marshall County, Indiana entering at least a full-time freshman year of undergraduate studies in an agricultural program or in agricultural classes.

The scholarship recipient must submit proof to the Community Foundation of successful completion of the first semester/trimester in order to receive the scholarship.

This scholarship may be renewable to previous recipients.

About the Indiana State Department of Agriculture

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) was established as a state agency by the Legislature in 2005. ISDA reports to the Lt. Governor, who also serves as Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. Major responsibilities include advocacy for Indiana agriculture at the local, state and federal level, managing soil conservation programs, promoting economic development and agricultural innovation, serving as a regulatory ombudsman for agricultural businesses, and licensing grain firms throughout the state.

Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Grant Program

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (“ISDA”), Division of Economic Development is seeking applications for the Indiana Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Grant Program (RFSI) to carry out projects that enhance the resilience of middle-of-the-food-supply-chain.  Applicants/Grantees applying for infrastructure program funding are permitted to claim indirect costs under the RFSI Program, not to exceed the 10% de minimis cap. Applicants/Grantees applying for special equipment-only funding are not eligible to claim indirect costs. ISDA encourages applications from woman or veteran owned businesses, socially disadvantaged businesses and historically underserved farmers, ranchers, and underserved communities.

Grant funding may not be used on meat, poultry, wild caught seafood, food for animal consumption or dietary supplements. If these items are included in your project, your project must clearly define what percentage of your project will include these items and you must be able to demonstrate that no grant or matching funds are used for those portions of the project.

Projects must choose ONE of two project options: Option 1- Special Equipment Only; Option 2- Infrastructure Projects. You may not do both project options.

Option 1- Special Equipment Only

For this project pathway, grant funding requests must be between $10,000 and $100,000. The only eligible expense in the budget for this project is the special equipment to be purchased. The equipment does not have to be American made and can be a used piece of equipment as long as the equipment is in good, working order. You may not include training for the piece of equipment in the budget. You may include installation of equipment if it is included in the quote and does not require construction of the space the equipment will be placed in. Matching funds are not required for Special Equipment Only projects. 

About the Indiana State Department of Agriculture

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) was established as a state agency by the Legislature in 2005. ISDA reports to the Lt. Governor, who also serves as Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. Major responsibilities include advocacy for Indiana agriculture at the local, state and federal level, managing soil conservation programs, promoting economic development and agricultural innovation, serving as a regulatory ombudsman for agricultural businesses, and licensing grain firms throughout the state.

Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Grant Program

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (“ISDA”), Division of Economic Development is seeking applications for the Indiana Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Grant Program (RFSI) to carry out projects that enhance the resilience of middle-of-the-food-supply-chain.  Applicants/Grantees applying for infrastructure program funding are permitted to claim indirect costs under the RFSI Program, not to exceed the 10% de minimis cap. Applicants/Grantees applying for special equipment-only funding are not eligible to claim indirect costs. ISDA encourages applications from woman or veteran owned businesses, socially disadvantaged businesses and historically underserved farmers, ranchers, and underserved communities.

Grant funding may not be used on meat, poultry, wild caught seafood, food for animal consumption or dietary supplements. If these items are included in your project, your project must clearly define what percentage of your project will include these items and you must be able to demonstrate that no grant or matching funds are used for those portions of the project.

Projects must choose ONE of two project options: Option 1- Special Equipment Only; Option 2- Infrastructure Projects. You may not do both project options.

Option 2- Infrastructure Projects

For this project pathway, grant funding requests must be between $100,000 and $3 million. Matching funds of 50% of the total project cost are required unless the applicant qualifies as a Historically Underserved Farmer or Rancher by the USDA standards or a Socially Disadvantaged Business, Women Owned or Veteran Owned business by SBA standards (See Section A for definitions), then you qualify for a 25% match of the total project cost. Infrastructure projects may include, but are not limited to: construction, transportation, equipment, training, renovation, or expansion. Please contact ISDA if you have questions regarding eligibility of your infrastructure project.

Annette M. Lamle Memorial Fund

This scholarship was created in memory of Annette M. Lamle who graduated from Columbia City Joint High School with the Class of 1980 and attended Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne. She supported her sons during their years in Whitley County 4-H and FFA. This award is given to a graduating Whitley County senior who was active in FFA or 4-H, who volunteers in the community, and has an interest in pursuing study in agriculture or the trades.

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect 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 400 funds and approximately $124 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.

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.

Building the Future Vocational Scholarship Application

The Building the Future Vocational Scholarship supports scholarships for Lake County residents to attend a public or private institution to earn a certificate or vocational/trade school degree with the intent to gain local employment.

• Agriculture
• Automotive/Mechanical
• Computer/Technology
• Construction
• Cosmetology/Esthetician/Barbering
• Culinary Arts
• Healthcare (Medical, Dental & Emergency Services)
• IT & Business Services
• Manufacturing/Industrial
• Paralegal/Court Reporter
• Real Estate
• Transportation/Aviation

Legacy Foundation PAYS awards directly to SCHOOLS, NOT students. Payments will be:

• Paid to the school to cover OUTSTANDING tuition costs after all other aid is used (Work One, Pell grant, etc.) AND/OR
• Paid towards costs for required books and/or equipment for the program.

The Harold and Rachel McMillen Foundation, established in 1961, supports educational, scientific, religious, and charitable purposes, primarily in Allen County, Indiana. Founded by local residents Harold and Rachel McMillen, the foundation aims to enhance community welfare through various program areas such as arts, education, environment, health, human services, and religion. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt to be eligible for support, ensuring a focus on impactful contributions in the region.

The Indiana Community Recycling Grant Program, administered by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), aims to enhance recycling and waste reduction initiatives across communities. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, this program supports projects focused on recycling education, organics management, and hazardous waste disposal. Funded through a solid waste management surcharge, it encourages environmentally sound practices while requiring a 25% cash match from applicants. Note that funding is not guaranteed.