Best Arts Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

The NICF: Miami County Grants - Community Support Grant aims to support various community projects in Miami County, offering funding from several hundred to thousands of dollars. These grants have no application deadline and prioritize initiatives in education, health, human services, arts and culture, environmental efforts, community development, recreation, and youth development. The foundation encourages innovative projects that address unmet community needs and foster collaboration among organizations.

The NICF Micro Grant program offers funding up to $2,000 for projects in Miami County, Indiana, with no application deadlines. Target areas include education, health, arts, environmental initiatives, and community development. The program prioritizes projects that reach underserved communities and foster collaboration. However, it does not support ongoing operating budgets or projects solely funded by the foundation. This initiative aims to stimulate innovative solutions to community needs, encouraging self-sustainability and effective charitable organizations.

The Warren County Community Foundation offers grants over $2,500 for nonprofit organizations, coalitions, and civic groups serving Warren County, Indiana. Applications are reviewed quarterly, and potential applicants should contact the Foundation to confirm eligibility and timeline alignment. Notably, grants are not available for projects outside of Warren County, political activities, or those fully funded by the government. It's crucial for applicants to adhere to these guidelines to ensure consideration.

The Asian Cultural Council (ACC) offers Organization Grants to arts and culture organizations in Asia and the U.S., promoting cultural exchange through travel and collaborative activities. These grants support immersive experiences, research, and access to artistic communities, fostering international dialogue and relationship-building. Organizations must be nonprofit or educational institutions, legally registered in eligible regions, and demonstrate a minimum of five years of relevant programming. ACC provides additional support to enhance project feasibility.

The Neag Foundation Grant aims to foster positive change in education, healthcare, and the arts. Supporting initiatives in Pennsylvania and Connecticut, the foundation focuses on enhancing educational opportunities, advancing healthcare interventions, and promoting the arts and humanities. By encouraging innovative projects that receive community support, it seeks to improve the quality of life for individuals and families. Organizations with a 501(c)(3) status are encouraged to apply for funding opportunities that align with these goals.

The HFM Foodservice Scholarship Fund supports students in Hawaii pursuing education in Culinary Arts or Agriculture. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7, and attend an accredited institution in the U.S. Preference is given to prior recipients in good academic standing. This scholarship aims to empower future leaders in the foodservice industry by providing financial assistance to deserving candidates.

The 1st Source Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in communities by supporting established 501(c)(3) organizations. Focused on social welfare, education, arts, and economic development, the foundation emphasizes partnerships with successful nonprofits to maximize impact. Applicants must provide financial documentation, including a recent 990 form. The foundation prioritizes proven organizations over new ones, seeking to ensure effective resource utilization and community benefit through collaborative efforts.

The AFI Grant, administered by the Adient Foundation, Inc., supports charitable organizations across the U.S. with a focus on philanthropic efforts. These one-time grants do not guarantee future funding, emphasizing a need for organizations to demonstrate sound management and community impact. Each year, past recipients must reapply under the standard application process, ensuring that support aligns with equal opportunity objectives and the Foundation's mission to complement public funding.

The AFI Grant, administered by the Adient Foundation, Inc., aims to support philanthropic organizations in the U.S. that are tax-exempt. While primarily offering one-time grants, the Foundation evaluates proposals based on organizational structure, community impact, and management capacity. The Foundation complements public institutions and does not guarantee future funding based on past contributions. Grantees must operate with equal opportunity objectives, and past recipients must submit new applications each year.

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

The Barker Welfare Foundation offers grants to qualified charitable organizations focused on enhancing the quality of life, particularly for youth and families, in New York City and Michigan City, Indiana. Organizations must be recognized as public charities and meet specific eligibility criteria, including providing audited financial statements. Proposals from start-ups or outside designated areas are discouraged. The Foundation aims to reflect the philanthropic legacy of its founder, Catherine B. Hickox.

The Adams County Community Foundation (ACCF) offers Traditional Grants aimed at enhancing the quality of life for Adams County residents. Nonprofit organizations providing services to the community can apply for funding between $200 and $5,000. Priority is given to collaborative grant requests during the Spring/April cycle. Eligible projects may include those in arts, human services, economic development, education, and community improvement, with a focus on sustainable impact for future generations.

The Adams County Community Foundation (ACCF) prioritizes collaborative grant requests, funding projects that enhance the quality of life for residents in Adams County, IN. These grants support initiatives in arts, education, and community improvement. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations serving the area, with amounts typically ranging from $400 to $5,000. This initiative fosters partnerships among nonprofits to address community needs effectively.

The ACTA Apprenticeship Program has been supporting California's cultural traditions for nearly 25 years by providing $5,000 contracts to mentor artists for intensive training of eligible apprentices. This program fosters the continuity of traditional arts through one-on-one mentorship, culminating in public presentations and documentation of the learning process. Eligible applicants must submit a collaborative application, demonstrating commitment and quality in their respective art forms. This initiative not only preserves cultural practices but also enhances community engagement.

Impact 100 Greater Indianapolis is a charitable women's giving circle focused on awarding impactful grants to nonprofits in various sectors such as arts, education, environment, family, and health. The initiative aims to foster community engagement by funding innovative solutions to social challenges. This organization values integrity, collaboration, and inclusivity, ensuring all community members have access to essential services. By supporting diverse projects, Impact 100 strengthens the fabric of the Indianapolis community and enhances the quality of life for its residents.

Impact100 Southern Indiana invites nonprofit organizations serving Clark, Floyd, and Harrison counties to apply for a grant aimed at fostering transformational change. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and demonstrate a commitment to community impact. Grants, ranging from $50,000 to $140,000, will be awarded to projects in areas such as arts, education, and health. Applications are due by July 8, 2025, and priority will be given to those addressing under-served populations.

The Millstone Fund aims to foster a vibrant, equitable community in Greater Cincinnati by supporting nonprofit organizations focused on health, education, and arts. The fund prioritizes initiatives that promote innovation, capacity building, and collaborative efforts among organizations. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, with a commitment to inclusion and equity. Requests exceeding $50,000 require prior approval. The fund seeks to invest in organizations that demonstrate a clear plan for sustainability and impactful services.

Steven Thayer Hopi Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the family of Steven Thayer to provide scholarship funding for young Hopi artists to develop their talents and artistic skill.

About Knight Foundation

John S. and James L. Knight believed that a well-informed community could best “determine its own true interests” and was essential to a well-functioning, thriving democracy. They pursued those beliefs, building and leading one of the largest and most successful newspaper companies in American history.

For 75 years, Knight Foundation has supported the people, ideas and insights that lead to thriving communities. The foundation invests in local journalism, arts and culture and community development in the 26 cities and towns where the Knight brothers once published newspapers.

Since our founding in 1950, we have been committed to the communities we serve and to providing those communities with the tools they need for residents to thrive.

Knight Cities Challenge

Knight Foundation is currently accepting applications for the Knight Cities Challenge, a $5 million open call inviting individuals and organizations across its 26 communities to submit new, creative ideas for projects that can spark change and leave a lasting local impact.

Building on a long history of open challenges across programs, Knight democratizes access to grantmaking to unlock the best and brightest ideas. This spring, KCC returns to invest in its first cohort of community-centered solutions to local challenges and help promising ideas take root and grow.

Project ideas must focus on at least one of Knight’s investment areas: strengthening local news and information, creating pathways for economic opportunity or cultivating connection through arts, culture and the places that bring people together.

You may submit one idea, either as an individual or on behalf of your organization. While you are limited to one application as the lead applicant, you may collaborate on other projects submitted by different partners. Each individual or organization may receive funding for only one project.

For large institutions such as universities or city governments, schools or departments are considered separate entities. 

Wabash Valley Community Foundation

The Wabash Valley Community Foundation is your community portal. By channeling community expertise to you and taking your creative ideas to the community, together, we make a difference. We go beyond simply taking charitable contributions and making grants to charitable organizations. Our board and staff are responsible for having in-depth expertise and spend most of their time in the community understanding challenges, identifying opportunities and recognizing successful organizations.

Families, individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations have created more than 670 charitable funds at the Community Foundation in the past 30 years. Together, we have awarded over $30 million in grants and scholarships. Grants from the Community Foundation support every imaginable area of our communities from community centers and local arts organizations to tree-planting projects and literacy programs in schools. The Community Foundation also has special community funds that support Arts & Culture, Community Development, Education, Health & Human Services and Religion.

The Wabash Valley Community Foundation has determined broad priorities for awarding its grant funds. Each county has its own individual review process and deadlines.

Vigo County Grants

Our Grant-Making Philosophy

As you begin the grant application process with the Wabash Valley Community Foundation, we invite you to learn more about the philosophy that guides our work and how, together, we can Make More Possible for our community.

Our tagline, For good. For ever.®, reflects our commitment to funding projects that create lasting, measurable impact. We prioritize grants that serve as true investments in the community — initiatives that are visionary, collaborative and designed for long-term change rather than short-term solutions.

Strong applications demonstrate:

• Organizational commitment and collaboration
• The ability to benefit a broad segment of the community
• A clear focus on sustainable, measurable outcomes

In February 2026, the Community Foundation launched its revised competitive grants process following a year-long review of its procedures compared to those utilized by peers across Indiana and sector-driven best practices. To learn more about the grantmaking strategy, please click here.

Grants as Community Investments

We view grants as partnerships with your organization. Our goal is to invest in projects that generate the greatest return in positive community impact by addressing root causes and reducing long-standing challenges. As Robert D. Lupton, author of Toxic Charity, notes, meaningful impact requires missions that produce measurable results.

Organizational Health Review

All organizations, regardless of intention to submit or not submit a grant application, are required to complete the Organizational Health Review form annually. The review process provides a benchmark to assist the non-profit in becoming a stronger, healthier organization, as well as to track progress year over year. For the initial submission, organizations MUST HAVE COMPLETED the Review by March 9, 2026. The form will go live again on August 15, 2026 with a submission deadline of September 30, 2026. The form MUST be submitted both times to remain eligible for grant consideration!

Community Grants

Community grants are grants in support of Arts & Culture, Community Development, Education and Health & Human Services.

Pillar 1 - Arts & Culture

High Priorities

With the limited unrestricted funds available, it is necessary to determine which grants can best be awarded to have the greatest impact on the needs and growth of the Wabash Valley. The priorities are as follows:

• To focus on the prevention of problems rather than on the symptoms
• To maintain both a proactive focus and an ability to respond to creative ideas from grant seekers
• To assist grant seekers to better respond to the changing needs of the community
• To encourage programs that enhance cooperation and collaboration among institutions within our community
• To leverage funds through the use of “seed money,” “match” and “challenge” grants
• To fund projects that will make a significant improvement to our community

Our Mission

Empower donors to fulfill their passions and dreams by establishing charitable vehicles designed to create a positive and enduring impact on Jewish Buffalo, Western New York and the World.

Golden Goldman Fund

The Golden Goldman Philanthropic Fund’s mission is to maximize local impact in support of: Women’s issues including reproduction and choice; Arts and Culture; Literacy; Reducing Income Inequality; and Judaism.

Funding will be awarded based on your proposal's potential impact. We will be looking at the applying organizations' fiscal viability and their ability to reach out to underserved individuals as part of our evaluation process. We do not usually provide funding for ongoing, existing programs.

About

At Creative Pinellas, we believe the arts are essential to a vibrant, thriving community. Through programs, partnerships, and advocacy, we empower artists and cultural organizations across Pinellas County—enhancing quality of life, driving economic growth, and inspiring residents and visitors alike.

At Creative Pinellas, we’re all about celebrating the power of the arts to bring people together and make life better. We support local artists, spark creative experiences, and help build a cultural scene that makes Pinellas County an inspiring place to live, work, and play. From gallery shows and public art to festivals and performances, the arts play a big role in drawing visitors to the area—boosting local businesses and showcasing everything our vibrant community has to offer.

Arts Tourism Funding Program: Celebrating Pinellas County’s Creative Spirit Grant

Creative Pinellas is spearheading a transformative new arts tourism funding program designed to position Pinellas County as a premier cultural destination while strengthening its creative economy. On Tuesday, March 24, the Pinellas Board of County Commissioners approved the $500,000 program by unanimous vote. Creative Pinellas will direct the program, which is funded by Visit St. Pete-Clearwater (VSPC) with outreach and event support provided by St. Petersburg Arts Alliance and Clearwater Arts Alliance.

The inaugural program will fund a wide range of experiences created by artists and arts organizations selected through a competitive process. The experiences will shape a countywide, multi-week festival of the arts during Fall 2026 featuring performances, exhibitions, workshops, public art, and immersive cultural experiences across beaches, parks, downtown districts, and cultural venues. It is expected to reach an estimated 2.5 million visitors during that time.

This marks the first time Creative Pinellas has distributed arts funding to support not only individual artists and nonprofits, but also for-profit arts organizations.

Award Amounts and Frequency

• The panel plans to select approximately 20-30 arts experiences, totaling $350,000 to Individual Artists and Organizations. It is possible that more or fewer experiences will be selected. Another $50,000 is planned for those selected to provide opening and closing experiences for the month of the arts.
• The panel reviewing applications will be asked to fund in two categories: individuals and organizations.
• Individual Artists may apply for $5,000 to $15,000.
• Organizations may apply for $15,000 to $50,000.
• The panel predicts to select a very limited number of arts experiences at the higher funding levels.
• All applicants acknowledge that Creative Pinellas may offer funding at a different amount than applied for.

The Vanguard

Remuseum announces The Vanguard, an award and accelerator for innovative leaders in the visual and performing arts, in partnership with the Doris Duke Foundation. The Vanguard’s $100,000 annual award will recognize up to ten leaders who are exploring new ways to strengthen arts institutions, and a year-long accelerator will help them refine, implement, and evaluate their ideas. The first award and accelerator of its kind, The Vanguard celebrates leaders who are ready to center the public in their work in new ways, building models for increased relevance and sustainability in the arts.

The Program

The $100,000 grant that accompanies each award will go to that leader’s institution, to support ideas developed in The Vanguard’s 12-month accelerator program. That program begins with a week-long retreat at Shangri La, the Doris Duke Foundation’s global center for culture and ideas in Honolulu, Hawaii, followed by a year of monthly coaching sessions, regional peer gatherings, and collaborative workshops, culminating in a public presentation of their work and findings to the broader arts community. The accelerator and its curriculum, tailored specifically for cultural leaders, has been designed by Jenny Larios Berlin, entrepreneur in the creative and tech sectors and Lecturer at MIT Sloan School of Management, and will be co-taught with Gregory Bunch, entrepreneur and Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and will be advised by Ethernet Inventors Professor of Entrepreneurship Bill Aulet, Managing Director of the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship.

By year’s end, members of The Vanguard will have built an intellectual kinship with each other while modeling a spirit of innovative leadership for the field. Remuseum will continue evaluating and sharing their work as case studies for cultural organizations broadly, and future classes will continue expanding a Vanguard of leaders (10, then 20, and on) who build models of success for cultural organizations in the 21st Century, allowing arts & cultural institutions not just to survive but to support a stronger and more pluralistic civil society.

The Partnership Agreement Grants for FY 2027, offered by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), support state and regional arts agencies in enhancing community arts accessibility. These grants leverage federal funding to attract significantly more state contributions, fostering a robust federal-state partnership. Each state arts agency develops a tailored arts plan, ensuring that local priorities and goals are effectively addressed. This collaborative approach amplifies the impact of federal arts funding across the nation.

About Us

The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) is an agency of state government, and its funding comes from the Indiana General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

A core component to the Indiana Arts Commission’s commitment to investing in the state’s vibrant and rich arts and culture sector are grants, which support people and communities through arts organizations and arts projects.

Every County Funded

About

The Every County Funded community-based arts program is designed to increase access to arts funding for all Hoosiers by providing invitation-only grant funding that directly serves counties where there is little to no state arts funding.

Every County Funded is designed to:

• Identify allies, partners and stakeholders in counties interested in bringing the arts to life in their community
• Provide communities with funding and technical support for creative initiatives
• Provide a simple process from which all can easily succeed and grow
• Connect communities through an informal cohort model

FY2026 Grant Program

The Indiana Arts Commission is accepting grant applications from Blackford, Lawrence, Parke, Newton, Rush, Washington, and White counties.

These projects should be based locally and include an opportunity that is open to the public. Previous projects that have been supported include activities such as:

• Example: Ongoing arts/performing arts classes or workshops that are open to the public for any age. Workshops employ local artists to support community and economic development.
• Example: A local 4-H club may wish to bring in a ceramic artist to provide a series of weekly classes for youth, resulting in a community exhibition that is open to the public and entries into the county fair.

• Example: Creating a mural that documents the history of your town and inviting local students to be involved in the painting process under the guidance of the mural artist.
• Example: Hosting a concert series that is free and open to the public, featuring a variety of musical acts. This series is in combination with existing events, such as festivals or annual town celebrations.

• Example: Providing arts-based classes at your library to support mental health and wellbeing of teenagers.
• Example: Increasing access to arts programs for people with disabilities by purchasing adaptive art supplies (e.g. paint brush grips, wheelchair accessible chalk tools, magnifying glasses) and hosting an inclusive event.

These project examples are not exhaustive or the only type of project allowed in Every County Funded. Applicants are encouraged to think creatively about how to provide arts experiences in their communities.

The NEA Arts and Artifacts International Indemnity Program, administered by the National Endowment for the Arts, provides financial protection for museums exhibiting significant art and artifacts. Launched in 1975, it minimizes insurance costs for international exhibitions. The program allows U.S. entities to receive indemnity for works of art while on display in the U.S. Applications are assessed by expert panels, ensuring a thorough review process before approvals or conditional notices are issued.

The NEA Arts and Artifacts International Indemnity Program, established in 1975, supports the exhibition of significant art and artifacts by minimizing insurance costs for international exhibitions. Administered by the National Endowment for the Arts, it covers U.S. owned art during exhibitions in the country. The program evaluates applications through advisory panels and the Federal Council on the Arts and Humanities, ensuring that vital cultural works are accessible while providing necessary financial protections.