Best Arts Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

The Joan M. Wismer Foundation, established in 2001, honors the legacy of Joan Marilynn Wismer, who was dedicated to charitable work and community service. The foundation focuses on improving lives through education, youth development, safety, humanitarian services, and medical research. It primarily supports IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and churches, while emphasizing the importance of sustainable funding and effective financial management in its grant-making process.

The Art Bridges Cohort Program aims to enhance access to American art by fostering multi-year partnerships among museums across the U.S. This initiative creates sustainable art-sharing ecosystems that promote collaboration and community engagement. The program supports museums through funding for various phases, including research, small art shares, and large art shares, ensuring resources for travel, exhibition design, and educational opportunities. Eligibility includes a strong commitment to community engagement and existing art collections.

The John, Anna and Martha Jane Fields Memorial Trust Foundation Grant aims to enhance the cultural and educational landscape of St. Joseph County, Indiana. Established in memory of Martha Jane Fields, the foundation supports organizations that promote arts, education, and social services. With an average grant size ranging from $2,500 to $15,000, the foundation awards approximately ten grants annually, totaling around $60,000 in annual giving, thereby fostering community enrichment and support.

The Yéigo Action Grant, provided by the First Peoples Fund, offers financial support ranging from $100 to $2,500 for Native artists and culture bearers facing hardships that affect their creative practices. This grant aims to assist artists with specific professional opportunities, such as workshops or emergencies. By honoring the spirit of encouragement embodied in the Diné word 'yéigo', the grant helps ensure that artists can continue their vital work within their communities.

The Artist in Business Leadership (ABL) Fellowship supports Native artists in building sustainable art-centered businesses. This yearlong program provides $10,000 in funding along with professional development and networking opportunities. Eligible applicants must be 18 years or older, reside in the U.S., and be enrolled in or have lineage from a federally recognized tribe. The fellowship aims to empower artists to thrive within their communities while honoring their cultural heritage.

The United States Adult Cystic Fibrosis Association (USACFA) offers the Scholarship for the Arts, providing $5,000 to two students pursuing degrees in creative fields. Open to applicants from associate to doctoral levels, candidates must demonstrate a minimum GPA of 3.0 and submit proof of enrollment for the academic year. This scholarship honors Helen, a passionate artist and dedicated mother, whose life exemplified resilience and creativity, inspiring future generations in the arts.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials.

IBMA  Foundation Project Grants

The IBMA Foundation awards project grants each year, usually in amounts between $1,000 and $2,500. The deadline to apply is December 2. Projects must align with the Foundation’s mission in one of the following areas

• Arts & culture
• Education
• Literary or academic programs
• History preservation

The Posey County Community Foundation's Women’s Fund Grants Program supports nonprofit organizations and government agencies in Posey County. In 2024, it awarded $25,000 in grants to 16 organizations, focusing on arts, education, health, and community development. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, with some exceptions for charitable projects. The program promotes civic endeavors, while applications submitted after the deadline or for excluded purposes like religious or political activities will not be considered.

The Ecolab U.S. Regional NPO Grant Program supports 501(c)(3) organizations in specific geographic areas, focusing on youth education, community development, environmental conservation, and arts initiatives. Eligible nonprofits can apply for funding to enhance their services and impact in underserved communities. Notably, the program emphasizes hands-on learning and sustainable practices, aiming to foster a healthier environment and society. Organizations must align with Ecolab's mission of promoting sustainability and improving quality of life.

The Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation, established in 1951 in Oklahoma, aims to support charitable organizations across the U.S., with a focus on education and local initiatives. Grants are awarded to qualified 501(C)(3) organizations, prioritizing projects that align with the foundation's mission in areas such as education, health, arts, and literacy. Interested applicants must submit a Letter of Inquiry before applying for funding, ensuring alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The ENF Community Investments Program offers Gratitude Grants between $3,000 and $5,000 to Elks Lodges that have met the GER’s per-member-giving goal. These grants empower Lodges to enhance community service and foster local engagement, supporting initiatives that promote health, education, and welfare. The program exemplifies the Elks' commitment to charity and community improvement, showcasing their dedication to building stronger neighborhoods and helping those in need.

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) offers Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) to support diverse arts initiatives that enhance public engagement and education. These grants aim to improve community well-being through the arts and are open to all organizations, regardless of size or location. Applicants are encouraged to align their projects with NEA funding priorities, fostering creativity across various disciplines such as music, theater, and visual arts.

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

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

The Willson Center Research Seminar Program at the University of Georgia provides $2,000 for faculty-led interdisciplinary discussion groups on specific research topics. This grant is aimed at tenured or tenure-track faculty and is intended to facilitate the visit of external scholars to the campus. Applications are open for the upcoming academic year, focusing on fostering collaborative research initiatives among faculty.

The Amy Clampitt Poet Residency Program, established by The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, offers a six-month residency for poets at Amy Clampitt's former home in Lenox, Massachusetts. This program aims to foster the study and promotion of poetry, providing a peaceful retreat for a poet to focus on their craft. Selected poets receive a monthly stipend of $4,000 and are encouraged to make their creative work a priority during their stay.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Mary E. Berger Scholarship Fund

The Mary E. Berger Scholarship was established with a gift from Mary E. Berger and a future gift by the estate of Mary E. Berger to assist high school students who wish to attend college or university or professional school to pursue studies in art, music, history, political science, English, journalism and related liberal arts subject.

About

The Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation (CBTF) was founded in 1988 by a group of dedicated parents, physicians, and friends to improve the treatment, quality of life, and the long term outlook for children with brain and spinal cord tumors through research, support, education, and advocacy to families and survivors. In addition to providing funds to research a cure, the organization is the nation’s leader in quality of life programs for families impacted by brain and spinal cord tumors. We support families from the day of diagnosis and throughout the brain tumor journey.

CBTF believes in the importance of being responsive to the needs of everyone in the brain tumor community regardless of their racial/ethnic background. We believe in the importance of a culture that values people of all racial/ ethnic backgrounds. We value the many identities that an individual brings to the community and honor and appreciate the intersections of these identities. Our practice values respect, integrity and honesty. We are committed to inclusiveness. 

The Rosalie Out of the Ordinary Scholarship

Thank you for applying for the Rosalie Out of the Ordinary Scholarship. This opportunity is given in memory of Rosalie Ou, a brain tumor survivor who brought positive energy and creativity everywhere she went. Her passions were fashion, art, and friendship. Rosalie taught many of us the art of origami and at the same time instilled in us lessons about how to live a life filled with joy. Rosalie was not able to complete her degree at the Fashion Institute of Technology. In her memory we dedicate this scholarship to a student who wants to fulfill their dream of a career in fashion or art.

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Beth Bryan Creative Arts Fund Scholarship

Graduating senior from any high school in Cumberland County.

The ArtsEverywhere Grants, funded by the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, aim to enrich local arts and culture through substantial support for innovative projects. With a focus on capacity building, the initiative encourages organizations to enhance their effectiveness and community engagement. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for various programs, fostering collaboration and sustainability. By investing in local talent and artistic quality, the program seeks to inspire community pride and ensure lasting contributions to the cultural landscape.

The Ripley County Community Foundation offers Small Project Grants to support nonprofit organizations in Ripley County. These grants, up to $1,000, assist with needs that arise throughout the calendar year. Eligible organizations must be nonprofits and adhere to specific guidelines outlined by the foundation. The fund focuses on impactful projects that benefit the community, encouraging innovative solutions and responsible fiscal management from recipients.

The PCC Foundation offers community grants aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Parke County. These grants, available to both new and existing charitable organizations, support various initiatives including education, health services, and community development. Applications are accepted year-round, with quick decisions for smaller requests. This funding opportunity encourages projects that address community needs and build capacity, fostering a stronger, more resilient community.

The Crown Point Community Foundation aims to enhance the quality of life in South Lake County by funding diverse community projects. It focuses on maximizing charitable contributions and ensuring financial assistance meets specific community needs. The Foundation supports non-profit organizations through grants for programs that benefit local residents, while adhering to guidelines that emphasize community impact, volunteer involvement, and fiscal responsibility. This initiative fosters collaboration and positive change within the communities of Crown Point, Cedar Lake, Lowell, and Winfield.

The Annual Community Commitment Grants, managed by the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois, have been empowering nonprofit organizations since 1972. With a focus on sustainable impact, these grants support projects in arts, education, health, and more. Each proposal is evaluated based on its potential community value and strategic vision. By fostering collaboration and addressing local needs, the foundation aims to make a lasting difference in east central Illinois.

The Standard's Corporate Giving Program emphasizes community support and employee engagement, reflecting its foundational mission to enhance financial well-being. Established in 1906, the program focuses on Healthy Communities, Disability and Empowerment, Cultural Development, and Education. With a funding range of $500 to $25,000, it aims to make a substantial impact in the lives of individuals and families facing challenges. The Standard Charitable Foundation, launched in 2006, further extends this commitment by supporting organizations that align with its philanthropic goals.

The Ted & Shannon Skokos Foundation Grant, established in 2008, supports nonprofit organizations in arts, education, humanity, and faith. It prioritizes visionary leadership, community impact, sustainability, organizational strength, and collaboration. The foundation seeks to fund eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits that align with its mission and positively influence communities, particularly in Dallas, Texas, and Arkansas, where the founders have personal connections.

The DEW Foundation Grant supports tax-exempt charitable organizations globally, aiming to promote the common good through financial contributions and personal involvement. The foundation prioritizes charities where family members are actively involved and focuses on ministries, health, education, and community service. While it may fund its own projects, it typically does not exceed 10% of an organization's operating budget and avoids supporting politically affiliated causes or normal church operations. Innovative and effective organizations are especially welcome.