Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Capacity Building Grant by the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana aims to enhance the operational capacity of nonprofits in Clark and Floyd counties. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 support initiatives like governance improvement, leadership development, and strategic planning. By fostering continuous improvement, this program ensures organizations can effectively serve their communities. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities in good standing. For more details, visit the official program summary.

The CFDC Community Grants support nonprofit organizations addressing the needs of DeKalb County, Indiana. These grants, awarded quarterly, focus on areas such as arts, education, health, and community development. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations, schools, and government agencies. The foundation favors projects that promote community cooperation and sustainability, while avoiding funding for certain expenses like debt reduction and religious purposes. Grants can also cover general operating or capacity-building expenses.

The Pokagon Fund, established through a 2000 agreement, supports communities near Band Trust Lands by providing strategic grants aimed at reducing poverty, enhancing education, and promoting community vitality. With over $23 million awarded, the Fund focuses on initiatives that foster local development, including substantial educational support and assistance for food-insecure families. By investing in these communities, the Fund aims to create a thriving environment for residents of Hartford, Dowagiac, and South Bend.

The Old National Bank Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations for community impact initiatives across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Focused on four key areas—Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Financial Empowerment—the foundation prioritizes programs that support underrepresented communities. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the foundation’s funding priorities to qualify for grants, which can be applied for every two years.

The Ball Brothers Foundation offers general grants to organizations in Indiana, particularly focusing on Muncie and Delaware County. The foundation emphasizes support for arts, education, environment, health, human services, and public benefit initiatives, aiming to enhance community engagement and well-being. By fostering creativity, educational excellence, and environmental stewardship, the foundation seeks to strengthen the region's cultural and social fabric, while also addressing pressing community needs and encouraging collaborative efforts among local organizations.

The Northeast Indiana Organizational Capacity Grant, offered by the Indiana Youth Institute, provides an exciting opportunity for nonprofit organizations serving youth in East Central Indiana. This initiative aims to enhance organizational effectiveness and capacity through no-cost consulting services valued at over $7,000 per organization. Eligible organizations must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits and serve specific counties, including Kosciusko, Whitley, Noble, Dekalb, LaGrange, and Steuben.

The Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County (CFMJC) supports grant-making to organizations that benefit Jefferson County residents. Since 1991, it has funded diverse causes such as education, health, and welfare. CFMJC prioritizes projects that demonstrate preventative measures and collaboration among organizations while ensuring legal compliance. Grants are not available for political activities or sectarian purposes. This initiative encourages impactful contributions from generous donors to enhance community well-being.

The Community Good Grants Program, managed by the Posey County Community Foundation, invites funding requests from 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits and governmental agencies. Since its inception in 1992, the foundation has aimed to enhance the community's well-being through various program areas including arts, education, health, and community development. Grants are typically awarded annually to support projects that fulfill community needs, fostering philanthropy and local initiatives in Posey County.

The CFMC Community Impact Grants support charitable projects in Morgan County, providing funding for initiatives that address pressing community needs. With priorities in K-12 mental health, workforce development, and quality of life improvements, this responsive grant program encourages innovative solutions. Applicants do not need to be 501(c)(3) charities, but must serve the general population and adhere to non-discrimination policies. The program aims to strengthen community impact through visionary grant proposals and ongoing support.

The Daviess County Community Foundation, established in 1993, offers Community Good Grants to support nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies in Daviess County, Indiana. This program aims to enhance community well-being across various areas, including arts, education, health, and environment. It encourages charitable projects that address local needs, fostering civic engagement and philanthropy. Through partnerships and fiscal sponsorships, the foundation aims to make meaningful impacts for generations to come.

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation invites organizations to apply for the Vibrant Places: Community and Cultural Vibrancy grant, aimed at enhancing community well-being through equitable access to resources and cultural enrichment. With $500,000 available for the 2025 cycle, grants of up to $25,000 will support initiatives that strengthen community ties and promote safe public spaces. Eligible organizations include those with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal agents, focusing on measurable outcomes and collaboration.

The Bethany Legacy Foundation's Capacity Building Application supports nonprofits in Jefferson County, Indiana by enhancing their internal systems and leadership capabilities. This grant fosters sustainable change by investing in organizations that align with focus areas like childcare, housing, and mental health. The application process is straightforward, requiring no pre-application, and aims to fund requests of $20,000 or less. This initiative is crucial for strengthening the nonprofit sector's effectiveness and future sustainability.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Transform Lake County Grant focuses on capacity building for nonprofits, neighborhoods, and residents in Lake County, Indiana. Grants of up to $10,000 aim to enhance organizations' internal operations, management, and governance. This initiative seeks to empower eligible 501(c)3 organizations, ensuring they can provide essential services sustainably. The funding is designed for specific projects that strengthen infrastructure, leadership, and technology, ultimately fostering organizational effectiveness and community impact.

The Transform Lake County Grant provides programmatic funding to support 501(c)(3) organizations in Lake County, Indiana. The grant aims to empower nonprofits through initiatives that address basic needs, economic mobility, community enrichment, and safety. Strong proposals should demonstrate innovative solutions and community involvement, especially from organizations with budgets under $2 million. Projects that have not previously received consecutive funding from the Legacy Foundation are encouraged to apply.

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation's Building Bright Futures: Education initiative aims to empower children and young adults by funding innovative programs that foster academic success. This inaugural grant cycle focuses on evidence-based solutions that enhance mentoring, tutoring, and socio-emotional development. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to high-quality education in the Greater Cincinnati region. Funding can support new initiatives, program expansions, or operational support, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

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.

The Women's Giving Circle Grant Program supports organizations that empower women and children in Jefferson County, Indiana. This competitive grant initiative focuses on education, economic empowerment, health, and violence prevention. By funding projects that prepare children for school, enhance women's financial management, improve healthcare access, and reduce violence, the program aims to make a significant impact. Grants are awarded based on community needs and legal requirements, prioritizing initiatives that foster collaboration and sustainability.

Enterprise Community Partners

Enterprise Community Partners (Enterprise) is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of families without one. We support community development organizations on the ground, aggregate and invest capital for impact, advance housing policy at every level of government, and build and manage communities ourselves. Since 1982, we have invested $80.9 billion and created 1 million homes across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands – all to make home and community places of pride, power and belonging.

Midwest Asset Management University Program

Operating, maintaining, and preserving affordable housing is complex and requires a specialized set of skills and a deep organizational commitment to asset management. Today, affordable housing providers face a variety of economic, operational, and compliance challenges, including rising operating costs, rental arrears, staffing shortages, and an aging portfolio.

Enterprise is launching its first Asset Management University (AMU) Program in the Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, and/or Minnesota) in March 2026 to support mission-aligned, affordable housing providers in meeting these challenges in their efforts to provide housing stability to residents and preserve the long-term affordability of properties.

The Midwest AMU is a comprehensive, five-month training program that seeks to strengthen the asset and property management capabilities of participating housing providers, improving organizations’ capacity to oversee the financial, physical, and operational health of their housing portfolios.

Midwest Asset Management University Cohort 

Enterprise is excited to offer this application for participation in the Asset Management University (AMU) Cohort (the “Cohort”). Up to fifteen (15) eligible organizations will be selected for this Cohort and will receive access to online training offered by the Consortium of Housing and Asset Management (CHAM), peer learning opportunities, and post-training technical assistance.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Statewide Capital Projects Initiative Grant provides essential funding to nonprofit organizations in Indiana, aiming to enhance health and human services. With a total of $80 million available in matching capital grants, the initiative supports projects that improve community facilities. It offers two funding tiers, catering to varying project complexities and encourages partnerships for successful implementation. All applicants must demonstrate a commitment to delivering vital services, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to benefit local communities.