Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

The Teacher Creativity Grants, funded by the Wells County Foundation, aim to support innovative teaching projects that align with Indiana State Standards. These grants empower educators to enhance curriculum through creative initiatives that promote critical thinking and 21st-century skills. Endorsement from school leadership is essential for proposal submission, and public school corporations may apply once annually for funding. This initiative encourages a progressive educational environment, fostering a culture of creativity and excellence among students.

Mission

The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs works with local, state and national partners to provide resources and technical assistance to aid communities in shaping and achieving their vision for community and economic development.

Recovery Housing Program

Program Description

The Recovery Housing Program (RHP), authorized by the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act), assists local government units and their eligible nonprofit partners (if applicable) in providing individuals recovering from substance use disorders with temporary transitional housing (up to two years) as they work toward sober, independent living. Competitive projects must

demonstrate the following:

• The project must directly advance the objectives of the SUPPORT Act.
• The project must fulfill the national objectives outlined in the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended and modified by FR-6225-N-01.
• The project supports the community’s long-term planning and development goals.
• The funds granted will significantly advance the project’s success.
• The community has demonstrated clear evidence of strong local support and a commitment to the project’s long-term sustainability.
• The project must be prepared to commence upon receipt of the grant.

The Court Alcohol & Drug Scholarship Program, managed by the Indiana Judicial Branch, aims to enhance the professional skills of judges and staff involved in court-administered treatment programs. By funding up to 80% of eligible expenses for seminars and training not covered by standard budgets, this initiative supports the effective delivery of alcohol and drug services. With a maximum award of $1,000, the program seeks to improve knowledge and efficiency within Indiana's judicial framework.

The SEP Foundation Maker Scholarship, established by the Hamilton County Community Foundation, aims to support Indiana residents pursuing degrees in STEAM fields at accredited institutions. This scholarship encourages students facing financial challenges or barriers to education, with a preference for those maintaining a GPA of 2.5 or higher and representing diverse backgrounds. By connecting donors with critical causes, the Foundation amplifies the impact of generosity in the community.

The Bowker Foundation Grant supports the education, health, welfare, and rehabilitation of young women, primarily in Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana. Established in 1966, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to $30,000, with an average annual giving of $75,000. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and submit applications online. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that empower young women and enhance their wellbeing.

About PCORI

PCORI funds patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER).

Our Mission

PCORI helps people make informed healthcare decisions, and improves healthcare delivery and outcomes, by producing and promoting high-integrity, evidence-based information that comes from research guided by patients, caregivers, and the broader healthcare community.

Broad Pragmatic Studies PCORI Funding

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) intends to issue a Broad Pragmatic Studies (BPS) PCORI Funding Announcement (PFA), seeking to fund patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) projects. 

Research Initiative Highlights

CER compares at least two available health treatments, services or care delivery strategies. PCORI seeks proposals that compare clinical interventions (e.g., pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments, screening and diagnostic approaches) and healthcare delivery system interventions (e.g., workforce, technologies, healthcare service delivery designs) to evaluate potential benefits and harms of different treatment and care delivery options, thus generating evidence that empowers patients, caregivers and the broader healthcare community with information to make informed choices that reflect their needs and preferences.

Special Areas of Emphasis

For Cycle 2 2026, PCORI is particularly interested in submissions that address the following Special Areas of Emphasis (SAE) within the BPS funding opportunity. The purpose of identifying these SAEs is to encourage submissions to these areas, rather than limiting submissions to these topics. Applicants addressing one of the below SAEs should identify the area that is best associated with their research approach:  

• Addressing Obesity
• Diabetes Prevention, Care and Treatment
• Management of Urogynecological and Pelvic Pain
• Pain Management for Individuals Living With Sickle Cell Disease

In PCORI-funded research, patients and other research partners are expected to meaningfully contribute their lived experience or professional expertise to ensure studies are patient-centered, relevant and useful for healthcare decision making. Applicants must address PCORI’s Foundational Expectations for Partnerships in Research — an evidence-based framework supported by tools and resources to guide effective engagement strategies. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to consider the inclusion of a broad range of patient-centered burdens and economic outcomes. 

Broad Pragmatic Studies PFA: Category 1, Category 2 and Category 3 Study Specifications

PCORI will commit up to $120 million in direct costs through this funding opportunity. This funding opportunity contains three categories for funding:

• Category 1: Category 1 will support research projects with direct costs up to and including $5 million.

• Category 2: Category 2 will support research projects with direct costs greater than $5 million and up to a maximum of $12 million. Applications for funding under Category 2 will be required to provide additional information in the Letter of Intent (LOI) and application to justify the size and scope of the proposed research projects and to explain how additional funds are necessary with respect to the scale, scope and complexity of personnel and material resources needed to address the research question.

• Category 3: Category 3 will support research projects with direct costs up to $12 million that utilize PCORnet® to conduct observational studies and/or pragmatic trials that are national in scale. Category 3 PCORnet Studies® must include two or more Clinical Research Networks and share study progress, performance metrics and best practices with the network to promote continuous learning and improvement. PCORnet Studies® will leverage the PCORnet Common Data Model® as appropriate. Additional details about Category 3 can be found on the PCORI website.  

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) intends to issue a Broad Pragmatic Studies (BPS) PCORI Funding Announcement (PFA) on Aug. 4, 2026, seeking to fund high-impact, patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) projects. This preannouncement provides potential applicants additional time to identify collaborators; obtain patient and stakeholder input on potential studies; and develop responsive, high-quality applications. 

Patient-centered CER compares at least two available health treatments, services or care delivery strategies. PCORI seeks proposals that compare clinical interventions (e.g., pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments, screening and diagnostic approaches) and healthcare delivery system interventions (e.g., workforce, technologies, healthcare service delivery designs) to evaluate potential benefits and harms of different treatment and care delivery options, thus generating evidence that empowers patients, caregivers and the broader healthcare community with information to make informed choices that reflect their needs and preferences. 

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.

Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research

The Asia-Pacific region, home to over half the world's population, faces challenges due to its development goals, which strain natural resources, communities, and cultural heritage. These issues are exacerbated by adverse environmental changes. While research has shed light on these problems, it's clear that more challenges lie ahead. The Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN) is well-positioned to generate new knowledge and solutions for these evolving global change and sustainability issues by supporting collaborative research and scientific capacity development activities, particularly those aimed at training the next generation of early career professionals.

APN 2025 Call for Proposals: CAPaBLE Programmes

CAPaBLE, our scientific capacity development programme, aims to enhance the capacity of scientists, policymakers and practitioners to assess global change issues, and explore options to resolve issues towards achieving sustainability. Through CAPaBLE, we support activities that enhance capacity at individual, organizational and systemic levels.

Activities of interest under the CAPaBLE Programme

APN supports CAPaBLE activities that enhance existing capacities of developing countries at three levels of individual-based capacity development; group, organisation, network-based capacity development; and societies, governance, and system level capacity development. APN accepts CAPaBLE proposals that engage 1 or more member/approved countries. Proposals must address one or more of the following activities:

SCIENTIFIC CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES that promote the following approaches related to one or more of the six thematic areas of APN:

• Utilising and strengthening existing capacity, 
• Creating opportunities to use/instil capacity, 
• Developing new capacity through innovative approaches.

AWARENESS-RAISING AND DISSEMINATION activities through policy- and decision-making communities, civil society, and/or the general public.

SCIENCE-POLICY interfacing in the context of the priority topics.

CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP ACTIVITIES that contribute to the capacity development components of the evolving global change arena, including the UNFCCC Paris Agreement, IPCC, IPBES, post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals, Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the UN Decade of Ocean Science, and ongoing and new global change and sustainability research programmes.

Activities geared towards using SCIENCE COMMUNICATION to disseminate knowledge generated from projects, particularly to non-science audiences.

Mission

The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs works with local, state and national partners to provide resources and technical assistance to aid communities in shaping and achieving their vision for community and economic development.

CDBG Construction Grants

Funding for all Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the Office of Community and Rural Affairs. The State of Indiana distributes CDBG funds to rural communities to support a range of projects, including infrastructure enhancement, downtown revitalization, improvements to public facilities, and economic development initiatives.

The state CDBG program offers competitive grants to units of local government to support rural areas. Within the CDBG program, there are five types of Construction Grants designed to enhance community resilience and livability:

Two rounds of Construction Grants are offered each year, with specific funding guidelines detailed in each round’s application Instructions document. 

Facilities Program

Community facilities enhance the lives of residents in numerous ways. In addition to community facilities, historic preservation projects are eligible for the Facilities Program grant. The goals of the Facilities Program are to support rehabilitation and restoration of historic buildings and public facilities. A local match of 10% of the total project cost will be required for consideration of funding.

The Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, managed by CommunityGiving, supports central Minnesota student athletes and leaders to pursue higher education outside their home states. This scholarship aims to expand students' horizons and experiences, with a total award of $5,000 available. Open to high school seniors from specific schools, applicants are encouraged to apply online and demonstrate their leadership or athletic skills. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters personal growth among local youth.

The Great American Cleanup Grants, offered by Keep America Beautiful, aim to enhance community beautification and environmental efforts across the U.S. This initiative encourages KAB affiliates to remove litter, plant greenery, and restore public spaces, contributing to the larger goal of cleaning up 25 billion pieces of litter by 2026. With cash grants available, this program fosters collaboration among communities, promoting sustainable practices and a cleaner, greener future for all.

Indianapolis Colts Foundation Inc

Committed to improving the lives of our fellow Hoosiers by building a healthy, inclusive and compassionate community through meaningful outreach, projects and partnerships. The Colts also support current and former Colts players by engaging with them in charitable, off-field efforts, helping them leave a legacy of service to the community.

Hometown Grant Program

The Indianapolis Colts and the America Dairy Association Indiana are teaming up to show their continued commitment to child health and wellness by opening their application for a $10,000 'Hometown Grant'.

The 'Hometown Grant' program, developed by Fuel Up to Play 60 and the NFL, provides local organizations with the opportunity to identify deserving schools in their area and award them with a $10,000 to help meet their health and wellness goals. In its seventh year, the Hometown Grant program allows each of the 32 NFL Clubs, Fuel Up to Play 60 and local dairy representatives to provide funding to schools throughout the country totaling $320,000 this year. Previous Indiana Hometown Grant winners include Pike Township, Decatur Township, Lawrence Township, Warren Township and Beech Grove.

The US Department of Health & Human Services, through the NIH, invites applications for innovative approaches to implement SBIRT/P for addressing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use in adults facing health disparities. This funding opportunity encourages research that tests screening, brief interventions, and referrals for treatment or prevention services. Applications are due on specified deadlines from February 2024 through March 2027, fostering collaboration with healthcare and community partners to enhance public health outcomes.

The Fund for the Arts: Event Artist program invites artists and organizations from the Greater Louisville area to participate in community events. This initiative aims to create a diverse roster of artistic talent, compensating participants for their contributions. Artists can engage in various events, from large public festivals to intimate performances. Applicants must align with the Fund's commitment to equity and inclusion, ensuring a vibrant arts scene that reflects the community's diversity.

The Joyce Foundation's Education & Economic Mobility Grants aim to close income and race disparities in college and career success. The foundation prioritizes equitable access to high-quality education, supporting policies for effective educators, high school graduation, and affordable college credentials. Focused on racial equity and economic mobility, it addresses the needs of historically underserved young people in the Great Lakes region and invests in research, policy development, and advocacy to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Radio Flyer is committed to enhancing the lives of children through charitable giving and community support. Their philanthropic efforts focus on 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that promote outdoor play and well-being for children. Key initiatives include partnerships with national charities and local organizations, such as building playgrounds for underprivileged kids. Ineligible requests include those from individuals, political groups, and organizations outside the contiguous United States. This ensures that their contributions create lasting positive impacts.

The National Forest Foundation's Matching Awards Program connects communities to forests by funding stewardship activities that promote engagement with National Forests and nearby public lands. This program aims to create lasting impacts, ensuring that all communities can benefit from the rich resources of these natural areas. By supporting various projects, the program fosters a deeper relationship between people and the environment, ultimately enhancing conservation efforts and community well-being.

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization is offering funding through the Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (SBTTAC) program. This initiative aims to assist small businesses in Region 3 by providing essential technical support and business development resources. The cooperative agreement includes a base year of 10 months with two additional option years, fostering growth while ensuring regulatory compliance and reducing barriers for small businesses.

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 Indiana 21st Century Community Learning Centers Out-of-School Time Program is designed to provide safe environments for youth during non-school hours. This federally-funded initiative supports public schools and community organizations in creating learning centers that enhance academic performance and offer diverse enrichment activities. Particularly focused on youth from low-performing schools, the program aims to boost educational outcomes and foster social and emotional growth, while also serving the families of participating youth.

Community Foundation of Wabash County

Since its creation in 1954, the Community Foundation has grown and continually adapted its priorities to meet the ever-changing needs of the community. Through these changes, challenges, and opportunities to grow as both a leader and provider, the Community Foundation has remained true to its mission and commitment to Wabash County citizens.

Our Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Wabash County offers a wide variety of post-secondary education scholarships to traditional, non-traditional, and graduate students. With nearly 70 different scholarship endowments created through the generosity of our donors, many students are eligible to apply.  

Wabash County Society for Crippled Children & Adults Scholarship Endowment

Though the organization no longer exists, the Wabash County Society for Crippled Children and Adults lives on in this scholarship endowment. Scholarships are awarded to students in the county who have a passion for working with intellectually and/or physically disabled children and adults and who plan to obtain a college degree that supports a career in this field.

The Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant supports entry-level athletics administrative positions for one academic year, promoting diversity in NCAA Division II. It provides $30,000 for intern salaries and $3,000 for professional development, benefiting six schools annually from a total budget of $180,000. Eligible applicants must be active NCAA members, with a focus on enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation in athletics administration. This initiative encourages professional growth and compliance in diverse environments.

The Express Health Information Outreach Awards aim to enhance public health by increasing access to biomedical information for U.S. health professionals and the general public. These awards support projects that improve health information literacy among consumers and caregivers, ensuring they can effectively find and utilize health information. Focused on partnerships and outreach to underrepresented communities, the initiative seeks to promote healthy behaviors, prevent illness, and improve health outcomes through informed decision-making.

The Norfolk Southern Trades on Track SkillPointe Scholarship offers $5,000 scholarships for students pursuing trades education related to the rail industry. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a post-secondary institution and focused on railway-related trades. With over 1,000 scholarships funded and a mission to close the skills gap, this initiative empowers individuals towards high-demand careers without requiring a four-year degree, ultimately strengthening the workforce and economy.

Service Objects In-Kind Grants support non-profit organizations dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainability. By leveraging their data validation services, they aim to assist projects that promote ecological health and responsible resource management. The program prioritizes applications with clear, measurable objectives and impactful outcomes within one to three years. Organizations with 501(c)(3) status in the U.S. are eligible, while initiatives lacking detailed plans or focusing on generalized education will not qualify. This grant fosters community involvement in environmental stewardship.

The Great Apes and Gibbons Program Grant, administered by the Arcus Foundation, supports conservation efforts for great apes and gibbons across 24 priority landscapes in Africa and Asia. The program emphasizes sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife, having awarded over 2,000 grants to more than 500 organizations globally. Funding is not available for individuals or specific lobbying activities, ensuring resources are directed towards impactful conservation initiatives.