Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

The American Academy of Optometry Foundation

The American Academy of Optometry (AAOF) is an association of optometric professionals who strive to stay at the top of their field. You will find like-minded colleagues within the American Academy of Optometry, an organization committed to promoting the art and science of vision care through lifelong learning.

The Academy’s membership is comprised of optometrists, vision scientists, and other qualified professionals who have committed themselves to the rigorous process required to achieve its prestigious designation, Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO).

For more than a century, the Academy has provided Fellows access to the best minds in optometry, vision science, research, and more. Today’s Fellows welcome the opportunity to attend the Academy’s premiere event, its annual meeting. Other members include students, residents, and Candidates for Fellowship.

Each fall attendees from around the world gather for thousands of hours of continuing education and exposure to the most recent research, networking, and latest products and services. Fellows particularly value the opportunity to connect with colleagues and mentors while enjoying an exceptional level of camaraderie.

OD to PhD Scholarship Program

The OD/PhD Scholarship Program funds optometrists receiving a PhD in eye and vision related fields. Examples of appropriate PhD programs include but are not limited to: Vision Science, Physiological Optics, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, Education (emphasis on Optometric Education), Neuroscience, and Psychology. The program provides vital support to those who will teach and lead the next generation of optometry students and advance the profession’s cutting-edge research.

The American Academy of Optometry Foundation is proud to partner with EssilorLuxottica to offer the OD to PhD Fellowship, an opportunity created to support optometrists who are ready to take the next step into vision science research. This fellowship is open to individuals who have completed or are completing the clinical training required for the optometry degree and who are enrolling in a PhD program in vision science or a related biomedical discipline.

This competitive fellowship provides financial support during the early years of doctoral training. Awardees receive funding in their first year and may receive additional support in the second year based on successful academic and research progress as detailed in their annual progress report.

Note, awardees may receive the fellowship for up to one successive, two-year period. 

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Perry Township School Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Perry Township School Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to assist high school graduates or high school seniors who have permanent residency in Perry Township in Carroll County, Ohio or who had a permanent residence on the date they began their post high school education. Applicants must have been accepted at and are planning to enroll, or are currently enrolled, at an accredited college, university, or technical school with at least a two-year course of study to pursue further education.

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Bruce and Crystal Burgett Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Bruce and Crystal Burgett Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to assist Carrollton, Edison, or New Philadelphia High School graduates or graduating seniors majoring in an agricultural-related field of study. Students must demonstrate above-average academic achievement and a history of participation in extracurricular, civic, and/or community activities.

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

Epps Scholarship

The Epps Scholarship Fund was established at the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation by attorneys Willie and Mischa Epps to support the aspirations of college-bound high school seniors with an expressed interest in pursuing a legal education. This fund honors Dr. Willie James Epps, Sr. and Dr. Barbara Bacon Epps, both born and raised in rural, poor and segregated Mississippi, but excelled in school and became a part of the first generation in their respective families to attend college. Both went on to earn Ph.D.’s in the field of education and to teach at various schools, colleges and universities across the country. They instilled in their two children that faith and education are the keys to success. Their children became licensed attorneys who regularly attend church. Willie and his wife Mischa chose a non-traditional path to promote the scholarship opportunity by working in partnership with churches that disseminate the application and deadline information throughout their congregations.

The Epps Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to college-bound high school seniors based on demonstrated academic achievement, financial need, and an express interest in pursuing a legal education.

Scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis and disbursed in equal payments in August and January. Each scholarship awarded will be a minimum of $2,000 annually to be paid in two equal installments.

This scholarship is not renewable.

Innovia Foundation

Each year, Innovia awards over $500,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $10,000.

Rika Ream Environmental Scholarship

Applicants must be residents of Spokane County who are accepted or enrolled as a full-time college student to pursue a degree in environmental sciences, environmental studies, ecology, recreational management, or land management. Previous recipients are eligible to re-apply. 

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

Lucille I. Hudon Scholarship

Financial need, academic merit, and extra-curricular and community involvement and work experience are taken into consideration.

All scholarship grant funds must be used for tuition, books, fees and school-related expenses for the upcoming school year only. Any other use is contrary to the intended purpose of the scholarship and would make your scholarship award taxable and could lead to a revocation of funds.

Judy Huang Scholarship

The scholarship was established by Judy Huang to support a college education for students who are Asian, in financial need, and demonstrate perseverance and hard work.

Award Amount:

• $5,000 payable over fours years at $1,250 per year.

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

Lillian M. Bailey Scholarship

Applicants must be graduating seniors of the Selkirk School District who have demonstrated good citizenship, appreciation of American heritage and the American way of life, have displayed upstanding moral character, strong academic progress and responsibility toward others.

Team Endowment Grants

Teams with a MidwayUSA Foundation endowment balance may apply to receive 5% of their endowment balance once per year, in either June or December. Grant funds can be used for team expenses, such as ammunition, travel, uniforms, range and entry fees, and more.

Range Development Grants

These competitive range development cash grants will provide funds to allow existing ranges to make improvements and expansions.

A fundamental need of a shooting team is a place to shoot. These competitive funds will provide the opportunity for existing ranges to make improvements and expansions to allow for more youth-oriented shooting activities. Team and Agency endowment holders are encouraged to work with their respective shooting range(s) to identify needs and complete grant application requirements. Currently, MidwayUSA Foundation Donor Designated endowment holders are not eligible to apply.

We accept Range Development grant applications via our online grant application process once per year. The applications are reviewed and awarded by the MidwayUSA Foundation. These competitive cash grants are awarded to grant recipients in June. Awarded projects are subject to a visit by Foundation staff and may be audited to ensure use as directed in the application.

While the Range Development grants are meant for MidwayUSA Foundation Team and Agency endowment holders, certain non-endowment holding organizations, primarily conservation groups and universities, may apply if they are directly benefiting local youth shooting teams and their associated range development grant will enable more youth to become involved in the youth shooting sports.

Many conservation groups and state wildlife agencies build and operate public target shooting facilities using federal excise tax monies as a key source of funds for these projects. In some occurrences, it is possible these non-endowment holders may prove eligible for a Range Development grant. In most cases these groups will pursue R3 (Recruitment, Retention, Reactivation) conservation grants funded by the Pittman-Robertson/Wildlife Restoration Act to acquire 90% of their range expansion funding, while seeking the remaining 10% through other sources. It is possible that the Range Development grant can provide the remaining 10% if certain requirements are met.

Colleges and universities that do not operate their own shooting range may utilize public target shooting facilities for their team’s practice. In some occurrences, it is possible these non-endowment holders may prove eligible for a Range Development grant. In these instances, the non-grant portion of the range development budget can be met with funds acquired by the college/university, shooting range, or a combination of the two. If your conservation, wildlife agency, college, or university is interested in a Range Development Grant, contact us.

Coach Training Grants

These competitive cash grants will fund the certification of youth shooting sports coach candidates.

Qualified coaches are an integral piece to the expansion of youth shooting sports. To continue providing more opportunities for our youth in shooting sports, we will offer competitive grants to fund the certification of more coaches. MidwayUSA Foundation Agency and Donor-Designated Endowment holders will be eligible for Coach Training grants. Teams or individuals interested in our Coach Training grant program should reach out to a state or national organization.

The intent of the Coach Training Grant Program is to develop coaches that can assist youth shooters behind and on the firing line. Grant funds must be utilized to provide coaches with basic or advanced-level certifications. This can include skills training, shooting clinics, train-the-trainer, or other coach training. Prospective coach candidates must be affiliated with an endowment holding team or organization.

The Mon Valley Scholarship Fund, established by The Pittsburgh Foundation, offers vital scholarship opportunities for students residing in the Mon Valley region of Pittsburgh. Since 1945, the Foundation has been committed to enhancing quality of life through educational support. Scholarships are available for high school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students pursuing various forms of education, including community colleges and technical schools. This initiative aims to empower local students to achieve their academic goals and foster community growth.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Ralph R. Morris Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Ralph R. Morris Memorial Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to support the pursuit of post-secondary education for music students at Bethlehem Area School District in Bethlehem, PA.

Award Type: Multi-year

Our Scholarships

Since 1986, the Community Foundation has been the leading source for post-secondary scholarship funding in Frederick County, and in more recent years, has provided significant scholarship support for students in Carroll County.

Our program supports nearly every area of study imaginable, with scholarships funded by generous donors who believe in the value of education. Some donors want to support students aspiring to careers similar to theirs; other donors want to give back to the community that has generously given to them. Others wish to honor the legacies of their loved ones, both living and deceased.

The Harold Glen and Audrey G. Benson Trumpower Foundation Scholarship Fund

The Community Foundation of Frederick County administers scholarships for the benefit of Carroll County, Maryland, residents who are pursuing post-secondary education, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, or certifications.

Scholarship awards can be used for tuition, college-sponsored room and board, books, and other fees associated with the upcoming school year.

Applicants must submit financial need information – either a FAFSA Student Aid Report or a MD Resident Income Tax Return Form 502 and complete a financial need essay.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Wilson-Hooper Veterinary Medicine Assistance Program 

The Wilson-Hooper Veterinary Medicine Assistance Program, created in the memory of Jane Wilson Hooper and Colonel Philip L. Hooper, provides financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing a degree in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinary Technology (Associate of Applied Science) full-time at an accredited institution. 

The maximum amount of an academic year award is $5,000. This opportunity is a renewable, merit-based award.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Wells Fargo Scholarship for Undergraduates

The Wells Fargo Scholarship for Undergraduates provides financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate students pursuing degrees full-time at an accredited institution in any field of study.

The maximum amount of an academic year award is $5,000. This opportunity is a need-based award.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Scholarship

The purpose of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Scholarship program is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian tribal and Alaska Native graduate students pursuing degrees full-time at an accredited institution in any field of study.

This opportunity is a need-based award.

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four–year universities, graduate schools, and career/technical schools.

Louise Salinger Academy of Fashion Fund

The Louise Salinger Academy of Fashion Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships to high school seniors in Allegheny County who wish to pursue a career in fashion design.

• Award varies
• Award Type: Single-Year Award

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 300 funds and approximately $80 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.

Good Teachers Count Scholarship

Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.

The Walter Read Hovey Memorial Fund, established by The Pittsburgh Foundation in 1945, offers scholarships for aspiring art historians and related fields. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and plan to attend graduate school. With assets of $1.386 billion, The Pittsburgh Foundation supports various community initiatives, enhancing quality of life through charitable giving and educational opportunities for local students.

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four–year universities, graduate schools, and career/technical schools.

Scott F. Hirsh Memorial Nursing Scholarship

The Scott F. Hirsh Memorial Nursing Scholarship was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation in memory/honor of Scott F. Hirsh to provide two scholarships for high school seniors in the Baldwin, Whitehall, Keystone Oaks, and Brentwood communities who plan to attend a 4-year college or university in a nursing program.

• Average Award: Up to $1,000
• Award Type: Single-Year Award

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Condie Nursing Scholarship Fund

The Condie Nursing Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for both traditional and nontraditional students to begin or advance their nursing careers at a 2-or 4-year college or university.

Award Type: Single Year Award.

Excellence in Medicine Awards

The AMA Foundation’s Excellence in Medicine Awards honor physicians and medical advocates who exemplify the highest values of the profession—volunteerism, community engagement, leadership, and service to underserved populations. Each recipient is recognized at a ceremony during the AMA Annual Meeting in Chicago and receives a $2,500 grant honorarium directed to a nonprofit health organization of their choice. Since 2005, more than 100 honorees have been celebrated through this program, with over $250,000 awarded to strengthen community health and advance equitable care nationwide. 

Excellence in Medicine Awards- Pride in the Profession Award

Honors physicians who aid underserved populations in the U.S.

Excellence in Medicine Awards

The AMA Foundation’s Excellence in Medicine Awards honor physicians and medical advocates who exemplify the highest values of the profession—volunteerism, community engagement, leadership, and service to underserved populations. Each recipient is recognized at a ceremony during the AMA Annual Meeting in Chicago and receives a $2,500 grant honorarium directed to a nonprofit health organization of their choice. Since 2005, more than 100 honorees have been celebrated through this program, with over $250,000 awarded to strengthen community health and advance equitable care nationwide. 

Excellence in LGBTQ Health Award

Honors physicians, residents/fellows and final-year medical students that have demonstrated outstanding work, innovation and leadership in LGBTQ policy, advocacy, patient care, academics (teaching and research), workforce diversity and/or health care administration.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

OSUNO Undergraduate Nursing Scholarship

The Ohio Nurses Association (ONA), local Ohio State University Nurses Organization (OSUNO) Undergraduate Nursing Scholarship was established by the Mid-Ohio District

Nurses Association, to honor leadership in mentoring, education, volunteerism and advocacy on public health issues that drive commitment to the nursing profession. As the successor organization, OSUNO carries this commitment forward. 

Charles Barton Weaver Trust Scholarship Fund

Charles Weaver was a Realtor and a U.S. Army Korean War veteran. Mr. Weaver directed that this fund be used to provide scholarships for students who held full- or part-time jobs and graduated from Columbus City Schools.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $500