Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

The Urban Indian Health 4-in-1 Program is designed to enhance the health and well-being of urban Native Americans through targeted initiatives in immunization, health promotion, disease prevention, mental health support, and addressing alcohol and substance abuse issues. Funded by the US Dept. of Health & Human Services, this program aims to improve access to essential health services and foster healthier communities among urban Indian populations.

The Eleanor C. Lambertsen Scholarship, established through a legacy of nursing leadership, supports doctoral candidates pursuing education or administration in nursing. Applicants must have a valid RN license and be enrolled in an accredited nursing program with a minimum GPA of 3.6. This fund honors Eleanor Lambertsen’s contributions to nursing, aiming to empower future leaders in healthcare. With over a century of service, Nurses Educational Funds continues to enhance nursing education through scholarships for master's and doctoral programs.

The Youth Regional Treatment Center Aftercare Program aims to support American Indian and Alaska Native youth in maintaining safety, sobriety, and success post-discharge from Youth Regional Treatment Centers. This initiative enhances culturally relevant, community-based aftercare by fostering care coordination, building partnerships, and addressing barriers to improve youth outcomes.

The When Georgia Smiled Grant, established by the Robin McGraw Revelation and Dr. Phil Foundation, focuses on aiding victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. The foundation prioritizes programs that provide shelter, education, and mental health services to ensure safe and fulfilling lives for affected individuals. Additionally, it supports initiatives for children and disaster relief, fostering community resilience and family reunification efforts. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations operating in the U.S. with a commitment to inclusivity.

The Frances Parker Rupert Memorial Fund for Music and the Performing Arts provides scholarships to talented students pursuing music or performing arts degrees. Established by the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, this fund aims to support high school seniors from specific counties, considering their potential and financial need. Applicants must demonstrate their artistic abilities and articulate how this scholarship will aid their educational goals in a two-page essay.

Healthcare Assistance Grant

The MS Focus Healthcare Assistance Grant assists uninsured individuals with the cost of visiting their MS specialist as well as dental assistance. The grant, which can pay for one visit and one follow-up, is designed to assist those already diagnosed with MS who may need a visit to their treating physician to renew a prescription or handle other important needs. 

Applicants give MS Focus staff authorization to negotiate costs directly with the provider, and the fee is paid directly to the doctor. 

Who We Are

Saginaw County is home. It is a beautiful community you’d be foolish to underestimate. We may have our challenges, but seeing its cities, villages and townships continue to grow and flourish gives us a sense of satisfaction and pride like none other.

Back in 1984, The Saginaw Community Foundation was founded to enhance the quality of life in our county by providing leadership, education, and support for philanthropy. Today, we still continue this mission of supporting the needs of our community through targeted grants, investments, and scholarships.

In addition to our grantmaking and scholarship programs, the Foundation also offers donor advised funds, which allow donors to recommend charitable grants to organizations of their choice. We also manage several endowed funds, which provide ongoing support for specific causes or organizations.

Saginaw Community Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors composed of community leaders and volunteers. A staff of professionals oversee our day-to-day operations and work with donors and community organizations to identify and address community needs.

CTE Scholarships

Dreaming of a career in welding? Maybe managing your own auto mechanics garage fuels your thoughts or you would love to become an electrician. Perhaps studying to become a chef in a culinary arts program suits your tastes.

No matter what your career path may be, there is little doubt that in recent years interest in Career and Technical Education (CTE) has grown. The increased need for workers skilled in the trades has resulted in larger numbers of students seeking out CTE programs.

Schools offering CTE encompass a wide variety of hands-on education, from HVAC to carpentry to cosmetology. In the past, financial assistance has been hard to come by for these areas of study, but that is no longer the case. Saginaw Community Foundation has several scholarship opportunities for those who have the desire to pursue CTE.

According to leading economists, not everyone needs a four-year degree. In fact, millions of good-paying jobs are opening up in the trades. And some pay better than what the average college graduate makes.

For aspiring welders, electricians, carpenters, and other valued skilled trade workers, there is great opportunity to take advantage of tailored CTE programs. The demand is massive as an estimated 3 million trade jobs in the United States remain vacant.

Our CTE scholarship awards range between $500 – $4,000 typically.

The Patricia and William Hendrick Memorial Scholarship

Long-time Saginaw residents Pat and Bill Hendrick were graduates of St. Mary’s High School in Saginaw. They supported Catholic education their entire lives at the primary, secondary, and higher education level. Pat and Bill believed in and helped further the cause of Catholic education with enthusiasm and financial support all their lives.

To honor Pat and Bill, their family and many friends established this scholarship to help Saginaw County residents who are going on to attend Catholic higher education. Special preference will be given to graduates of Nouvel Catholic Central High School and/or those attending the University of Notre Dame – two organizations which held a special place in their hearts.

The Sloan Indigenous Graduate Partnership (SIGP) Scholarship Program, funded by the A.P. Sloan Foundation, aims to support Indigenous graduate students in STEM fields. This program, a collaboration among the Montana University System institutions, offers scholarships, professional development, and networking opportunities to enhance the academic journey of Indigenous students. With awards of $20,000 for M.S. and $40,000 for Ph.D. candidates, the SIGP seeks to increase the number of Indigenous scholars earning advanced degrees in science and engineering.

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) Trail Grants

RTC’s Trail Grants are building strong foundations in communities for equitable trail network development and activation—investing in transformative projects and programs that create more access to trails for more people across the country.  

Our grants support organizations at all levels—from local and national nonprofits to public agencies—with a focus on community-based leadership, engagement and long-term impact.  

Since 2008, RTC has provided over $3.7 million in grant funding to more than 280 organizations seeking to create, connect and maintain the nation’s trails, building vibrant trail networks that connect neighborhoods and regions, and make it possible for America to walk, bike and be active outside.

The DoW Toxic Exposures Translational Research Award aims to foster translational research that bridges military-related toxic exposure studies and clinical applications. This program encourages innovative collaborations by allowing for a Partnering Principal Investigator Option, enhancing interdisciplinary partnerships. By integrating basic science with clinical insights, the initiative seeks to expedite the development of impactful health care products and interventions to address toxic exposures faced by military personnel.

The American Academy of Audiology offers the Investigator Research Grant to promote essential research in audiology and balance health care. With a funding limit of $20,000 for one-year projects, the grant aims to support innovative research that enhances the evaluation and management of hearing and balance disorders. Eligible applicants must hold a doctoral degree in audiology or hearing science and be affiliated with a non-profit institution in the U.S. or Canada, fostering collaboration between academia and clinical practice.

The Excellence in Environmental Engineering and Science Education (E4) Award recognizes outstanding contributions by university faculty in environmental engineering education. Administered by AAEES and AEESP, this annual award includes a $1,000 monetary prize and $500 for travel to the E3 ceremony. Nominees should demonstrate significant impacts in curriculum development, student mentorship, and educational outcomes. Past nominations can be reconsidered for three years, encouraging ongoing recognition of excellence in environmental engineering education.

The Edward J. Bouwer/AEESP Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award recognizes outstanding research by emerging scholars in environmental engineering and science. This prestigious award, honoring Prof. Edward J. Bouwer, includes a plaque and a $1,500 cash prize for the student, along with a $500 prize for the faculty advisor. Additionally, a travel allowance of $750 is available for both the student and the faculty advisor to attend the Awards Ceremony, encouraging participation and celebration of academic excellence.

The American Indian College Fund offers scholarships for non-Tribal college students, providing financial support for American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions. Applications open annually on February 1st, with a priority deadline of May 31st. Award amounts typically range from $2,000 to $3,000. Students are encouraged to apply early to ensure priority review for available scholarships, fostering educational opportunities and success for Indigenous youth.

Whitley County Builders’ Association Scholarship

This scholarship is available to a graduating senior who attends Columbia City High School, Churubusco High School, or Whitko High School and is planning to pursue a technical, associate or baccalaureate degree in the building trades field (such as Construction Engineer, Architecture, Building trades, etc.)

The Action, Implementation, and Mitigation (AIM) Grants, offered by COCO, support organizations in enhancing wildfire risk reduction efforts. Since 2018, COCO has assisted over 90 groups, focusing on community resilience and restoration of fire-adapted ecosystems. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and local governments, with funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. Projects should align with broader wildfire strategies and require a 100% cash or in-kind match, promoting inclusive and effective community mitigation approaches.

The Marian and Wayne Sinsel Scholarship, established by Marian Sinsel to honor her late husband Wayne, provides financial support to hearing impaired residents of Appalachian Ohio or Fairfield County. This scholarship aims to assist candidates who are 22 years or younger and plan to pursue education at a post-secondary institution in the U.S. with a minimum award of $1,000, ensuring it does not displace existing state or federal funding.

About the Bertin Family Foundation

Founders: Kim and Jennifer BertinAfter a successful career innovating orthopedic surgical techniques, devices, and implants, Kim and his wife Jennifer feel a deep sense of stewardship to dedicate their resources to helping others. They engage all three generations of the Bertin family in hands-on service and grantmaking decisions, fostering a shared commitment to giving back. Through the foundation’s work, the Bertin family seeks to strengthen communities, support meaningful causes, and inspire future generations to lead with compassion and purpose. 

NOW Grants

A limited number of grants are available for one time projects or programs that emerge outside of the standard review period. These grants are for $5000 or less.

The Jane Tschappat Nursing Advancement Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, aims to support nurses pursuing advanced education in Ohio. Initiated in 1943, it honors Jane Tschappat, a dedicated nurse and public health leader. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in accredited programs, hold a valid RN license, and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship offers a minimum award of $1,000, empowering nurses to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape and enhance their professional qualifications.

The American Indian College Fund offers scholarships to American Indian and Alaska Native students enrolled at Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). Applications open annually on February 1st, with a priority deadline of May 31st. Eligible students can apply for various merit-based scholarships, with awards averaging between $2,000 and $3,000. The College Fund encourages applications by the priority deadline for a better chance of funding.

The American Indian College Fund Scholarship supports high school students who are enrolled members of federally recognized tribes, or their descendants, pursuing higher education. Applications open annually on February 1st, with a priority deadline of May 31st. This merit-based scholarship provides an opportunity for students to receive awards averaging between $2,000 and $3,000 to help fund their college education. Eligible students should apply during their last semester of high school.

The Brett Candela Lacrosse Scholarship, established by the family of Brett Candela, honors his passion for lacrosse and supports central Ohio players pursuing higher education. A standout athlete from Columbus, Brett was recognized for his leadership and competitiveness in lacrosse and basketball. This scholarship aims to invest in student-athletes who embody his values of dedication, teamwork, and perseverance, ensuring that the next generation of lacrosse players can achieve their educational goals while upholding Brett's legacy.

The DoW Toxic Exposures Investigator Initiated Research Award aims to fund critical studies addressing diseases linked to military-related toxic exposures. This award supports a wide range of research phases, from basic laboratory investigations to translational research involving both animal models and human subjects. Projects may also explore New Approach Methodologies, enhancing our understanding and treatment options for affected individuals. By facilitating innovative research, this initiative seeks to improve patient care and outcomes.

The Skyler James Wenger Scholarship, established in 2012 in memory of Skyler, a 14-year-old who tragically lost his life, supports graduating seniors from Cedar Cliff or Red Land High School. Eligible applicants must plan to attend college or trade school, come from a single-parent household, be athletes, and demonstrate financial need. This one-time award aims to honor Skyler's legacy by helping deserving students achieve their educational goals.

The Steven C. Leuthold Family Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) non-profits in areas such as land conservation, environmental protection, human services, and animal welfare. Founded in 1991 by philanthropist Steven C. Leuthold, the foundation prioritizes organizations that align with its giving preferences. Applications are due by June 30, 2025, with grants distributed by December 2025. Note that incomplete applications will not be accepted.

The J. Margaret Ada Mutch Scholarship, established by the Columbia University-Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association, offers financial support for nursing students pursuing master's or doctoral degrees. Applicants must have at least two semesters of study remaining and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.6. Preference is given to Columbia University School of Nursing students and alumni. This scholarship honors the legacy of Ms. Mutch, a pioneering nurse who contributed significantly to nursing education and practice.

The FY26 Toxic Exposures Research Program (TERP) Clinical Trial Award supports clinical trials aimed at addressing health issues from military-related toxic exposures. This initiative encourages collaboration through a Partnering Principal Investigator Option, enhancing interdisciplinary research efforts. Projects range from early-phase trials to large-scale studies, focusing on innovative treatments and management strategies for affected populations. The goal is to expedite the translation of research findings into effective clinical applications.