Best Financial Assistance Grants in Indiana

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.

Legacy Foundation: Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship

Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides for full tuition, required fees and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and required equipment for four years of undergraduate study on a full-time basis leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars may also participate in the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects scholars with resources and opportunities to be active leaders on their campuses and in their communities. Both the scholarship program and LSN are supported by grants from Lilly Endowment to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI).

2026 Award Details

• Six (6) students from Lake County, Indiana will receive the scholarship.
• Covers four (4) years of full tuition to ANY accredited 4-year private or public college in Indiana.
• The students will also receive a $900 per year stipend for books.

The Essential Foundation Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in communities served by Aqua and Peoples, supporting nonprofit organizations dedicated to environmental initiatives, education, and emergency services. With a strong commitment to corporate philanthropy and employee volunteerism, the foundation focuses on funding projects that promote community growth while ensuring compliance with nondiscrimination laws. This initiative reflects Essential Utilities' dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of over 5 million people across nine states.

The Corrine and Henry Bower Memorial Foundation Grant offers approximately $35,000 annually to support wellness, education, and visual arts programs in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. The foundation prioritizes year-round programming, measurable outcomes, and collaboration with other organizations. However, it does not fund general operating costs, new programs, or for-profit entities. Eligible applicants must have a proven track record of service and demonstrate financial accountability.

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)

The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) provides funding for essential services, operations, and homeless prevention activities to emergency homeless shelters, transitional housing for the homeless, and day/night homeless shelters. These programs provide basic needs of shelter, food, clothing, and other necessities, and many also provide case management, referrals, rental assistance, and other services to individuals and/or families who are in need of assistance.

The Asian Cultural Council's Individual Fellowship provides artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia and the United States with opportunities for self-directed cultural exchange and research in unfamiliar regions. This program supports activities such as interviews, workshops, and archival research, fostering cultural immersion and collaboration. With a funding limit of $35,000, the fellowship encourages innovative proposals that enhance creative perspectives and relationships among peers, while also ensuring strong eligibility criteria for applicants.

The Asian Cultural Council's New York Fellowship offers a transformative six-month program for artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia. Participants engage deeply with New York City's vibrant cultural landscape, attending performances, exhibitions, and workshops while building networks with local communities. This unique opportunity fosters peer-learning and individual artistic development, encouraging fellows to incorporate their experiences into their practices and contribute to their home cultures. The fellowship emphasizes exploration, exchange, and support, culminating in a rich cultural immersion.

The goal of Alzheimer’s Disease Pre-Clinical Translational Science Grant program is to enhance our approach to the selection and prosecution of drug discovery targets for Alzheimer’s Disease. This mechanism will provide research support up to $50,000 for innovative work that is in scope and aligned with the research activities of the IUSM-Purdue TREAT-AD Center. These include (but are not limited to):

• Bioinformatic analyses and drug target hypothesis generation within neuroinflammatory pathways.
• Target validation studies for proposed drug targets.
• Innovative chemical biology and cellular pharmacology studies for proposed targets that may provide insights to disease initiation and progression.
• Structural biology or biophysical studies on proteins proposed as drug targets.
• De-novo drug design approaches for proposed targets.
• Novel PET ligands and supporting CSF biomarkers for preclinical studies and clinical trials, etc. 

The PLTW Biomedical Science program offers Indiana schools the opportunity to implement new PLTW programs or expand existing ones for the 2026-2027 academic year. Grantees must provide at least one course in the first year and a different course in the following year, with a total grant of $50,000. This grant supports various educational needs while ensuring that funds are allocated effectively to enhance STEM education.

The PLTW Biomedical Science Program Expansion in Indiana, funded by the Step Up Indiana STEM Grant, aims to enhance existing programs for the 2026-2027 academic year. Schools can utilize the $15,000 grant for implementing new courses, increasing class periods, or training additional teachers. All Indiana schools are eligible, ensuring access to quality STEM education. However, funds cannot be used for salaries or stipends, infrastructure, or international applications, focusing instead on direct educational enhancements.

The Joyce Foundation's Democracy Grants aim to enhance participation and representation in the electoral process across the Great Lakes region. With a focus on combating voter suppression, gerrymandering, and disinformation, the Foundation supports policy changes that protect voting rights and ensure fair representation. Through public engagement and litigation, it seeks to empower communities of color and young voters, fostering a more equitable democracy for all residents.

The Anderson-Rogers Foundation Grant supports U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations focused on environmental protection, animal welfare, climate change mitigation, and social support. Established in 2001, this family foundation prioritizes innovative projects and general operating support for small organizations facing financial constraints. Note that applicants must first submit a letter of inquiry, as the foundation does not fund scholarships or grants to individuals or religious organizations, nor does it support organizations outside the U.S.

The Barney Family Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, offers a $40,000 award ($5,000 per semester) to a graduating high school senior from Lake, Porter, Jasper, or Newton County. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and attend an Indiana State-sponsored college or technical school, with family income between $80,000 and $150,000. The scholarship is renewable for up to eight semesters, encouraging academic success.

The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) accepts applications for CMP funds on the following schedule: March 1 - April 30, July 1 - August 31, and November 1 - December 31, every year. 

About CMP Funds

A CMP is a monetary penalty the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) may impose against nursing homes for either the number of days or for each instance a nursing home is not in substantial compliance with one or more Medicare and Medicaid participation requirements for long-term care facilities. A portion of CMPs collected from nursing homes are returned to the states in which CMPs are imposed. State CMP funds may be reinvested to support activities that benefit nursing home residents and that protect or improve their quality of care or quality of life.

Funding Uses

The following examples of allowable uses of CMP funds are not all-inclusive. Please see the Allowable and Non-Allowable Uses of CMP Funds download for more information. CMP funds may be used for:

• Assistance to support and protect residents of a facility that closes or is decertified
• Time-limited expenses incurred in the process of relocating residents to home and community-based settings or another facility when a facility is closed or downsized pursuant to an agreement with the state Medicaid agency
• Projects that support resident and family councils and other consumer involvement in assuring quality care in facilities
• Facility improvement initiatives, such as joint training of facility staff and surveyors, or technical assistance for facilities implementing quality assurance and performance improvement programs
• Training to improve quality of care
• Activities to improve quality of life, foster social interaction, and movement and minimize loneliness
• In-person visitation aids

Greene County Foundation

Founded as a public charity in 1997, the Greene County Foundation is a vital and sustainable organization that serves the Greene County community. A volunteer Board of Directors, whose makeup reflects the diversity of the communities it serves, governs the Foundation. The Foundation annually awards over a quarter million dollars in grants through fund payouts, competitive grants, and student scholarships and has made an impact in every school, town, city, and informal community in Greene County.

Hollee Lent Nursing Scholarship

The Hollee Lent Nursing Scholarship is intended for graduating high school seniors from any Greene County high school who intend to enroll in a nursing program at Vincennes University, Ivy Tech, Indiana State University, or Lincoln Trail College. Greene County residents out of high school are also eligible, with preference given to divorced/single, working mothers. The scholarship is renewable for a second year if the student presents written documentation of acceptance into a nursing program and has maintained a “C” average. 50% of the annual scholarship award amount will be awarded the first year of the scholarship; 150% of the amount will be awarded the second year upon the recipient’s acceptance into a qualifying nursing program. Hollee Lee Lent was a registered nurse at Bloomington Hospital when she passed away on August 19, 2005, at the age of 30. The Hollee Lent Nursing Scholarship was established by members of her family who wished to remember her and her caring spirit.

The Mazamas is committed to exploring and preserving mountain environments in the Pacific Northwest through research grants. These grants support nonprofit research that aligns with the Mazamas’ mission, encouraging proposals from graduate and undergraduate students. Successful applicants often conduct field studies that enhance understanding of the region's natural features. Notably, the Mazamas also welcome innovative research ideas that may fall outside traditional grant guidelines, promoting a diverse range of scientific inquiry.

The George and Frances Ball Foundation offers Quarterly Competitive Grants to support organizations with 501(c)(3) designations. These grants focus on capacity building in East Central Indiana, enhancing education, civic engagement, nature preservation, and the arts. Applications are accepted four times a year, with deadlines on January 21, April 9, July 8, and November 5. Successful applicants can expect a decision within 6–8 weeks of the submission deadline, fostering community improvement and support.

Ripley County Community Foundation

The Ripley County Community Foundation was established in 1997 with $19,000 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to leave a lasting legacy for future generations. 

Mission: We serve Ripley County by growing and sustaining a culture of giving and investing resources to meet community needs.

Grant Opportunities

The Ripley County Community Foundation offers a variety of grants to support nonprofit organizations, which enrich the quality of life in Ripley County.

Our Approach to Grantmaking

The Ripley County Community Foundation Grant Programs aims to:

• Anticipate and respond flexibly to the evolving needs of our community.
• Support change-oriented and problem-solving initiatives, with a focus on “seed money” for pilot projects.
• Prioritize grants that offer the greatest benefit per dollar granted.
• Encourage additional contributions through matching, challenge, and other grant techniques. 
• Evaluate an organization’s strength, community support, leadership, clarity of proposal, and eligibility.

Our Four Key Service Areas

The Ripley County Community Foundation focuses its support on four specific service areas:

• Arts & Culture: Expanding the arts in the region and establishing diverse programs that offer widespread opportunities to participate in and appreciate culturally significant places, beliefs, and traditions.
• Health & Well-Being: Supporting the development of human capital through a strong educational system and a healthy lifestyle.
• Education & Workforce Development: Supporting the growth and success of local small businesses and entrepreneurs through opportunities that foster innovation, investment, and diversify our local economy.
• Environment & Natural Resources: Investing in projects and programs aimed at expanding and protecting our natural landscape by increasing appreciation for, improvements to, and use of the natural environment.

Sally Morris Community Impact Grants

The purpose of a Sally Morris Community Impact Grant is to assist an organization with a sizable project needed to support and/or enhance its charitable reach. These Grants are available two times per year. Organizations may apply for a Sally Morris Community Impact Grant and one Small Projects Grant each year. 

To ensure your project aligns with our mission, all applications must meet the Community Foundation’s Grant Guidelines and Policies.

The IN Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP): Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) offers financial assistance to partners for purchasing easements that protect agricultural lands. This program helps maintain the viability of working farms by preventing non-agricultural land use. Eligible partners include tribal and local governments, while benefits include enhanced environmental quality, wildlife habitat, and preservation of open spaces. NRCS prioritizes applications that maximize the protection of agricultural uses and contiguous acres.

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

The Steve Sallee Scholarship, established by the Hamilton County Community Foundation, honors the legacy of Steve Sallee, a dedicated figure in automotive education. This scholarship supports Indiana residents pursuing careers in Automotive Technology or Engineering, requiring a minimum GPA of 2.5. The Foundation, known for its philanthropic efforts, aims to empower students and strengthen the community by connecting them with vital resources for their education.

The LFF: Nature-Based Climate Action Grant aims to support initiatives that leverage natural systems to combat climate change. By funding projects focused on tree planting, prairie restoration, and carbon sequestration, the program seeks to engage communities and enhance understanding of climate challenges. Ideal applicants include rural organizations working to create measurable environmental impacts while fostering collaboration and policy change. This grant represents an opportunity for organizations ready to take significant strides in addressing the climate crisis.

Indiana Clinical & Translational Sciences Institute

The Indiana Clinical & Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI) has been at the forefront of translational research since 2008. From the lab bench to clinical trials and beyond, we help researchers move their scientific findings through the development pipeline.

Indiana Traumatic Spinal Cord & Brain Injury Research Grant

The overall objective of the Indiana Traumatic Spinal Cord & Brain Injury Research program is to foster and encourage research for the prevention, treatment and cure of spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries, including acute management, medical complications, rehabilitative techniques, and neuronal recovery. Collaborations are encouraged between Indiana-based researchers as well as with researchers located outside the state of Indiana. Salary support for collaborators outside of Indiana will be limited, however.

Priority will be given to:

• Researchers who are submitting revised applications from the 2021 RFA
• Junior investigators (within 5 years of their last training period at the time of submission)
• Researchers embarking on a new research direction
• Returning investigators whose prior awards have resulted in demonstrable movement along the translational spectrum (e.g. from in vitro to in vivo) and/or led to extramural research support
• Early commercialization research that is reasonably expected to lead to future funding (SBIR/STTR, private investment)

The Auto Club Group Foundation focuses on creating a positive impact through grants that enhance traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy across 14 U.S. states and two territories. With a mission rooted in community service, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations and government entities that align with its goals. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, addressing crucial areas such as traffic safety initiatives, financial literacy for K-12 students, and equitable access to driver education programs.

The Albert G. and Olive H. Schlink Foundation, established in 1966, has significantly impacted Ohio's nonprofit sector by increasing its annual grant distribution from an initial $500 to over $1.4 million in 2023. The Foundation prioritizes organizations with ties to Erie and Huron Counties and emphasizes thoughtful evaluation of all grant applications. With a focus on community needs, it continues to honor the founders' legacy while adapting to the evolving demands of local nonprofits.

The CTPVSS/STP Student Award, established by the Society of Toxicology, aims to support students pursuing careers in Toxicologic Pathology. Awardees receive $500 from CTPVSS, complimentary STP Annual Meeting registration, a year of free student membership, and $1,500 from STP for lodging and travel to the Annual Symposium in June. Eligible applicants must be first authors of SOT-accepted abstracts that integrate pathology with various scientific approaches, enhancing understanding of toxicologic responses.

The Stimulating Hematology Investigation: New Endeavors (SHINE) program aims to enhance nonmalignant hematology research aligned with the goals of the NIDDK, NIA, and NHLBI. It invites R01 grant applications focused on innovative and early translational hematology topics, fostering growth in this critical research area. Key deadlines for applications span from February 2025 to October 2027, allowing for both standard and renewal submissions.

The NRP Research Grant Program offers up to $50,000 for healthcare professionals to explore optimal neonatal resuscitation methods. It encourages innovative research addressing gaps in transitional physiology and effective teaching of resuscitation skills. Applications must focus on evidence-based practices and demonstrate potential for meaningful impact in delivery room care. Researchers from Canadian and US institutions are eligible, though applications primarily focused on quality improvement without a research emphasis will not be considered.