Best Financial Assistance Grants in Indiana

Gibson County Community Foundation

The Community Foundation is a charitable resource devoted to our local community. We help people make meaningful gifts that improve life in Gibson County, Indiana today and for generations to come.

The Community Foundation can help you...

• Make a difference where it matters
• Invest in the future of the community you love
• Create greater good together

R. Dean and Vivian Townsend Memorial Scholarship

Annual, renewable scholarship created by Robert and Judith Townsend in memory of R. Dean and Vivian Townsend. It was a lifelong desire of Dean and Vivian to help Gibson County students who could not attend a post-secondary school without financial aid.

Award Amount

• $8,160 (Open to renewal candidate only - not accepting new applications)

Renewal Details

May be renewable for up to four years in pursuit of recipient’s degree. Renewal applications may be considered provided the recipient continues to meet his or her college or university’s academic standards. Renewal award amounts may differ from original award. A new recipient for the award will be identified once the prior year’s recipient has completed his or her eligibility for the award. Renewal applications will be assigned to renewal candidates in their online student account.

The Cancer Center Cancer Prevention & Control (CPC) Pilot Award supports innovative research focusing on risk reduction and symptom science for cancer prevention. Eligible applicants are IUSCCC members and can request up to $50,000 for a one-year project. This funding encourages collaboration and is aimed at distinct projects separate from existing funded research, enhancing the potential for impactful findings in cancer control.

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 Solid Waste Management District Scholarship

In a county rich in natural resources, the Solid Waste Management District uses this scholarship to encourage full-time study in the environmental studies field from an Indiana college or university. This scholarship supports graduating high school seniors, though current college students may also apply.

The NCR-SARE Partnership Grant Program aims to enhance sustainable agriculture by fostering collaboration between agricultural professionals and groups of farmers. By facilitating innovative research and educational activities, this program supports projects that test new cropping strategies, develop marketing approaches, and enhance food security. Focused on the North Central Region, it encourages partnerships that drive on-farm research, ultimately improving economic viability and environmental stewardship for communities across 12 states.

The PLTW Gateway Program Expansion in Indiana aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants for schools to implement or expand existing PLTW programs during the 2026-2027 academic year. Grants of $15,000 are available to support activities such as adding new units, increasing class periods, and training teachers. All Indiana schools are eligible, fostering inclusive access to innovative learning opportunities for students across various educational settings.

The PLTW Launch program in Indiana offers grants of $20,000 to support the implementation of new PLTW programs in schools for the 2026-2027 academic year. Grantees must provide at least one PLTW Launch module in the first year and an additional module in the following year. Eligible applicants include public, private, and charter schools in Indiana. Funding can cover participation fees, necessary equipment, and training costs, while excluding salaries and other specified expenses.

The Cancer Center American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant Competition aims to support new IU investigators with pilot projects in cancer research. Funded by the American Cancer Society, this initiative provides up to $50,000 to help early-career researchers develop preliminary data for future national funding opportunities. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or hold a valid visa, and must not have received prior ACS-IRG funding. The goal is to foster innovative research that addresses crucial health challenges.

The Community Foundation of Elkhart County offers Community Investment Grants under $25,000 with no application deadlines, providing weekly reviews. These grants support initiatives focused on early childhood development, career skills, vibrant downtowns, and parks. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and public charities serving Elkhart County residents, along with certain governmental and educational institutions. This funding aims to enhance quality of life and foster generosity within the community.

The PLTW Launch Program Expansion in Indiana offers a $5,000 grant for the 2026-2027 academic year to enhance existing PLTW programs or introduce new ones. Eligible activities include expanding module offerings, reaching more students, and teacher training. All Indiana schools can apply, but funds must be used specifically for program expansion, excluding salaries and certain equipment costs. This initiative supports STEM education by improving access to quality learning resources.

The K12 Early Career Investigator Awards in Clinical - Translational Research, offered by the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI), provide promising early career faculty with mentorship in research-intensive settings. These awards aim to bridge laboratory research with clinical applications, fostering the development of new treatment options and health interventions. Applicants are encouraged to submit their CV and project details for pre-screening. The initiative supports Indiana's vision of becoming one of the nation's healthiest states.

The Arts Fund Grants provide vital support for emerging artists from Australia and the USA, facilitating their artistic development through grants of up to $5,000. This funding can be used for travel, living expenses, tuition, and other related costs. Eligible applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of either country and have a formal offer from an accredited institution. The program emphasizes merit-based opportunities across various artistic fields, fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange.

The Indiana Youth Institute is offering School-Based Training Grants to support professional development for school staff in Indiana. Grants provide funding for expert-led training sessions tailored to district needs, enhancing staff skills and student services. With a funding amount of $500 per training, this initiative aims to make quality training accessible to educators facing scheduling conflicts. Eligible applicants must be school district staff, with a preference for trainings covering over 100 staff members.

The SIA Foundation Grant supports qualifying organizations in Indiana by providing financial assistance for specific capital projects in the Arts, Education, and Health sectors. Grants range from $1,000 to $15,000 and must be used for non-operating expenses like facilities and equipment. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt entities, educational institutions, and governmental organizations. The foundation does not fund operating costs, endowments, or organizations that do not meet specific criteria, ensuring support is directed toward impactful community improvements.

The Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation Direct Grants program provides support to non-profit organizations in focus areas including STEM education, sustainable construction, and workforce development. The foundation aims to foster community development and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions in the U.S. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships that allow employee involvement and volunteer support, aiming to build meaningful relationships with grantees.

The Froderman Foundation Grant, established in 1961 by Mr. and Mrs. G. Harvey Froderman, supports qualified applicants focusing on religious, educational, medical, and charitable initiatives. The foundation promotes equity by considering applications without regard to race, creed, or color. Applicants must provide proof of 501(C)3 status and detailed plans for fund utilization, as general operating budgets are not typically funded. This grant aims to enhance impactful community projects.

The NCDDG program supports innovative research aiming to discover and develop new treatments for mental disorders, including substance use and alcohol use disorders. This initiative encourages collaborations between academic and industry partners to advance neurostimulation techniques and drug/device development. Applicants are invited to submit proposals that focus on specific projects utilizing the U01 mechanism, with a clear emphasis on rationally designed candidate agents and cutting-edge technologies. Letters of Intent are encouraged 30 days prior to the submission deadline.

The National Cooperative Drug/Device Discovery/Development Groups (NCDDG) program invites applications to foster innovative research in treating mental disorders and substance use issues. This initiative promotes collaboration between academia and industry, supporting diverse, multidisciplinary projects aimed at developing rational therapies and neurostimulation techniques. Applicants are encouraged to submit Letters of Intent 30 days before the proposal deadline to enhance project alignment with funding goals.

Clinical & Translational Science (CTS) Pilot Grant Program

The objective of the new Indiana CTSI Clinical & Translational Science (CTS) pilot grant mechanism is to initiate or continue translational science projects that help identify translational methods and processes relevant across a range of diseases, treatments, and interventions. The key objective of the projects should be to develop methodological innovations and/or produce crosscutting solutions for common and persistent challenges to reduce, remove, or bypass significant bottlenecks across the continuum of translation.

Applications to this program are limited to a total of $40,000 and are 12 months (1 year) in duration. There will be no ability to apply for a no cost extension with this new grant.

The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Assistance Fund offers crucial financial support and counseling for individuals in the theatrical exhibition and distribution sectors facing health-related challenges. This fund assists with medical expenses, housing emergencies, and essential services like vocational rehabilitation and equipment aid. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years in exhibition or five years in distribution. The fund aims to provide a safety net for those impacted by illness, injury, or significant life changes.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Safety First Grant Program aims to enhance community safety across its 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, it supports organizations that provide safety services or promote safe behavior. This program reflects Norfolk Southern's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, empowering employees to engage locally. By investing in safety and workforce development, Norfolk Southern fosters thriving communities, demonstrating its dedication to social responsibility and community well-being.

The Dr. Ralph and Marian Falk Medical Research Trust – Falk Catalyst Awards support high-risk, high-reward biomedical research with up to $350,000 in funding over one to two years. These awards aim to address critical scientific challenges and enable the translation of innovative research into clinical practices. Projects focus on identifying biological markers, therapeutic targets, and developing interventions to disrupt disease processes, ultimately improving treatment outcomes for patients.

The IAC Arts Project Support Grant offers funding for Indiana 501(c)3 nonprofits and public entities to carry out specific arts projects or activities. Applicants can propose diverse projects like art events, performances, exhibitions, or workshops that foster public engagement, especially in underserved communities. This initiative, supported by the Indiana Arts Commission, aims to enhance access to quality arts experiences and support local artists, enriching Indiana's cultural landscape without a match requirement.

The STEM Education Major Teaching Fellowship provides funding for students majoring in STEM Education at INSGC affiliate institutions. This financial support enables students to engage in meaningful outreach experiences, covering expenses for student teaching or hands-on STEM activities. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens enrolled in relevant programs with a minimum GPA of 2.5. This opportunity encourages collaboration with INSGC Outreach Affiliates for mentorship and project locations.

The Pipeline Grants Competition by the Russell Sage Foundation aims to bolster early-career scholars and enhance diversity in the social sciences. It supports innovative research focusing on economic mobility and systemic inequalities in the U.S. Eligible applicants can receive up to $35,000 individually or $50,000 in teams. The foundation emphasizes methodological diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging novel data usage. Projects should align with RSF's mission to improve social conditions, prioritizing underrepresented scholars from under-resourced institutions.

The PreservINg Main Street Grant, initiated by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, aims to enhance local economies through the preservation of historic properties in Indiana. This program supports eligible communities with funding up to $2 million for downtown revitalization projects, alongside opportunities for capacity building in partnership with Indiana Humanities and Indiana Landmarks. It offers a sustainable approach to historic preservation while fostering community engagement and economic development.

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion in Indiana aims to enhance educational opportunities through the Step Up Indiana STEM Grant. Schools can utilize a total award of $15,000 to implement new PLTW programs or expand existing ones for the 2026-2027 academic year. Eligible uses include additional courses, class periods, and teacher training, while ensuring that funds are allocated effectively to support STEM education initiatives.

The HDR Foundation Grant Cycle supports community organizations aligned with HDR's values, focusing on education, healthy communities, and environmental stewardship. This employee-funded initiative emphasizes the importance of employee engagement in grant proposals, requiring a clear scope of work and completion within a year. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments, while grants are not provided for faith-based organizations or individual support.