Best Financial Assistance Grants in Indiana

The CAPTRUST National Partnership Grant aims to support local and national charities that serve children's needs. Each year, a Charity of Choice is selected, typically receiving a grant of over $100,000, while additional national grants are awarded to organizations aligned with the CCF mission. This initiative represents 40% of the CAPTRUST Community Foundation's annual giving budget, underscoring its commitment to impactful charitable partnerships.

The Bethany Legacy Foundation Grant supports organizations in Jefferson County, focusing on innovative solutions for mental and physical health challenges. This grant is open to 501(c)(3) non-profits, churches, and government entities, promoting projects that serve the community and create lasting, positive change. Priority is given to initiatives that align with the Foundation's core focus areas and demonstrate collaboration, sustainability, and a commitment to accessibility for all residents.

The Roy and Gloria Dinsdale Foundation, established in 2022, is dedicated to enhancing lives in rural Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado through grants exceeding $10,000. It supports nonprofits and government entities focused on food, shelter, healthcare, education, and the arts. The foundation prioritizes local initiatives that enrich communities and improve access to essential services, while maintaining a commitment to assisting veterans, first responders, and individuals with disabilities.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

Food as Medicine Initiative

The Food as Medicine Initiative, supported by the McKesson Foundation and administered by the NAFC, aims to address food insecurity as a critical driver of health outcomes for uninsured and medically underserved patients. Research continues to demonstrate the strong connection between food insecurity and poor health, including increased risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and certain cancers. Through this initiative, NAFC will provide $20,000 grants to member free and charitable clinics to implement or expand food insecurity screening and patient-centered interventions that improve access to healthy food and nutrition education as measured by the US Household Food Security Module or Hunger Vital Signs and patient education focused on food as medicine for eligible patients in order to increase the percentage of patients with improved food security scores within one year of project implementation.

Bethany Legacy Foundation

For more than a century, the Bethany name has stood for compassion in action. Today, we carry that legacy forward by uniting the community around innovative, lasting solutions that strengthen well-being across Jefferson County, Indiana.

Bethany Legacy Foundation exists to build a healthier Jefferson County, IN. by listening first, collaborating widely, and investing wisely. Our mission is to bring people together to create sustainable change where it’s needed most.

Grants

Legacy 2030: Our Primary Focus Areas

Our six-year strategic plan aims to create a sustainable community where individuals of all ages can access the necessary resources and services to thrive. A strong workforce is the cornerstone, supported by ensuring youth, adults, and seniors have equitable access to transportation, mental health, and social services to promote well-being and independence. Our efforts and investments will focus on prevention, root causes, and initiatives that create a path to self-reliance.

The following outlines our Focus Areas, goals, and objectives for our Community and the People who live here:

Community

We aim for a Thriving Workforce that makes Jefferson County a desirable place to live and work and attracts and retains top talent.

To achieve this, we seek proposals, projects, and efforts that:

• Expand access and options for quality Childcare to improve outcomes for families and businesses
• Build stability through access to quality, safe and affordable Housing
• Expand Recreation options to promote health, connections, and a high quality of life
• Build skills and knowledge through Professional Development to enhance and advance careers

People

We aim for Strong Youth, Empowered Adults, and Stable Seniors in Jefferson County with the following outcomes if achieved:

• Kids that have a strong foundation and build resilience
• Adults that are healthy, educated, and productive citizens
• Seniors that are independent and Grow Old with Love and Dignity (GOLD)

To achieve this, we seek proposals, projects, and efforts that:

• Build Mental Health resilience and healing through holistic and preventative approaches
• Bridge distances by increasing options and access to Transportation
• Grow Social Services that strengthen and empower individuals and families

BLF uses an open application process to collect and review project ideas that align with BLF Focus Areas There are three types of applications: Long Application; Short Application; and Capacity Building Application.

BLF Grants: Short Application

• For requests of $50,000 or less in total funding, including multi-year requests
• Projects must support BLF Pillars and Focus Areas to be consider for funding
• Only one application form is submitted for review
• Approx 6-week process starting from application submission

The Fort Orange Garden Club Centennial Endowed Scholarship is designed for third- and fourth-year undergraduate or current graduate students majoring in plant sciences, conservation, environmental sciences, or landscape architecture. Scholarship recipients must demonstrate financial need and reside in specific counties in New York, including Albany and Schenectady, fostering academic growth while contributing to environmental stewardship.

The Robert E & Evelyn McKee Foundation Grant focuses on charitable purposes, primarily supporting organizations that qualify under 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. It awards funds in various areas including civic, cultural, education, healthcare, and youth activities. Eligible recipients are local charities and certain selected colleges for scholarships. However, the foundation does not fund other foundations, organizations outside the U.S., or individual financial aid. Awards are guided by IRS minimum requirements.

The Edison Scholars Program, sponsored by Edison International, offers $12,500 annually to thirty high school seniors pursuing degrees in STEM fields at accredited U.S. colleges. This renewable scholarship supports students who demonstrate financial need and reside in Southern California Edison’s service territory. Scholars also gain access to a paid summer internship after their first year. Eligible majors include engineering, mathematics, and computer sciences, fostering the next generation of innovators and leaders.

The NAILBA Charitable Foundation Grant aims to support small, well-managed U.S. charities that assist those in need, particularly children. Grants are available to organizations with backing from a NAILBA member and that meet specific criteria, such as nonsectarian operation and appropriate fiscal accountability. Since its inception in 2002, the foundation has invested in community transformation by funding initiatives that directly engage in beneficial services, thereby enhancing the welfare of underprivileged groups.

The Jamie Parsley Family Foundation Grant offers funding for a wide range of educational initiatives, including arts, sciences, and athletics. It specifically targets at-risk children and those with special needs, as well as supporting communities affected by alcohol abuse. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations located in Jefferson County, KY, and nearby areas, ensuring a focused impact on local youth and educational development.

The AHRQ Health Services Research Demonstration and Dissemination Grants (R18) aim to support innovative health services research that addresses priorities in quality, safety, and effective healthcare delivery. These grants encourage collaboration among various stakeholders, including patients and policymakers, to enhance healthcare practices across diverse settings. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization. This initiative fosters improvements in healthcare outcomes and delivery systems.

The Fred C. Gloeckner Foundation Research Fund, established in 2024 through a partnership with the American Floral Endowment (AFE), is dedicated to advancing floriculture research and education. With over 120 years of combined funding experience, it supports innovative projects across various fields related to floriculture. Grants are available for substantial research initiatives at U.S. universities and institutions, focusing on outcomes beneficial to the public, while ensuring projects are reviewed annually for renewal.

The AHRQ Health Services Research Projects (R01) aims to fund innovative health services research that aligns with AHRQ's priorities, such as enhancing healthcare quality and safety. This initiative encourages applications from various healthcare settings including hospitals and home care, promoting collaboration among diverse stakeholders like patients and policymakers. By addressing key areas of healthcare delivery improvement, this funding opportunity seeks to foster advancements in patient care and overall health system performance.

The AHRQ Small Health Services Research Grant Program (R03) invites applications for health services research focused on enhancing healthcare quality and patient safety. This funding opportunity supports diverse research settings, including hospitals and home healthcare. Projects may involve collaboration with various stakeholders such as patients, clinicians, and policymakers. By addressing AHRQ research priorities, this initiative aims to improve healthcare delivery and practice while promoting effective partnerships across the healthcare spectrum.

The Institutional Challenge Grant aims to foster collaborative research by requiring institutions to adapt their policies and enhance capacities for meaningful partnerships. It encourages applications from diverse leadership teams in youth-serving areas, focusing on addressing inequalities in youth outcomes. The grant outlines four key goals: strengthening partnerships, pursuing a joint research agenda, facilitating institutional change, and enhancing collaborative capacities for producing actionable research evidence.

The Arkansas Audubon Society Trust Grants support conservation, research, and education projects focused on Arkansas bird species and their habitats. Established in 1972, the trust offers grants ranging from $100 to $1200, prioritizing projects within the state but considering broader initiatives as well. Eligible applicants include individuals, students, educators, and nonprofits. Proposals are accepted biannually, with meetings held to discuss funding decisions, fostering a community dedicated to avian conservation.

The McInnes Charitable Trust, founded by Sally and John McInnes, aims to support organizations in Colorado focused on animal welfare, children's health, education, and empowerment. The Trust prioritizes funding for exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) with a proven track record. It typically does not fund capital improvements or multi-year commitments. By fostering a spirit of generosity, the Trust honors the McInnes family's legacy and commitment to various charitable causes.

The Humanity United Grant focuses on addressing human exploitation and violent conflict through a strategic approach. It emphasizes support for registered charities and initiatives globally, particularly in regions like Asia-Pacific and South Sudan. The grant fosters collaboration among partners to promote human dignity, racial justice, and peacebuilding. Interested organizations are encouraged to align their proposals with the outlined themes and engage with the funder for potential support.

The EA Funds: Long-Term Future Fund Grant focuses on improving civilization's long-term trajectory by funding projects that mitigate global catastrophic risks. With grant sizes ranging from $1,000 to over $500,000, it welcomes applications from individuals and organizations globally. The fund particularly supports innovative small teams and individuals, emphasizing projects that reduce existential risks from AI and enhance global governance of transformative technologies. Applicants are encouraged to apply even if unsure of eligibility.

The NRF Foundation x Licensing International Scholarship offers a $5,000 tuition scholarship and a trip to New York City for undergraduate students pursuing careers in brand licensing. Eligible candidates must be enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. college, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be available to attend the NRF Foundation Student Program in January 2026. Bilingual students are especially encouraged to apply, enhancing diversity in the retail industry.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) seeks proposals for Arctic research to enhance understanding of the rapidly changing Arctic environment and its social systems. This initiative encourages innovative research that connects the Arctic region with lower latitudes, aiming to improve projections of future changes. Collaborations with federal and international partners are encouraged for co-reviewing proposals. Proposals that extend beyond the Arctic must clearly articulate their relevance to Arctic knowledge advancement.

The AERA Minority Dissertation Fellowship in Education Research aims to enhance diversity in education research by supporting doctoral dissertation projects from advanced graduate students belonging to historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. By providing a $25,000 stipend and opportunities for mentorship, the program encourages high-quality research across various educational topics, including STEM education and achievement gaps. This fellowship not only aids in academic development but also fosters the competitiveness of minority scholars in higher education.

The Change Happens Foundation Grant focuses on supporting charitable initiatives aligned with environmental science, education, and human services. With a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the foundation prioritizes funding for organizations holding 501(c)(3) status, while advocating for innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. Grants aim to foster systemic change, empower underrepresented communities, and bridge gaps in access to nutrition and healthcare. The foundation operates nationally and internationally, seeking to create significant impact through strategic investments.

The Elizabeth M. Pfriem Foundation, established in 2015 in Rye Brook, New York, is committed to enhancing the human condition through grants to 501(c)(3) public charities. Focusing primarily on the greater Bridgeport, Connecticut area, it supports initiatives in education, healthcare, food security, and housing. The foundation prioritizes organizations demonstrating fiscal responsibility and innovative programs with significant impact potential, ensuring sustainable support for vulnerable populations, especially children and families in need.

Funding Innovative Research

Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation (CKc) prioritizes funding clinical trials, research that is nearing translation to a clinical trial, and young investigator grants.

Grants funded by CKc must be innovative and provide better quality of life or symptom relief than current treatments. 

When possible, CKc will prioritize funding research:

• with a focus on cancers that are under-funded or under-researched,
• with a focus on patient populations who are traditionally underserved.

When possible, CKc will prioritize funding researchers of diverse backgrounds.

For CKc, “innovation” means the invention or application of novel methods or treatments, specifically treatments that have fewer side-effects than standard care, increase a child’s quality of life, and/or create an option for care where there otherwise were few or none (either on primary diagnosis, relapse, or for recalcitrant cancers).

Research Grants

Grant Program: Young Investigator

$100,000 over 3 years

• PI must hold an academic appointment at the instructor level or higher
• PI must be within 5 years of completing a training fellowship in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology or a closely related discipline that has direct clinical contact with pediatric cancer patients
• Research must be within 2-3 years to translation to a clinical trial or already associated with a clinical trial

• Evidence of Mentor's commitment to the PI's career development plan
• Translational potential

The NIDDK High Risk Multi-Center Clinical Study Implementation Planning Cooperative Agreements (U34 Clinical Trial Optional) supports innovative, hypothesis-driven clinical studies with a focus on diseases relevant to NIDDK. This initiative facilitates early peer review and assessment of study designs while providing essential support for operational documents. Applicants are encouraged to consult with NIDDK staff before submission to enhance the chances of success.

The Rheum for Kids: Pediatric Skin and Joint Grant, offered by the Arthritis National Research Foundation, is aimed at early-career researchers focused on pediatric joint and skin diseases. This grant provides funding of up to $50,000 for one year to support innovative research projects. It encourages applications from diverse fields to advance the understanding and treatment of rheumatic diseases in children, fostering new insights and potential breakthroughs in pediatric healthcare.