Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant - Division II offers financial support to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles across NCAA Division II institutions. With an annual budget of $860,000, the grant aims to fund up to 20 schools and conferences each year. Eligible applicants must be active Division II members and are encouraged to collaborate with their human resources departments during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.

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.

Indiana Criminal Justice Institute

The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) is the state planning agency for criminal justice, juvenile justice, traffic safety and victim services. The institute develops long-range strategies for the effective administration of Indiana's criminal and juvenile justice systems and administers state and federal funds to carry out these strategies.

Through the use of evidence-based decision-making, ICJI works to improve the efficiency of the criminal justice system, from calls for service through post-conviction. The agency accomplishes this by bringing together key leaders from the criminal justice system at the state, local, and national levels to identify critical issues facing Indiana. The agency evaluates policies, programs, and legislation designed to address these issues. ICJI is designated as the State Administering Agency for distribution of federal funds, and as the State Statistical Analysis Center for research.

Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Grant Program

The Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment (DVPT) Grant program was created by the Indiana General Assembly (IC 5-2-6.7) in 1992 to support Indiana’s domestic violence centers. Funds may be used in the following ways: (1) to establish and maintain domestic violence prevention and treatment centers, (2) to develop and establish training programs for professional, paraprofessional or volunteer personnel who are engaged in areas related to the problems of domestic violence, and (3) to develop and implement the means for prevention and treatment of domestic violence.

DVPT is a reimbursement-based grant. 

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 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.

INDOT Mission

Together, we plan, deliver, and maintain a safe, efficient, and innovative transportation system that:

• Enhances the daily lives of Hoosiers.
• Strengthens Indiana’s economy
• Embraces evolving transportation needs.

Rural Transit Programs

Purpose

The Federal Section 5311 Program was created to provide public transportation in non-urbanized areas (population of 50,000 or less). The purpose of the program is to provide transportation to people living in rural areas. The Federal Section 5311 Program supports rural public transportation through operating, capital, and intercity transit funding.

Intercity Projects

Section 5311(f) also funds capital, operating, planning and marketing projects for intercity transportation projects. An intercity project is defined as public transit service with limited stops over fixed routes connecting two or more urban areas. Projects may also include the transportation of residents of non-urbanized areas to and from urbanized areas.

Intercity capital projects funded under Section 5311(f) are also funded at the eighty percent level.

Family and Social Services Administration of Indiana

We are steadfast in our mission to break the cycle of poverty by providing Hoosiers with the healthcare, social services, and support necessary to achieve lasting economic independence. Through thoughtfully designed and fiscally sustainable programs, we equip individuals and families with the resources and opportunities they need to build stability, reclaim dignity, and secure long-term success.

School Age Child Care Grant

The Office of Early Childhood and Out of School Learning will support licensed/regulated school-age child care programs in public school corporations, as authorized by IC 12-17-12, or a child care program that is also a not-for-profit organization, exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applicants may request a maximum of $40,000 per county. As outlined in IC 12-17-12-16, awarded Grants cannot exceed 90% of the Grantee’s total annual program operating costs. This is a cost reimbursement grant; thus, no funds will be disbursed in advance.

Programs must have been open and operating their school-age child care program for at least one (1) full year preceding the date of application for the School Age Child Care grant and remain in good standing through the entire grant period, and serve children between the ages of five (5) and fifteen (15) years which includes:

• Before and/or after school care offered during the regular school year or during the summer, if summer school is offered.
• Care provided during periods when school is not in session, excluding summer break
• Before and/or after school care for children who attend kindergarten (enrolled in either a full-day or half-day program).

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 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

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 Community Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Grant, offered by the Indiana Department of Health, aims to enhance public health through improved infrastructure for cycling and walking. With funding available for communities of varying sizes, this initiative encourages the development of comprehensive master plans. Key deliverables include evaluations of current networks, actionable recommendations, and public engagement, all designed to promote active living and curb chronic disease rates in Indiana. Projects should start in winter 2024 and be completed by September 2025.

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 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 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 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 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 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 North Central Branch John Henry Comstock Award recognizes one graduate student from each of the Entomological Society of America's six branches. This award promotes graduate-level entomology and encourages attendance at the ESA Annual Meeting. Benefits include an all-expense-paid trip to the national meeting, a $500 cash prize, and a certificate presented during the meeting. Eligibility includes current enrollment in a graduate entomology program or recent graduation.

The Giving Branch Foundation, fully funded by Flat Branch Mortgage, Inc. employees, aims to support local communities through donations. By distributing funds to individuals facing hardships such as unexpected medical bills or disaster recovery, the foundation strives to uplift those in need. Grants are available for various eligible hardships, ensuring financial assistance reaches those who require immediate support. The mission is to give back to communities that have long supported the foundation's efforts.

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 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.

The Manufacturing And Small Business Cybersecurity Resilience Program 2026, offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration, aims to enhance the cybersecurity resilience of small businesses, particularly small manufacturers. The program invites collaborative proposals focused on innovative training and technical assistance, targeting applicants from Indiana, Ohio, or Virginia with prior experience in cybersecurity training. Up to two awards will be granted to strengthen the cybersecurity awareness and protective measures among small businesses during their critical formative years.

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 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 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.

Indiana Department of Health

The Indiana State Department of Health became the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) in July 2021 after the Governor signed legislation updating the agency's statute. That same year the Department was also awarded accreditation by the Public Health Accreditation Board, joining the ranks of 36 other states and territories.

Mission: To promote, protect, and improve the health and safety of all Hoosiers.

Cancer Center Vera Bradley Foundation Center for Breast Cancer Research Catherine Peachey Fund

The IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer Research, and the Catherine Peachey Fund request applications with a focus on breast cancer research. Support for this award is provided by generous gifts to the Nakshatri Breast Cancer Breakthroughs Fund, in honor of Dr. Hari Nakshatri’s long-time dedication to excellence in breast cancer research. Applications spanning the breast cancer research landscape will be considered, including discovery science, translational studies, clinical trials, behavioral interventions, and epidemiology.

The principal investigator must be an IUSCCC member. Cancer Center members may apply regardless of primary research focus, however, the focus of the application MUST be on breast cancer research. Investigators who would like to apply innovative tools or concepts in their area of expertise to breast cancer are eligible to apply.