Best Grants For Agricultural Education in Indiana

Indiana agricultural education and youth leadership programs can access funding through the CHS Foundation for projects focused on ag education, leadership, or career training from high school through young professionals. Multi-state or regional ag leadership and cooperative education initiatives that include Indiana and other key CHS trade territory states may be especially competitive.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Focused on agricultural education, Decatur County Community Foundation invites Indiana high school students pursuing post-secondary training in agriculture or related fields to apply for the E. Wayne Baumgartle Agricultural Memorial Scholarship. South Decatur and other Decatur County students interested in agricultural studies may benefit from this support for further education.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs can access funding through Sidney Stern Memorial Trust, with all funds used in the U.S. Organizations offering agricultural education as part of these broader missions may be eligible if they meet IRS and applicable California tax-exempt requirements.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits running community programs in agriculture, environment, education, hunger relief, health, social services, or public safety can seek up to US $1,000 to benefit local residents. With a mission to strengthen communities, Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation provides support when a Perdue associate formally endorses the request.

Agricultural educators and professionals in Indiana working with small groups of farmers and ranchers can apply for North Central Region SARE’s Partnership Grant Program, with awards up to US $50,000. Focus is on on-farm research, demonstrations, and education that advance sustainable agriculture, including cropping systems, grazing, marketing, value-added processing, food security, and resilience.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering agriculture, environmental, education, or related community programs can seek more than US $1,000 to strengthen local communities. Focused on agriculture, the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation supports projects in areas where its associates live and work, which may include agricultural education initiatives in Indiana.

About Us

We are YOUR Community Foundation! Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation of Randolph County, Inc. is here to make our community the very best place to live, work, and raise a family. As a non-political private organization, we are uniquely able to provide grant money for innovative projects that have a major impact on our community.

Donald Forrest Hahn & Wilma Fraley Hahn Memorial Scholarship Fund

Donald Forrest Hahn and Wilma (Fraley) Hahn were high school sweethearts in Hollandsburg, Ohio where they graduated in 1941. Don enrolled at Earlham College, but was drafted into the Army to serve in World War II. He was part of the 3rd Army under the command of General Patton and his unit fought at Normandy Beach on D-Day, in the Battle of the Bulge, and in the battle for the Remagen Bridge. Don received a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, one with clusters and a purple heart for shrapnel wounds. Don was a member of the Honor Guard for General Patton’s funeral. Wilma obtained her nursing degree from Reid Memorial Hospital. When Don returned from the war in 1946, they married and moved to 298 No. Jackson Street in Winchester where they lived as man and wife for 70 years in that same house. Don passed away on December 24, 2016 and just 30 hours later Wilma died on December 25. Wilma worked as an emergency room nurse from 1946-1949 and then was employed by the Randolph County Hospital from 1950-1968. From 1968 until her retirement in 1986 Wilma was Randolph Central School corporation’s nurse. Don farmed, was a rural route mail carrier, a member of the Lion’s Club and served on the school board for the Randolph Central School Corporation. He was on the board when the new high school was built. Don and Wilma were members of the First United Methodist Church of Winchester for 70 years. Both Don and Wilma were awarded Sagamores of the Wabash. They had three children, Greg, Randy and LeighAnne. Both Don and Wilma valued public school education and held higher education as a priority.

Awarded to a Randolph County, Indiana High School graduate with a financial need. Preference to be given to a student(s) pursuing a degree in Agriculture or Nursing.

About Us

Driving Positive Change in Noble County!

At the Community Foundation of Noble County we are passionate about making Noble County an even better place to call home. Since 1991, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Noble County to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible, as we see it as our mission to serve as a catalyst for positive change. The Community Foundation of Noble County is a public charity 501 (c) 3 entity.

As a group of invested community members, we identify local current and emerging issues and stimulate resources to address those needs, helping our region prepare for the future. We then leverage gifts and bequests from generous donors like you to drive positive change through grants in such areas as arts and culture, education, health and human services, civic affairs and other charitable areas of interest.

Our Mission

To improve the quality of life in Noble County by serving as catalyst for positive change, enabling donors to carry out charitable intent, and making grants.

Donor Story – Joest, Brian H. Memorial Fund

Brian Henry Joest was born in Lagrange, Indiana in 1957. He grew up on the Atwood family farm that was settled by his ancestors in the mid-1800s. Now a historical Hoosier Homestead, the Atwood Farm provided him with all the outdoor activities possible for a farm boy in northern Indiana. Brian’s love of nature and the outdoors continued throughout his life. After high school, he attended Glen Oaks Community College and then Purdue University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics

For decades, Brian went on annual backcountry camping and canoeing trips across the US and Canada. He paddled some of the most beautiful rivers in North America. He took a road trip to remote northern Alaska. He camped out on an active volcano in Guatemala. He explored most of the US National Parks. In his later years, his travels were less rustic but still adventurous as he and his wife, Cindy, checked off many items on his bucket list. They traveled to Paris, Rome, Florence, the Amalfi Coast of Italy, Ireland, and all around the US and Canada.

Brian began his professional career with management positions at Many Glacier Hotel at Glacier National Park in Montana; the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan; the Mountain View Grand Resort in New Hampshire; and Copper Mountain Ski Resort in Colorado. He also worked for Marriott Corporation where he opened new hotels across the Midwest.

Upon the birth of his first child, Brian moved his young family back to Lagrange County so his children could grow up on the Atwood Farm near their family. Brian worked for Life Care Center of Lagrange, was a substitute teacher for the Lakeland School District, and worked for fifteen years for East Noble School Corporation, most recently as an Instructional Assistant for high school students with special needs.

Brian enjoyed doing things for other people and took so much joy in their happiness. His career choices reflected his servant’s heart. He loved working in the hospitality industry and being able to make someone else’s vacation more memorable. He helped the patients and their families at Life Care Center. He spent years making a difference for students in our local schools.

Brian experienced first-hand the unique challenges faced by the families of individuals with special needs. He was a father, stepfather, and step-grandfather to children with different disabilities. He understood the difficulties of navigating support systems and knew there are gaps in these systems that result in unmet needs. At the end of his life, while he was fighting cancer, Brian dreamed of being able to return to the classroom to help special needs students. This was not to be. In 2022, his family created this fund in his honor with the intent of continuing his dream to help improve the lives of individuals with special needs.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Students pursuing agricultural education with a focus on soil and water conservation in Indiana can apply for the Max W. Johnson Scholarship, which supports tuition at the Purdue University College of Agriculture. Offered by Montgomery County Community Foundation, it is open to Montgomery County residents who are 4-H or FFA members and demonstrate strong conservation commitment.

Graduating seniors and non-traditional students from Daviess County pursuing agri-business or related agricultural education fields at Vincennes University in Indiana can receive $660 through the Leonidas (Lon) R. Horrall Memorial Scholarship. With a mission to support local students, Daviess County Community Foundation also considers ASN or BSN nursing students if no agri-business applicants qualify.

Graduating high school seniors in Posey County, Indiana pursuing post-secondary studies in agriculture or related technical fields can receive US $2,630 for tuition through this annual scholarship. Community Foundation Alliance’s Posey County Co-op Scholarship supports agricultural education and vocational training at accredited colleges, universities, or technical and vocational schools.

Graduating or past seniors from Spencer County, Indiana high schools or homeschools pursuing four-year degrees in agriculture, forestry, or aviation at accredited Indiana colleges can receive scholarship support for tuition and related educational costs. The Community Foundation Alliance’s Cornelius R. Collignon Family Scholarship awards US $2,170 based on leadership, patriotism, financial need, and academic performance.

High school seniors and graduates in Indiana’s LPH Territory counties pursuing higher education can receive US $1,990 in scholarship support if they have a parent employed in the agriculture industry. With a mission to support local students, Community Foundation Alliance considers academics, community and school involvement, and an essay, with finalists possibly interviewed.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Agricultural education programs serving youth and young producers in Indiana and other CHS trade area states can seek support for cooperative education projects and related program costs. Focused on agricultural education, CHS Foundation invites initiatives with state or national reach, strong ag-industry connections, innovative approaches, and clear, measurable outcomes to apply.

Armstrong County Community Foundation (The Community Foundation Serving the Heart of Western Pennsylvania)

In 1997 Merchants National Bank, an Armstrong County community bank, marked its 100th anniversary. The centennial celebration included a unique expression of gratitude to the community in the form of $100,000 to be used as a seed fund to initiate a community foundation for Armstrong County. The bank challenged the community to keep the principal balance of the endowed funds intact and spend only a portion of the interest earnings to ensure a lasting legacy.

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Richard G. Snyder Family Scholarship

The Richard G. Snyder Family Scholarship for the Fields of Agriculture and the Fields of the Earth and Mineral Sciences was established to provide funds for scholarships for students majoring in the fields of agriculture or the fields of the earth and mineral sciences. 

Indiana 501(c)(3) organizations seeking support for educational, scientific, religious, or charitable programs can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $15,000. Indiana nonprofits, especially those serving Allen County, may be eligible for projects in areas like education, environment, health, human services, or arts, including agricultural education initiatives.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

With a mission to support education, Spencer County Community Foundation provides Indiana adult students in healthcare or agriculture with US $1,470 toward continuing their college education. Eligible applicants are Luce Township residents or South Spencer High School graduates who meet GPA, credit-hour, and degree-program requirements at accredited institutions.

Nonprofit organizations, universities, and government agencies in Indiana can obtain funding to reduce nonpoint source water pollution and improve water quality. Indiana Department of Environmental Management offers Clean Water Act Section 319(h) grants up to US $50,000 for watershed assessments, management plan development and implementation, BMP demonstrations, and education and outreach that may support agricultural education efforts.

Indiana municipalities, schools, and other community-focused entities working on recycling, waste reduction, or composting can access funding through the Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s Community Recycling Grant Program. Awards of US $1,000 - US $100,000 support education, promotion, organics management, and household hazardous waste initiatives, with a required 25 percent cash match.

Indiana nonprofit organizations leading strong community partnerships can access funding through Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award program. Recognized U.S. nonprofits working collaboratively with public, private, or social sector partners may be eligible, including those with agricultural education initiatives that model innovative, replicable approaches to addressing significant social issues.