Best Grants for Charities in Indiana

About MCCF

Mission & Priorities

Our goal at Madison County Community Foundation is to invest in lasting positive change to elevate and strengthen Madison County. We envision Madison County as a community where every person has the opportunity to thrive. 

Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Madison County is administered by the Madison County Community Foundation.

Madison County's Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship is awarded to two students, who will be provided eight semesters of full tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of $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 Indiana public or private college or university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

In our selection process, applications will be reviewed by a committee of community members. Reviews are completed anonymously without disclosure of student or parent identity. Each Lilly finalist who is not selected as a recipient will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Madison County Community Foundation.

The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program are:

to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana;

to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and

to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.

The Delta Dental Foundation's Community Mini Grants provide up to $10,000 to local nonprofits promoting oral health care in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. These grants focus on enhancing access to dental care for at-risk populations, educating communities about oral health, and supporting innovative programs. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with strategic aims and the ability to achieve impactful results. This initiative seeks to improve community health through dedicated funding and support for effective oral health programs.

MCCF | About

Helping You Achieve Your Charitable Goals for Montgomery County, Indiana

The Montgomery County Community Foundation was founded in 1991 to support its residents by facilitating proactive and positive changes in the community. Through donor gifts, our foundation fulfills the needs of nonprofits working to improve the quality of life in our county. 

We are here as a reliable source of information and connections to help you accomplish your charitable goals – and help you make a lasting impact.

Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship

Description:

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship program will provide one scholarship 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 Indiana public or private college or university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges.

The CHS Foundation supports initiatives that benefit the agriculture industry, focusing on 501c3 organizations within specific states. Their funding is aimed at empowering cooperative growth and sustainable practices. Local projects may also be eligible through the CHS Seeds for Stewardship program. However, funding is not available for individuals, sports teams, or religious groups, ensuring that the support remains directed towards community and cooperative development.

About the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) is a state agency dedicated to serving. Its mission is to Support, Serve, and Advocate for the Indiana Veterans Community. IDVA aims to make Indiana the choice for veterans to Live, Work, and Thrive. 

Veteran Service Organizations Grant

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) is seeking applications from eligible Veteran Service Organizations (VSO).

The grant amounts will vary depending on each applicant’s need for funds, past performance assisting veterans in securing available benefits, and the volume of eligible VSO applicants.

All applications, procedures, and documentation should follow Indiana Code, Indiana Administrative Code, and Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs’ policies.

The Critical Needs List by Community Foundation Tampa Bay addresses urgent, unforeseen needs of nonprofits that threaten their ability to serve the community. This innovative program allows nonprofits to submit requests for funding up to $250,000 for critical expenses such as emergency repairs and essential equipment replacement. With a focus on supporting local organizations, the program aims to match funding with community philanthropists, ensuring timely assistance to those in need.

About the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) is a state agency dedicated to serving. Its mission is to Support, Serve, and Advocate for the Indiana Veterans Community. IDVA aims to make Indiana the choice for veterans to Live, Work, and Thrive. 

Community Challenge Strategic Plan Affiliated Grants

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking applications for the Grants for Veterans’ Services – Community Challenge Strategic Plan Affiliated Grants program. This solicitation is open to non-profit organizations registered with the Indiana Secretary of State. Eligible organizations will apply for grant funds that directly support an Indiana Community Challenge (ICC) coalition partner who has completed the ICC Community Planning Grant Program.

The grant amounts will be between $1,000 and $15,000, depending on each applicant’s need for funds, the availability of funding, and the volume of eligible applicants. 

All applications, procedures, and documentation should follow the Indiana Code, Indiana Administrative Code, and Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs’ policies.

The Ashland County Wildlife Conservation League David McClure Memorial Scholarship supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools and alternative education programs pursuing a degree in wildlife-related fields. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be accepted into accredited colleges or vocational programs. This scholarship fosters educational growth while promoting conservation efforts, reflecting the commitment of the Ashland County Community Foundation to enhance community development and support future leaders in wildlife conservation.

About US

Vision Statement

To be the partner and trusted resource for philanthropy in our community, providing stewardship of charitable intent so the impact of generosity will last for generations.

Mission Statement

• To build enduring charitable resources used to positively impact our community by:
• Serving as a partner and resource for donors, their advisors, and area nonprofits.
• Making it simple for donors to fulfill their individual goals in giving back.
• Providing stewardship of donor gifts and charitable intent for generations to come.
• Fulfilling a leadership role on important community issues.

Through the generosity of our donors, the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana awards scholarships each year to help students across our region pursue their educational goals.

Our scholarship program includes dozens of funds established by individuals and families who believe in the power of education. These funds support students from diverse backgrounds as they work toward higher education and brighter futures. As we grow this program, we remain committed to expanding renewable, impactful scholarship opportunities – fostering success, enriching lives, and strengthening our community through learning.

Raymond Rhodes Memorial Scholarship for Printing Technology & Graphic Arts

This fund hopes to award a non-renewable scholarship of up to $2,000 for a student who will seek a full-time, post-secondary education pursuing a career in the graphic arts or printing technology.

The Delta Dental Foundation provides in-kind dental donations, including educational materials and hygiene products, to support organizations in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. These donations aim to promote oral health awareness and equity among underserved communities. Interested organizations should plan ahead, as applications are reviewed after the submission period closes. Supplies may be limited, and quantity restrictions may apply. For more information, preview available materials through the Foundation's website.

The IU Health Values Fund Grant Pilot & Feasibility Program supports early-career researchers in advancing their careers and securing funding. It emphasizes pilot clinical trials that align with IU Health's core values: purpose, excellence, compassion, and teamwork. This program is designed to benefit patients in the IU Health system by fostering innovative research that meets medical and scientific standards, ultimately contributing to the improvement of healthcare outcomes.

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program aims to enhance educational attainment in Indiana by supporting talented students. This initiative provides full-tuition, fees, and book stipends for four years at accredited Indiana colleges. Eligibility requires a high school diploma from an accredited Indiana school, a minimum GPA of 3.5, and standardized test scores. With 147 scholarships awarded annually, this program fosters community engagement and encourages recipients to pursue careers in Indiana, thus improving local quality of life.

The Gilmore Inclusive Arts Grant supports projects that engage individuals with disabilities in Northeast Indiana's arts communities. Annually, applications open in May and close in September, with funding up to $25,000. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant, and priority is given to impactful projects. Collaboration is encouraged, ensuring diverse participation in the arts. This grant aims to foster inclusivity and enhance the cultural landscape by empowering individuals with disabilities.

The F26AS00104 State ANS Management Plan 2026 aims to combat aquatic nuisance species through pre-proposals followed by full applications. Managed by the US Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service, this initiative requires a 25% cost-share and limits administrative costs to 5%. Applications are due by October 14, 2026, though the funding opportunity closes on December 16, 2026. The plan is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and supporting a coordinated national approach to invasive species management.

The PLTW Computer Science grant, offered by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, provides funding for teacher training in PLTW Computer Science Core Training. This initiative supports public and charter schools in Indiana by covering registration fees for teachers participating in the program. The funding is directly managed by PLTW, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to enhance educational opportunities in computer science.

Community Foundation of Jackson County: Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program began in 1997. It was created to “raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana and increase the awareness of the potential of Indiana’s community foundations to improve the quality of life of the state’s residents.” The Community Foundation of Jackson County has awarded 44 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships. Thirty-nine scholars have now graduated from college. Some have gone on to pursue postgraduate degrees. Some are now working in Jackson County, in Indiana, and beyond. Four scholars are now working on their undergraduate degrees on college campuses throughout the state. One new Lilly Endowment Community Scholar was awarded in December to begin college during the 2025-2026 academic year.

The program will provide scholarships for otherwise unreimbursed full tuition, required fees, and a stipend 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 Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant aims to support public middle and high school sports programs facing funding challenges due to budget cuts. Established by California Casualty, this grant provides financial assistance for purchasing equipment and covering travel costs for competitions. Eligible applicants must be active employees of public schools and members of affiliated education associations. Awards cannot be used for individual student recognition or fundraising projects.

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.

Faith Christian Scholarship

The Faith Christian Scholarship is for graduating high school seniors who attended any Greene County high school at the time of graduation; it is also open to home-schooled students who are graduating. Applicants must be planning to attend a two- or four-year accredited post-secondary institution in Indiana. The Faith Christian Scholarship is a donor-advised scholarship established by the deacons of Faith Christian Church in Bloomfield as a result of a bequeath by Francis Gainey. Ms. Gainey understood the importance of education and wanted to help students attend college, who might not otherwise have the family support or means to attend. The scholarship will be renewable for up to four years, based on academic performance. Students will need to show proof of their academic progress each spring semester to be considered for scholarship renewal.

The Jeffris Heartland Fund Grant, provided by the Jeffris Family Foundation, supports significant historic preservation projects across several Midwestern states, including Iowa and Wisconsin. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, covering 50% of costs for Historic Structure Reports, requiring a dollar-for-dollar match. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies, focusing on projects with historical significance, architectural merit, and strong community ties. Applications are accepted anytime, with decisions made approximately 30 days after submission.

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program aims to elevate educational attainment in Indiana by providing full-tuition scholarships to eligible high school graduates from each county served by community foundations. Launched in 1998, this initiative encourages engagement among scholars and local leaders to enhance community quality of life. By partnering with Independent Colleges of Indiana, the program aspires to support talented students in pursuing degrees at accredited institutions, fostering both personal and economic growth within the state.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, initiated by the Arbor Day Foundation, encourages colleges and universities to enhance their green spaces, benefiting both the environment and student well-being. By meeting five standards, participating institutions can gain national recognition for their commitment to tree care and sustainability. This initiative not only fosters a healthier campus but also engages students in environmental stewardship, making a positive impact on their communities. Join to celebrate the importance of trees in our lives.

The DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers the DGLF Summer Reading Grants, which support the development and expansion of summer reading programs aimed at Pre-K to 12th grade students, particularly new and below-grade-level readers, including those with learning disabilities. Eligible organizations, such as nonprofits, schools, and libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store, can apply for grants up to $3,000 to foster literacy and education initiatives.

The Midwest Culture Bearers Award honors and supports nine folk arts practitioners annually, providing each with a $5,000 unrestricted grant. This initiative aims to amplify the essential work of culture bearers across the Midwest, fostering opportunities for recognition and community connection. By prioritizing traditional practices and knowledge sharing, the award not only celebrates cultural heritage but also strengthens the creative roots of the region, ensuring vibrant artistic expression for future generations.

The Historic Preservation Education Grant, offered by Indiana Humanities, aims to educate citizens about the importance of preserving historic places in their communities. The grant funds various educational formats, including workshops, presentations, and digital projects like webinars and online exhibits. In 2025, Indiana Humanities plans to award nine or ten grants, encouraging projects that foster community engagement and raise awareness of historic preservation's value.

The Indianapolis Center for Congregations offers Resource Grants to support Indiana congregations in addressing challenges and opportunities. These matching grants, capped at $25,000, allow congregations to fund essential resources and activities. The program is part of the Center's mission to strengthen congregational work and is funded by the Lilly Endowment Inc. Eligible applicants must demonstrate alignment with their mission and secure endorsements from their leadership.

The Department of Pediatrics at Indiana University School of Medicine is pleased to announce the availability of grants to support research projects conducted by clinical fellows in accredited fellowship programs within the sections of the Department of Pediatrics.Research projects must be feasibly completed within the fellowship period.