Best Grants for Charities in Indiana

Mission The mission of the Grants Linking University–wide Expertise (GLUE) awards is to support “the planning and team building across campuses to develop of large multi-investigator and/or multi-project, milestone-driven, translational research teams who are planning to eventually submit a multi-year extramural grant applications with annual budgets of $300K or higher in direct costs per year”. 

IU Grant Linking Universitywide Expertise (GLUE) Award

• The GLUE funding is available to collaborative teams where the lead PI of the research team is from IUB, and the other members of the team are from Indiana CTSI affiliate campuses.
• Applications are expected to have a maximum requested amount $100,000 per year for up to two years.
• The projects are expected to typically bring together two or more distinct scientific expert teams who will develop appropriate administrative and technical ‘core’ supports
• Applications for GLUE grants are accepted for review at any stage of their development.
• It is expected that these planning/seed grants will increase multidisciplinary collaborations, institutional competitiveness, opportunities for extramurally funded training grants and overall institutional funding.
• The GLUE funding is available to collaborative teams where the lead PI of the research team is from Indiana University Bloomington (IUB), and the other members of the team are from CTSI affiliate campuses. 

About the Foundation

Our Mission

The mission of the Greene County Foundation is to inspire individuals to engage in strengthening Greene County now and for generations to come.

As a public charity, we accomplish our mission by:

• Building permanent charitable funds
• Connecting donors to organizations, programs and charitable causes of interest
• Making effective grants
• Providing leadership on community issues

Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program (LECSP) awards full-tuition scholarships to students from each county in Indiana.

Benefits:

• One scholarship will be awarded
• Pays full tuition and required fees for four years; no re-application process is required
• $900 book stipend each year
• Does not pay room, board, or travel expenses

Samerian Foundation

Founded in 2003, the Samerian Foundation is dedicated to perpetuating the vision of Cindy and Paul Skjodt, the founders. They seek to enhance the quality of life by providing funds through a grant making process for education, economic development, health, youth sports, community organizations meeting the needs of the underserved, and humanitarian projects.

Though the Samerian Foundation primarily serves Central Indiana, it has taken part in some international endeavors and have reached outside the state on special projects.

The Samerian Foundation is the philanthropic vehicle of the Skjodt’s generosity. To date, they have granted 2,105 requests of nearly $93.4 million.

The Samerian Foundation is lovingly named after Cindy and Paul’s children, Samantha, Erik, and Ian, who serve on the board.

Ian J. Skjodt Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the Simon-Skjodt family to encourage students to pursue degrees in media studies at Indiana University.

Samerian Foundation

Founded in 2003, the Samerian Foundation is dedicated to perpetuating the vision of Cindy and Paul Skjodt, the founders. They seek to enhance the quality of life by providing funds through a grant making process for education, economic development, health, youth sports, community organizations meeting the needs of the underserved, and humanitarian projects.

Though the Samerian Foundation primarily serves Central Indiana, it has taken part in some international endeavors and have reached outside the state on special projects.

The Samerian Foundation is the philanthropic vehicle of the Skjodt’s generosity. To date, they have granted 2,105 requests of nearly $93.4 million.

The Samerian Foundation is lovingly named after Cindy and Paul’s children, Samantha, Erik, and Ian, who serve on the board.

Cindy Simon-Skjodt Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the Simon-Skjodt family to encourage students pursuing degrees with a focus on global studies, international law, or related disciplines at Indiana University.

What Is Kiwanis?

Kiwanis is a global service organization of volunteers committed to improving the lives of children—one community at a time. Our members take action every day by:

• Sheltering the homeless and supporting families in crisis
• Feeding the hungry and organizing food drives
• Mentoring at-risk youth and empowering young leaders
• Raising funds for pediatric medical research and care
• And much more—all focused on helping children in our communities thrive

All Indiana Kiwanians make up the membership of the Kiwanis Indiana Foundation, Inc. (aka the Indiana District Foundation) The Foundation has 501(c)(3) status.

J.L. McCulloch Award

A personal gift of $1,000 to the Kiwanis Indiana Foundation, Inc., by an individual entitles him or her to the J.L. McCulloch Award. The recipient of this award is recognized with a framed medallion, a ribboned medallion, and either a lapel pin or a pendant.

This is the Indiana District’s most prestigious award and is named for our first Kiwanis Indiana District Governor. The receiving of this award by its honored recipients has left a legacy to the service. This continues the good works begun by the man for whom it is named.

The IN Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) offers financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers for implementing conservation practices. This program aims to enhance agricultural productivity while promoting environmental quality. Eligible participants, including socially disadvantaged farmers and Indian tribes, can benefit from various conservation activities, such as soil health improvement and water quality enhancement. EQIP prioritizes reducing pollution and soil erosion, making it a vital resource for sustainable agricultural development in Indiana.

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

Coover/Rural Schools Partnership Rural Ready Grant Program

The Louis L. and Julia Dorothy Coover Foundation, a partnership between Community Foundation of the Ozarks and The Commerce Trust Company is proud to offer the Rural Ready grant program. It is designed to give rural schools the flexibility to address the needs and opportunities that matter most in their communities. Rural Ready grants will support projects that prepare students with the knowledge, skills, experiences, and relationships they need to thrive in our ever-changing world while strengthening the communities they call home. 

Funding

• Total amount to award is $185,000.00. 
• Applicants may apply for up to $7,000 in funding for this grant cycle.

The Doctoral Fellowship Program, initiated by NASA's National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program, aims to enhance STEM education and research opportunities across the U.S. The Indiana Space Grant Consortium (INSGC) offers fellowships ranging from $6,000 to $20,000 for eligible doctoral students engaged in STEM projects. This initiative supports the INSGC's mission to inspire and educate the next generation of scientists and engineers, ensuring a bright future for technological innovation and workforce development.

The Great Lakes Protection Fund Grant aims to support projects that deliver significant ecological improvements to the Great Lakes region. The Fund seeks transformative initiatives that involve collaboration among diverse stakeholders and rely on scientific rigor. Eligible applicants include non-profits, universities, and businesses, and the projects must demonstrate a positive environmental impact on the Great Lakes ecosystem. Importantly, the Fund does not support advocacy or compliance-related activities.

The Bonnycastle Fellowship for Wetland and Waterfowl Research supports graduate students in advancing conservation efforts. Offered by Ducks Unlimited, this fellowship provides up to $17,000 annually for research and personal support. The fellowship emphasizes the importance of research originality, ecological contributions, and feasibility. It is open to all North American graduate students, with a preference for doctoral candidates. The award is renewable for PhD students up to two years, and once for Master's students, contingent on satisfactory progress.

Pike 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 Pike 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

Claud W. and Lois Kemp Family Scholarship

Annual, renewable scholarship fund established by Jerry D. Kemp to remember his grandparents, Claud W. and Lois (Corn) Kemp. Mr. and Mrs. Kemp were lifelong residents of Pike County. Claud Kemp was a long time teacher and principal at Velpen School in Velpen, IN. This scholarship is dedicated to Mr. Kemp and his enthusiasm for education.

Award Amount

• $1,060

Renewal Details

• May be renewable for a second year provided student continues to attend a 4-year college or university in Indiana.  Renewal award amounts may differ from the original award. 

The National Institute on Drug Abuse is funding pilot and feasibility studies aimed at preparing for substance use and HIV prevention research trials. The program encourages innovative interventions for substance use disorders and HIV eradication, focusing on stakeholder collaboration and practical application. Projects may include assessment of service models, intervention development, and community engagement. This initiative is designed to fill critical research gaps and enhance partnerships, although applications are not currently being accepted.

The Day-End Dough-Nation® Program by Panera Bread exemplifies community generosity through the donation of unsold bakery products to local charities. This impactful initiative supports various organizations that distribute food to those in need, including shelters, health centers, and youth programs. By partnering with thousands of non-profits nationwide, Panera Bread not only reduces food waste but also plays a crucial role in addressing hunger and promoting equality within communities.

Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Inc supports independent medical education to enhance healthcare professional competence and improve patient health outcomes. Their mission is to be a global leader in innovative medical education, focusing on evidence-based activities that address critical gaps in knowledge. By fostering excellence in healthcare, they aim to ensure measurable improvements in performance and patient outcomes across various disease areas.

The NCAA Division II Degree Completion Award provides financial assistance to student-athletes who have exhausted their athletics eligibility, enabling them to complete their first undergraduate degree. Since its inception in 2001, nearly $9 million has supported approximately 1,875 athletes, with a remarkable 90 percent graduation rate among recipients. The award covers tuition costs up to $15,000 for remaining credits and may be used in the summer term or short terms surrounding the final undergraduate year.

The Patterson Foundation offers Oral Health Grants to support programs that enhance access to dental care for underserved communities. Eligible 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations can apply for funding up to $35,000 for capacity expansion, $10,000 for personnel support, or $10,000 for program support. The foundation prioritizes projects led by volunteer dental professionals and requires follow-up reports for continued funding. Applications are accepted year-round through a two-step process.

The Historic Preservation Fund Grant Program in Indiana supports archaeological projects through matching grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. Administered by the DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology, this program focuses on enhancing cultural resource management and includes funding for archaeological surveys and National Register nominations. Eligible applicants include local governments, universities, and not-for-profit organizations, with a preference for Certified Local Governments. Approximately $500,000 to $600,000 is available annually.

The Masters’ Fellowship Program, offered by the Indiana Space Grant Consortium, provides financial support ranging from $6,000 to $8,000 for graduate students engaged in STEM research or education. This initiative aims to enhance opportunities for students at INSGC affiliate institutions, fostering diversity and inclusion within STEM fields. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled full-time and in good academic standing. The program encourages reapplication for continued support in subsequent years.

The Daniel and Susan Pfau Foundation, established in 1994, focuses on enhancing education, health, cultural experiences, and social welfare for youth with disabilities and economic challenges in the Greater Cincinnati area. It supports arts organizations and recreation initiatives, prioritizing programs that help young individuals realize their potential. Eligible applicants must be recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofits and demonstrate benefits to specific counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. The Foundation encourages collaboration with other donors for project funding.

The High Priority HIV and Substance Use Research funding opportunity aims to support innovative research that addresses the intersection of HIV and substance use. Researchers are encouraged to submit proposals that include a detailed research plan and preliminary data, exploring new avenues for prevention, treatment, and potential cures for HIV among people who use drugs. Applications are due by 5 PM local time, with optional Letters of Intent recommended 30 days prior.

The National PLTW Administrator of the Year award recognizes exemplary leadership in education, highlighting administrators who positively impact PLTW schools or districts. One outstanding administrator will be honored for their commitment to expanding STEM access and empowering students with essential skills. The recipient will receive an engraved award, a $1,000 prize, and $2,000 in myPLTW Store credit for their school, along with travel and registration to the PLTW Summit 2026.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding up to $25,000 for organizations focused on improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Established in 1943, the foundation prioritizes health equity through strategic partnerships aimed at reducing cancer burdens, preparing healthcare professionals, and enhancing crisis response efforts. Eligible applicants include national and local nonprofits targeting specific regions in the U.S. and Canada. The foundation emphasizes projects that align with its mission and demonstrate significant community impact.

Brown County Community Foundation

BCCF operates as a 501 (c)(3) corporation. It professionally manages and distributes income from charitable bequests consistent with the donor’s wishes and interests. In other words, BCCF manages charitable funds, making grants to local, nonprofit organizations based on advice from donors. Donors can specify a specific organization or a general area of concern within the community to which their gift be directed.

Scholarships

The Foundation manages several academic scholarship funds, many established expressly for Brown County High School graduates. 

Additionally, through the Foundation’s affiliation with The Lilly Endowment Inc., over forty Brown County residents have received four-year full-tuition scholarships through the Endowment’s Community Scholars Program.

BCCF Scholarships are available to current high school graduates, students currently enrolled in college, past graduates planning to enroll, as well as G.E.D. graduates.

John A. and Cheryl J. Eyed Scholarship

Purpose: To provide tuition assistance to Brown County residents pursuing a two or four year degree on a full or part-time basis at any Ivy Tech State College location.

The Indiana Elks Vocational Grant provides essential financial support to Indiana high school seniors seeking vocational education. Offering ten scholarships of $1000 each, this program encourages students to pursue two-year vocational or technical programs, fostering career readiness without requiring affiliation with the Elks. Since its inception, the grant has recognized the diverse educational goals of students, promoting opportunities for those not interested in traditional four-year degrees. This initiative exemplifies the Elks' commitment to enhancing community welfare through education.

The Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation provides grants to support charitable organizations dedicated to promoting and preserving the Arts and Humanities, particularly in Central Indiana. Grants can range from $1,000 to $1,000,000 for specific projects such as renovations or unique program offerings. Eligible applicants must be recognized as public charities under IRC Section 501(c)(3), while individual applications and endowments are not accepted. This foundation continues the legacy of Mr. Clowes by supporting similar initiatives.