Best Grants for Charities in Indiana

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

John & Jackie Watkins Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes the long history of Marion County as an agricultural area and the importance of farming in our community. John and Jackie Watkins both grew up in Delaware County and attended Radnor schools. They knew the value of education and its lifelong benefits.

Following Jackie’s passing in 1998, the family established the John & Jackie Watkins Scholarship Fund in her memory to assist the youth of Marion County to attend college—specifically to study agriculture. The Watkins Fund makes awards to graduating seniors from any high school in Marion County who are pursuing an education in agriculture, with special consideration given to those who have participated in FFA.

This grant opportunity aims to advance research on how work impacts health disparities among U.S. populations. It invites innovative proposals that explore the interplay between occupation and health outcomes, particularly in communities experiencing health and healthcare inequalities. Deadlines for applications span from February 2025 to October 2027, encouraging timely submissions for various categories including standard and AIDS-related grants.

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Whirlpool Corporation One Power STEM Scholarship

Whirlpool Corporation, in conjunction with One Energy LLC, created a scholarship fund at Marion Community Foundation in 2017 to support education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). For each wind turbine installed as part of a Wind for Industry® project, Whirlpool/One Energy scholarship partners are giving back to the community with scholarships. These scholarships will impact Marion County high school seniors and graduates pursuing studies in STEM fields.

Annually, this scholarship fund awards one $5,000 scholarship to a student attending any eligible educational institution. An additional $10,000 in scholarships is available to students attending The Ohio State University at Marion, Marion Technical College, or other eligible educational institutions.

The No Kid Hungry Grant, provided by Share Our Strength, aims to support schools and community groups in ensuring children have access to nutritious meals. Grants are allocated for essential equipment rather than food, addressing the unique needs of programs serving children. With a focus on reducing financial barriers, the initiative prioritizes funding for the School Breakfast Program and summer meals, ultimately striving for equitable access to resources that help combat childhood hunger and promote community engagement.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Grandview Heights Marble Cliff Arts Council (GHMCAC) Nancy E. Kukla Fund

The Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff Arts Council (GHMCAC) established this scholarship as a way to assist graduating high school seniors, who are residents of Grandview Heights or Marble Cliff, pursue post-secondary education. The award is given in honor of Nancy E. Kukla.

The Hearst Journalism Awards Program, established in 1960, supports journalism education by awarding scholarships to exceptional undergraduate students. With up to $700,000 available in various competitions, including writing, photojournalism, and multimedia, it encourages participation from students in ACEJMC-accredited institutions. The program aims to foster talent and innovation in journalism, ensuring a diverse range of voices is represented in the media landscape. The Hearst Foundation continues to invest in the future of journalism through this esteemed initiative.

The Yann Weymouth Graduate Scholarship provides $5,000 and mentorship to a graduate student focusing on sustainability, resilience, wellness, and beauty in design. Administered by the Architects Foundation, candidates must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, be U.S. citizens, and enrolled in a NAAB-accredited architecture program. Previous recipients can reapply. This scholarship honors the legacy of Yann Weymouth, an accomplished architect known for his significant contributions to major design projects.

The Hearst Journalism Awards Program, established in 1960, supports journalism education at the college level, offering scholarships for outstanding student work. With up to $700,000 in awards, it features various competitions in writing, photojournalism, audio, television, and multimedia. Open to undergraduate journalism majors at accredited institutions, the program encourages campus media participation. The Hearst Foundation, a philanthropic organization, has contributed over a billion dollars to education and the arts, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing future journalists.

The Hearst Journalism Awards Program, established in 1960, supports undergraduate journalism education with up to $700,000 in annual awards. The program includes multiple competitions in writing, photojournalism, audio, television, and multimedia categories. Each participating university can submit two student entries per competition, fostering excellence in journalism. Open to journalism majors or minors, the program encourages students to engage actively in campus media. The Hearst Foundation, founded by William Randolph Hearst, has contributed significantly to education and the arts nationwide.

The Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation Grant supports educational, artistic, and outreach initiatives. Applications are accepted year-round, with a focus on projects that yield specific outcomes rather than general operating expenses. While historically centered in Indiana and Florida, the foundation welcomes proposals from across the country. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) designation. This grant is an excellent opportunity for nonprofits aiming to make a tangible impact in their communities.

The Jason Pettigrew Memorial ARE Scholarship, administered by the Architects Foundation, supports emerging architecture professionals by covering costs for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). Open to current Associate AIA members, the scholarship honors Jason Pettigrew's legacy and encourages applicants who demonstrate significant contributions to the profession. Recipients gain financial assistance for exam fees and study materials, aiding their journey toward architectural licensure and fostering a new generation of architects committed to community impact.

The Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) supports small-scale research at institutions that receive limited NIH funding, emphasizing biomedical research for undergraduate students. This program aims to enhance the research environment and provide valuable experiences for students. Eligible institutions must award baccalaureate science degrees and have received no more than $6 million in NIH support over four of the last seven years. This funding opportunity encourages investigator-initiated minimal risk clinical trials to advance NIH missions.

The Mockingbird Foundation offers competitive grants for music education for children. Focused on underserved communities, the foundation supports innovative projects that engage children directly through music. Grants are only available for nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, including public schools, in the U.S. The aim is to enhance creative expression and provide music education in unconventional settings. Applications must demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion in their programs.

The NCI Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) supports talented postdoctoral researchers in transitioning to independent faculty positions. This program provides essential NCI research funding to facilitate the development of competitive, independent research careers. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant's organization, emphasizing the importance of timely submissions for prospective awardees.

Spencer Educational Foundation Inc

The Spencer Educational Foundation was founded by the Rims Atlanta Chapter in 1979. To this day, Spencer remains the premier organization funding the education of tomorrow's risk management and insurance leaders.

The Spencer Educational Foundation: awards merit-based scholarships and grants to university students pursuing careers in risk management, insurance, and/or actuarial science; provides grants that create experiential learning opportunities both on and off campus; funds the development of risk management and insurance curricula in colleges and universities; supports Risk Managers by creating internship opportunities within the risk management function of their companies; and operates across the United States and Canada. 

Spencer Educational Foundation: Risk Manager on Campus Grants

Spencer’s Risk Manager on Campus (RMOC) Program has been praised by both universities and risk managers as a rewarding educational experience for students and a chance to give back to the profession. The grant program brings a practicing risk manager to the university to present and engage with students about the Risk Management profession and the Insurance industry. Since 1997, Spencer has awarded over 500 RMOC Grants totaling $1.7 million to universities & colleges across the United States and Canada.

Spencer’s Risk Manager on Campus program offers grants of up to $5,000 to universities and colleges in the United States and Canada to host a practicing Risk Manager on its campus for a 1–3-day residency. The grant award is to be used to:

• Reimburse the risk manager for travel, housing, and incidental expenses incurred from the visit.
• Coordinate class visits, campus-wide lectures, panel discussions, meals, student club/organization meetings, senior administration visits, and/or receptions for students to network with and learn from the visiting risk manager, thereby exposing students to careers in Risk Management and Insurance (including Actuarial Science) and cultivating excitement about the industry.

Spencer Educational Foundation Inc

The Spencer Educational Foundation was founded by the Rims Atlanta Chapter in 1979. To this day, Spencer remains the premier organization funding the education of tomorrow's risk management and insurance leaders.

The Spencer Educational Foundation: awards merit-based scholarships and grants to university students pursuing careers in risk management, insurance, and/or actuarial science; provides grants that create experiential learning opportunities both on and off campus; funds the development of risk management and insurance curricula in colleges and universities; supports Risk Managers by creating internship opportunities within the risk management function of their companies; and operates across the United States and Canada. 

Spencer Educational Foundation: Internship Grants

Through our Internship Grant Program, Spencer aims to support tomorrow’s Risk Management and Insurance leaders through experiential learning opportunities. 

Spencer provides internship grants of up to $7,500 to Risk Managers to hire interns in the risk management function of their organizations. Employers apply for grants from Spencer, and students then apply directly with the companies for internship opportunities.

Since 1999, Spencer has awarded $3.5 million to create over 650 risk management internships. Through the internship program, students learn about the field in a real-world business setting where they can quickly apply what they know, respond to new experiences, and begin to develop contacts in the industry. 

About our scholarships

We partner with Civic Federal Credit Union to provide both professional development and student scholarships.

Over many years, the scholarships have provided nearly $3.5 million to credit union members to further their education. This investment not only advances the professional development and educational goals of Civic members, but also strengthens the communities they serve — amplifying their leadership impact and deepening their ability to drive meaningful change across North Carolina.

Civic Foundation Scholarship

Each year, Civic proudly awards $5,000 scholarships to 25 Civic members who are graduating high school seniors and are planning to attend a four-year college or university. These one-time scholarships are paid directly to the student’s school in a single installment and may be applied toward tuition, textbooks, computers, or other educational expenses.

The Renewal Bee Grant, offered by the Whole Kids Foundation, provides $500 to support educational bee programs for K-12 schools and non-profit organizations that have previously received a Bee Grant. Eligible applicants must have submitted their progress report from their last grant and can receive additional resources such as consultations and educator packs. This grant aims to enhance pollinator education while fostering community engagement in conservation efforts.

The USF Community Impact Grant, established by USA Swimming and the USA Swimming Foundation, aims to enhance competitive opportunities in swimming clubs. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for registered USA Swimming clubs committed to fostering community engagement and collaboration. Eligible clubs can renew their grant for up to three years, promoting diverse access to swimming programs. This initiative particularly supports clubs that partner with educational or public entities and those led by women or minorities.

American Psychiatric Association Foundation

There is no health without mental health. The APA Foundation is working in your community to provide the support and resources we all need to prioritize mental wellbeing where you live, learn, work, worship, and play.

Backed by the medical expertise of the APA and industry-leading strategic partners, we administer community-changing programs, public education campaigns, grants, and awards aimed at increasing mental health literacy, connecting individuals to needed care, and shifting attitudes toward mental health.

Edwin Valdiserri Correctional Public Psychiatry Fellowship

The Edwin V. Valdiserri Correctional Public Psychiatry Fellowship program has been made possible by a generous gift from Ronald Valdiserri, M.D., M.P.H., in memory of his brother Edwin V. Valdiserri, M.D. and creates a special opportunity for current residents who are interested in public, community, or forensic psychiatry programs to receive additional experience, training and mentorship in a correctional setting.

Program Benefits

• Sponsorship to attend a minimum of four APA meetings: Two APA Annual Meetings and Two Fellowship Forums
• Attend Fellows' choice of one of the following: The American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law (AAPL) Annual Meeting OR National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) Annual Conference
• Attend courses and workshops at APA meetings and be exposed to training opportunities that develop leaders in public psychiatry
• Collaborate with other Public Psychiatry Fellows to plan a workshop at the APA meeting
• Gain an understanding of APA/APAF governance through service on an APA Council, Committee, or APAF initiative
• Have the opportunity to sit on the APA Board of Trustees as a non-voting member (one of the Edwin Valdiserri/Public Psychiatry Fellows allowed)
• Cultivate a professional network with psychiatrists through exclusive events and engagements with APA leaders. Establish relationships and peer-mentorship with a diverse group of resident fellows with similar career interests and goals

Program Expectations

• Maintain APA membership and good standing in one’s residency program throughout the fellowship
• Contribute a minimum of 40 volunteer hours annually in a correctional facility
• Provide confirmation from your Training Director or Department Chair that this required volunteer service is feasible and can/will be supported
• Attend two consecutive APA Meetings, two Fellowship Forums, and all fellowship related activities
• Actively participate on an assigned APA Council, Committee, or APAF work group
• Participate in Fellowship teleconferences (a minimum of 50%)
• Participate in mid-year and year-end evaluations with Fellowship Program Manager.

The Veridian Credit Union Scholarship offers four $2,500 awards to high school seniors and four $2,500 awards to post-secondary students enrolled in accredited programs. To qualify, applicants must be the primary owner of a Veridian Credit Union account in good standing. This initiative, managed by the Iowa Credit Union Foundation, supports educational advancement and aims to foster financial success among its members.

The Collegiate Community Hub Grant, offered by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) in collaboration with the ITA, provides up to $10,000 to collegiate organizations operating a tennis facility as a new 'Collegiate Community Hub.' This initiative aims to enhance community engagement by offering accessible tennis instruction and playing opportunities for all ages. Eligible facilities must meet specific operational criteria and demonstrate their commitment to serving the local community.

The ASTRO Medical Student Fellowship Award for Underrepresented Populations aims to enhance diversity in radiation oncology by supporting medical students from underrepresented backgrounds. Awardees receive a $6,000 package, including a stipend for an eight-week training program, funds for travel expenses, and mentorship opportunities. This initiative is part of ASTRO's broader mission to advance patient care and professional development in the field of radiation oncology, fostering an inclusive environment in medical education.

The Shared Instrumentation Grant (SIG) Program supports NIH-funded investigators in acquiring high-cost, specialized instruments, with a minimum award of $50,000 and a maximum of $750,000. Eligible instruments include light microscopes, mass spectrometers, and DNA sequencers, among others. This program aims to enhance research capabilities by enabling the purchase or upgrade of essential equipment for scientific advancement.

The Limited Competition: Basic Instrumentation Grant (BIG) Program offers funding to NIH-supported researchers for purchasing specialized instruments or integrated systems, with minimum awards of $25,000 and maximum awards reaching $350,000. Eligibility is restricted to institutions that have not received significant S10 funding in recent years. This program aims to enhance research capabilities by providing access to essential technology, thereby fostering scientific innovation and collaboration within the NIH community.

The MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs, funded by the National Science Foundation, support innovative research in astronomical sciences. These initiatives aim to enhance our understanding of the universe through core research, technological advancements, and instrumentation. Topics include solar storm prediction, the discovery of exoplanets, and the study of black holes. Proposals should reflect ambitious, transformative ideas that may not require immediate practical outcomes, fostering long-term scientific exploration.

The National Science Foundation's Engineering Directorate (NSF ENG) promotes groundbreaking research in chemical, bioengineering, energy, and transport systems. Key programs include Chemical Process Systems, Engineering Biological and Biomedical Systems, Energy, Water, and Resource Engineering, and Transport Phenomena. NSF ENG seeks innovative, transformative proposals that push the boundaries of foundational research, regardless of immediate commercial applications, and emphasizes diverse funding opportunities based on availability.