Best Grants for Community Centers in Indiana

Cancer Center Community-Academic Collaborative Program Award

IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Office of Community Outreach and Engagement is inviting collaborative proposals for implementing evidence-based cancer related programs within the community. Proposals should address the cancer burden in Indiana. The program should include an evaluation component and priority will be given to projects targeting one of the major cancer burdens in Indiana, including lung, breast, colon, pancreas, prostate and cervical. We are particularly interested in initiatives that promote healthier behaviors linking to reducing cancer incidence and morbidity. Of particular interest are community-led programs that expand our reach and deepen our understanding of populations across Indiana. The project must be co-led by an Cancer Center faculty member and a community advocate or partner.

The duration of this funding is one year, and the budget should not exceed $15,000.

Honda’s Community Event Sponsorship aims to support local, regional, and national events that enhance community engagement and celebrate diverse cultures. Organizations must be U.S.-based and tax-exempt, focusing on projects that serve communities where Honda associates are active. Eligible events include parades, festivals, and educational initiatives. Honda evaluates requests based on community needs and available funding, reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility and community enhancement.

The IUSCCC Community-Academic Collaborative Program Award invites proposals aimed at addressing cancer burdens in Indiana through evidence-based programs. These initiatives must focus on major cancer types such as lung, breast, and prostate, and include an evaluation component. Community-led projects that engage underserved populations are particularly encouraged. The funding duration is one year, with a budget cap of $15,000. Proposals require prior approval through a Letter of Intent.

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.

Letha's Youth Outdoors Fund Grant provides financial support for field trips that connect youth groups in Indiana with nature. Ideal for educators, this grant fosters outdoor learning experiences, emphasizing the importance of native plants and their habitats. Since 2008, it has enabled over 15,000 youth to explore environmental education centers and parks, especially those with limited access to such opportunities. Grants range from $50 to $700, covering transport and educational activities.

The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation, established in 1988, supports photography programs at museums and public institutions. It promotes photography's recognition alongside other art forms and contributes to HIV/AIDS medical research. Notably, it has funded major galleries and initiatives, donating significant collections to renowned museums. The Foundation aids curators in developing photography exhibitions and provides financial support for acquisitions, exhibitions, and publications, ensuring Mapplethorpe's artistic legacy endures.

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 Valero Energy Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that align with their mission to improve the quality of life in communities where Valero operates. With a focus on basic needs, health care, education, and civic initiatives, the foundation prioritizes funding requests from 501(c)(3) organizations. In 2019, it provided approximately $40 million to support disadvantaged children and families, emphasizing a commitment to corporate citizenship and community well-being.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust offers grants aimed at enhancing the lives of animals in the Ohio/Great Lakes region. It prioritizes projects that foster animal adoption, behavior training, and humane education. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and demonstrate a commitment to animal welfare. The Trust seeks innovative, collaborative initiatives that significantly improve the well-being of animals, particularly in underserved communities, ensuring a high quality of life for both individual animals and larger populations.

The Health Information Outreach Award, funded by the National Library of Medicine, aims to enhance access to essential health information for underrepresented populations and healthcare professionals. This initiative focuses on improving health literacy and equity through diverse projects, including training, technology access, and community outreach. Eligible organizations from select Midwestern states can apply, prioritizing innovative solutions that address health disparities and promote informed health decisions among vulnerable communities.

The Vigo County Community Grants, offered by the Wabash Valley Community Foundation, support initiatives in Health & Human Services, Arts & Culture, Community Development, and Education. With a focus on preventative measures and community collaboration, these grants aim to address long-standing challenges and foster sustainable outcomes. Organizations must complete an annual Organizational Health Review to be eligible, ensuring they are equipped to effectively meet community needs. The foundation emphasizes impactful partnerships that create lasting change.

The Daviess County Community Foundation, established in 1993, offers Community Good Grants to support nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies in Daviess County, Indiana. This program aims to enhance community well-being across various areas, including arts, education, health, and environment. It encourages charitable projects that address local needs, fostering civic engagement and philanthropy. Through partnerships and fiscal sponsorships, the foundation aims to make meaningful impacts for generations to come.

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.

Family Violence Prevention and Services Act

The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) authorizes the FVPSA grant program, which is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services (OFVPS). FVPSA funds are designed to assist states in their efforts to support the establishment, maintenance, and expansion of programs and projects to 1) prevent incidents of family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence; 2) provide immediate shelter, supportive services, and access to community-based programs for victims of family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, and their dependents; and 3) provide specialized services for children exposed to family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, including victims who are members of underserved populations.

All grants from ICJI Victim Services are reimbursement grants.

The Indiana 21st Century Community Learning Centers Out-of-School Time Program is designed to provide safe environments for youth during non-school hours. This federally-funded initiative supports public schools and community organizations in creating learning centers that enhance academic performance and offer diverse enrichment activities. Particularly focused on youth from low-performing schools, the program aims to boost educational outcomes and foster social and emotional growth, while also serving the families of participating youth.

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

The Reeves Foundation supports research aimed at understanding and treating macular degeneration, a condition that has personally affected the founder's family. Established in 1997, the foundation allocates 50% of its grants to research and the other half to local charities in Columbus, Indiana. Nonprofit organizations exempt under IRS code 501(c)(3) are eligible to apply, but funds cannot be used for administrative costs. The foundation prioritizes equipment purchases and partnerships with other funding sources.

The Dow Promise Grant empowers communities by addressing the unique barriers faced by Black youth and adults in the U.S. This program provides grants up to $10,000 for initiatives that promote social, economic, and environmental advancements. Since its inception in 2000, the Dow Promise Program has been committed to fostering equitable opportunities and positive social change, ultimately contributing to long-term community success and a brighter future for all.

The Community Health Partnerships (CHeP) Trailblazer Planning Grant aims to foster community-university partnerships in Indiana to enhance health equity and address social determinants of health. This initiative will fund activities such as meetings and conferences that lead to collaborative research proposals. Awards of up to $5,000 support partnership growth and the development of future grant applications. Eligible applicants must include both university-based and community-based partners actively engaged in Indiana.

The Cancer Center Improving Cancer Outcomes Pilot Funding, offered by the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI), aims to support innovative pilot projects that enhance cancer-related outcomes across the U.S. This program invites proposals focusing on populations with higher cancer burdens, emphasizing evidence-based strategies for prevention, detection, treatment, and survivorship. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, the initiative seeks to tackle real-world barriers and generate actionable solutions to improve community health.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Indiana offers funding for essential community facilities in rural areas, benefiting local residents and non-profit organizations. Eligible areas include rural communities with populations up to 20,000, where funds can support projects like healthcare, public safety, education, and local food systems. Grant assistance percentages vary based on population and median income, providing greater support for those in need, ensuring sustainable community development and essential services.

The Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana, Inc. Grants aim to enhance community welfare by partnering with nonprofit organizations. Focused on STEM education and workforce readiness, these grants support qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits, state or municipal organizations, and public schools in Indiana. Toyota's holistic approach includes volunteer engagement and knowledge sharing to ensure sustainable impact, while avoiding funding for organizations that do not align with their values or operate outside the U.S.

The American Honda Foundation provides programmatic support to nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S., empowering impactful initiatives aligned with community needs. Funding opportunities are available through Honda corporate and Honda USA Foundation, focusing on projects that enhance education and community welfare. Eligible organizations must have nonprofit status or be recognized educational institutions. The application process opens each fall, with funding decisions announced the following spring, ensuring alignment with Honda's commitment to social responsibility.

The Honda USA Foundation's Mobility Pillar Award aims to empower individuals with disabilities by funding programs that enhance access and mobility. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations and schools that provide therapeutic, adaptive, and comprehensive care programs, as well as mobility modifications and assistive technology. Applications are accepted from U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsors, ensuring that the joy of mobility is accessible to all.

The Ball Brothers Foundation's BBF Rapid Grants program offers immediate funding to organizations in Indiana, particularly in East Central Indiana and Muncie/Delaware County. The foundation prioritizes capacity-building initiatives, innovative community solutions, specific projects, and general operating support. This program is designed to address urgent needs, such as professional development, equipment purchases, and project initiation, ensuring that organizations can quickly respond to community challenges and enhance their impact.

The JBF Do Good Grant, established by the Joe Burrow Foundation, aims to support innovative projects that assist underprivileged children, particularly those facing mental health challenges and food insecurity. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and public charities, with proposals up to $10,000 considered. The foundation encourages creative solutions that foster lasting impacts within communities in Greater Cincinnati and Baton Rouge. By fostering these initiatives, the foundation continues Joe Burrow's commitment to community service and social responsibility.

Wabash Valley Community Foundation

The Wabash Valley Community Foundation is your community portal. By channeling community expertise to you and taking your creative ideas to the community, together, we make a difference. We go beyond simply taking charitable contributions and making grants to charitable organizations. Our board and staff are responsible for having in-depth expertise and spend most of their time in the community understanding challenges, identifying opportunities and recognizing successful organizations.

Families, individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations have created more than 670 charitable funds at the Community Foundation in the past 30 years. Together, we have awarded over $30 million in grants and scholarships. Grants from the Community Foundation support every imaginable area of our communities from community centers and local arts organizations to tree-planting projects and literacy programs in schools. The Community Foundation also has special community funds that support Arts & Culture, Community Development, Education, Health & Human Services and Religion.

The Wabash Valley Community Foundation has determined broad priorities for awarding its grant funds. Each county has its own individual review process and deadlines.

Vigo County Grants

Our Grant-Making Philosophy

As you begin the grant application process with the Wabash Valley Community Foundation, we invite you to learn more about the philosophy that guides our work and how, together, we can Make More Possible for our community.

Our tagline, For good. For ever.®, reflects our commitment to funding projects that create lasting, measurable impact. We prioritize grants that serve as true investments in the community — initiatives that are visionary, collaborative and designed for long-term change rather than short-term solutions.

Strong applications demonstrate:

• Organizational commitment and collaboration
• The ability to benefit a broad segment of the community
• A clear focus on sustainable, measurable outcomes

In February 2026, the Community Foundation launched its revised competitive grants process following a year-long review of its procedures compared to those utilized by peers across Indiana and sector-driven best practices. To learn more about the grantmaking strategy, please click here.

Grants as Community Investments

We view grants as partnerships with your organization. Our goal is to invest in projects that generate the greatest return in positive community impact by addressing root causes and reducing long-standing challenges. As Robert D. Lupton, author of Toxic Charity, notes, meaningful impact requires missions that produce measurable results.

Organizational Health Review

All organizations, regardless of intention to submit or not submit a grant application, are required to complete the Organizational Health Review form annually. The review process provides a benchmark to assist the non-profit in becoming a stronger, healthier organization, as well as to track progress year over year. For the initial submission, organizations MUST HAVE COMPLETED the Review by March 9, 2026. The form will go live again on August 15, 2026 with a submission deadline of September 30, 2026. The form MUST be submitted both times to remain eligible for grant consideration!

Community Grants

Community grants are grants in support of Arts & Culture, Community Development, Education and Health & Human Services.

Pillar 2 - Community Development

High Priorities

With the limited unrestricted funds available, it is necessary to determine which grants can best be awarded to have the greatest impact on the needs and growth of the Wabash Valley. The priorities are as follows:

• To focus on the prevention of problems rather than on the symptoms
• To maintain both a proactive focus and an ability to respond to creative ideas from grant seekers
• To assist grant seekers to better respond to the changing needs of the community
• To encourage programs that enhance cooperation and collaboration among institutions within our community
• To leverage funds through the use of “seed money,” “match” and “challenge” grants
• To fund projects that will make a significant improvement to our community

The Statewide Capital Projects Initiative Grant provides essential funding to nonprofit organizations in Indiana, aiming to enhance health and human services. With a total of $80 million available in matching capital grants, the initiative supports projects that improve community facilities. It offers two funding tiers, catering to varying project complexities and encourages partnerships for successful implementation. All applicants must demonstrate a commitment to delivering vital services, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to benefit local communities.