Best Grants for Community Centers in Indiana

The goal of Alzheimer’s Disease Pre-Clinical Translational Science Grant program is to enhance our approach to the selection and prosecution of drug discovery targets for Alzheimer’s Disease. This mechanism will provide research support up to $50,000 for innovative work that is in scope and aligned with the research activities of the IUSM-Purdue TREAT-AD Center. These include (but are not limited to):

• Bioinformatic analyses and drug target hypothesis generation within neuroinflammatory pathways.
• Target validation studies for proposed drug targets.
• Innovative chemical biology and cellular pharmacology studies for proposed targets that may provide insights to disease initiation and progression.
• Structural biology or biophysical studies on proteins proposed as drug targets.
• De-novo drug design approaches for proposed targets.
• Novel PET ligands and supporting CSF biomarkers for preclinical studies and clinical trials, etc. 

Family and Social Services Administration of Indiana

We are steadfast in our mission to break the cycle of poverty by providing Hoosiers with the healthcare, social services, and support necessary to achieve lasting economic independence. Through thoughtfully designed and fiscally sustainable programs, we equip individuals and families with the resources and opportunities they need to build stability, reclaim dignity, and secure long-term success.

School Age Child Care Grant

The Office of Early Childhood and Out of School Learning will support licensed/regulated school-age child care programs in public school corporations, as authorized by IC 12-17-12, or a child care program that is also a not-for-profit organization, exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applicants may request a maximum of $40,000 per county. As outlined in IC 12-17-12-16, awarded Grants cannot exceed 90% of the Grantee’s total annual program operating costs. This is a cost reimbursement grant; thus, no funds will be disbursed in advance.

Programs must have been open and operating their school-age child care program for at least one (1) full year preceding the date of application for the School Age Child Care grant and remain in good standing through the entire grant period, and serve children between the ages of five (5) and fifteen (15) years which includes:

• Before and/or after school care offered during the regular school year or during the summer, if summer school is offered.
• Care provided during periods when school is not in session, excluding summer break
• Before and/or after school care for children who attend kindergarten (enrolled in either a full-day or half-day program).

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)

The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) provides funding for essential services, operations, and homeless prevention activities to emergency homeless shelters, transitional housing for the homeless, and day/night homeless shelters. These programs provide basic needs of shelter, food, clothing, and other necessities, and many also provide case management, referrals, rental assistance, and other services to individuals and/or families who are in need of assistance.

The Dunkin’ Prom Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to bring joy to teenage patients unable to attend their own prom due to illness. By funding hospitals to host prom-like events, the program ensures these patients experience this significant milestone. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, supporting the creation of memorable events with themes, food, entertainment, and formal wear for the teens, making a positive impact in their lives.

The Albert G. and Olive H. Schlink Foundation, established in 1966, has significantly impacted Ohio's nonprofit sector by increasing its annual grant distribution from an initial $500 to over $1.4 million in 2023. The Foundation prioritizes organizations with ties to Erie and Huron Counties and emphasizes thoughtful evaluation of all grant applications. With a focus on community needs, it continues to honor the founders' legacy while adapting to the evolving demands of local nonprofits.

Ripley County Community Foundation

The Ripley County Community Foundation was established in 1997 with $19,000 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to leave a lasting legacy for future generations. 

Mission: We serve Ripley County by growing and sustaining a culture of giving and investing resources to meet community needs.

Grant Opportunities

The Ripley County Community Foundation offers a variety of grants to support nonprofit organizations, which enrich the quality of life in Ripley County.

Our Approach to Grantmaking

The Ripley County Community Foundation Grant Programs aims to:

• Anticipate and respond flexibly to the evolving needs of our community.
• Support change-oriented and problem-solving initiatives, with a focus on “seed money” for pilot projects.
• Prioritize grants that offer the greatest benefit per dollar granted.
• Encourage additional contributions through matching, challenge, and other grant techniques. 
• Evaluate an organization’s strength, community support, leadership, clarity of proposal, and eligibility.

Our Four Key Service Areas

The Ripley County Community Foundation focuses its support on four specific service areas:

• Arts & Culture: Expanding the arts in the region and establishing diverse programs that offer widespread opportunities to participate in and appreciate culturally significant places, beliefs, and traditions.
• Health & Well-Being: Supporting the development of human capital through a strong educational system and a healthy lifestyle.
• Education & Workforce Development: Supporting the growth and success of local small businesses and entrepreneurs through opportunities that foster innovation, investment, and diversify our local economy.
• Environment & Natural Resources: Investing in projects and programs aimed at expanding and protecting our natural landscape by increasing appreciation for, improvements to, and use of the natural environment.

Sally Morris Community Impact Grants

The purpose of a Sally Morris Community Impact Grant is to assist an organization with a sizable project needed to support and/or enhance its charitable reach. These Grants are available two times per year. Organizations may apply for a Sally Morris Community Impact Grant and one Small Projects Grant each year. 

To ensure your project aligns with our mission, all applications must meet the Community Foundation’s Grant Guidelines and Policies.

The Barney Family Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, offers a $40,000 award ($5,000 per semester) to a graduating high school senior from Lake, Porter, Jasper, or Newton County. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and attend an Indiana State-sponsored college or technical school, with family income between $80,000 and $150,000. The scholarship is renewable for up to eight semesters, encouraging academic success.

The Mazamas is committed to exploring and preserving mountain environments in the Pacific Northwest through research grants. These grants support nonprofit research that aligns with the Mazamas’ mission, encouraging proposals from graduate and undergraduate students. Successful applicants often conduct field studies that enhance understanding of the region's natural features. Notably, the Mazamas also welcome innovative research ideas that may fall outside traditional grant guidelines, promoting a diverse range of scientific inquiry.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

The Share the Bounty Grant, offered by The Andersons Inc Charitable Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in communities through support for agriculture, social services, civic engagement, education, arts, and health initiatives. By investing in these key areas, The Andersons seeks to foster environments where individuals and families can thrive, ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future for all residents in the regions they serve.

The Call for Kindness Grant, offered by Riley's Way Foundation, empowers young leaders aged 13-23 to launch impactful social projects focused on kindness and community connection. With grants up to $5,000, recipients receive essential mentorship, coaching, and community support. This initiative has already benefited over 3,500 youth nationwide, promoting values of empathy and social change. Applicants can pursue projects in diverse areas, including environmental justice, ensuring a broad impact in their communities.

The CHS Foundation offers funding for innovative projects in precision agriculture and data analytics. This annual grant program supports colleges and universities focusing on enhancing agronomy and ag mechanics curriculum. Applications are accepted from April 15 to May 31, with priority given to initiatives that foster hands-on learning and technology development. Eligible projects should emphasize data analysis and improve students' understanding of agricultural technology, while adhering to funding guidelines.

The Community Foundation of Carroll County offers Strategic and General Grants aimed at fostering sustainable community improvements. Strategic Grants focus on key aspirations identified through community conversations, such as affordable housing and inclusive initiatives. General Grants support a variety of programs, including health services and education. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations benefiting Carroll County residents. The Foundation emphasizes quality applications and innovative projects that demonstrate community impact.

The NRA Foundation: Indiana Grants supports projects and organizations focused on firearms education and safety. Grants are available for both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) entities, provided they serve a charitable purpose. The foundation emphasizes promoting safe firearms use and hunting, educating the public about firearms history, and conducting research to enhance safety techniques. Eligible entities must be recognized as nonprofits by their state or the IRS, while certain organizations, like labor groups and private enterprises, are ineligible.

The Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation Charitable Grant supports qualified charities focused on community betterment and basic human needs. Founded in 2016, it aims to enhance lives through initiatives such as affordable housing, health programs, and the arts. Organizations eligible for funding must be tax-exempt and serve areas where Frankenmuth Insurance operates. Notably, the foundation excludes support for individuals, political groups, and projects typically financed by governments, ensuring its resources benefit the wider community.

The Native Voices Endowment Grants, managed by the Endangered Language Fund, support the preservation of endangered languages associated with Native American tribes that interacted with the Lewis and Clark Expedition from 1803-1806. Grants are available for language documentation, revitalization, and educational projects, fostering cultural heritage through various initiatives. Eligible applicants include tribal members and language programs, ensuring the continuation of linguistic traditions and community involvement in revitalizing native languages.

The Arts Midwest GIG Fund offers grants ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 to support creative projects and educational events across the Midwest. This funding is available for nonprofit organizations with budgets of $1 million or less, focusing on the arts. Eligible applicants include arts organizations and tribal entities located in specific states. The fund prioritizes those who have not received a grant in the last two years, ensuring diverse cultural engagement and access.

The Indiana Space Grant Consortium offers funding for research and outreach projects aimed at enhancing STEM education and workforce development. With a focus on aligning proposals with NASA's objectives, projects can receive up to $20,000 for multi-disciplinary initiatives or $15,000 for others. Funds can support students, faculty, and K-12 activities, promoting engagement with NASA's mission and resources. This initiative fosters unique learning opportunities and strengthens connections to the field of space exploration.

Navigant Credit Union 

Navigant Credit Union is the longest-operating, member-owned credit union in Rhode Island. Since its founding in 1915, Navigant Credit Union has been dedicated to providing its members with unparalleled financial products and services, while working every day to stay committed to the financial well-being of the families, businesses and communities we serve. 

Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation Grant

For over a century, Navigant Credit Union has been committed to making a meaningful difference in the community. In 2017, we established the Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation to further amplify our impact in five strategic areas:

• Education & Financial Literacy: Organizational and capital support for programs, supplies, building products, sports facilities and teams.
• Social Services: Financial support for programs and organizations for children, veterans, hunger and housing.
• Public Health, Safety & Well-Being: Support for programs addressing public safety, emergency care and eradication of disease.

The Encova Foundation of West Virginia is dedicated to improving communities by supporting local causes that align with the values of its associates and policyholders. They focus on health, education, and wellness, emphasizing the importance of children's success. Organizations applying for grants must be U.S.-based and verified as charitable. Preference is given to initiatives impacting health and education, especially those involving Encova associates as active participants.

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs

The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs works with Indiana communities to build relevant and economically thriving places where people want to live, work and grow.

Mission: The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs works with local, state and national partners to provide resources and technical assistance to aid communities in shaping and achieving their vision for community and economic development.

CDBG Planning Grant - Comprehensive Plan

The Planning Grant Program leverages Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to encourage communities to plan for long-term, holistic improvement.

The Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) seeks applications from local units of government for programs funded through the State CDBG program. Eligible local units of government are counties, cities, or incorporated towns not located within an entitlement community. Unincorporated areas must apply through the county in which they are located. Eligible planning activities consist of all costs associated with data gathering, study, analysis, and preparation of plans and the identification of actions to implement such plans.

Comprehensive Plan is a community-driven planning process that assesses assets and sets coordinated strategies for land use, services, economy, housing, infrastructure, environment, broadband, and historic resources. 

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.

The Park Foundation Grants for Animal Welfare focus on advancing the protection and conservation of wildlife, particularly through policy and advocacy efforts for threatened species. The foundation supports innovative, solution-oriented models that foster systemic change and compassion. Key areas include organizing for endangered wildlife, indigenous management practices, and supporting sanctuaries for great apes. Additionally, the foundation is committed to local efforts, including support for the Tompkins County SPCA, ensuring a compassionate society for all living beings.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) Capacity Building opportunity aims to enhance the capabilities of university researchers in eligible states. Managed by the DoD, this initiative focuses on increasing the number of researchers capable of conducting relevant science and engineering research. The program also seeks to strengthen institutions of higher education and improve their competitiveness for federal research funding, ultimately fostering long-term growth in financial assistance for scientific research.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

PLTW Engineering - New Program In Partnership With Ardagh Group

Ardagh Group has partnered with PLTW to support education in its local communities where Ardagh employees live and work. This partnership recognizes the critical role education, and access to education, plays in ensuring equal opportunities and in building successful, vibrant communities. It is expected that over the next 10 years, Ardagh sponsored education programs will benefit more than 500,000 PreK-12 students as well as delivering best-in-class teacher training to more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 schools in Ardagh's U.S. communities.

Ardagh is a global supplier of sustainable packaging solutions with 16,000+ employees worldwide, and proud local employer.

Program Requirements

The purpose of this grant is to assist the grantee's implementation of the PLTW Engineering program. Grantee must offer the PLTW Engineering program for three academic years. Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2027-2028 academic year and must offer one additional course in the 2028-2029 academic year (two different courses in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Engineering courses of their choosing. Grantee must complete three years of grant reporting.

The Hayner Foundation, established in 1966 by John and Mary Inez Hayner, aims to support charitable, religious, and educational initiatives in Allen County, Indiana. With no specific program limitations, it primarily focuses on the arts, scholarships, and scientific research at higher education institutions. The foundation awards about 15 grants annually, reviewed during their annual meeting, and prioritizes requests from eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, especially those related to educational scholarships and scientific equipment.