Best Grants for Community Centers in Indiana

The Bonnie Cardone Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Women Divers Hall of Fame, awards $1,500 to a woman diver enrolled in a U.S. or Canada degree program in journalism, graphic arts, photography, or videography. This scholarship aims to support those committed to using their education to benefit the ocean environment and community, promoting greater awareness and conservation efforts. Eligible applicants must demonstrate their dedication to these fields and their potential impact on marine ecosystems.

The Services * Training * Officers * Prosecutors* (STOP) Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program (STOP Formula Grant Program) supports local communities, including Indian tribal governments and Alaska Native villages, in their efforts to develop and strengthen effective responses to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault (including adult survivors of child sexual abuse), and stalking. This also includes victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking who are also victims of trafficking and female genital mutilation or cutting, or forced marriage.

This program is authorized by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and is administered through the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) and authorized by 34 U.S.C § 10441 et seq.

The Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP), administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provides crucial funding to tribal governments and intertribal consortia for developing environmental protection programs. Since 1992, GAP has focused on remediation of pollutants and, more recently, supports climate adaptation initiatives. The program emphasizes tribal sovereignty while aiding in capacity building, policymaking, and establishing joint EPA-Tribal Environmental Plans to effectively address environmental challenges faced by tribal communities.

Community Foundation Serving Howard, Carroll & Clinton Counties: Lilly Endowment Scholarship

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 program will provide scholarships for otherwise unreimbursed 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 nonprofit college or university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Requirements

To pursue four years of undergraduate study on a full-time basis leading to a baccalaureate degree at an Indiana college. Keep the Community Foundation apprised of their academic status during college and post-graduation status (education and/or employment) for at least 10 years after graduation.

The NCR-SARE Research and Education Grant Program supports innovative agricultural projects that are environmentally sound and socially responsible. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 are available for projects lasting up to 36 months, promoting collaboration among researchers, educators, and producers. This program emphasizes outreach, farmer involvement, and research on topics such as sustainable pest management, local food systems, and crop diversification, addressing the economic and environmental aspects of agriculture.

The Historic Preservation Fund Grant Program in Indiana supports projects aimed at preserving architectural and historical sites. Administered by the DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology, it offers matching grants ranging from $5,000 to $75,000 for eligible applicants. Projects must focus on sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This program not only funds rehabilitation but also promotes public education initiatives related to preservation efforts, significantly contributing to cultural resource management.

The Gun Violence Prevention & Justice Reform Grant by The Joyce Foundation aims to create safer communities in the Great Lakes region. It focuses on reducing gun violence, addressing racial disparities in the justice system, and promoting violence intervention strategies. The foundation invites innovative proposals that support these goals, emphasizing research, policy advocacy, and community engagement to effectively address the challenges of gun violence and promote racial equity.

Whitley County Korean War Veterans Memorial Scholarship

The Whitley County Korean War Veterans Memorial Scholarship was established in honor of Whitley County individuals who served their country in the Korean War. The scholarship is also a means for memorializing their contributions to the freedoms taken for granted each day. 

The Whitley County Korean War Veterans Memorial Scholarship is presented to a student who has demonstrated understanding of the contributions made by these men and women in service to our country. The recipient has to be a Whitley County senior with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, in the top 75% of their class.

Daviess 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 Daviess 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

David K. Lynch Memorial Scholarship

Annual scholarship established by Cathleen M. (Lynch) Kendall in memory of her husband, David K. Lynch.

Award Amount

• $730

Casey’s Donation Requests support vital community needs in Education, Hunger, and Community Servants. Eligible 501(c)3 organizations within Casey’s communities can apply through the online Donation Request Form. Requests are reviewed continuously, with feedback provided via email within one month. Priority is given to organizations that haven't received donations in the current giving calendar year, which runs from May 1 to April 30.

The Anchor QEA Scholarship supports graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering, environmental sciences, or related fields, with awards between $1,000 and $10,000. This program emphasizes helping those in financial need, particularly focusing on BIPOC students to address inequities in STEM. Eligible candidates must demonstrate a commitment to community service and possess an inclusive mindset. This initiative reflects Anchor QEA's dedication to fostering a diverse and equitable educational environment.

The Needmor Fund for Social Justice aims to promote social justice by supporting community organizing efforts in the Midwest. With a focus on low- and moderate-income communities, BIPOC groups, and other marginalized populations, the fund provides grants for up to three years to organizations committed to long-term empowerment and advocacy. The initiative seeks to foster inclusive participation in democracy, ensuring that all voices are heard in shaping policies affecting their lives.

CDBG Construction Grants 

Funding for all Community Development Block Grant programs is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the Office of Community and Rural Affairs. The State of Indiana distributes CDBG funds to rural communities to support a range of projects, including infrastructure enhancement, downtown revitalization, improvements to public facilities, and economic development initiatives.

The state CDBG program offers competitive grants to units of local government to support rural areas.

Blight Clearance Program (BCP)

The Blight Clearance Program (BCP) offers grants assistance for the acquisition, demolition, clearance or remediation of blighted structures.

• The maximum grant award is $500,000, this amount is not guaranteed, each application will be assessed based on the project scope to determine whether a reduced funding level is deemed appropriate.
• Grant funding through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is calculated at $5,000 per project beneficiary.
• To be eligible for consideration, applicants must provide a local match of 10% of the total project cost.

Properties acquired with CDBG funds must maintain their designated use for a period of five years following the grant closeout date. OCRA will monitor all BCP-funded projects throughout this compliance period. If a community plans to change the use of a funded property within the five-year window, it must adhere to the change in use process outlined in 24 CFR 570.489. A written request must be submitted to OCRA prior to any changes. The proposed new use must remain an eligible activity under CDBG regulations. If the property is repurposed for ineligible use, the community may be required to repay all or part of the grant funds.

The PLTW Computer Science- New Program grant offers Indiana schools $20,000 to implement new Project Lead The Way (PLTW) computer science programs for the 2026-2027 academic year. Schools must provide at least one course in the first year and an additional course in the following year. Eligible applicants include public, private, and charter schools. The grant supports essential program costs but excludes funding for salaries, infrastructure, and training cancellation fees, ensuring focused investment in STEM education.

The PLTW Computer Science Program Expansion Grant in Indiana offers $10,000 to support the implementation and expansion of PLTW Computer Science programs for the 2026-2027 academic year. Eligible Indiana schools can utilize the funds for new courses, additional class periods, and teacher training. This initiative aims to enhance STEM education and address the growing demand for computer science skills, ensuring students are well-prepared for future opportunities in technology.

The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation provides grants to tax-exempt non-profit organizations in the United States, primarily focusing on healthcare, family values, and supporting the disadvantaged. With a strong commitment to Alzheimer's research, the foundation has funded various initiatives including elderly care, domestic violence prevention, and cancer research. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities through meaningful contributions, aiming to address critical social issues and promote well-being.

The Von Voigtlander Family Foundation Grant, though currently closed, aims to support 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, primarily in Michigan. The foundation emphasizes animal welfare, parks preservation, veteran support, and youth empowerment. Their mission is to enhance lives through community-focused initiatives that foster resilience, education, and well-being. They prioritize charities that promote responsible pet ownership, outdoor recreation, and provide resources for veterans and youth, ensuring a positive impact across multiple sectors.

The Dollar General School Library Relief Grant Program, managed by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, provides crucial support to K-12 public school libraries that face significant damage due to disasters such as fires or federally recognized acts of terrorism. This grant aims to restore essential library resources, ensuring that affected communities can continue to access vital educational materials and support. Libraries must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and meet specific eligibility criteria.

The Honda USA Foundation provides funding to support mobility initiatives that empower individuals, particularly those facing disabilities, by removing barriers and expanding opportunities. Focused on sustainable change in underserved communities, the Foundation encourages applications for programs in education, infrastructure, and technology that align with its commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Eligible organizations must be based in the U.S. with appropriate tax-exempt status and can apply for multiple funding opportunities while adhering to specific eligibility criteria.

About Us

The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) is an agency of state government, and its funding comes from the Indiana General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

A core component to the Indiana Arts Commission’s commitment to investing in the state’s vibrant and rich arts and culture sector are grants, which support people and communities through arts organizations and arts projects.

America250 Grant Program

About the Program

In anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Indiana Arts Commission accepted applications for arts projects, in any discipline, that celebrate American history and connect participants to that history.

The America250 Grant Program is a one-time program made possible through funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Indiana General Assembly.

Applicants could request up to $5,000. No matching funds are required.

Applicants recommended for funding will receive the full amount requested and are eligible to be paid in full at the beginning of the grant period provided they are in good standing and supply required information in a timely manner.

The Alleghany Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) organization in Virginia, focuses on enhancing the quality of life in the Alleghany Highlands through strategic funding initiatives. It seeks grant applications that address key areas such as economic transformation, educational excellence, health and wellness, community capacity, and civic leadership. By prioritizing innovative projects and supporting local organizations, the Foundation aims to foster sustainable growth and community engagement, ensuring a vibrant future for the region.

The PLTW Engineering-New Program grant provides $40,000 in funding to Indiana schools for implementing or expanding Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Engineering programs. Schools must offer at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year and an additional course in 2027-2028. Eligible applicants include public, private, and charter schools, while funding can be used for participation fees, required equipment, and training expenses.

About Us

Indiana Humanities sparks curiosity, connects people, and explores the human experience through programs, grants, and storytelling.

Indiana Humanities is a statewide nonprofit that infuses the humanities into our daily lives. We do this by providing grants, convening discussions, uplifting humanities scholars, spotlighting humanities organizations and activities, and creating our own programs that help Hoosiers think, read and talk.

Mission

Indiana Humanities sparks curiosity, connects people, and explores the human experience through programs, grants, and storytelling.

Vision

An Indiana where community grows from conversation, knowledge expands understanding, and stories celebrate our shared humanity.

Mini-Grants

Indiana Humanities Mini-Grants provide tax-exempt organizations with funds to present humanities programs for their communities.

Goals and Timeline

Indiana Humanities Mini-Grants support programs in the areas of history, literature, archaeology, ethics, philosophy, world cultures, and other subjects. The programs can come in a variety of formats—workshops, presentations, reading/discussion programs, exhibitions, podcasts, film documentaries, and more—as long as they’re open to the public and utilize the humanities as a tool for engagement.

The Indiana University Alumni and Friends of Marshall County Scholarship, administered by the Marshall County Community Foundation, offers annual need-based scholarships for residents of Marshall County who are graduates of local high schools attending Indiana University. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7 and participate in extracurricular activities. This scholarship is a great opportunity for students in the community to receive financial support while pursuing their higher education goals.

CSX Charitable Investments provide essential in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations focused on supporting military members and community first responders. Through intermodal transportation services, CSX offers equipment and rail services to help reduce transportation costs for eligible organizations. The program also includes occasional donations of railroad materials and equipment based on availability. CSX prioritizes support for organizations operating within its service areas, promoting community betterment and development.

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.

Eagle Award

The Kiwanis Indiana Foundation has established a recognition award for presenting to anyone who has gone “above and beyond” in serving their Kiwanis club. It can also be awarded for service to their community or others. It could be awarded to an outgoing President, Lt. Governor, or other club officer. This includes someone who has brought in several new members, a member who has taken on and completed a new service project. Or it can be to anyone else you or your club feel have accomplished great things.

The Honoree will receive a beautifully designed Eagle lapel pin and a certificate with the $250 donation to the Kiwanis Indiana Foundation.