Best Grants for Community Service Projects in Indiana

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with program budgets under $10 million serving communities within 60 miles of downtown Cincinnati, including parts of Indiana, can receive funding for programs and projects. Elsa M Heisel Sule Charitable Trust supports community development, education, arts, health, and related initiatives, with awards of more than US $20,000 for eligible agencies.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and public or charter schools can seek project-specific funding for sustainability, workforce development, and community resiliency initiatives, with awards of US $1,000 - US $50,000. Norfolk Southern Foundation supports community development and basic needs programs located within 30 minutes of its rail network across its 22-state service area.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits running education, environmental, or community health and vitality projects in areas where Cleveland-Cliffs operates can seek funding to strengthen local communities. Grants from Cleveland Cliffs Foundation help community development and service initiatives that expand educational opportunities, restore land and water, create green spaces, and promote healthy, vibrant neighborhoods.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible governmental units in Indiana can apply for Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation’s charitable grants to support community betterment, basic human needs, health, and arts programs. Organizations running community service or development projects in Indiana that fit these priorities may be competitive applicants.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits running community development, financial education, or arts and culture programs can seek project funding to benefit counties within First Financial Bank’s assessment areas. Focused on neighborhood revitalization, financial literacy, workforce development, and accessible cultural programming, First Financial Foundation invites applicants that strengthen local communities and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Indiana nonprofit organizations working on community development, education, arts, child welfare, or essential services can seek program or event funding through the Lg&E and Ku Foundation’s two annual grant cycles. This corporate funder supports community service projects that help students succeed, protect vulnerable children, and build stronger, more vibrant communities.

Investing in Our Communities

Regions Bank and Regions Foundation are committed to helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve financial success.

We work alongside nonprofit organizations, local businesses, government and service agencies to address social and economic issues, assist in building inclusive economic prosperity and help more members of our communities benefit from the rewards of a growing economy.

We make strategic and disciplined community investments in programs that seek to achieve three target outcomes:

Economic and Community Development

• Affordable housing
• Job creation
• Small business development
• Homebuyer education and retention
• Neighborhood revitalization and stabilization

Education and Workforce Readiness

• Student competency and skill building
• College and career readiness
• Educational access and success
• Credential building and employment
• Educator training and resources

Financial Wellness

• Financial education to youth, adults, and vulnerable populations
• Financial planning tools and resources, including Regions Next Step®
• Integrated asset-building

Indiana Kiwanis clubs planning youth, elderly, health, or community development projects in Indiana can apply for grants of US $250 - US $4,000 requiring matching funds. The Indiana District of Kiwanis funds projects that expand club capacity and community service; government agencies may be eligible for special project support, not routine services.

Eligible Indiana Main Street communities can receive funding to rehabilitate, preserve, or restore National Register-listed downtown historic properties, including some operational expenses, in Indiana. The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, with Indiana Landmarks and Indiana Humanities, offers up to US $2,000,000 through its PreservINg Main Street program to support comprehensive community development and revitalization.

Local governments in rural Indiana seeking to improve downtowns and public infrastructure can use these construction grants for Main Street revitalization projects such as ADA upgrades, pedestrian safety, sidewalks, and energy-efficient lighting. Grants from Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs support community development and revitalization, with awards up to US $600,000 and a 20% local match requirement.

Indiana community action agencies and other eligible local agencies can access funding to reduce poverty and promote self-sufficiency through the Community Services Block Grant program in Indiana. Grants from Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority help support housing services, community revitalization, and anti-poverty initiatives for low-income families and individuals statewide.

Indiana tax-exempt organizations working on community development, revitalization, early childhood education, workforce readiness, outdoor recreation, or disaster preparedness can seek rapid funding for urgent project or capacity needs. Ball Brothers Foundation supports short-term needs like seed money, equipment, travel, or professional development, with priority for East Central Indiana and awards up to US $5,000.

Indiana 501(c)(3) organizations planning community development, human services, education, environment, or health and public safety projects can seek US $5,000 - US $100,000 to support their work, with emphasis on Muncie and East Central Indiana. Ball Brothers Foundation supports initiatives that align with organizational strategic plans and include clear outcome measurement and leveraging of other funds, benefiting community service efforts statewide.

Nonprofit charitable organizations running community development, education, or workforce programs in Indiana can apply for KeyBank Foundation support, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $25,000. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help strengthen affordable housing, small business growth, financial literacy, and job readiness, with an emphasis on measurable, sustainable impact and diversity and inclusion.

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 - Feasibility Study 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.

Feasibility studies evaluate existing conditions, identify needs and a future vision for public facilities (e.g., fire stations, libraries, community centers), and assess viability, costs, benefits, and risks to guide implementation. 

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 - Economic Recovery 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.

Economic Recovery Plan identifies strategies to recover and bolster the local economy in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community development, education, health, or human services projects can apply for funding from the Ackerman Foundation. With a mission to improve the vitality of central Indiana, the foundation provides operating and capital support that may benefit community service initiatives serving underprivileged residents.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) status serving Indiana communities can seek program support for community services, revitalization, affordable housing, and economic development efforts; invitations are required to apply. Focused on strengthening low- and moderate-income communities, Huntington National Bank invites partners within its footprint to discuss innovative, equity-focused initiatives with local Community Development Relationship Managers.

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 - Downtown Revitalization 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.

Downtown Revitalization Plan assesses current conditions, establish a vision, and prioritize actionable projects and strategies to revitalize the downtown economy, public spaces, buildings, infrastructure, and community engagement 

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 - Utility Studies

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.

• Single Utility Study ($30,000)
  • A single utility study evaluates the condition, needs, alternatives, costs, and implementation steps for one utility system to determine the most viable, fundable solutions and guide immediate planning and investment decisions.
• Two Utility Study ($60,000) 
  • A Two Utility Study examines two water systems (typically drinking water plus wastewater or stormwater) together to identify conditions, needs, and service gaps and sustainability measures; and deliver prioritized, fundable action steps to operationalize and finance the recommended improvements.
• Master or Three Utility Study ($90,000)
  • A Master Utility Study provides an integrated assessment of all community-controlled water systems (drinking water, wastewater, stormwater), identifies needs and service gaps, evaluates coordinated alternatives with lifecycle and environmental analyses, and delivers prioritized designs, cost estimates, operating budgets, permitting and financing options, and a implementation plan.

Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs

The State of Indiana is eligible to receive grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help address housing and community development needs. These grant funds include the: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA) and the National Housing Trust Fund (HTF). The dollars are primarily meant for investment in the State's less populated and rural areas (“non-entitlement” areas), which do not receive such funds directly from HUD.

The Indiana Office of Rural and Community Affairs (OCRA) receives and administers CDBG. The Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA) receives and administers HOME, ESG, HOPWA, and HTF. As a condition for receiving HUD block grant funding, the State must complete a five-year strategic plan called a Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development (Consolidated Plan).

CDBG Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program

Indiana’s state-administered Community Development Block Grant program fosters growth and resilience in rural cities and towns by investing in local initiatives that encourage communities to build, strengthen and thrive. The Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) seek applications from local units of government for programs funded through the State Community Development Block Grant (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. OCRA established a maximum grant award for Owner Occupied Rehabilitation as outlined below to fund and create local owner-occupied rehabilitation programs.

• City or Town: $350,000
• County: $500,000
• Individual Grants to Homeowners: Must not exceed $25,000 per home 

The goal of the State CDBG program is to encourage communities with eligible populations to focus on longterm community development. Competitive projects must demonstrate the following: They meet a National Objective of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended; The project addresses the long-term planning and development efforts of the community; The funds granted will have a significant impact on the overall project; The community has demonstrated a strong commitment to the project and its sustainability 

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. 

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 - Broadband Readiness

The Planning Grant Program leverages Community Development Block Grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to encourage communities to plan for long-term, holistic improvement. To be competitive, projects must demonstrate:

• They meet a goal of the Federal Act (Section 105 (a) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974)
• The particular planning project addresses established long-term community priorities;
• The funds granted will have a significant impact on the overall project;
• The community has demonstrated a strong commitment to the project and its sustainability; and
• The project is ready to proceed upon grant award and will be completed within 12 months.

The grant assesses broadband infrastructure needs and develops a roadmap to expand high-speed internet access at the municipal or regional level. Broadband Readiness Plans may be created for the community level or regional level.

• Plans for a single community may request up to $50,000.
• Plans for regional applicants may request up to $70,000.

Industrial Grant Development Fund (IGDF)

The Industrial Grant Fund (IDGF) provides assistance to municipalities and other eligible entities as defined under I.C. 5-28-25 with off-site infrastructure improvements needed to serve the proposed project site. Upon review and approval of the Local Recipient’s application, project specific Milestones are established for completing the improvements. IDGF will reimburse a portion of the actual total cost of the infrastructure improvements. The assistance will be paid as each Milestone is achieved, with final payment upon completion of the last Milestone of the infrastructure project. 

Nonprofit organizations in Indiana working on education or health programs can apply for grants from L B Research and Education Foundation; awards US $10,000 - US $75,000 for program expansion or continuation. Eligible 501(c)(3)s typically have 3+ staff, $500,000–$10 million budgets, and focus on underserved populations, access, and equity.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with three years of history and $100,000+ budgets in Indiana communities served by RBC Wealth Management can seek funding for workforce skills, youth development, and community accessibility projects. RBC Foundation USA supports programs building job readiness, inclusive prosperity, and environmental sustainability in eligible locations nationwide, including Indiana.

The Western Indiana Community Foundation's Impact Grants support local organizations in Fountain and Vermillion Counties. With a focus on community needs, the foundation funds a variety of projects, including startup costs, one-time initiatives, and capital needs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and those in good standing. The grant process aims to address county-wide issues while encouraging partnerships that enhance community services and improve quality of life for residents.