Best Grants for Museums in Indiana

The Jay Lampton Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation Alliance, supports graduating seniors from various Indiana high schools pursuing post-secondary education in auto mechanics. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum 2.0 GPA. Selection criteria include academic performance, a letter of recommendation, and a required essay. This scholarship honors Jay Lampton's legacy through education, empowering students to advance their careers in technology.

The GPCAH Community Pilot Grant supports innovative research and outreach aimed at enhancing the health and safety of agricultural workers in the Midwest. Funded by NIOSH, this program encourages projects focusing on critical issues like mental health, injury prevention, and chemical safety. With grants up to $30,000, it invites collaboration from various organizations, particularly those within the nine-state region. Special emphasis is placed on proposals addressing the needs of underrepresented groups in agriculture.

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.

The First Financial Foundation, established in 2017, aims to enhance local communities through targeted grants. With a focus on neighborhood development, workforce education, and cultural initiatives, the foundation supports organizations creating affordable housing, enhancing financial literacy, and promoting the arts. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving specific counties and must align with the foundation's mission. The foundation seeks to foster community growth and diversity while ensuring impactful contributions.

The Elevance Health Foundation's Behavioral Health Grant aims to address significant challenges in mental health and substance use disorders. With a commitment of up to $90 million over three years, the Foundation seeks partnerships with nonprofits to enhance treatment access, promote prevention strategies, and alleviate loneliness among affected individuals. This initiative emphasizes innovative solutions and measurable outcomes, targeting both national and local programs, particularly in states with pressing health disparities.

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program aims to enhance educational attainment in Indiana by supporting talented students. This initiative provides full-tuition, fees, and book stipends for four years at accredited Indiana colleges. Eligibility requires a high school diploma from an accredited Indiana school, a minimum GPA of 3.5, and standardized test scores. With 147 scholarships awarded annually, this program fosters community engagement and encourages recipients to pursue careers in Indiana, thus improving local quality of life.

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 Carol & Hugh Warnecke Teacher Scholarship, provided by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, supports Indiana residents pursuing a degree in secondary education. This scholarship aims to assist individuals with academic promise and financial need, particularly those making a career change into teaching. Eligible expenses include tuition, fees, and, in some cases, room and board. Applications are encouraged from those attending any accredited Indiana college or university.

The Associated General Contractors of Indiana (AGCI) Scholarship, established by AGC/I, aims to support construction students in Indiana by covering educational expenses. Eligible applicants must be Indiana residents, enrolled in construction-related programs, and have completed at least 60 credit hours. The scholarship encourages students to pursue careers in the construction industry within Indiana, emphasizing leadership and professional experience. Awards can be used for tuition, fees, and other educational costs.

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 Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

The Huntington Impact Investment Philanthropy Grant Program aims to strengthen communities by supporting nonprofit organizations that enhance self-sufficiency and social equality. With a focus on areas such as community revitalization, affordable housing, and economic development, the program prioritizes initiatives that serve low- and moderate-income individuals. Organizations with IRS tax-exempt status can apply for funding to address critical community needs, fostering a more equitable environment for all.

The National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF) aims to protect coastal communities through nature-based solutions, enhancing habitats while addressing the growing threats of climate change. Established in 2018, the fund focuses on restoring vital ecosystems like marshes and reefs to mitigate flooding impacts. With rising sea levels and increasing storm intensity, NCRF invests in community-led projects that foster resilience, ensuring both people and wildlife can adapt to changing environmental conditions.

The Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

The Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program, led by The Minneapolis Foundation, supports community-based nonprofits in the Great Lakes region. With a focus on underserved communities, grants will total $40 million over three years, aiming to enhance environmental health, education, and resilience. The program prioritizes applications from federally recognized tribes and organizations with limited budgets, fostering inclusive community engagement and sustainable development. Eligible projects include environmental assessments, public health initiatives, and job training.

The R C Archdiocese of Indianapolis provides grant opportunities to support home mission needs, ministry growth, and capital improvements across its parishes and schools. Funded through dedicated endowment funds, the grants typically range from $20,000 to $40,000, with applications accepted biannually. The office emphasizes transparency and ethical financial management, ensuring that resources are stewarded effectively to enhance the spiritual and educational missions of the Church throughout central and southern Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) is a state agency dedicated to serving. Its mission is to Support, Serve, and Advocate for the Indiana Veterans Community. IDVA aims to make Indiana the choice for veterans to Live, Work, and Thrive. 

Veteran Service Organizations Grant

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) is seeking applications from eligible Veteran Service Organizations (VSO).

The grant amounts will vary depending on each applicant’s need for funds, past performance assisting veterans in securing available benefits, and the volume of eligible VSO applicants.

All applications, procedures, and documentation should follow Indiana Code, Indiana Administrative Code, and Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs’ policies.

About the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) is a state agency dedicated to serving. Its mission is to Support, Serve, and Advocate for the Indiana Veterans Community. IDVA aims to make Indiana the choice for veterans to Live, Work, and Thrive. 

Grants for Veterans’ Services (GVS)

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking applications for the Grants for Veterans’ Services program. This solicitation is open to non-profit organizations registered with the Indiana Secretary of State.

The grant amounts will be between $10,000 and $75,000, depending on each applicant’s need for funds, the availability of funding, and the volume of eligible applicants.

All applications, procedures, and documentation should follow the Indiana Code, Indiana Administrative Code, and Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs’ policies.

Grants for Veterans’ Services may be utilized to provide the following services to caregivers and family members:

• Programs focused on eliminating homelessness, preventing near-term homelessness, and providing safe and secure living conditions.
• Assisting veterans in moving from public housing assistance programs to:
• home ownership, or
• stable, long-term rental status.
• Assisting veterans or an eligible person in finding and using available federal and state resources.
• Providing therapeutic services.
• Providing job training and job search assistance.
• Preventing veteran suicide or the suicide of an eligible person.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Family Literacy Grants to nonprofit organizations that support family literacy initiatives. Eligible applicants must provide services such as adult education, children's education, and parent-child engagement activities. Organizations must be located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and have a valid IRS tax ID. This funding aims to enhance literacy skills for families, empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals.

Enterprise Community Partners

Enterprise Community Partners (Enterprise) is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of families without one. We support community development organizations on the ground, aggregate and invest capital for impact, advance housing policy at every level of government, and build and manage communities ourselves. Since 1982, we have invested $80.9 billion and created 1 million homes across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands – all to make home and community places of pride, power and belonging.

Midwest Asset Management University Program

Operating, maintaining, and preserving affordable housing is complex and requires a specialized set of skills and a deep organizational commitment to asset management. Today, affordable housing providers face a variety of economic, operational, and compliance challenges, including rising operating costs, rental arrears, staffing shortages, and an aging portfolio.

Enterprise is launching its first Asset Management University (AMU) Program in the Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, and/or Minnesota) in March 2026 to support mission-aligned, affordable housing providers in meeting these challenges in their efforts to provide housing stability to residents and preserve the long-term affordability of properties.

The Midwest AMU is a comprehensive, five-month training program that seeks to strengthen the asset and property management capabilities of participating housing providers, improving organizations’ capacity to oversee the financial, physical, and operational health of their housing portfolios.

Midwest Asset Management University Cohort 

Enterprise is excited to offer this application for participation in the Asset Management University (AMU) Cohort (the “Cohort”). Up to fifteen (15) eligible organizations will be selected for this Cohort and will receive access to online training offered by the Consortium of Housing and Asset Management (CHAM), peer learning opportunities, and post-training technical assistance.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Mini-Grant aims to empower Indiana organizations to lead impactful service projects honoring Dr. King's legacy. Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 are available to support initiatives that address community needs and promote equity through volunteerism. Eligible projects should build local connections and enhance the capacity of service programs. This initiative encourages community engagement and fosters a deeper understanding of national service.

The General Days of Service Mini-Grant, offered by Serve Indiana, supports organizations in launching Day of Service projects aimed at addressing community needs. With grant amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000, applicants must demonstrate collaboration and community engagement. Funds can cover project-related expenses, but cannot be used for staffing or food. Applications are accepted year-round, provided they are submitted at least 60 days prior to the service date.

The Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation provides Operations Grants to support arts and humanities organizations in Central Indiana. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $75,000, aim to help smaller organizations fulfill their core missions. First-time applicants must submit a Letter of Intent, while previous recipients are exempt. Successful proposals demonstrate effective mission execution, leadership, and measurable outcomes to complement other funding sources.

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 Teacher Creativity Fellowship Program by Lilly Endowment supports K-12 educators in Indiana by providing grants up to $15,000 for renewal projects. These projects aim to restore educators' enthusiasm and stimulate creativity, enhancing student educational experiences. The program encourages meaningful exploration and reflection rather than typical vacations. Approximately 125 grants will be awarded in 2025, with a focus on activities that are intellectually enriching and personally renewing.

The Giving Branch Foundation, fully funded by Flat Branch Mortgage, Inc. employees, aims to support local communities through donations. By distributing funds to individuals facing hardships such as unexpected medical bills or disaster recovery, the foundation strives to uplift those in need. Grants are available for various eligible hardships, ensuring financial assistance reaches those who require immediate support. The mission is to give back to communities that have long supported the foundation's efforts.

The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations in Arizona and Indiana through grants aimed at environmental initiatives. With a commitment of $19.5 million over five years, the Trust emphasizes the protection and restoration of critical waterways, particularly the Verde and White rivers. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities, and the Trust prioritizes projects that promote environmental awareness and stewardship, improving community engagement with nature.