Best Grants for Museums in Indiana

The Employer Training Grant (ETG) by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development aims to assist local employers in filling over a million job vacancies in the state over the next decade. Offering up to $5,000 per employee trained, this grant focuses on six priority sectors including advanced manufacturing and health sciences. Eligible training must last at least 40 hours and lead to recognized credentials, ensuring a skilled workforce that meets industry demands.

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 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.

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.

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.

Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Grant Program

The Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment (DVPT) Grant program was created by the Indiana General Assembly (IC 5-2-6.7) in 1992 to support Indiana’s domestic violence centers. Funds may be used in the following ways: (1) to establish and maintain domestic violence prevention and treatment centers, (2) to develop and establish training programs for professional, paraprofessional or volunteer personnel who are engaged in areas related to the problems of domestic violence, and (3) to develop and implement the means for prevention and treatment of domestic violence.

DVPT is a reimbursement-based grant. 

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

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Notre Dame Club of Canton, Ohio Scholarship Fund

The Notre Dame Club of Canton, Ohio Scholarship Fund assists students who attended a Stark County or Tuscarawas County high school, Dalton High School, Orrville High School or Central Christian High School in Kidron, Ohio and will attend the University of Notre Dame. 

This scholarship is renewable.

The EDA Chicago FY 2016–FY 2019 Planning Program and Local Technical Assistance Program aims to enhance regional economic development through comprehensive planning and technical assistance. By supporting the development and implementation of Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS), EDA empowers designated organizations, including Indian Tribes, to create jobs and foster economic resilience in distressed areas. This initiative focuses on strategic investments to facilitate effective economic development practices, ensuring sustainable growth and prosperity across regions.

Coover/Rural Schools Partnership Rural Ready Grant Program

The Louis L. and Julia Dorothy Coover Foundation, a partnership between Community Foundation of the Ozarks and The Commerce Trust Company is proud to offer the Rural Ready grant program. It is designed to give rural schools the flexibility to address the needs and opportunities that matter most in their communities. Rural Ready grants will support projects that prepare students with the knowledge, skills, experiences, and relationships they need to thrive in our ever-changing world while strengthening the communities they call home. 

Funding

• Total amount to award is $185,000.00. 
• Applicants may apply for up to $7,000 in funding for this grant cycle.

The Cathy E. Harris Good Samaritan Scholarship, established by the Parkview Health Foundation, honors Cathy Harris, a dedicated former Director of Parkview Samaritan. This scholarship supports Parkview co-workers pursuing Basic EMT, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic certification, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to enhancing healthcare education and community service. With a legacy of charitable giving since 1878, the foundation plays a crucial role in improving patient care and experiences in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio.

The Darryl R. Smith Medical Technical Scholarship, established by the Parkview Health Foundation, honors Dr. Smith, a former Medical Director. This scholarship offers two $1,000 awards to Parkview Med-Tech students: one for the highest GPA and another for the greatest financial need. This initiative supports students in learning vital medical technician skills, ensuring they contribute effectively to patient diagnoses and treatment plans, ultimately enhancing healthcare in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio.

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.

Recovery Housing Program

Program Description

The Recovery Housing Program (RHP), authorized by the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act), assists local government units and their eligible nonprofit partners (if applicable) in providing individuals recovering from substance use disorders with temporary transitional housing (up to two years) as they work toward sober, independent living. Competitive projects must

demonstrate the following:

• The project must directly advance the objectives of the SUPPORT Act.
• The project must fulfill the national objectives outlined in the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended and modified by FR-6225-N-01.
• The project supports the community’s long-term planning and development goals.
• The funds granted will significantly advance the project’s success.
• The community has demonstrated clear evidence of strong local support and a commitment to the project’s long-term sustainability.
• The project must be prepared to commence upon receipt of the grant.

About the Indiana State Department of Agriculture

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) was established as a state agency by the Legislature in 2005. ISDA reports to the Lt. Governor, who also serves as Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. Major responsibilities include advocacy for Indiana agriculture at the local, state and federal level, managing soil conservation programs, promoting economic development and agricultural innovation, serving as a regulatory ombudsman for agricultural businesses, and licensing grain firms throughout the state.

Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Grant Program

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (“ISDA”), Division of Economic Development is seeking applications for the Indiana Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Grant Program (RFSI) to carry out projects that enhance the resilience of middle-of-the-food-supply-chain.  Applicants/Grantees applying for infrastructure program funding are permitted to claim indirect costs under the RFSI Program, not to exceed the 10% de minimis cap. Applicants/Grantees applying for special equipment-only funding are not eligible to claim indirect costs. ISDA encourages applications from woman or veteran owned businesses, socially disadvantaged businesses and historically underserved farmers, ranchers, and underserved communities.

Grant funding may not be used on meat, poultry, wild caught seafood, food for animal consumption or dietary supplements. If these items are included in your project, your project must clearly define what percentage of your project will include these items and you must be able to demonstrate that no grant or matching funds are used for those portions of the project.

Projects must choose ONE of two project options: Option 1- Special Equipment Only; Option 2- Infrastructure Projects. You may not do both project options.

Option 2- Infrastructure Projects

For this project pathway, grant funding requests must be between $100,000 and $3 million. Matching funds of 50% of the total project cost are required unless the applicant qualifies as a Historically Underserved Farmer or Rancher by the USDA standards or a Socially Disadvantaged Business, Women Owned or Veteran Owned business by SBA standards (See Section A for definitions), then you qualify for a 25% match of the total project cost. Infrastructure projects may include, but are not limited to: construction, transportation, equipment, training, renovation, or expansion. Please contact ISDA if you have questions regarding eligibility of your infrastructure project.

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.

About the Indiana State Department of Agriculture

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) was established as a state agency by the Legislature in 2005. ISDA reports to the Lt. Governor, who also serves as Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. Major responsibilities include advocacy for Indiana agriculture at the local, state and federal level, managing soil conservation programs, promoting economic development and agricultural innovation, serving as a regulatory ombudsman for agricultural businesses, and licensing grain firms throughout the state.

Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Grant Program

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (“ISDA”), Division of Economic Development is seeking applications for the Indiana Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Grant Program (RFSI) to carry out projects that enhance the resilience of middle-of-the-food-supply-chain.  Applicants/Grantees applying for infrastructure program funding are permitted to claim indirect costs under the RFSI Program, not to exceed the 10% de minimis cap. Applicants/Grantees applying for special equipment-only funding are not eligible to claim indirect costs. ISDA encourages applications from woman or veteran owned businesses, socially disadvantaged businesses and historically underserved farmers, ranchers, and underserved communities.

Grant funding may not be used on meat, poultry, wild caught seafood, food for animal consumption or dietary supplements. If these items are included in your project, your project must clearly define what percentage of your project will include these items and you must be able to demonstrate that no grant or matching funds are used for those portions of the project.

Projects must choose ONE of two project options: Option 1- Special Equipment Only; Option 2- Infrastructure Projects. You may not do both project options.

Option 1- Special Equipment Only

For this project pathway, grant funding requests must be between $10,000 and $100,000. The only eligible expense in the budget for this project is the special equipment to be purchased. The equipment does not have to be American made and can be a used piece of equipment as long as the equipment is in good, working order. You may not include training for the piece of equipment in the budget. You may include installation of equipment if it is included in the quote and does not require construction of the space the equipment will be placed in. Matching funds are not required for Special Equipment Only projects. 

Samerian Foundation

Founded in 2003, the Samerian Foundation is dedicated to perpetuating the vision of Cindy and Paul Skjodt, the founders. They seek to enhance the quality of life by providing funds through a grant making process for education, economic development, health, youth sports, community organizations meeting the needs of the underserved, and humanitarian projects.

Though the Samerian Foundation primarily serves Central Indiana, it has taken part in some international endeavors and have reached outside the state on special projects.

The Samerian Foundation is the philanthropic vehicle of the Skjodt’s generosity. To date, they have granted 2,105 requests of nearly $93.4 million.

The Samerian Foundation is lovingly named after Cindy and Paul’s children, Samantha, Erik, and Ian, who serve on the board.

Samantha B. Skjodt Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the Simon- Skjodt family to inform and inspire individuals about the past and future contributions of women in STEM.

This scholarship is for women who wish to pursue a degree in technology at Indiana University.

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 Community Health Partnerships (CHeP) Trailblazer Award invites proposals for community-engaged research projects aiming to enhance health equity and address social determinants of health. With funding up to $25,000 over two years, the award supports collaborative efforts between university and community partners. Key focus areas include substance use, obesity prevention, and health disparities in rural areas. Projects should demonstrate sustainability and community engagement, ensuring all participants are committed to improving health outcomes in Indiana.

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.

Samerian Foundation

Founded in 2003, the Samerian Foundation is dedicated to perpetuating the vision of Cindy and Paul Skjodt, the founders. They seek to enhance the quality of life by providing funds through a grant making process for education, economic development, health, youth sports, community organizations meeting the needs of the underserved, and humanitarian projects.

Though the Samerian Foundation primarily serves Central Indiana, it has taken part in some international endeavors and have reached outside the state on special projects.

The Samerian Foundation is the philanthropic vehicle of the Skjodt’s generosity. To date, they have granted 2,105 requests of nearly $93.4 million.

The Samerian Foundation is lovingly named after Cindy and Paul’s children, Samantha, Erik, and Ian, who serve on the board.

Erik M. Skjodt Scholarship

This scholarship is for students who wish to pursue a degree in business at Indiana University. Applicants must be a current high school senior who will be attending the Kelley School of Business at any Indiana University campus. 

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.

Sexual Assault Victim Assistance Fund Grant

Funded by the Indiana General Assembly, the Sexual Assault Victim Assistance Fund (SAVAF) program aims to provide a comprehensive statewide response for victims of sexual assault.

The Sexual Assault Victim Assistance Fund (SAVAF) was created to:

• Establish and maintain Rape Crisis Centers (RCC);
• Enhance services provided by existing Rape Crisis Centers; and
• Develop, implement, and expand trauma-informed sexual assault services.

SAVAF is a reimbursement-based grant.

INDOT Mission

Together, we plan, deliver, and maintain a safe, efficient, and innovative transportation system that:

• Enhances the daily lives of Hoosiers.
• Strengthens Indiana’s economy
• Embraces evolving transportation needs.

Rural Transit Programs

Purpose

The Federal Section 5311 Program was created to provide public transportation in non-urbanized areas (population of 50,000 or less). The purpose of the program is to provide transportation to people living in rural areas. The Federal Section 5311 Program supports rural public transportation through operating, capital, and intercity transit funding.

Intercity Projects

Section 5311(f) also funds capital, operating, planning and marketing projects for intercity transportation projects. An intercity project is defined as public transit service with limited stops over fixed routes connecting two or more urban areas. Projects may also include the transportation of residents of non-urbanized areas to and from urbanized areas.

Intercity capital projects funded under Section 5311(f) are also funded at the eighty percent level.

Samerian Foundation

Founded in 2003, the Samerian Foundation is dedicated to perpetuating the vision of Cindy and Paul Skjodt, the founders. They seek to enhance the quality of life by providing funds through a grant making process for education, economic development, health, youth sports, community organizations meeting the needs of the underserved, and humanitarian projects.

Though the Samerian Foundation primarily serves Central Indiana, it has taken part in some international endeavors and have reached outside the state on special projects.

The Samerian Foundation is the philanthropic vehicle of the Skjodt’s generosity. To date, they have granted 2,105 requests of nearly $93.4 million.

The Samerian Foundation is lovingly named after Cindy and Paul’s children, Samantha, Erik, and Ian, who serve on the board.

Cindy Simon-Skjodt Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the Simon-Skjodt family to encourage students pursuing degrees with a focus on global studies, international law, or related disciplines at Indiana University.

Samerian Foundation

Founded in 2003, the Samerian Foundation is dedicated to perpetuating the vision of Cindy and Paul Skjodt, the founders. They seek to enhance the quality of life by providing funds through a grant making process for education, economic development, health, youth sports, community organizations meeting the needs of the underserved, and humanitarian projects.

Though the Samerian Foundation primarily serves Central Indiana, it has taken part in some international endeavors and have reached outside the state on special projects.

The Samerian Foundation is the philanthropic vehicle of the Skjodt’s generosity. To date, they have granted 2,105 requests of nearly $93.4 million.

The Samerian Foundation is lovingly named after Cindy and Paul’s children, Samantha, Erik, and Ian, who serve on the board.

Paul Skjodt Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the Simon-Skjodt family to encourage students pursuing degrees with a focus on addiction treatment, science and research.

INDOT Mission

Together, we plan, deliver, and maintain a safe, efficient, and innovative transportation system that:

• Enhances the daily lives of Hoosiers.
• Strengthens Indiana’s economy
• Embraces evolving transportation needs.

Rural Transit Programs

Purpose

The Federal Section 5311 Program was created to provide public transportation in non-urbanized areas (population of 50,000 or less). The purpose of the program is to provide transportation to people living in rural areas. The Federal Section 5311 Program supports rural public transportation through operating, capital, and intercity transit funding.

Capital Project Grants

Capital projects generally include expenses for purchasing vehicles, communication equipment, fare boxes, passenger shelters, and construction of and rehabilitation of transit facilities. Section 5311 capital assistance may fund up to 80 percent of the total capital costs.

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.