Best Grants for Museums 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 Indiana Youth Institute is offering School-Based Training Grants to support professional development for school staff in Indiana. Grants provide funding for expert-led training sessions tailored to district needs, enhancing staff skills and student services. With a funding amount of $500 per training, this initiative aims to make quality training accessible to educators facing scheduling conflicts. Eligible applicants must be school district staff, with a preference for trainings covering over 100 staff members.

The Indiana Youth Institute offers Professional Development Grants to support youth-serving professionals in Indiana. These grants provide funding for conferences, workshops, and training to enhance skills and improve student success. Eligible applicants include staff and volunteers from tax-exempt organizations that serve Indiana youth. The program aims to strengthen professional practices, ensuring that applicants can effectively support the needs of children and youth in their communities.

The Indiana Elks Vocational Grant provides essential financial support to Indiana high school seniors seeking vocational education. Offering ten scholarships of $1000 each, this program encourages students to pursue two-year vocational or technical programs, fostering career readiness without requiring affiliation with the Elks. Since its inception, the grant has recognized the diverse educational goals of students, promoting opportunities for those not interested in traditional four-year degrees. This initiative exemplifies the Elks' commitment to enhancing community welfare through education.

The ALDI Community Gift Card Program provides financial support ranging from $100 to $1,000 to eligible nonprofits and schools that focus on after-school and out-of-school youth programs, as well as food banks. This initiative aims to empower organizations dedicated to child development and combating food insecurity. By applying, you can gain access to essential resources to further your mission and make a positive impact in your community.

The DCCF Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship offers a remarkable opportunity for one Decatur County student, covering full tuition and fees for a four-year degree at any accredited Indiana college or university. Additionally, the recipient receives a $900 annual stipend for books and equipment. This scholarship is administered by Independent Colleges of Indiana, ensuring a fair nomination process through the Decatur County Community Foundation, which aims to foster educational success and community development.

The Decatur County Community Foundation Scholarship offers financial assistance to students attending any public or private college in Indiana. Funded by the Decatur County Community Foundation, this scholarship awards four scholarships of up to $5,000 each to finalists who do not receive the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. This initiative aims to ease the financial burden of education and inspire community generosity.

The Sue Johnson Nursing Scholarship, established by Sue Johnson, former Director of Nursing Clinical Excellence & Research at Parkview Health, supports eligible Parkview co-workers pursuing a Bachelor's degree in nursing. The scholarship reflects Parkview Health Foundation's commitment to enhancing healthcare in the region by fostering educational opportunities for its staff. Since 1878, the foundation has played a crucial role in delivering quality healthcare and improving patient experiences in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio.

The Parkview School of Nursing Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, established by alumni of the Parkview School of Nursing, aims to support and encourage nursing students. Funded by the Parkview Health Foundation, which has been instrumental in enhancing healthcare in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio since 1878, this scholarship plays a vital role in fostering the next generation of nursing professionals. Eligible applicants must be current Parkview Health employees enrolled in accredited BSN or MSN programs.

The Gloor-Hirschy Scholarship, established by the Parkview Health Foundation in 1988, honors Betty Hirschy, a dedicated nurse and Parkview School of Nursing alumna. This scholarship provides a one-time award of $1,500 to two current Parkview Health employees enrolled in accredited nursing programs. Eligible applicants must submit two recommendation letters, including one from a co-worker or leader, demonstrating their commitment to compassionate healthcare.

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.

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.

Greene County Foundation

Founded as a public charity in 1997, the Greene County Foundation is a vital and sustainable organization that serves the Greene County community. A volunteer Board of Directors, whose makeup reflects the diversity of the communities it serves, governs the Foundation. The Foundation annually awards over a quarter million dollars in grants through fund payouts, competitive grants, and student scholarships and has made an impact in every school, town, city, and informal community in Greene County.

Hollee Lent Nursing Scholarship

The Hollee Lent Nursing Scholarship is intended for graduating high school seniors from any Greene County high school who intend to enroll in a nursing program at Vincennes University, Ivy Tech, Indiana State University, or Lincoln Trail College. Greene County residents out of high school are also eligible, with preference given to divorced/single, working mothers. The scholarship is renewable for a second year if the student presents written documentation of acceptance into a nursing program and has maintained a “C” average. 50% of the annual scholarship award amount will be awarded the first year of the scholarship; 150% of the amount will be awarded the second year upon the recipient’s acceptance into a qualifying nursing program. Hollee Lee Lent was a registered nurse at Bloomington Hospital when she passed away on August 19, 2005, at the age of 30. The Hollee Lent Nursing Scholarship was established by members of her family who wished to remember her and her caring spirit.

Greene County Foundation

Founded as a public charity in 1997, the Greene County Foundation is a vital and sustainable organization that serves the Greene County community. A volunteer Board of Directors, whose makeup reflects the diversity of the communities it serves, governs the Foundation. The Foundation annually awards over a quarter million dollars in grants through fund payouts, competitive grants, and student scholarships and has made an impact in every school, town, city, and informal community in Greene County.

Faith Christian Scholarship

The Faith Christian Scholarship is for graduating high school seniors who attended any Greene County high school at the time of graduation; it is also open to home-schooled students who are graduating. Applicants must be planning to attend a two- or four-year accredited post-secondary institution in Indiana. The Faith Christian Scholarship is a donor-advised scholarship established by the deacons of Faith Christian Church in Bloomfield as a result of a bequeath by Francis Gainey. Ms. Gainey understood the importance of education and wanted to help students attend college, who might not otherwise have the family support or means to attend. The scholarship will be renewable for up to four years, based on academic performance. Students will need to show proof of their academic progress each spring semester to be considered for scholarship renewal.

Coover/Rural Schools Partnership Celebrate Rural Schools 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 Celebrate Rural Schools grant program, which will support projects that celebrate, strengthen, and elevate the unique identity of rural schools and the communities they serve. This grant supports projects that celebrate the unique culture, achievements, and identity of rural schools and their communities. It encourages districts to amplify local voices, showcase student success, and strengthen community connections. 

• Eligible applicants must be a member of the CFO's Rural Schools Partnership program.
• Total amount to award is $100,000.00.
• This is a single year grant program with final reports due in May 2027.
• Applicants may apply for up to $5,000 in funding for this grant cycle. 

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks and its Rural Schools Partnership Program are committed to supporting rural schools. In awarding grants, the CFO and its affiliates will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status. As part of the grant process, all grantees will be required to affirm that, in providing services funded in whole or in part by a CFO grant, the grantee will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status either in its employment practices or in its policies and procedures concerning access to services. 

The MRC/SOT Early Career Toxicologist Award, presented by the Society of Toxicology, recognizes an outstanding Midwest toxicologist with up to 10 years of experience. This prestigious award honors candidates actively contributing to the field or recently retired, showcasing their unique research achievements and teaching proficiency. Winners receive an engraved plaque and an honorarium, celebrating their commitment to advancing toxicology and enhancing human, animal, and environmental health.

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

Community Foundation of Jackson County: Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program began in 1997. It was created to “raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana and increase the awareness of the potential of Indiana’s community foundations to improve the quality of life of the state’s residents.” The Community Foundation of Jackson County has awarded 44 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships. Thirty-nine scholars have now graduated from college. Some have gone on to pursue postgraduate degrees. Some are now working in Jackson County, in Indiana, and beyond. Four scholars are now working on their undergraduate degrees on college campuses throughout the state. One new Lilly Endowment Community Scholar was awarded in December to begin college during the 2025-2026 academic year.

The program will provide scholarships for otherwise unreimbursed full tuition, required fees, and a stipend 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.

The Essential Foundation Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in communities served by Aqua and Peoples, supporting nonprofit organizations dedicated to environmental initiatives, education, and emergency services. With a strong commitment to corporate philanthropy and employee volunteerism, the foundation focuses on funding projects that promote community growth while ensuring compliance with nondiscrimination laws. This initiative reflects Essential Utilities' dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of over 5 million people across nine states.

The Republic Bank Grants program supports non-profit organizations in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, and Florida that enhance community welfare through various initiatives such as education, healthcare, and civic projects. By providing financial and in-kind donations, Republic Bank aims to strengthen community ties and foster impactful change. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c) status and submit grant requests in writing at least two months in advance, ensuring timely support for their initiatives.

The Elsa Heisel Sule Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations in the Greater Cincinnati area, focusing on education, health, arts, and community welfare. Established in 2004, the foundation prioritizes projects that enhance community well-being, ensuring grants are awarded to nonprofits with operating budgets under $10 million. Organizations must apply annually and adhere to specific eligibility criteria, including geographical and operational restrictions. The foundation aims to empower local initiatives that promote positive societal impact.

The Seed Grant for Research on Lottery Gambling, announced by the International Center for Responsible Gaming and the Hoosier Lottery, promotes studies focusing on responsible gambling and gambling disorders related to lottery activities. Researchers are encouraged to explore various projects, including pilot studies, preliminary research, and follow-up testing. Emphasizing the connection to Indiana, the initiative seeks to develop insights that inform responsible gambling practices and policies.

The Bernice Carver Scholarship of Hope, established by the family of Don and Barbara Frey, honors the legacy of Bernice Carver, a dedicated educator. This scholarship supports Whitley County seniors from Columbia City, Churubusco, or Whitko High School who have a minimum 2.2 GPA and aspire to careers in nursing, teaching, or science. Emphasizing good citizenship and a quest for knowledge, the scholarship reflects Miss Carver's admirable character and commitment to education.

The Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Charitable Fund Grant is a private foundation based in Pittsburgh, established in 1992. It focuses on philanthropy, specifically supporting K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations. The foundation directs its grants primarily to regions preferred by donors, including several states in the Northeast and Midwest, aiming to improve educational opportunities and foster community development in underserved populations.

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 Construction Grants

Funding for all Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 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. Within the CDBG program, there are five types of Construction Grants designed to enhance community resilience and livability:

Two rounds of Construction Grants are offered each year, with specific funding guidelines detailed in each round’s application Instructions document. 

Facilities Program

Community facilities enhance the lives of residents in numerous ways. In addition to community facilities, historic preservation projects are eligible for the Facilities Program grant. The goals of the Facilities Program are to support rehabilitation and restoration of historic buildings and public facilities. A local match of 10% of the total project cost will be required for consideration of funding.

The George and Frances Ball Foundation offers Quarterly Competitive Grants to support organizations with 501(c)(3) designations. These grants focus on capacity building in East Central Indiana, enhancing education, civic engagement, nature preservation, and the arts. Applications are accepted four times a year, with deadlines on January 21, April 9, July 8, and November 5. Successful applicants can expect a decision within 6–8 weeks of the submission deadline, fostering community improvement and support.

The CDBG Construction Grants - Stormwater Improvements Program supports rural communities in Indiana by providing funding for stormwater management improvements. This program aims to mitigate flooding and enhance community resilience through necessary infrastructure upgrades. With a focus on sustainable practices, the grants encourage the use of green infrastructure to protect waterways. A 10% match of total project costs is required. Two application cycles are held annually, streamlining access to essential resources for community development.