Best Grants for Rural Development in Indiana

Focused on rural development, USDA Rural Development invites Indiana public entities, nonprofits, higher education institutions, tribes, and eligible cooperatives to support technical assistance and training for small rural businesses, with awards from US $10,000 - US $500,000. Funding can cover planning, facilities, equipment, revolving loan funds, incubators, transportation, and community or technology-based economic development.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and Federally Recognized Tribes in rural Indiana can use this program to purchase, construct, or improve essential community facilities and related equipment. Grants from USDA: Rural Development (RD) help rural communities develop health, public safety, educational, and other critical infrastructure in areas with populations under 20,000.

Indiana rural development and local government entities can access funding for public facilities, historic preservation, and infrastructure projects through the Community Development Block Grant Construction Grants program. Administered by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, these competitive grants, funded by HUD, offer more than US $5,000 and require a 10% local match for Facilities Program projects.

Indiana units of local government needing stormwater infrastructure upgrades can apply for construction funding to reduce flooding, improve drainage, and protect water quality in rural communities. The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs administers these CDBG Stormwater Improvements Program grants, which support projects like water retention, line improvements, and drainage rehabilitation with at least a 10% local match.

Grants from Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs help Indiana rural local governments fund Main Street revitalization and other community development construction projects. Eligible Indiana communities with accredited Indiana Main Street organizations can receive up to US $600,000 for infrastructure, pedestrian safety, ADA upgrades, energy efficiency, water management, and other downtown improvements that support rural development and quality of life.

Nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions in Indiana focused on rural development can access USDA’s Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program to support microenterprise lending and technical assistance. USDA provides Indiana rural development organizations with loans and grants to build revolving microloan funds and offer training for rural micro-entrepreneurs, with awards up to US $500,000.

Counties, cities, public transportation corporations, and regional transportation authorities in Indiana can obtain operating support for rural public transit services through the Indiana Department of Transportation’s Section 5311 program. Funding helps cover up to half of net operating costs, including staff, fuel, maintenance, insurance, and contracted transit services that serve non-urbanized areas.

Counties, cities, public transportation corporations, and regional transportation authorities in Indiana can seek capital funding to expand rural public transit, including vehicles, equipment, and facilities. Indiana Department of Transportation supports rural development and public transportation by administering Federal Section 5311 Capital Project Grants, which may cover up to 80 percent of eligible capital costs in non-urbanized areas.

Indiana rural development organizations working through state or local REALTOR associations can access funding for rural outreach initiatives, including studies, events, and public engagement on rural issues. The National Association Of Realtors offers up to US $7,500 on a reimbursement basis for eligible costs like instructor or consultant fees, venue rental, refreshments, and outreach materials.

Indiana REALTOR associations working on rural development education can use this grant to fund instructor fees, venues, refreshments, and outreach materials. Focused on rural issues, the National Association of Realtors invites state and local REALTOR associations to seek up to US $3,000 on a reimbursement basis, with one Level 1 award available per association each year.

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.

Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities

The Federal Section 5310 grant program is intended to enhance mobility for seniors and persons with disabilities by providing funds for programs to serve the special needs of transit-dependent populations beyond traditional public transportation services.

INDOT does not provide funding to areas over 200,000 population (Lake/Porter counties, South Bend, Fort Wayne, Evansville, Indianapolis, Clark/Floyd counties) should contact their local Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). A list of these MPOs can be found at http://www.indianampo.com/inmpo_regions.html

Eligible Activities

Specialized transportation projects planned, designed, and carried out to meet the special needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities when public transportation is insufficient, inappropriate, or unavailable.

The Powering Affordable Reliable Technology (PART) Energy Program, managed by the Rural Utilities Service, seeks Letters of Interest for loan applications to fund renewable energy generation and energy storage projects. With approximately $410 million available from the Inflation Reduction Act, the program offers up to 75% financing for project costs, along with potential loan forgiveness options. This initiative aims to enhance energy infrastructure in rural areas, promoting sustainable energy solutions.

The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) - Community Systems Development aims to enhance behavioral health systems in rural areas by providing funding for the development and expansion of services. This initiative supports the establishment of formalized networks to boost operational and clinical capacity, ensuring effective implementation of evidence-based substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery services tailored to community needs.

The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program - Evaluation aims to assess the effectiveness of behavioral health strategies in rural settings. By developing evaluation tools and resources, this initiative seeks to empower local communities in their health initiatives, ensuring that future programs are informed by comprehensive evaluations. Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, the program highlights the importance of tailored approaches to address opioid-related challenges in rural areas.

The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program - Overdose Response aims to enhance healthcare access in rural areas by addressing urgent needs related to substance use disorder services. This initiative focuses on reducing overdose risks through targeted interventions and support, ensuring that rural communities receive necessary assistance. Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, this program is crucial for mitigating the opioid crisis in underserved regions, improving health outcomes, and promoting overall community well-being.

The Inspire Grants for Small Museums (2027) initiative, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, aims to empower small museums across various disciplines. This program focuses on project-based funding to enhance public service through educational programs, exhibits, and community partnerships. By supporting small, often underfunded institutions, Inspire seeks to strengthen their capacity to engage communities and improve collections management, fostering experiential learning and discovery.

The MPPEP Phase 3 program aims to enhance processing capabilities for invasive, wild-caught catfish, benefiting both processors and fishers. By increasing processing capacity and volume, the initiative seeks to create fair wages and stable job opportunities, fostering economic growth in rural areas. This grant will support innovative strategies that ensure sustainable practices and elevate incomes within the community, thus contributing to the overall development of the meat and poultry sector.

The Agriculture Innovation Center Grant Program aims to support Agriculture Innovation Centers by providing grants that facilitate technical assistance to agricultural producers. This initiative focuses on enhancing the marketing of value-added agricultural products, ultimately fostering growth in the agricultural sector. Funded by the USDA's Rural Business-Cooperative Service, this program is designed to empower producers and promote innovation in agricultural practices.

The Affordable Rural Cooperative (ARC) Energy Program, initiated by the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), aims to enhance rural electric systems through substantial funding of approximately $175 million. This initiative focuses on increasing emission-free nuclear power and improving transmission infrastructure efficiency, promoting long-term reliability and affordability. Eligible entities include electric cooperatives serving rural areas and their subsidiaries. The program aligns with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, thus fostering a sustainable energy future.

The BJA FY 2026 Rural Violent Crime Reduction Initiative aims to empower local law enforcement in rural areas to combat violent crime effectively. This funding opportunity provides resources for personnel, technology, and data analytics to enhance crime prevention strategies. Eligible applicants can utilize updated equipment and training to address specific violent crime challenges, ensuring safer communities through innovative approaches and strategic resource allocation. Applications are due by November 6, 2026.

The Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program by the USDA's Rural Utilities Service provides funding for essential technical assistance and training aimed at resolving water and waste management issues. This program supports applicants in preparing loan and grant applications, enhancing the operational efficiency of water systems, and ensuring compliance with best practices in facility management. However, grant funds cannot be used for duplicating existing services or for capital expenditures.

The Solid Waste Management Grant Program, administered by the USDA's Rural Utilities Service, invites applications for FY 2027 funding. This initiative aims to enhance solid waste management in rural communities through technical assistance and training. Eligible organizations can receive grants to develop sustainable waste management practices, addressing critical issues like water pollution and emerging contaminants, while promoting hazardous waste collection. This program supports operational improvements and capital financing applications to ensure long-term environmental health.

The Distressed Cities Technical Assistance (DCTA) Program provides competitive funding for eligible applicants to deliver technical assistance to local governments serving economically distressed communities of 50,000 or fewer residents. Selected awardees collaborate closely with HUD to enhance the capabilities of UGLG officials and staff, ensuring they effectively address community needs. Applicants may focus on broad HUD jurisdictions or specific areas as specified in the program's NOFO.

Nonprofit institutions establishing rural cooperative development centers to aid Indiana communities can apply for USDA NIFA’s Rural Cooperative Development Grants, with awards up to US $1,000,000. Grants from USDA NIFA help Indiana rural development organizations provide technical assistance to start, expand, or improve cooperatives and mutually owned businesses, creating jobs and strengthening local economies.

Nonprofits, public agencies, religious organizations, and tribal governments working on rural development and climate resilience in Indiana can seek US $20,000 - US $150,000 for projects or general operating support. Grants from Rural Climate Partnership help rural-led and rural-serving groups strengthen local economies, advance equitable climate solutions, and support small towns and communities under 50,000 people.

Very small, financially distressed rural communities in Indiana can seek funding for predevelopment planning of water and waste disposal projects through USDA: Rural Development. Focused on rural infrastructure, this program supports feasibility studies, preliminary design, engineering analysis, and technical assistance that may advance broader rural development goals in eligible areas.

Nonprofits, TDHEs, and federally recognized Native American tribes working on rural affordable housing and community development in Indiana can receive direct technical assistance to build capacity and strengthen operations. With a mission to support rural development, Housing Assistance Council provides customized one-on-one guidance, training, and resources to improve programs, navigate regulations, and expand impact in eligible rural service areas.