Best Grants for Rural Development in Indiana

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Indiana working on health equity, wellness, and community health can apply for CareSource Foundation’s Community Grant, with awards of More than US $100,000 for established programs or multi-year pilots. Rural development initiatives that address health disparities or social determinants of health in under-resourced communities may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit organizations working on education policy and economic mobility in Indiana and the broader Great Lakes region can seek support for research, policy development, advocacy, and implementation efforts. The Joyce Foundation focuses on effective educators, college and career readiness, and post-secondary success, with an emphasis on racial equity and improved outcomes for underserved young people.

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.

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.

Nonprofits and local governments working on rural community development, including those in Indiana, can apply for the MCF Community Heart & Soul Program, which offers up to US $20,000 for resident-driven planning and engagement. Montana Community Foundation and partners provide coaching, small startup grants, and larger implementation funding over a two-year process.

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.

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.

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, 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.

Indiana rural development and conservation organizations can access funding through the Richard King Mellon Foundation to advance innovative wood products and strengthen related value chains. Eligible projects may include product development, certification and commercialization, market and value chain building, and demonstration deployments, especially where there is a clear connection to rural economic development in conserved natural-resource areas across the U.S.

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 Calendar Year 2022 Disaster Water Grants program, administered by the USDA's Rural Utilities Service, aims to provide funding for water infrastructure repairs in areas affected by federally declared disasters during 2022. Eligible applicants include public bodies, non-profit organizations, and tribes, all required to demonstrate capacity and legal authority. The grants support not only repairs but also the enhancement of system resilience to mitigate future risks.

The Citizens' Institute on Rural Design (CIRD), a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and the Housing Assistance Council, invites rural communities to apply for design support. CIRD aims to enhance rural life and economic viability through planning and creative placemaking, empowering local citizens to address unique community challenges. Opportunities include Local Design Workshops and a Design Learning Cohort, providing resources, training, and support to foster community-driven solutions.

The Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program offers $10,000 in startup funding for community-driven groups in small towns to adopt the Community Heart & Soul model. Applications are accepted until 11:59 p.m. EST on the last business day of each month, with funding decisions made the following month. This initiative aims to empower residents to engage in local development and foster community connections.

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 FRS Community Grant Program supports rural communities served by NTCA members, offering grants up to $5,000 for various local initiatives. Priority is given to projects that promote economic development, education, health, and public service. Eligible applicants must secure a 10% match of the grant amount requested. Ineligible projects include overhead expenses, individuals, and those without secured funding. FRS aims to foster sustainable and engaged rural communities through these efforts.

The Rural Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) program, administered by the USDA's Rural Housing Service, offers funding to support very low- and low-income homeowners in rural areas. This program also assists rental property owners and cooperative housing complexes in making necessary repairs and renovations, ensuring that housing remains accessible to those in need. Preapplications must be submitted by September 8, 2026, to comply with regulatory requirements.

The Partners for Places Jobs and Inclusive Infrastructure Initiative Grants aim to support communities by leveraging infrastructure funds to create equitable projects that benefit underserved areas. This pilot program will provide funding for local workers through career training and inclusive economic practices. With grants ranging from $45,000 to $120,000, the initiative focuses on enhancing human infrastructure, fostering collaboration among key partners, and ensuring that frontline communities directly benefit from project implementations.

The Community Connect Grants Program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants aiming to deliver broadband services in rural areas where access is limited. This initiative fosters economic growth and enhances educational, healthcare, and public safety benefits, improving the quality of life in underserved communities. By supporting projects that create better market opportunities and promote equitable access, the program plays a vital role in advancing rural development and addressing environmental justice.