Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Indiana

Indiana small 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative approaches to human services and other social issues can access funding through the Creag Foundation. The private foundation supports organizations finding new ways to address societal problems across areas like health, community development, literacy, environment, arts, and public safety; applications are by invitation, starting with a letter of inquiry.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Indiana small nonprofits hosting community events, fundraisers, or special activities may be eligible for sponsorship support that promotes broad community impact. Indiana organizations serving underrepresented groups or advancing economic development, workforce readiness, affordable housing, small business services, or financial education can access funding through Old National Bank, with preference for events where bank team members can actively participate.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Indiana seeking support for charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs may be eligible for this national opportunity. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help U.S.-based organizations fund projects that are well-managed, broadly serve their target populations, and materially contribute to the general welfare.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Indiana small nonprofit performing arts organizations in Dearborn County can access funding through Greater Cincinnati Foundation to support performances, new works, and youth performing arts education. Grants from the David C. Herriman Fund range from US $15,000 - US $350,000, with priority for projects that enhance performances by bringing in artists, directors, choreographers, or musicians.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children and adults with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities can apply for WindSwell Foundation’s traditional grants; awards vary for programs, operations, and capital needs. Organizations in specified northeast Indiana counties may be eligible, including small nonprofits advancing education, employment, housing, transportation, early diagnosis, or social enrichment for people with disabilities.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Northeast Indiana creating new arts programs that include and engage people with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities can apply for the Gilmore Inclusive Arts Grant, with awards up to US $25,000 for programming or capital needs. Individuals may apply by partnering with an eligible nonprofit organization.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms in Indiana pursuing impact litigation can apply for the Impact Fund’s recoverable grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $50,000 for out-of-pocket litigation costs. Cases advancing economic, environmental, racial, or social justice for communities facing systemic oppression may be especially competitive.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored charitable projects serving Clark and Floyd counties in Indiana can seek Community Assist Grants to support community-focused projects, programs, or activities. Grants from Community Foundation of Southern Indiana provide US $1,000 - US $5,000 in one-time, quarterly awards for work aligned with the 2021 Assessment of Needs and Priorities.

Indiana nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions supporting rural entrepreneurship can access funding through USDA’s Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program to capitalize microloan revolving funds and provide training and technical assistance. Eligible rural microlenders then offer fixed-rate microloans up to $50,000 for working capital, debt refinancing, equipment, and real estate improvements. Awards are up to US $500,000.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

Small Indiana nonprofits seeking program funding for community-focused initiatives can apply for Agile Grants supporting areas like basic needs, youth, disabilities, arts, environment, veterans, and more. Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne offers up to US $20,000 for innovative, program-related projects (not operations) benefiting residents of Allen County and Northeast Indiana.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on education, poverty reduction, food security, or community vitality can access funding through The Pokagon Fund for projects serving Hartford, Dowagiac, or South Bend residents, with awards up to US $7,500. Small nonprofits may benefit from support for schools, early childhood, community services, parks, and local revitalization efforts.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Indiana can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 for programs such as museums, arts, education, health facilities, environmental and community services. Focused on broad community benefit, the Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation invites U.S.-based organizations where modest grants can make a significant impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Marion County, Indiana can access funding from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust for programs helping people in need, protecting animals and nature, and enriching community life. Grants up to Up to US $250,000 support efforts like basic needs, self-sufficiency, foster care, education, literacy, and community vitality initiatives.

Indiana small 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children, adolescents, and young adults with disabilities or significant economic barriers can access funding through Greater Cincinnati Foundation’s Daniel and Susan Pfau Foundation for programs benefiting Dearborn County. Grants may support capital, operating, or limited endowment needs, including health, education, arts-based initiatives, recreation, and family support services.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities in Indiana working on affordable housing, workforce development, economic development, or financial empowerment can apply for Old National Bank Foundation grants of approximately US $15,000. Programs should serve underrepresented or low- to moderate-income communities within the bank’s Indiana footprint and demonstrate clear, measurable outcomes and long-term sustainability.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving local quality of life through economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief can seek project, operating, or capital support. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation provides funding to community-benefit organizations in areas where O'Reilly Auto Parts operates that serve underserved and underrepresented individuals and families.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Rural public entities and nonprofit organizations in Indiana can seek funding to support technical assistance, training, and infrastructure for small rural businesses. Focused on rural development, USDA Rural Development invites applicants to propose projects such as business counseling, revolving loan funds, community and technology-based economic development, incubators, and long-term strategic planning, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $500,000.

Nonprofit organizations in Indiana with strong, collaborative community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award to recognize exemplary leadership and impact. This U.S.-wide competition honors partnerships that measurably improve lives, can be replicated in other communities, and offer innovative approaches to significant social issues.

Small human and social services nonprofits working to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant can receive US $5,000 - US $250,000 for programs such as poverty alleviation, disability services, and disaster relief. Gupta Family Foundation currently funds 501(c)(3) and qualifying foreign organizations with revenues between $300,000 and $3,000,000, including those serving Indiana communities.