Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Indiana

CDBG Construction Grants

Overview

Funding for all Community Development Block Grant 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:

• Blight Clearance
• Main Street Revitalization
• Public Facilities
• Stormwater Improvements
• Wastewater/Drinking Water

Main Street Revitalization

The Main Street Revitalization Program (MSRP) is designed to empower rural communities in their efforts to build vibrant, sustainable environments and enhance overall quality of life.

Eligible projects include:

• Traffic Control or Pedestrian Safety
• Functional Art
• ADA Improvements
• Sidewalk Rehabilitation or Addition
• Signage or Utility Relocation for Accessibility
• Pavers
• Water Management
• Energy Efficiency (LED Traffic Lights or Signals)
• Alley Activation

To be eligible, applicants must have a designated Indiana Main Street organization that meets one of the following qualifications:

• National Accreditation through the National Main Street Center (NAMS), or
• Indiana Accredited Main Street (IAMS) status with at least three years of active designation
• Be in good standing with the Indiana Mainstreet Program requirements

Grant awards are based on the proposed project cost, as outlined below.

• Projects over $2 million in total project cost may received a grant up to $600,000
• Projects under $2 million in total project cost may received a grant up to $500,000
• A local match of 20% of the total project cost is required for funding consideration.

CDBG funds will be awarded at a rate of $5,000 per project beneficiary.

Indiana high school seniors pursuing full-time bachelor’s degrees at in-state colleges can receive higher education support through the CFWC Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. With a mission to boost educational attainment, the Community Foundation of Wabash County assists Wabash County residents, including future teachers seeking degrees that may support their continuing education goals.

The PreservINg Main Street Grant, initiated by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, aims to enhance local economies through the preservation of historic properties in Indiana. This program supports eligible communities with funding up to $2 million for downtown revitalization projects, alongside opportunities for capacity building in partnership with Indiana Humanities and Indiana Landmarks. It offers a sustainable approach to historic preservation while fostering community engagement and economic development.

Indiana undergraduates pursuing higher education who will be juniors or seniors next year can receive scholarship support for tuition and related college costs. Putnam County Community Foundation provides this Alpha Gamma Delta Eta Alumnae Scholarship to students at accredited Indiana colleges or universities, emphasizing academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and clear career goals; educators advancing their degrees may be eligible.

Indiana Clinical & Translational Sciences Institute

The Indiana Clinical & Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI) has been at the forefront of translational research since 2008. From the lab bench to clinical trials and beyond, we help researchers move their scientific findings through the development pipeline.

Indiana Department of Health Activity-Based Therapy Program

The overall objective of this program is to foster and encourage activity-based therapy programs for the treatment of spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries, including acute management, medical complications, rehabilitative techniques, and neuronal recovery.

The initiative for funding activity based therapy programs consists of two funding mechanisms: RFA for programs for traumatic spinal cord injury and RFA for programs for traumatic brain injury. 

Programs must be conducted in compliance with all state and federal laws.

RFA for Programs for Traumatic Brain Injury 

An RFA for programs providing rehabilitative clinical care and employing “activity based” approaches for traumatic brain injury persons.

The Employer Training Grant for Early Childhood Education, offered by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, supports Hoosier employers in training and retaining staff in high-demand sectors. With reimbursements up to $50,000, the grant focuses on job skills training that aligns with eligible occupations and requires at least 40 hours of training. Employers must ensure new hires earn a minimum wage of $19 per hour and existing employees receive a 5% wage increase post-training.

Graduate and veterinary students or recent trainees conducting toxicology or toxicologic pathology research can receive US $2,000 plus meeting support to present work integrating pathology with other scientific approaches. Grants from Society of Toxicology help Indiana and other environmental toxicology scholars attend the STP Annual Symposium and gain professional exposure.

Indiana Clinical & Translational Sciences Institute

The Indiana Clinical & Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI) has been at the forefront of translational research since 2008. From the lab bench to clinical trials and beyond, we help researchers move their scientific findings through the development pipeline.

Indiana Department of Health Activity-Based Therapy Program

The overall objective of this program is to foster and encourage activity-based therapy programs for the treatment of spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries, including acute management, medical complications, rehabilitative techniques, and neuronal recovery.

The initiative for funding activity based therapy programs consists of two funding mechanisms: RFA for programs for traumatic spinal cord injury and RFA for programs for traumatic brain injury. 

Programs must be conducted in compliance with all state and federal laws.

RFA for Programs for Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury 

An RFA for programs providing rehabilitative clinical care and employing “activity based” approaches for traumatic spinal cord injury persons.

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.

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 Truist Foundation Grants aim to empower communities by providing resources for economic mobility and supporting small businesses, particularly those owned by racially and ethnically diverse individuals. The foundation focuses on enhancing job navigation for disadvantaged workers and building sustainable business ecosystems through collaboration and innovation. By addressing barriers to growth and promoting access to capital and education, the Truist Foundation strives to create equitable opportunities for all.

Investing in Our Communities

Regions Bank and Regions Foundation are committed to helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve financial success.

We work alongside nonprofit organizations, local businesses, government and service agencies to address social and economic issues, assist in building inclusive economic prosperity and help more members of our communities benefit from the rewards of a growing economy.

We make strategic and disciplined community investments in programs that seek to achieve three target outcomes:

Economic and Community Development

• Affordable housing
• Job creation
• Small business development
• Homebuyer education and retention
• Neighborhood revitalization and stabilization

Education and Workforce Readiness

• Student competency and skill building
• College and career readiness
• Educational access and success
• Credential building and employment
• Educator training and resources

Financial Wellness

• Financial education to youth, adults, and vulnerable populations
• Financial planning tools and resources, including Regions Next Step®
• Integrated asset-building

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 Patterson Foundation offers Assistance Dog Program Grants to support organizations providing service animals to veterans and individuals with disabilities. Funding is available for projects that expand capacity, personnel costs related to puppy training, and program support aimed at improving client experiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and can request grants up to $35,000 for capital projects or $10,000 for program support. Applications are accepted through a two-step process.

College freshmen from Montgomery County public high schools attending accredited Indiana colleges can apply for the Myron and Patsy Pattison Scholarship to support their sophomore year studies. Administered by Montgomery County Community Foundation, this one-year, non-renewable award recognizes academic excellence, leadership, and potential for post-graduate education, and may benefit aspiring or current Indiana teachers pursuing higher education.

The XENO PRIZE for Performance Arts, awarded by Franklin Furnace, supports early-career LGBTQ+-identifying performance artists creating new work in 26 states with restrictive gender-affirming laws. This annual prize, established in 2023, offers $5000 to a selected recipient from proposals submitted for the Franklin Furnace FUND for Performance Art. The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2025, encouraging innovative voices in the contemporary performance art landscape.

The R C Archdiocese of Indianapolis provides grant opportunities to support home mission needs, ministry growth, and capital improvements across its parishes and schools. Funded through dedicated endowment funds, the grants typically range from $20,000 to $40,000, with applications accepted biannually. The office emphasizes transparency and ethical financial management, ensuring that resources are stewarded effectively to enhance the spiritual and educational missions of the Church throughout central and southern Indiana.

The Indiana Department of Health is inviting local health departments to apply for the Naloxone Grant to distribute opioid overdose reversal kits, including naloxone nasal spray. This initiative aims to increase the availability of life-saving medication in communities, especially in collaboration with organizations such as county jails. Education on the use of naloxone and legal protections for responders is also a key component of the program, fostering a safer environment for overdose interventions.

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 U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is offering funding through the Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (SBTTAC) for Region 3. This initiative aims to assist small and disadvantaged businesses in transportation. The funding opportunity is part of a cooperative agreement for one award covering a 12-month base year, with the potential for two additional option years based on performance. This support is crucial for enhancing small business capabilities in the transportation sector.

The INTESOL Wendy Wildman Long Scholarship, established by Indiana Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, supports current or former English learners from Indiana. It aims to provide educational funding for college or vocational training, with preference given to students of color. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need, ensuring access to opportunities for historically marginalized communities in Central Indiana.

Steuben County Community Foundation

The Steuben County Community Foundation plays a unique role in making this community the best it can be for the people who call it home. We believe that through our work, our community members can live the lives they’ve always dreamed of. They’ll pay it forward, lift one another up, and make our community even better. Investing in our community today, positions it for a brighter tomorrow.

Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established in 1998 by Lilly Endowment Inc. to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana. The scholarship covers a full four-year tuition and an annual $900 stipend for books and equipment. 

The IAC Arts Organization Support Grant provides vital annual operating support to eligible arts organizations in Indiana, helping them fulfill their artistic and administrative missions. By aligning with IAC funding priorities, these grants enable organizations to deliver quality arts and educational activities while promoting inclusion, diversity, equity, and access. The grant amount is determined based on several factors, ensuring support reaches those with the greatest need and least access to other funding.

The IAC Arts Project Support Grant offers funding for Indiana 501(c)3 nonprofits and public entities to carry out specific arts projects or activities. Applicants can propose diverse projects like art events, performances, exhibitions, or workshops that foster public engagement, especially in underserved communities. This initiative, supported by the Indiana Arts Commission, aims to enhance access to quality arts experiences and support local artists, enriching Indiana's cultural landscape without a match requirement.

The La Plaza Scholarship, established in 1997 by the leaders of the Latinx and Hispanic community in Indiana, aims to support Latinx and Hispanic youth in their educational pursuits. Managed by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, this scholarship emphasizes financial need, determination, and a minimum GPA of 2.7. Preference is given to students identifying as Latinx or Hispanic, ensuring that the program nurtures a diverse and inclusive academic environment for future generations.

Letha's Youth Outdoors Fund Grant provides financial support for field trips that connect youth groups in Indiana with nature. Ideal for educators, this grant fosters outdoor learning experiences, emphasizing the importance of native plants and their habitats. Since 2008, it has enabled over 15,000 youth to explore environmental education centers and parks, especially those with limited access to such opportunities. Grants range from $50 to $700, covering transport and educational activities.

CDBG Construction Grants 

Funding for all Community Development Block Grant 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.

Blight Clearance Program (BCP)

The Blight Clearance Program (BCP) offers grants assistance for the acquisition, demolition, clearance or remediation of blighted structures.

• The maximum grant award is $500,000, this amount is not guaranteed, each application will be assessed based on the project scope to determine whether a reduced funding level is deemed appropriate.
• Grant funding through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is calculated at $5,000 per project beneficiary.
• To be eligible for consideration, applicants must provide a local match of 10% of the total project cost.

Properties acquired with CDBG funds must maintain their designated use for a period of five years following the grant closeout date. OCRA will monitor all BCP-funded projects throughout this compliance period. If a community plans to change the use of a funded property within the five-year window, it must adhere to the change in use process outlined in 24 CFR 570.489. A written request must be submitted to OCRA prior to any changes. The proposed new use must remain an eligible activity under CDBG regulations. If the property is repurposed for ineligible use, the community may be required to repay all or part of the grant funds.