Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Indiana

The Ball Brothers Foundation's BBF Rapid Grants program offers immediate funding to organizations in Indiana, particularly in East Central Indiana and Muncie/Delaware County. The foundation prioritizes capacity-building initiatives, innovative community solutions, specific projects, and general operating support. This program is designed to address urgent needs, such as professional development, equipment purchases, and project initiation, ensuring that organizations can quickly respond to community challenges and enhance their impact.

The SIA Foundation Grant supports qualifying organizations in Indiana by providing financial assistance for specific capital projects in the Arts, Education, and Health sectors. Grants range from $1,000 to $15,000 and must be used for non-operating expenses like facilities and equipment. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt entities, educational institutions, and governmental organizations. The foundation does not fund operating costs, endowments, or organizations that do not meet specific criteria, ensuring support is directed toward impactful community improvements.

The K12 Early Career Investigator Awards in Clinical - Translational Research, offered by the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI), provide promising early career faculty with mentorship in research-intensive settings. These awards aim to bridge laboratory research with clinical applications, fostering the development of new treatment options and health interventions. Applicants are encouraged to submit their CV and project details for pre-screening. The initiative supports Indiana's vision of becoming one of the nation's healthiest states.

Whitley County Korean War Veterans Memorial Scholarship

The Whitley County Korean War Veterans Memorial Scholarship was established in honor of Whitley County individuals who served their country in the Korean War. The scholarship is also a means for memorializing their contributions to the freedoms taken for granted each day. 

The Whitley County Korean War Veterans Memorial Scholarship is presented to a student who has demonstrated understanding of the contributions made by these men and women in service to our country. The recipient has to be a Whitley County senior with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, in the top 75% of their class.

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

The Midwest Culture Bearers Award honors and supports nine folk arts practitioners annually, providing each with a $5,000 unrestricted grant. This initiative aims to amplify the essential work of culture bearers across the Midwest, fostering opportunities for recognition and community connection. By prioritizing traditional practices and knowledge sharing, the award not only celebrates cultural heritage but also strengthens the creative roots of the region, ensuring vibrant artistic expression for future generations.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) Capacity Building opportunity aims to enhance the capabilities of university researchers in eligible states. Managed by the DoD, this initiative focuses on increasing the number of researchers capable of conducting relevant science and engineering research. The program also seeks to strengthen institutions of higher education and improve their competitiveness for federal research funding, ultimately fostering long-term growth in financial assistance for scientific research.

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Abelard Foundation, established in 1958, supports progressive social change projects located east of the Mississippi River. With an average grant size of $12,000, they prioritize new initiatives with budgets under $350,000. The foundation emphasizes community organizing, civil rights, and empowering marginalized groups. Eligible applicants must be associated with a nonprofit organization and demonstrate a commitment to local leadership and broader policy connections. The board meets biannually to decide on approximately 15 grants per year, focusing mainly on general support.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible states by increasing the number of university researchers and institutions conducting relevant science and engineering research. Sponsored by the Department of Defense, this program will fund multiyear awards to promote research aligned with national security needs. Applications require a multi-stage submission process, emphasizing early registration and timely proposal submissions.

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.

The Express Health Information Outreach Awards aim to enhance public health by increasing access to biomedical information for U.S. health professionals and the general public. These awards support projects that improve health information literacy among consumers and caregivers, ensuring they can effectively find and utilize health information. Focused on partnerships and outreach to underrepresented communities, the initiative seeks to promote healthy behaviors, prevent illness, and improve health outcomes through informed decision-making.

The Indiana Youth Worker Well-Being Project Grants offer funding opportunities for youth-serving organizations in Indiana to enhance workplace wellness. Organizations can apply for grants to implement customized strategies aimed at improving staff well-being. The initiative encourages applicants to identify their needs and growth opportunities, ensuring they can create a positive work environment. Applications are due by October 3, 2025, for workplace wellness projects and by October 17 for other categories.

The goal of Alzheimer’s Disease Pre-Clinical Translational Science Grant program is to enhance our approach to the selection and prosecution of drug discovery targets for Alzheimer’s Disease. This mechanism will provide research support up to $50,000 for innovative work that is in scope and aligned with the research activities of the IUSM-Purdue TREAT-AD Center. These include (but are not limited to):

• Bioinformatic analyses and drug target hypothesis generation within neuroinflammatory pathways.
• Target validation studies for proposed drug targets.
• Innovative chemical biology and cellular pharmacology studies for proposed targets that may provide insights to disease initiation and progression.
• Structural biology or biophysical studies on proteins proposed as drug targets.
• De-novo drug design approaches for proposed targets.
• Novel PET ligands and supporting CSF biomarkers for preclinical studies and clinical trials, etc. 

The Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship offers unique research opportunities for graduate students from member universities. Eligible candidates can conduct research at the Smithsonian in diverse fields such as anthropology, ecology, and history of science. The fellowship provides a stipend of $45,000 per year, with additional research allowances, and supports both U.S. and international students. This initiative fosters collaboration among leading academic institutions to advance knowledge and innovation.

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 Indianapolis Center for Congregations offers Resource Grants to support Indiana congregations in addressing challenges and opportunities. These matching grants, capped at $25,000, allow congregations to fund essential resources and activities. The program is part of the Center's mission to strengthen congregational work and is funded by the Lilly Endowment Inc. Eligible applicants must demonstrate alignment with their mission and secure endorsements from their leadership.

Ignite Your Future Scholarships

The Don Wood Foundation invited community foundations in northeast Indiana to present the Ignite Your Future scholarships to students in the communities they serve.

The Ignite Your Future Program creates opportunities for high school seniors living in Noble County, Ind. who seek to advance their education in fields related to engineering, industrial technology, and machine tool technology. Examples of fields that Ignite Your Future Program supports include those considered part of Industry 4.0, which is the digital transformation of manufacturing/production, related industries, and value creation processes.

Engineering fields include:

• automation, electrical, computer, industrial, materials, controls, mechanical, design.

$20K Bachelor’s Degree:

• Up to $2,500 per recipient per semester
• Five scholarships will be awarded.

Colleges:

• Any accredited public and private nonprofit universities in Indiana, Ohio, or Michigan

TC Energy’s Build Strong program supports vital organizations in communities near its operations. By providing grants, scholarships, and in-kind support, the program aims to enhance safety, education, environmental protection, and community well-being. Eligible applicants include non-profits and community groups addressing local needs. Ineligible activities include operational expenses and for-profit endeavors. The program prioritizes projects demonstrating measurable community impact, fostering a collaborative relationship between TC Energy and local stakeholders.

The PLTW Computer Science grant, offered by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, provides funding for teacher training in PLTW Computer Science Core Training. This initiative supports public and charter schools in Indiana by covering registration fees for teachers participating in the program. The funding is directly managed by PLTW, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to enhance educational opportunities in computer science.

The Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five (PDG B-5) SMART Grant aims to enhance early care and education systems in the U.S. by supporting targeted investments in technology and data analytics. This initiative, led by the Administration for Children and Families, encourages states to improve program quality, family choice, and data-driven decision-making for children from birth to five years old. The funding is designed to create measurable outcomes and strengthen coordination within the mixed-delivery system.

Indiana Department of Health

The Indiana State Department of Health became the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) in July 2021 after the Governor signed legislation updating the agency's statute. That same year the Department was also awarded accreditation by the Public Health Accreditation Board, joining the ranks of 36 other states and territories.

Mission: To promote, protect, and improve the health and safety of all Hoosiers.

MCH Strategic Inititatives Funding

The Indiana Department of Health Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Division is accepting applications to fund organizations to implement MCH programs focused on reducing infant mortality and improving outcomes for maternal, child, and adolescent health.

Purpose of MCH Strategic Initiatives Funding

This funding opportunity’s purpose is to support Indiana’s goal of improving Maternal and Child Health outcomes by funding competitive grants for community-driven projects that address their unique needs and the MCH Strategic Initiatives Priorities. This opportunity is a two-year, performancebased grant. At the end of the first two project years, a performance award opportunity (up to the original awarded amount) will be available for those recipients that demonstrate improvement in their selected outcomes. 

MCH Strategic Initiatives Priorities

• Reduce Preventable Deaths and Advance Quality of Life
• Focus on Upstream Opportunities and Strategies
• Improve physical health and strengthen mental, social, and emotional well-being
• Promote protective factors and uplift Hoosiers families
• Foster Reciprocal Communication and Strategic and Sustainable Collaboration
• Address Community Health Factors and Systems that Influence Health Status and Behaviors
• Enhance Approaches to Operations, Data, and Evaluation

Applicants must submit a proposal for programs that aim to address infant mortality, birth outcomes, or other MCH priorities. This proposal must also identify the population and area they plan to impact. 

The Joyce Foundation's Environment Grants focus on addressing critical environmental challenges in the Great Lakes region, such as climate change and water safety. The foundation prioritizes equitable, carbon-free energy solutions and clean water access for all communities. Grants are awarded to organizations committed to environmental justice and innovation in climate policy, particularly in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, ensuring that the voices of affected communities guide project development.

The Gordon J. Barnett Memorial Foundation, established in 1955, supports educational initiatives in Florida, Indiana, New York, and Oklahoma. It prioritizes funding for tax-exempt organizations, including primary schools, universities, and trade schools. The foundation does not fund political campaigns or individuals. Grants are aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and preventing cruelty to children and animals, reflecting the foundation's commitment to charitable and educational purposes.

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. 

Wastewater and Drinking Water (WDW) Program 

Many communities in Indiana struggle with inadequate water supply and failing wastewater treatment. OCRA is committed to improving the quality of water and wastewater in Indiana and assisting in financing appropriate water and sewer infrastructure for communities and counties that have planned and set priorities for long-term development.

The goals of the Wastewater and Drinking Water (WDW) Program are to protect health and the environment, reduce utility rates for low- to moderate-income communities, and improve rural infrastructure for long-term sustainability and growth. General eligible activities include wastewater improvements such as collection lines or treatment plans, or drink water system improvements such as water towers or distribution.

Grant amounts for communities with existing systems are based on the current rates at the time of application. Grant amounts for communities constructing new systems will be based on a verified rate study included in a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER). The amount of CDBG funds granted will be based on a $5,000-cost-per-project beneficiary.

A local match of 20% of the total project cost will be required for consideration of funding.

General types of activities that are eligible for WDW funding:

• Wastewater Improvements (collection lines, treatment plant, etc.)
• Drinking Water System Improvements (water tower, treatment, distribution)

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.

Clinical & Translational Science (CTS) Pilot Grant Program

The objective of the new Indiana CTSI Clinical & Translational Science (CTS) pilot grant mechanism is to initiate or continue translational science projects that help identify translational methods and processes relevant across a range of diseases, treatments, and interventions. The key objective of the projects should be to develop methodological innovations and/or produce crosscutting solutions for common and persistent challenges to reduce, remove, or bypass significant bottlenecks across the continuum of translation.

Applications to this program are limited to a total of $40,000 and are 12 months (1 year) in duration. There will be no ability to apply for a no cost extension with this new grant.