Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Indiana

The IU Health Values Fund Grant Pilot & Feasibility Program supports early-career researchers in advancing their careers and securing funding. It emphasizes pilot clinical trials that align with IU Health's core values: purpose, excellence, compassion, and teamwork. This program is designed to benefit patients in the IU Health system by fostering innovative research that meets medical and scientific standards, ultimately contributing to the improvement of healthcare outcomes.

The IU Health Values Fund Grant Pilot & Feasibility Program: Education aims to advance the development of healthcare professionals through innovative educational models. By focusing on critical areas such as healthcare disparities, rural health, and behavioral health, this initiative supports the continuous training of providers. The Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI) leads this effort to ensure that the workforce is equipped to meet evolving healthcare needs and improve patient outcomes.

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.

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

The California Casualty Music & Arts Grant supports K-12 public schools facing budget cuts that threaten their music and arts programs. Eligible applicants, who must be active employees of public K-12 schools and members of specified educator associations, can request grants of $250 for music or arts needs. This initiative aims to enhance creative education across the states, excluding AK, HI, MA, MI, NY, and WI. Applications received by July 15 will be notified by November 30.

The Encova Foundation of West Virginia is dedicated to improving communities by supporting local causes that align with the values of its associates and policyholders. They focus on health, education, and wellness, emphasizing the importance of children's success. Organizations applying for grants must be U.S.-based and verified as charitable. Preference is given to initiatives impacting health and education, especially those involving Encova associates as active participants.

The MFA Oil Foundation Grant offers cash support to nonprofit organizations focused on enhancing communities where MFA Oil operates. With a mission to bolster rural areas, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that develop youth leadership, agricultural education, and community problem-solving. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt nonprofits and accredited educational institutions. However, grants are not available for operating expenses, political lobbying, or individual support. This initiative seeks to empower organizations that create sustainable change in their communities.

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.

The Needmor Fund for Social Justice aims to promote social justice by supporting community organizing efforts in the Midwest. With a focus on low- and moderate-income communities, BIPOC groups, and other marginalized populations, the fund provides grants for up to three years to organizations committed to long-term empowerment and advocacy. The initiative seeks to foster inclusive participation in democracy, ensuring that all voices are heard in shaping policies affecting their lives.

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.

The Major Richard L. Ridder Memorial Scholarship, established by Mary Ann Ridder, honors her husband’s dedication to the Indiana National Guard and the value of education. Open to Indiana residents, it supports current or former members of the National Guard and their families. Applicants must show financial need and maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Scholarships can be used for tuition, fees, and educational expenses at accredited institutions in Indiana.

The Seed Grant for Research on Lottery Gambling, announced by the International Center for Responsible Gaming and the Hoosier Lottery, promotes studies focusing on responsible gambling and gambling disorders related to lottery activities. Researchers are encouraged to explore various projects, including pilot studies, preliminary research, and follow-up testing. Emphasizing the connection to Indiana, the initiative seeks to develop insights that inform responsible gambling practices and policies.

The Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) is a program of the State of Indiana, established by Indiana Code 6-3.1-9 and administered by IHCDA through approved local non-profit organizations. The purpose of the program is to provide a means for these organizations to fund certain neighborhood-based programs and projects that improve distressed neighborhoods and the lives of the families that live there by encouraging individuals and businesses to make donations in exchange for Indiana State tax credits.

Each year, IHCDA awards up to a total of $2.5 million in Indiana tax credits to qualifying organizations. Each prospective participant organization submits a project application to IHCDA in the spring and, if approved, is awarded an allocation of tax credits. The organization then distributes these tax credits as an incentive to individuals or businesses who donate to the organization.

All donor contributions raised in exchange for NAP credits go toward the program or project described in the organization’s application. Eligible projects include affordable housing, counseling, child-care, educational assistance, emergency assistance, job training, medical care, recreational facilities, downtown rehabilitation, and neighborhood commercial revitalization. All projects must benefit economically disadvantaged areas and/or persons.

Funded by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) program works to assist residential domestic violence programs in providing emergency shelter to survivors of domestic violence and their dependents. The goal of the program is to help offset the cost of certain operational expenses to include housing, food and other basic necessities in order to give domestic violence shelters more flexibility and the potential to expand services in other areas, based on their needs.

ICJI awards SSBG dollars to supplement federal Family Violence and Prevention Services Act (FVPSA) grants and state Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment (DVPT) grants, supporting comprehensive initiatives that address the needs of domestic violence victims in Indiana. SSBG funding is distributed to emergency domestic violence programs that provide emergency shelter services in the form of overnight shelter and congregate meals.

A “shelter night” is considered a unit rate for the indirect and direct costs expended per night, per client in the shelter facility. SSBG funding is the only funding source provided by ICJI that is solely dedicated to supporting domestic violence programs’ emergency shelter operations.

The Services * Training * Officers * Prosecutors* (STOP) Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program (STOP Formula Grant Program) supports local communities, including Indian tribal governments and Alaska Native villages, in their efforts to develop and strengthen effective responses to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault (including adult survivors of child sexual abuse), and stalking. This also includes victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking who are also victims of trafficking and female genital mutilation or cutting, or forced marriage.

This program is authorized by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and is administered through the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) and authorized by 34 U.S.C § 10441 et seq.

The F26AS00085 Aquatic Invasive Species Interjurisdictional Grants, funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support interjurisdictional projects addressing aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes. Eligible applicants include Great Lakes states and tribes, focusing on action-oriented projects that enhance regional priorities. The initiative will fund both sustaining projects, which build on previous efforts, and new projects that present innovative solutions for effective management and prevention of aquatic invasive species.

About Us

The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) is an agency of state government, and its funding comes from the Indiana General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

A core component to the Indiana Arts Commission’s commitment to investing in the state’s vibrant and rich arts and culture sector are grants, which support people and communities through arts organizations and arts projects.

America250 Grant Program

About the Program

In anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Indiana Arts Commission accepted applications for arts projects, in any discipline, that celebrate American history and connect participants to that history.

The America250 Grant Program is a one-time program made possible through funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Indiana General Assembly.

Applicants could request up to $5,000. No matching funds are required.

Applicants recommended for funding will receive the full amount requested and are eligible to be paid in full at the beginning of the grant period provided they are in good standing and supply required information in a timely manner.

The Essential Foundation Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in communities served by Aqua and Peoples, supporting nonprofit organizations dedicated to environmental initiatives, education, and emergency services. With a strong commitment to corporate philanthropy and employee volunteerism, the foundation focuses on funding projects that promote community growth while ensuring compliance with nondiscrimination laws. This initiative reflects Essential Utilities' dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of over 5 million people across nine states.

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

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.

The James M. Cox Foundation Grant offers support to nonprofit organizations focused on conservation, early childhood education, family empowerment, and health. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and located in areas where Cox Enterprises operates. Grant applications are accepted year-round, with deadlines before Trustee meetings. Preference is given to organizations with a history of local engagement. This foundation embodies the philanthropic spirit of its founder, James M. Cox, by giving back to the community.

About Us

Indiana State Parks traces its history back to 1916. Colonel Richard Lieber, an Indianapolis businessman and German immigrant, recommended that a state park system be created as part of Indiana’s celebration of its centennial. Lieber became a national leader in the state parks movement and assisted other states in forming their own systems as well. He became the first Director of the Indiana Department of Conservation, serving for more than a decade.

Indiana Trails Program

The Indiana Trails Program (ITP) is a grant program to support the development of trails throughout the state. The program uses state funds to help connect Hoosiers to outdoor recreation opportunities and natural environments without needing to rely on the use of a vehicle.

How much grant funding is available to applicants?

• The Indiana Trails Program will provide a maximum of 80% reimbursement for eligible projects, up to the maximum grant award amount. The applicant must have at least 20% of the total project cost available at the point of application.
• The grant request minimum is $100,000, and the maximum is $400,000.

The Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program, administered by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA), provides crucial housing funding to non-profit organizations assisting individuals and families affected by AIDS/HIV. Available in 77 counties across Indiana, it prioritizes agencies dedicated to supporting these vulnerable populations, ensuring they receive the necessary resources and support to thrive in their communities.

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)

The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) provides funding for essential services, operations, and homeless prevention activities to emergency homeless shelters, transitional housing for the homeless, and day/night homeless shelters. These programs provide basic needs of shelter, food, clothing, and other necessities, and many also provide case management, referrals, rental assistance, and other services to individuals and/or families who are in need of assistance.

Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)

The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is a federally funded investment that provides funds to States, territories, tribes, and local agencies to support services and activities that reduce poverty and empower low-income families and individuals to achieve self-sufficiency. To help Hoosiers in need, IHCDA is mandated to disseminate CSBG funding to selected community action agencies statewide. Nationally, more than 1000 local community action agencies fight poverty and build self-sufficiency for strong families and communities. 

The Community Services Block Grant Act (CSBG) (49 U.S.C. 9901 et seq.) is a noncompetitive federally funded block grant offered through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The program is meant to support the national network of Community Action Agencies (CAAs) and their work to alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty.

The federal Community Action Program was founded in 1964 by the Economic Opportunity Act (EOA), as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. Originally, federal Community Action Program funds flowed directly to local public and private CAAs. In 1981, Congress repealed the federal Community Action Program and replaced it with CSBG, a state-administered block grant.

Community action's mission is to address the issues of poverty and to increase the self-sufficiency of low-income families. They offer a broad range of anti-poverty programs and work collaboratively with other agencies to build a network of support for Indiana’s most vulnerable populations. CSBG programs include:

• Housing and related services.
• Reduction of Poverty.
• Revitalization of low-income communities.
• Empowering low-income families and individuals in rural and urban areas to become self-sufficient.

Our Mission: To advance opportunity, affordability, and stability in housing

Individual Development Account (IDA) Program

The Individual Development Account (IDA) Program is an asset development program that assists low-moderate income individuals and families in breaking trends of generational poverty, improving their quality of life, and attaining self-sufficiency through matched savings incentive, education, and building personal financial skills. IDA was established in 1997 through Indiana State legislation (I.C. 4-4-28) and is currently fully State-funded. IDA is administered locally by non-profit community-based organizations with oversight by IHCDA.

Program Summary

Individual Development Accounts are matched savings accounts designed to encourage lowincome families to save for the purchase of an asset. Participants in the program are required to successfully complete financial education as well as training related to a specific asset purchase.

The program round comprises four program years. The round should be broken down as follows: three years for a participant to save, and one year for the IDA Administrator to work on some combination of the following: enrollment, asset purchase, account close-out and reporting.

The objective of the IDA Program is to assist people with limited means in achieving financial independence and becoming financially self-sufficient by providing them the skills to:

• Develop a budget and set goals
• Establish regular saving habits
• Invest in assets

Family and Social Services Administration of Indiana

We are steadfast in our mission to break the cycle of poverty by providing Hoosiers with the healthcare, social services, and support necessary to achieve lasting economic independence. Through thoughtfully designed and fiscally sustainable programs, we equip individuals and families with the resources and opportunities they need to build stability, reclaim dignity, and secure long-term success.

School Age Child Care Grant

The Office of Early Childhood and Out of School Learning will support licensed/regulated school-age child care programs in public school corporations, as authorized by IC 12-17-12, or a child care program that is also a not-for-profit organization, exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applicants may request a maximum of $40,000 per county. As outlined in IC 12-17-12-16, awarded Grants cannot exceed 90% of the Grantee’s total annual program operating costs. This is a cost reimbursement grant; thus, no funds will be disbursed in advance.

Programs must have been open and operating their school-age child care program for at least one (1) full year preceding the date of application for the School Age Child Care grant and remain in good standing through the entire grant period, and serve children between the ages of five (5) and fifteen (15) years which includes:

• Before and/or after school care offered during the regular school year or during the summer, if summer school is offered.
• Care provided during periods when school is not in session, excluding summer break
• Before and/or after school care for children who attend kindergarten (enrolled in either a full-day or half-day program).