Search Through Grants for the Arts in Indiana in the U.S.

Mission Statement

Alphawood Foundation is a Chicago-based, grant-making private foundation working for an equitable, just, and humane society. Each year we award grants to organizations, primarily in the areas of advocacy, architecture and preservation, the arts and arts education, promotion and protection of the rights of LGBT persons and people living with HIV/AIDS, and other human and civil rights.

Areas of Interest

Funding is focused in the following areas:

Arts Empowerment

Alphawood Foundation Chicago funds organizations using the arts as a way of overcoming barriers to access and advancement; and those empowering communities through artistic development and expression.     

LGBTQ+ Health and HIV Prevention

Alphawood Foundation Chicago funds organizations expanding and improving LGBTQ+ affirming health care and those working to treat and prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS.

LGBTQ+ Rights and Education

Alphawood Foundation Chicago funds organizations working to secure the rights and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities; and organizations enhancing the visibility of the LGBTQ+ community.  

Empowering Communities of Color

Alphawood Foundation Chicago funds organizations founded by, for, and with communities of color using effective mechanisms—including advocacy, organizing, and the arts—to lift up and empower traditionally marginalized groups.  

Legal Services & Advocacy 

Alphawood Foundation Chicago funds legal services organizations working to provide access to justice, alleviate poverty, expand the rights of immigrants, and promote social change; and organizations whose advocacy activities advance responsive and accountable policies and institutions.

Preserving the Built Environment

Alphawood Foundation Chicago funds organizations whose primary mission honors, promotes, and sustains the built environment, including those promoting the preservation and protection of historic resources through advocacy, education, fund raising, and/or stewardship.  

General Interest

Alphawood Foundation Chicago values a safe, just, and equitable society; equal access and opportunity; healthy and sustainable communities; and a vibrant creative arts sector. Our funding supports organizations furthering these values.  

Our General Interest funding includes support for an extensive Southeast Asian art history program at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London, including scholarship funding for over 100 students from Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia to pursue diploma studies and masters degrees at SOAS.    

Archaeology 

Alphawood Foundation Chicago supports Maya archeological research with a primary focus on fieldwork in Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico.

American Electric Power Foundation

The AEP Foundation focuses on improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and by providing support to help meet basic needs such as emergency shelter, affordable housing and eliminating hunger.

The Foundation also supports organizations whose mission and/or programming is committed to positive social justice outcomes. Other Foundation support may be offered to protect the environment, promote healthcare and safety, and enrich life through art, music and cultural heritage.

Focus Areas

The following focus areas will be eligible for consideration by the Foundation:

• Improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education, with an emphasis in the areas of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
• Providing basic human services in the areas of hunger and housing to assure that people have the necessities to build successful lives.
• Embracing change and equity through sustainable programs that move social justice forward.

As the philanthropic arm of Elevance Health, Inc., the Elevance Health Foundation promotes the organization’s commitment to improving lives and communities.

For 25 years, we’ve been committed to, connected with, and invested in communities across the country. It all started with our signature Healthy Generations program, through which the Foundation targeted specific preventable health concerns while addressing the disparities and social drivers that affect them. By using innovative social-mapping technology and by analyzing public-health data, we gained a snapshot of the major health issues affecting each state, which allowed us to drill down to the zip-code level and target initiatives positively affecting the conditions that matter most. We called this “putting science behind the art of grantmaking.”

In 2021, the effects of COVID-19, together with social unrest, began to call attention to racial inequities and health disparities that have plagued our communities for too long and resulted in poorer health outcomes. Recognizing that health is so much more than healthcare, and understanding the needs of our communities, the Elevance Health Foundation redefined its approach and tightened its focus.

Over a three-year period (July 2021–July 2024), the Foundation committed up to $90 million toward partnerships and programs that improved maternal health, encouraged food as medicine, reduced substance use disorders, and supported community resiliency and disaster relief. We are proud to report that the Foundation has exceeded its commitment and awarded $97.3 million in grants, providing funding to over 12,000 nonprofit partners across the country. The Foundation will continue to focus its efforts in four key areas: Maternal/Infant Health, Food as Medicine, Behavioral Health, and Community Resiliency & Disaster Relief.

 Behavioral Health Grant

As a catalyst for positive change, the Elevance Health Foundation drives innovative and scalable solutions to address physical, behavioral, and social needs through a multi-lever approach to community investment.

Over the next five years, we will continue our grantmaking focus on substance use disorder (SUD) and expand our support to include mental health (MH) initiatives. We invite qualified nonprofits with a history of successful community initiatives to join us in this mission.

The Foundation will prioritize funding for programs that increase the number of individuals receiving treatment for MH and/or SUD, support prevention and early-intervention strategies, and seek to reduce loneliness among individuals with these disorders.

Types of Programs / Locations

Elevance Health will consider proposals from qualified organizations across the U.S. with an emphasis on:

National programs. Promoting scalable and sustainable systemic change, or

Local programs. Implementing relevant interventions in California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia.

Grant Program Goals

Elevance Health Foundation is requesting proposals for programs and initiatives that support one or more of the following goals:

• Achieve a percent increase in the number of individuals receiving treatment services for MH and/or SUD
• Support prevention and early intervention strategies to reduce risks and harms associated with MH and/or SUD
• Reduce social isolation and feelings of loneliness among individuals with MH and/or SUD

About Us

Headquartered in the historic city of Frankenmuth, Michigan, Frankenmuth Insurance has been providing high quality insurance products and unparalleled service since 1868. We’re represented by more than 700 independent insurance agencies in 15 states— selling personal, commercial, and life insurance, neighbor to neighbor.

When you place your trust in us, we work to build a lasting relationship by exceeding your expectations with honest, open, and upfront service — every single time. It’s why 89% of our policyholders would recommend us to others, based on their claims experience. What are your dreams for the future? What worries keep you up at night? We want to know. And it all starts with a frank conversation.

Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation Charitable Grant

In the spirit of neighbor helping neighbor, the Frankenmuth Insurance Charitable Foundation was founded in 2016 to support qualified charities. The foundation supports tax-exempt, not-for-profit organizations and governmental units focused on community betterment and basic human needs.

The foundation focuses on supporting the following types of causes:

• Building better communities
• Basic human needs, such as affordable housing and food
• Disease research, preventive solutions, and general health and wellness programs
• Music, theater, and the arts

Some examples of not-for-profit organizations we’ve supported include:

• Meals on Wheels
• Food kitchens and food banks
• Domestic violence shelters
• Boys and Girls Clubs
• The Red Cross
• The United Way
• Toys for Tots and more

Our Mission

Knight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. We invest in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. Our goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which we believe are essential for a healthy democracy.

Community and National Initiatives

Supporting equitable, inclusive engagement

What We Fund

We fund primarily in eight cities where the foundation has resident program officers, including Akron, where our founders started Knight Newspapers, and Miami, where their business was eventually headquartered. We invest through grantmaking directly from our endowment and from endowed donor-advised funds (DAF) at local community foundations in the Knight communities.

In the 18 cities where our foundation does not have a program director living in the community, we primarily work with community foundation leaders and local advisory committees to identify investment opportunities that support engaged, inclusive and equitable communities.

Communities Program

Our work in community focuses on attracting and nurturing talent, enhancing opportunity, and fostering civic engagement. Rather than a single approach, we seek to support efforts authentic to each community.

Learn more about our work in each of the communities where Knight has offices: 

• Akron, Ohio
• Charlotte, North Carolina
• Detroit
• Macon, Georgia
• Miami
• Philadelphia
• San Jose, California
• St. Paul, Minnesota

In these cities, Knight program directors are your first point of contact.

Knight works in 18 small to mid-sized communities in partnership with local community foundations. Learn more about this program. 

• Aberdeen, South Dakota;
• Biloxi, Mississippi;
• Boulder, Colorado;
• Bradenton, Florida;
• Columbia, South Carolina;
• Columbus, Georgia;
• Duluth, Minnesota;
• Ft. Wayne, Indiana;
• Gary, Indiana;
• Grand Forks, North Dakota;
• Lexington, Kentucky;
• Long Beach, California;
• Milledgeville, Georgia;
• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina;
• Palm Beach County, Florida;
• State College, Pennsylvania;
• Tallahassee, Florida;
• Wichita, Kansas

If you are interested in receiving Knight funding in these 18 communities, please read more about our individual community strategies and ask your local community foundation about the local Knight donor-advised fund.

National Initiatives

Our National Initiatives program seeks to accelerate and amplify the work we do in communities by identifying opportunities in common, and ideas that can be shared across communities. Current areas of focus include:

• Smart cities: Harnessing the growth of digital technology to improve how communities respond, connect to and engage with residents;
• Public Spaces: Investing in spaces such as parks, trails, libraries to engage and connect residents to each other and to the places where they live, such as through our multi-city initiative, Reimagining the Civic Commons.

In addition, our national program responds to opportunities that emerge from the 26 cities where we work.

Lilly Endowment Inc. was founded in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. for the “promotion and support of religious, educational or charitable purposes.” Throughout its history, the Endowment has sought to nurture the human spirit, intellect and character. When once asked what the main purpose of the Endowment should be, Eli Lilly said, “I hope we could help improve the character of the American people.”

Our Work: Community Development

In community development, we support efforts that enhance the quality of life in Indianapolis and Indiana. We also provide funding for compelling causes throughout the country that are consistent with the values and interests of our founders. This support is rooted in our founders’ commitment to their hometown. “All of us Lillys put together have never done as much for Indianapolis as Indianapolis has done for us,” Eli Lilly wrote in 1974. That commitment has extended across the state through grantmaking that supports Indiana’s community foundations and its United Ways.

Strengthening Indianapolis

We make grants to a wide range of organizations that improve the overall quality of life in Indianapolis and expand the city’s economic, cultural and recreational opportunities. We support programs that contribute to strong neighborhoods, provide services to at-risk residents, and encourage the creation and expansion of amenities that attract and retain individuals, families and businesses.

Areas of Grantmaking

• Strong neighborhoods help ensure that Indianapolis is a safe, livable community for all of its residents.
• Intellectual capital and community economic development resources are essential to Indianapolis’ efforts to be a place where people want to live, work and contribute to their community.
• Effective and sustainable human service organizations are critical to helping Indianapolis be a caring community, where all residents are supported in overcoming challenges, such as food insecurity, homelessness, unemployment and underemployment, domestic violence and various disabilities.
• Arts and culture organizations strengthen Indianapolis by fostering a creative and energized community and a quality of life that is appealing to individuals and families. 

Strengthening Indiana

Through helping to strengthen and supporting the efforts of community foundations and United Ways, and by encouraging and funding select strategic collaborations, we aim to enhance the quality of life and future prosperity of Indiana’s communities. Recognizing the diversity of our state’s people and their range of needs, we help local communities identify the issues that matter most to their residents and find solutions to the challenges they face.

Compelling other causes

Through helping to strengthen and supporting the efforts of community foundations and United Ways, and by encouraging and funding select strategic collaborations, we aim to enhance the quality of life and future prosperity of Indiana’s communities. Recognizing the diversity of our state’s people and their range of needs, we help local communities identify the issues that matter most to their residents and find solutions to the challenges they face.

Grant Guidelines: Community Development

Our community development grantmaking focuses primarily on enhancing the quality of life in Indianapolis and Indiana. We grant funds for human and social needs, city and neighborhood revitalization, low- and moderate-income housing, and arts and culture in Indianapolis.  On a statewide level, we routinely offer initiatives to support community foundations and United Ways.

Nationally, the Endowment provides support on an invitational basis for compelling other causes that are consistent with our areas of interest, such as disaster relief and recovery efforts, programs for veterans’ affairs and their families, and selective research projects and educational programs focused on efforts to promote the effectiveness of charitable organizations and enhance and increase charitable giving.

About

Robert Mapplethorpe established the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation on May 27, 1988, the year before his death, to protect his work, to advance his creative vision and to promote the causes he cared about. Serving as the first president of its board of trustees, he established two mandates: to promote photography as an art form in order to achieve its recognition and respect at the same level as painting and sculpture; and to support HIV/AIDS medical research. In keeping with Mapplethorpe's wishes, The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation continues to support photography programming at both major museums as well as small institutions for exhibitions, acquisitions, and publications.

In 1993, the Foundation provided an historic gift to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation to create the named Robert Mapplethorpe Gallery and to inaugurate the Guggenheim Museum's photography program. In addition to its financial component, the Foundation made a gift of more than 200 of the artist’s works, selected by the Museum.

The Foundation subsequently awarded three major gifts supporting photography programs which resulted in galleries or facilities permanently named for Robert Mapplethorpe—at the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Hessel Museum of Art at Bard College, in Annandale-on-Hudson, NY, and the National Portrait Gallery, part of the National Galleries of Scotland in Edinburgh. In addition to the Guggenheim Museum, significant public collections of Mapplethorpe’s work may be found in the Artist Rooms Collection jointly owned by the Tate Modern, London and the National Galleries of Scotland; at the Museum of Modern Art, New York; the Hessel Museum of Art; and the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University.

In 2011, the Mapplethorpe Foundation donated its archive to the Getty Research Institute and gave an encyclopedic collection of artworks to the J. Paul Getty Museum in partnership with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. This gift established a comprehensive archive and collection available to scholars.

In its early years, the Foundation prioritized its focus on HIV and AIDS medical research. It created important medical facilities and programs, including the Robert Mapplethorpe Laboratory for AIDS Research at Harvard Medical School in Boston, the Robert Mapplethorpe Residential Treatment Facility at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York, and the Robert Mapplethorpe Center for HIV Research at St. Vincent's Hospital, New York. The Foundation provided substantial financial support to the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR). The Foundation continues to support research initiatives and has provided funds to amfAR, distinguished institutions such as the Rockefeller University, and community-based experimental treatment organizations, including the AIDS Community Research Initiative of America (ACRIA).

The Foundation is dedicated to protecting and expanding Mapplethorpe’s artistic legacy by encouraging museum exhibitions internationally. It publishes books and places his artworks from its considerable inventory in important public and private collections around the world.

Photography Grant

The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation provides support for museums and other public institutions to expand photography programming, including acquisitions, exhibitions, and publications. As the beneficiary of Robert Mapplethorpe’s Estate, the Foundation has made contributions in the form of artworks or gifts of money to qualifying applicants. In the appropriate circumstance, the Foundation will also assist independent curators in developing interesting photography exhibitions.

In Our Community

Republic Bank recognizes the importance of making a lasting IMPACT, and that starts by strengthening the communities in which we live and work. We believe Republic Bank not only serves the community but is also a part of the community.

Together, we can make an impact that goes beyond banking. Bank with us, and let’s strengthen our community – together.

Generally, organizations and activities meeting the established criteria will fall into one of the following categories:

• Education and Youth Programs
• Family and Community Welfare
• Civic Projects
• Healthcare and Human Services
• Performing Arts and Cultural Activities
• Recreation and Preservation Programs

In-Kind Donations

Republic Bank occasionally donates used computer equipment, office equipment, and furniture to community organizations. 

Community

Wolverine Worldwide has a heritage of engaging with and serving the communities in which we live and work. As champions for positive change, it is our responsibility to enrich our global communities by giving our time and resources to make the world a better place.

As a company providing innovative footwear, apparel and accessories to consumers around the world, Wolverine Worldwide takes seriously its commitment to make the world a better place.

Founded in 1959, the Wolverine Worldwide Foundation represents our commitment to societal betterment, based on the idea that intentional support fosters stronger communities and more inclusive futures. We believe it’s our responsibility to improve our worldwide communities through dedicated time and contributions.

The Foundation stands on three pillars reflecting our brands, consumers, and employees.

Healthy Lives & Outdoors

Promoting healthy lifestyles and fostering a deep connection with nature. We do this through community programs and outdoor activities, we empower individuals to lead healthier, more active lives while appreciating and experiencing life outside.

Diversifying Trades & Talent

Committed to fostering diversity in skilled trades and industry talent by providing opportunities and resources to cultivate belonging in the workforce. We do this through education, mentorship, and community partnerships, we aim to create a more inclusive workplace.

Industry & Community Giving

Advancing industry causes through community programs, we ensure access to proper footwear, promote dignity, and foster long-term positive change and development. While focusing on the communities and regions we are in, we achieve this through planned giving, sustaining and growing community programs, and engagement opportunities.

Ball Brothers Foundation provides funding to organizations operating in Indiana. Historically, the vast majority of our funding has been targeted to organizations in East Central Indiana with a particular emphasis in the Muncie/Delaware County area. While organizations outside the Muncie/East Central Indiana area are welcome to apply for support, please be aware that funding for organizations outside this footprint is rare.

Our Areas of Focus

Arts, Culture, & Humanities

In alignment with our rich history and the vibrant identity of Muncie and East Central Indiana, Ball Brothers Foundation places a significant emphasis on the Arts, Culture, and Humanities. Our funding focuses on inspiring creativity, fostering community engagement, and supporting a variety of cultural initiatives. We provide significant grants to museums, theaters, art education, public art, and more, helping to cultivate a vibrant cultural network in our region.

Education

Education is a fundamental commitment at Ball Brothers Foundation that continues to grow. Our support extends from early childhood education to public schools in Muncie’s Central City, emphasizing teacher development, student programs, and K-12 excellence. We also invest in outdoor learning, after-school, and summer programs that nurture critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, our commitment to career, technical, and continuing education programs aims to help individuals secure employment and thrive in their families. Since our founding, we have continued to support higher education institutions, recognizing the valuable role colleges and universities play in the lives of individuals and in the communities where they locate. 

Environment

Our funding focuses on preserving and protecting land, creating opportunities for children to connect with nature, reclaiming and restoring waterways, and encouraging conservation practices among landowners. In recent years, we've intensified our support for East Central Indiana's waterways, recognizing their vital role in sustaining local industries and providing drinking water. We actively engage the community by promoting outdoor activities like cycling, canoeing, and hiking, transforming our region into a vibrant outdoor recreation destination. Together with our grantees, we proudly contribute to safeguarding our natural resources and supporting organizations dedicated to improving our environment.

Health

Building on a legacy that began with Ball Memorial Hospital in 1929, we prioritize efforts that nurture a robust pipeline of future healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, CNAs, and more. Our funding is helping East Central Indiana build its reputation as a statewide leader in training future healthcare workers.. In addition to training, Ball Brothers Foundation has long supported efforts that prioritize community wellness, including initiatives that target underserved populations, expand access to healthy meals, and encourage physical activity.

Human Services

Ball Brothers Foundation recognizes the transformative power of nonprofits in Muncie and East Central Indiana. Our funding often supports nonprofits that are on the front-lines of neighborhood revitalization, emergency food and shelter, job training, disaster recovery, addiction and recovery services, and more to support community well-being and resilience. To bolster nonprofit capacity, we also provide grants that enhance leadership, organizational effectiveness, and professional development, addressing the unique challenges nonprofits face on tight budgets with lean staffing.

Public Society Benefit

We are steadfast believers in the potential of Muncie and East Central Indiana. The foundation supports initiatives that promote vitality, entrepreneurship, recreational opportunities, and neighborhood development. Our aim is to instill community pride and revitalize downtown areas, fostering inclusive hubs for growth. We also prioritize public safety by supporting local emergency responders and initiatives addressing growing cybersecurity threats.

Mary J. Proctor Trust

Grants support charitable organizations impacting children and youth in the greater Indianapolis, Indiana area.

Program Areas

• Arts and Culture
• Community Development,
• Education,
• Human and Social Services,
• Religious

Daviess County Community Foundation

Established in 1993, the Daviess County Community Foundation is one of over 800 community foundations in the United States today. The Community Foundation is a charitable resource devoted to our local community. We help people make meaningful gifts that improve life in Daviess County, Indiana today and for generations to come.

We are part of the Community Foundation Alliance (The Alliance), a network of nine community foundations serving counties in southwestern Indiana. The Alliance, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, provides management and administrative expertise to county-wide community foundations, empowering each to promote philanthropy, build endowments, and improve well-being in our local community. The Alliance Board of Directors is the governing body and is comprised of up to two representatives from each county affiliate. All are civic-minded volunteers who live or work in the counties they serve.

Program Areas

Arts and Culture

Activities that strengthen the stability of arts organizations, make the arts accessible to low-income populations, enhance the understanding of all types of arts and humanities, and promote the appreciation or understanding of historical event.

Community Development

Activities that foster civil rights, our society, advocacy, community improvement, capacity building, philanthropy, volunteerism, grantmaking, strong neighborhoods; that improve the effectiveness of government, public administration and public officials; that assess community needs; and that support the programs of leadership organizations.

Education

Activities that improve the educational attainment of children and adults, both in and out of the classroom; that support formally constituted educational institutions and organizations or entities that administer or support these institutions; that support libraries and organizations whose primary purpose is to provide opportunities for supplementing and continuing education outside the framework of formal education institutions; and that support organizations which provide education-related services to students and schools.

Health

Activities that improve and promote health outcomes; general and rehabilitative health services; mental health; crisis intervention; associations or services associated with specific diseases, disorders, and medical disciplines; and medical research.

Human Services

Activities that maximize the functioning of special needs populations in mainstream society; that protect the public (crime and delinquency prevention, legal administration, legal services); that promote and support employment and jobs, food and nutrition, agriculture, housing and shelter, public safety, and disaster preparedness and relief; and that support child daycare programs, the United Way, YMCA, YWCA, firefighting activities, and programs of community centers.

Environment

Activities that foster pollution control and abatement, protection and conservation of natural resources, botanic and horticulture, environmental beautification, preservation of open spaces, environmental education and outdoor survival, protection and welfare of animals, humane societies, wildlife preservation and protection, veterinary services, zoos and aquariums, and specialty animal services.

Recreation

Improving and promoting recreational and leisure activities, parks, and community sporting events and activities.

Youth Development

Activities that strengthen the family unit, help children grow and develop, foster youth sports and athletics, that support the Future Farmers of America or other youth development programs, Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and scouting.

About GIG Fund

The GIG Fund is a grant of $2,000-4,000 that supports creative projects and educational events in the Midwest. These funds help organizations present artists in their community by supporting programming and touring costs.

The GIG Fund provides flexible grants for nonprofit organizations to support programs and activities featuring professional artists. GIG Fund grants help cover fees for touring or local artists. Funds may also be used for project costs such as accessibility accommodations and marketing. We work with a panel to help us review applications and distribute grants annually.

About

The Robert & Toni Bader Charitable Foundation was created in 2010 to provide philanthropic support to help make the world a better place. Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, our mission is to help further Jewish ideals in the areas of education, science and the arts. 

Since our beginning, we’ve funded projects from New York to California, Michigan to Florida. We have helped teachers educate, helped children learn, helped feed the hungry, helped people earn a living, helped provide work for the unemployed, and helped find new ways to treat illness and improve quality of life. If you are engaged in any of these activities, let us hear from you.

Our logo, the Tree of Life, is a universal symbol of growth and re-growth, providing benefits to the present and future. The circle represents unity and continuity within our communities and our lives.

Guidelines

The Robert & Toni Bader Charitable Foundation (rtbcf) was created to help achieve the Jewish Ideals of improving the world through Science, Education and the Arts.

We do not have minimum or maximum grant amounts. Grants are made based on our evaluation of your project, the number of grants we are considering, and the amount of funds we have to distribute.

The SIA Foundation is committed to making gifts to qualifying organizations, institutions or entities within Indiana that will improve the quality of life and help to meet the needs of the residents of the State of Indiana. 

The SIA Foundation achieves this mission through grants, which are used to support the funding of specific capital projects in the areas of Arts and Culture, Education, and Health and Welfare.

SIA Foundation Grants

The SIA Foundation, Inc. is committed to making gifts to qualifying 501(c) 3 organizations or entities within the State of Indiana that will improve the quality of life and help meet the needs of our residents. The Foundation achieves this mission through cash grants which are used to support the funding of specific capital projects in the areas of:

• Arts and Culture
• Education
• Health and Welfare

Elsa Heisel Sule Foundation Grant

General Information

The Elsa Heisel Sule Foundation is an independent private Foundation philanthropic organization originally established in 2004 by Elsa M. Heisel Sule, a native of Northern Kentucky and businesswoman in the television industry.

The Foundation’s governing body meets three times during the year to review applications for grants during April, July and October. The Foundation staff maintains offices in Greater Cincinnati, a central point in the tri-state area it serves, of Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana. 

Operations and Purpose

Grant Applications must be filed for each calendar year in which an organization desires a Grant of funds. Grants are usually awarded for one year unless specifically noted in writing as a multiyear grant or renewable. 

Program Priorities and Objective

The Trustee of the Foundation was originally instructed by Elsa Sule to make grants in the Greater Cincinnati and tri-state area with a focus on Education, Community, and the Arts with the following areas of interests:

• Education Success and Scholarships
• Health, Wellness and Scientific Research
• Children’s Welfare and Competitive Sports
• Fine and Performing Arts and Cultural Vibrancy
• Civic Public Affairs
• Animal Welfare and Preservation
• Environmental and Community Stewardship

Areas of Interest and Primary Focus

The Foundation seeks to enhance the quality of life by providing funds through a grant making process for education, economic development, health, youth sports, community organizations meeting the needs of the underserved, and humanitarian projects. Focusing on disadvantaged youth, education, youth sports, poverty and hunger prevention, medical and health care programs, community development, the environment, building strong families, the advancement of human rights & social needs, and the arts.

The Brooks and Joan Fortune Foundation (BJFF) primarily provides funds to support education, art, and outreach programs and projects. In general, the foundation desires to support specific activities that result in a defined outcome rather than general operating funds or fundraising campaigns. While the foundation activities have historically been located in Indiana and Florida, requests from around the country will certainly be considered. 

Our application and grant process is on-going and welcome you to apply for a grant with the Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation. Funding requests between $1,000 and $10,000 will receive greater consideration.

The Daniel and Susan Pfau Foundation

The Pfau Foundation was established in 1994 in Cincinnati by Daniel A. Pfau and Susan Laufer Pfau.

Mrs. Pfau, a community volunteer, and Mr. Pfau, a local businessman, have been actively involved in programs serving disabled and disadvantaged youth, and in organizations promoting the Greater Cincinnati area. The Foundation complements the Pfaus’ personal charitable efforts and will continue their support into the future.

Purpose of the Pfau Foundation

The Pfau Foundation’s primary focus is on the education, health, cultural experience and social welfare of children, adolescents, young adults (to age 30) with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities and their families. A secondary focus is on children, adolescents, young adults (to age 30) who face significant economic barriers to success and their families. There is a particular interest in programs that help clients realize their full potential. The Foundation also advocates and supports large regional arts and cultural organizations. Small and mid-size organizations that use the arts as a vehicle for achieving impact with successful shared outcomes will be considered. (These outcomes must be aligned with the first two priorities of the Foundation.) The fourth area of interest is recreation areas.

Crossroad Fund Grants

Crossroads Fund supports organizations and groups promoting social change in the greater Chicago Metropolitan area (including Northwest Indiana). We define social change work as people in communities collectively working together to challenge the conditions, institutions, and policies that maintain inequality and oppression.

We prioritize groups who are:

• Collaborative or working in solidarity with other progressive groups
• Risk-taking by doing work that is controversial, new or emerging
• Strategic and working with a long-term vision, clear goals, and activities
• Achieving concrete success that has positively impacted the community
• Multiple funding sources throughout the community, such as foundations, businesses, individuals, special events, and income generating projects

Most of our funding programs are for organizations with budgets under $500,000. If your organization’s planned budget for the current fiscal year is $510,000, but your last fiscal year’s actual expenses were $485,500, you would fit.  Crossroads Fund supports non-profit organizations, including those that do not have 501(c)3 status. Fiscal sponsorship for those organizations without tax-exempt status is recommended but not required. An organizational bank account is required for those groups not using a fiscal sponsor. Crossroads Fund also considers funding for 501(c)(4) organizations on a limited basis. 

Types of Work Supported for ALL grants

Crossroads supports many different forms of social change organizing, such as (but not limited to):

• Direct Action Organizing;
• Public Policy Advocacy;
• Art & Cultural work that is community-based and linked to activism;
• Economic Development;
• International Solidarity;
• Action Research as an organizing strategy to identify, document and analyze information, in partnership with a community group
• Media Advocacy that promotes greater public understanding of critical issues and increasing organizing outreach efforts;
• Social Services linked with Activism;
• Leadership Development and Training;
• Providing Resources for Local Activists;
• Working Collaboratively Across Issues and Communities;
• Gatherings and Conferences.

Seed Fund

The Seed Fund is our largest grantmaking fund. It supports long-time, well-established organizations as well as new, emerging, and/or small community-based organizations that are actively engaged in social change work. Funding is provided for general operating, start-up costs, or project expenses. The maximum grant in this program is $15,000.

Mission Statement

The Sheila Fortune Foundation was formed in 1998 by Sheila Fortune to promote the interests of at-risk youths by providing them the opportunity to experience and participate in educational activities through the arts. 

The Foundation holds the philosophy that many youths from all backgrounds and experiences are gifted but need a medium and the opportunity to express and develop their talents. In accordance with its philosophy and the resources available to the Foundation, it has initially established the following guidelines for its activities.

• The Foundation will identify organizations which are familiar with at-risk youths and provide the youths with a stabilized setting, and the Foundation will grant support in order to enable these organizations to develop and administer programs promoting the interests and abilities of these youths in the arts.
• The scope of arts programs is not intended to be limited to any particular programs but could include interests in theatre, dance, painting, music, film and photography.
• The Foundation will defer to other organizations as to the identification, intervention, and the immediate or long-term physical and emotional needs of these youths.

About the Foundation

The Eric A. Baade and Mary C. Baade Charitable Purposes Trust was created by Eric A. Baade in 1958. The Baades were longtime residents and active philanthropists in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The trust continues to support the Fort Wayne area. Mr. Baade was born in 1897 and died in 1975. His wife, Mary, was born in 1909 and died in 2000.

Mission

To support a variety of charitable purposes, primarily in Allen County, Indiana.

Program areas

• Arts, culture, and humanities 
• Education 
• Environment, animals 
• Health 
• Human services 
• Religion

Benjamin H. Smyser, a resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana, created the Benjamin H. Smyser Foundation to award grants for a variety of charitable purposes. Mr. Smyser passed away on December 29, 1968.

Mission

To provide grants for a variety of charitable causes, primarily in the Fort Wayne, Indiana area.

Program areas

• Arts, culture, and humanities 
• Education 
• Environment, animals 
• Health 
• Human services 
• Public/society benefit 
• Religion

The Harold and Rachel McMillen Foundation was created in 1961 to support educational, scientific, religious or charitable purposes. The McMillens were longtime residents of Fort Wayne, Indiana.Harold McMillen was born on September 29, 1906. He was the son of Dale McMillen, founder of Central Soya. He attended Oberlin College and the Purdue School of Agriculture. Following college, he worked for a few years outside of the industry, but then returned to one of his father’s businesses, Central Soya Company, and later became its president. In 1945, he joined Central Soya as vice-president and sales director. In 1947, he married Rachel Elizabeth Baird. During his tenure with Central Soya, Harold McMillen became executive vice-president and then chairman of the board. He retired in 1970. The company’s areas of operation included soybean processing, feed manufacturing, and grain merchandising. In addition to his excellence in business, Harold McMillen spent his time and resources toward the improvement of his community. He died on March 26, 1984. His wife, Rachel, died on March 26, 2005.

Mission

To support educational, scientific, religious or charitable purposes, primarily in Allen County, Indiana.

Program areas

• Arts, culture, and humanities 
• Education 
• Environment, animals 
• Health 
• Human services 
• Religion

GIG Fund

Flexible support to help arts and culture organizations grow their capacity, fund artist engagements, and build community.

What is the GIG Fund?

The GIG Fund is a grant of $2,000-4,000 that supports creative projects and educational events in the Midwest. These funds help organizations present artists in their community by supporting programming and touring costs. The GIG Fund is a grant that supports Midwestern organizations that want to contract with a professional artist to offer activities to their community. 

Matching requirement

Organizations will be required to demonstrate matching funds on a 1:1 basis for the grant amount.

To demonstrate the match, your expenses should each be at least double your GIG Fund grant. Potential sources for the match include salaries and wages, in-kind contributions, volunteer hours, earned and contributed revenue (donations, ticket sales, other non-Federal grants), or cash from the applicant or partner organizations.

The Gladys Brooks Foundation was created under the will of Gladys Brooks Thayer of New York. 

Its purpose is to provide for the intellectual, moral and physical welfare of the people of this country by establishing and  supporting non-profit libraries, educational institutions, hospitals and clinics.

Scope of Grants Considered

The Foundation will consider major grant applications for innovative projects in the fields of libraries, education, hospitals and clinics.

Grants for Libraries 

Grant applications will be considered generally for resource Endowments (print, film, electronic database, speakers/workshops) capital construction and innovative equipment. Projects fostering broader public access to global information sources utilizing collaborative efforts, pioneering technologies and equipment are encouraged.

Grants for Educational Institutions

Grant applications from universities, colleges and secondary schools will be considered generally for:

• educational endowments to fund scholarships based solely on educational achievements, leadership and academic ability of the student; 
• endowments to support fellowships and teaching chairs for educators who confine their activities primarily to classroom instruction in the liberal arts, mathematics and the sciences during the academic year;
• erection or endowment of buildings, wings or additions thereto of buildings, and equipment for educational purposes;
• capital equipment for educational purposes.

Grants for Hospitals & Clinics

Grant proposals from hospitals and clinics where the proposal addresses a new health need, an improvement in the quality of health care or reduced health costs with better patient outcomes will be considered generally for:

• endowments for programs;
• erection or endowment of buildings, wings of or additions to buildings;
• capital equipment.