Best Head Start Grants in Indiana

Nonprofit organizations with IRS tax-exempt status in Indiana can seek funding for early childhood and preschool education, as well as related community and family supports. Ball Brothers Foundation supports programs in areas like early learning, child care, human services, and community vitality, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $100,000.

Indiana tax-exempt organizations focused on preschool and early learning can seek Ball Brothers Foundation Rapid Grants to cover immediate needs such as seed money, equipment, travel, professional development, or specific projects, with awards up to US $5,000. Programs in East Central Indiana, especially Muncie/Delaware County, may be particularly competitive within the foundation’s stated interest areas.

Early childhood education and child care employers in Indiana can receive reimbursements up to US $50,000 to train, hire, and retain staff in high-demand positions through the Employer Training Grant. Grants from Indiana Department of Workforce Development support job-skills training that leads to recognized credentials, helping preschool and early learning programs strengthen their workforce.

The US Department of Health & Human Services announces a competitive funding opportunity for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs across various states. This initiative aims to enhance services for low-income families and children, promoting their social and economic well-being. With approximately $818.3 million available, the program seeks to expand access to quality early childhood education, thereby strengthening community stability and prosperity. Interested applicants can seek further information through the OHS Operations Center.

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 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible public entities working in early childhood education, family services, health, or environmental conservation can seek capital or special project funding that serves communities where Cox Enterprises operates. Grants from James M Cox Foundation help programs that expand or strengthen preschool and early learning services, including those complementing Head Start initiatives.

American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation

At American Family Insurance, we believe in the power of dreams and the strength of community. Through the Dreams Foundation, we're committed to nurturing resilient and thriving communities, making a real difference where we live and work. Our employees and agency owners are passionate about giving back, and together, we're a force for good. Through volunteerism and matching gift programs, we're dedicated to creating lasting impacts that truly matter. The Dreams Foundation also supports organizations that are making a positive change through unrestricted grants and targeted program investments. If your organization is ready to make a difference, we invite you to apply for a grant through the link below.

The American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation is powered by our purpose—we champion dreams and opportunities so everyone can rise. We support our communities by offering unrestricted general operating grants and targeted programming investments to eligible non-profit partners. Our funding priorities align with our organizational efforts to invest in and improve the communities where we live and serve:

• Housing Access & Home Ownership
• Climate Ready Communities
• Supported Individuals & Families
• Future Ready Workforce
• Inspired & Innovative Communities
• College Access & Success 

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Indiana that directly deliver essential health and human services, including early childhood education and childcare, can apply for United Way of Marshall County’s matching capital grants, awarding US $50,000 - US $1,500,000 for real estate and facility projects. Funding can support land purchase, construction, renovation, and related equipment that expand or improve service capacity.

Indiana early learning and family literacy providers, including 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, colleges, and public libraries, can seek funding to support integrated family literacy programs. The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers up to US $10,000 for projects combining adult education, children’s education, and parent-child together time within 15 miles of a Dollar General store.

The Hearst Foundation: Education Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that promote education across various levels, focusing primarily on higher education. With a minimum grant size of $100,000, the foundation prioritizes organizations demonstrating significant impact and sustainability. They support innovative educational models, professional development, and scholarships, specifically targeting underserved populations. Since the 1940s, the foundation has evolved while maintaining its commitment to fostering healthy and productive lives for all individuals in the United States.

The Foellinger Foundation offers Community-Based Grants aimed at enhancing early childhood, youth, and family development in Allen County. The foundation focuses on nonprofit organizations that provide essential services to families in need. Grants are awarded based on specific program outcomes and prioritize those with a proven track record. Organizations must be at least three years old and exempt from federal taxes. This initiative aims to promote self-reliance and community building through targeted support.

The Stranahan Foundation’s Early Childhood Education grant program aims to enhance access to high-quality early education for low-income children. Funding up to $1.5 million is available for innovative proposals that improve professional development for early educators. Key priorities include scalable coaching models, leadership development for under-resourced communities, and community-wide substitute teacher pools. This initiative is designed to tackle significant gaps identified in early childhood education and support effective learning environments.

The American Electric Power Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on educational improvement, particularly in STEM fields, and basic human services such as hunger and housing. Organizations must operate within AEP's service territory or have a broader beneficial purpose. The Foundation also supports social justice initiatives and environmental protection efforts. Eligible applicants must affirm compliance with anti-discrimination policies and demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving educational outcomes for children and youth can apply for Comis Foundation grants, with awards from US $5,000 - US $75,000 for programs, policy work, and organizational capacity. Indiana early learning and Head Start-focused organizations may be eligible if they serve children through exploration, learning, and whole-child support, including nationally reaching efforts.

Indiana public and charter schools launching new PLTW Gateway STEM programs can receive US $15,000 to cover participation fees, required technology, equipment, and teacher core training. Project Lead The Way partners with Ardagh Group to support early learning and K–12 education; eligible schools in specified Indiana communities will be notified directly.

Public schools expanding PLTW Gateway STEM programs in select Indiana and other U.S. communities can receive $15,000 to add units, increase class sections, or train additional teachers. Project Lead The Way funding may cover PLTW participation fees, required devices, program equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs, including travel, lodging, and related stipends.

Public and charter schools in Indiana with existing PLTW Launch programs can receive US $15,000 to expand STEM and early learning offerings, including modules, student access, and teacher training. Project Lead The Way funding may cover participation fees, required devices, program equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs for eligible Head Start–adjacent early education settings.

Public elementary schools implementing new PLTW Launch STEM programs in Indiana communities like Valparaiso can receive US $10,000 to cover participation fees, required devices, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs. Project Lead The Way funding may benefit early learning and Head Start-aligned initiatives focused on hands-on STEM and teacher development for PreK–5 students.

Education providers offering early learning or K–12 programs in Indiana and across the U.S. can apply for the Yass Foundation for Education’s Yass Prize, awarding US $1,000,000 for innovative, student-centered models. Organizations advancing sustainable, transformational, outstanding, and permissionless education, including those serving Head Start-age children, may be competitive applicants.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits, churches, and government entities supporting preschool and early learning can apply for Cdv5 Foundation grants to fund general operations, capital campaigns, or specific programs. Organizations advancing successful children, stronger families, and healthier communities may be eligible, with applications accepted year-round and reviewed quarterly.

Preschool and early learning programs run by 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, or government agencies in DeKalb County, Indiana can seek grants for projects, programs, or operations that serve local children and families. Focused on early childhood development, the Community Foundation of DeKalb County invites applicants working in areas like education, youth development, and human services.

Educators working with pre-K through 9th grade students in Indiana classrooms can apply for Pets in the Classroom’s grants, awarding up to US $50 to purchase and maintain small classroom pets. Public and private school teachers, librarians, counselors, nurses, and other school-based staff may be eligible to enhance early learning environments.

Title I pre-K–12 classrooms in Indiana can receive up to US $1,000 to fund field trips and learning experiences in parks, historic sites, public lands, and waters. National Park Trust provides support for transportation, program fees, materials, and stewardship activities, which may benefit Head Start and early learning programs in qualifying schools.

The Capacity Building Grant by the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana aims to enhance the operational capacity of nonprofits in Clark and Floyd counties. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 support initiatives like governance improvement, leadership development, and strategic planning. By fostering continuous improvement, this program ensures organizations can effectively serve their communities. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities in good standing. For more details, visit the official program summary.

The Roy and Gloria Dinsdale Foundation, established in 2022, is dedicated to enhancing lives in rural Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado through grants exceeding $10,000. It supports nonprofits and government entities focused on food, shelter, healthcare, education, and the arts. The foundation prioritizes local initiatives that enrich communities and improve access to essential services, while maintaining a commitment to assisting veterans, first responders, and individuals with disabilities.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

The Ohio Children’s Foundation Grant aims to enhance the lives of at-risk children and families through funding for early childhood education programs. With nearly $1 million awarded in grants over three years, the Foundation supports initiatives that promote school readiness, advocate for public policies, and provide resources for parents. Prioritizing children aged 0-5, the Foundation seeks innovative programs that address early brain development and minimize toxic stress, ensuring a brighter future for vulnerable families.