Best Higher Education Grants in Indiana

Grants from American Electric Power Foundation help Indiana higher education and other 501(c)(3) organizations fund STEM education, basic needs, and social justice programs. Eligible applicants are public charities, government entities, or qualifying foundations located in AEP’s service territory or serving its customers, with invitations secured through their local AEP Operating Company.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Colleges, universities, and other eligible higher education institutions in Indiana and EPA Region 5 can apply for The Minneapolis Foundation’s Tier 1 Environmental Justice Thriving Communities grants, with awards up to US $150,000 for assessment and engagement projects. Funding supports environmental and public health efforts in disadvantaged Great Lakes communities, including research, monitoring, mapping, and community engagement activities.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Indiana teachers and youth group leaders can receive US $50 - US $700 to cover transportation, naturalist fees, and supplies for educational nature field trips in Indiana. Indiana Native Plant Society’s Letha’s Youth Outdoors Fund prioritizes groups with limited access to natural environments, especially trips highlighting native plants, their habitats, and the impacts of invasive species.

Grants from Lilly Endowment help Indiana higher education institutions and Christian organizations strengthen theological education, prepare diverse religious leaders, and enhance the vitality of congregations. Eligible Indiana colleges, universities, and related programs, including those serving HBCUs, Native American and Latino students, may be considered, with some initiatives offered nationally on an invitational basis.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations funding charitable, scientific, medical, or educational work can apply for support from the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help Indiana higher education institutions and related nonprofits that are tax-exempt under federal (and where applicable, California) law, provided all funded activities occur within the U.S.

Indiana higher education and other tax-exempt organizations can seek funding for projects in arts and culture, education, community vitality, environment, health and public safety, and human services. Ball Brothers Foundation supports strategic, results-focused initiatives, often in Muncie and East Central Indiana, with grants ranging from US $5,000 - US $100,000 that can leverage additional funding.

U.S. 501(c)(3) research universities and medical centers can receive funding for macular degeneration research projects and related capital needs. The Reeves Foundation provides Indiana and national higher education institutions with support for equipment and other project costs, not overhead or operating expenses. Priority goes to capital expenditures, matching funds, and proposals with strong impact.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and Federally Recognized Tribes in rural Indiana can use this program to purchase, construct, or improve essential community facilities and equipment. USDA Rural Development provides funding for projects such as educational facilities, community centers, public safety buildings, and related infrastructure, which may benefit higher education institutions serving rural communities.

Indiana higher education institutions, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes can access funding to run Rural Microloan Revolving Funds and provide training for rural microentrepreneurs. These USDA awards, up to US $500,000, support working capital, debt refinancing, equipment and supply purchases, and real estate improvements for very small rural businesses through qualified Microenterprise Development Organizations.

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public agencies serving Southern Indiana residents can seek funding for capital improvements, equipment, programs, and special projects that improve community life. Focused on economic prosperity, human needs, regional cooperation, and cultural preservation, Paul Ogle Foundation invites Indiana organizations with strong Southern Indiana impact and sound finances to discuss pre-approved grant requests.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Indiana nonprofits and select public entities working on education policy and post-secondary success can seek support for research, policy development, advocacy, and implementation efforts. Focused on closing racial and income gaps in college and career outcomes, the Joyce Foundation backs work that advances educator effectiveness, college and career readiness, and post-secondary success in the Great Lakes region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving basic needs, at-risk youth, or domestic violence survivors near TJX locations in Indiana can seek program support through The Tjx Foundation. With a mission to help vulnerable families and children build better futures, The Tjx Foundation provides funding for basic needs, out-of-school enrichment, workforce readiness, and safety from domestic violence.

Focused on education and community livability, George and Frances Ball Foundation invites Indiana 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for Quarterly Competitive Grants supporting higher education, youth, and related initiatives. Nonprofits working in education, civic enhancement, arts and culture, nature and historic preservation, or wrap-around services in East Central Indiana may be eligible.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies serving women and children in Jefferson County, Indiana can apply for the Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County’s Women’s Giving Circle Grant to support education, health, economic empowerment, or violence prevention programs. Projects that are preventive, one-time, and broadly benefit the county may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Indiana offering affordable housing, workforce development, economic development, or financial empowerment programs can seek approximately US $15,000 to expand community impact. Old National Bank Foundation prioritizes initiatives serving underrepresented and low- to moderate-income people, which may include higher-education-related workforce readiness, financial literacy, or career pathways programs.

Higher education institutions, schools, libraries, and public education organizations in Indiana, especially those based in Gibson County, can apply for funding to enhance math, science, and language arts education. Focused on innovative projects, Community Foundation Alliance supports programs and equipment that expand learning opportunities for youth and adult residents of Gibson County.

Indiana higher education institutions and other 501(c)(3) organizations can seek funding for religious, charitable, and educational projects, including arts, scholarships, and scientific research. Indiana higher education organizations can access funding through Hayner Foundation, which typically awards US $10,000 - US $25,000 for scholarships and research, with preference for institutions of higher learning.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running education programs, scholarships, or research benefiting underprivileged students in Indiana’s Dearborn County can apply for US $5,000 - US $15,000 from Greater Cincinnati Foundation. Funding from the Harrison Family Foundation supports innovative primary, secondary, higher, and adult education initiatives, including capital items and operating expenses, with a preference for smaller, community-based organizations.

Indiana higher education institutions, nonprofit corporations, rural public entities, and tribes can seek funding to support small and emerging rural businesses through training, technical assistance, and community economic development projects. Focused on rural development, USDA Rural Development invites eligible applicants to propose projects such as business incubators, revolving loan funds, and technology-based economic development benefiting rural areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations and government agencies serving Jefferson County, Indiana residents can seek grants supporting community programs, including higher education initiatives. The Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County prioritizes one-time, preventive projects, capacity building, and new services that reach a broad population and address underlying local issues using its Flexible Community and Field of Interest Funds.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Indiana that directly deliver essential health and human services can seek US $50,000 - US $1,500,000 for capital real estate projects. Grants from United Way of Marshall County support land purchase, construction, renovation, and equipment that expand or improve service spaces, which may benefit higher education-related community service facilities.