Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Indiana

Our Story

Established over 50 years ago, our founders redefined local philanthropy, fostering connections around a shared sense of place and purpose. As Virginia's largest community foundation, we bring people together to pool resources, co-create solutions and align actions for impactful change in the Richmond region.

Scholarships are offered to students living in the Richmond region and other Virginia locations. Each scholarship was established by a generous individual, family, or organization with a desire to assist high school students, recent high school graduates, and adult learners to continue their education. 

School Bus Road Scholarship Fund

The School Bus Road Scholarship Fund was established in 2023 by the Louisa County, VA Chapter of the NAACP. The purpose of the scholarship is to support postsecondary educational scholarships for qualifying graduates of Louisa County Public High School. and any future high schools built by Louisa County Public Schools in Louisa County, VA, attending an accredited two or four-year community college, techical or vocation school, college or university in the United States.

Our Story

Established over 50 years ago, our founders redefined local philanthropy, fostering connections around a shared sense of place and purpose. As Virginia's largest community foundation, we bring people together to pool resources, co-create solutions and align actions for impactful change in the Richmond region.

Scholarships are offered to students living in the Richmond region and other Virginia locations. Each scholarship was established by a generous individual, family, or organization with a desire to assist high school students, recent high school graduates, and adult learners to continue their education. 

J. Martin Diggs Memorial Scholarship

• 2 yr., 4yr., Community College, College or University (U.S.)

Opera Grants for Women Composers: Discovery Grants support the creation of new operas by women composers, promoting gender parity and diversity in the field. These grants assist composers in exploring opera as an art form, funding activities like libretto readings and workshops. OPERA America is committed to enhancing the operatic repertoire with diverse perspectives, and these grants are made possible through the support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Dr. Donald and Ann Gleason Memorial Scholarship

Provides scholarships for qualified Shasta County students with financial needs seeking a college education in the medical field.

Dr. and Mrs. Gleason had no heirs but still had a strong desire to help students with a financial need who were seeking a degree in the medical field. The Dr. Donald and Ann Gleason Memorial Scholarship will assist those pursuing an education in mental health, psychiatry, or pre-med studies.

The Earthwatch Institute's Teach Earth Fellowship connects K-12 teachers with scientists through immersive research expeditions. Celebrating 50 years, this program empowers educators to inspire students with hands-on environmental science experiences. Teachers gain confidence, collaborate with peers, and develop impactful curricula. The fellowship includes workshops, networking opportunities, and resources to enhance environmental education in classrooms. Participants return with renewed purpose, ready to engage their communities in conservation efforts.

This grant mechanism will focus on furthering the development of novel strategies towards improving the treatment of Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC). Work supported through this mechanism will address important areas of need across the entire care continuum and have the immediate potential to increase survivorship. It is expected that correlative translational research will be proposed that will enhance the understanding of SCLC.The overarching theme of the proposals should be centered around understanding the biology of SCLC and developing strategies toward improving outcomes for patients with SCLC. We will encourage applications on a wide variety of topics related to SCLC, including but not limited to the following:

• Advanced Screening and Diagnostic Technologies
  • Utilize liquid biopsies and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) to enhance early detection and monitoring of SCLC, providing non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic solutions
  • Investigate the clinical utility of blood-based biomarkers for improving SCLC diagnosis, monitoring treatment response, and predicting outcomes
  • Leverage artificial intelligence for the early detection of SCLC

• Disease Progression and Acquired Resistance
  • Study of molecular + clinical characteristics of rapid progressors vs. long-term responders in SCLC to tailor personalized treatment approaches
  • Leverage radiomics to identify predictive or prognostic factors such as treatment response, risk of pneumonitis, and likelihood of brain metastases
  • Investigate the underlying mechanisms of primary and acquired resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy in SCLC
  • Identify and validate biomarkers indicative of disease progression and/or therapeutic resistance

• Biomarkers and Immuno-Oncology
  • Identify and validate biomarkers that can predict greater responses to immunotherapy treatments in SCLC, enhancing patient selection and treatment efficacy

• Biospecimen-based research
  • Leverage real-world patient tissue and/or blood samples to enable:
    • Longitudinal studies of SCLC progression from limited-stage to extensive-stage disease
    • Investigation of tumor and microenvironmental changes before, during, and after treatment to understand the evolution of resistance
  • Develop a centralized infrastructure for biospecimen collection, with standardized protocols and accessible repositories to facilitate broad research collaboration

These awards provide a maximum of $500,000 in funding over a period of three years.

The NCAA Jim McKay Graduate Scholarship honors the legacy of journalist Jim McKay by awarding a one-time $10,000 scholarship to one male and one female student-athlete annually. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.5, demonstrate integrity, and show interest in sports communication. There is no limit to the number of nominations from institutions, highlighting the NCAA's commitment to supporting student-athletes in their academic and professional pursuits.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Music Scholarship

At a very early age in Alabama, Lee Essie Smith was a self-taught musician. After losing her mother as a young teenager, she began putting her God-given musical talent to work as a pianist for several churches. By the time she graduated from high school, she had learned the cosmetology trade and met Charlie McMillan, Jr.

After his wife’s death, Mr. McMillan continued his community service with the Democratic Party, Habitat for Humanity and Mt. Olive Baptist Church as an usher. Although he did not serve very long in the military, Mr. McMillan continues to exemplify the values and physical energy of the “Army Strong” slogan. He is the patriarch of the family – always dapper – and a regular attendee at church services.

The Retirement Research Foundation (RRF) offers Professional Education & Training Grants aimed at enhancing the skills of professionals serving older adults (60+). The foundation focuses on projects with significant national or regional impact, particularly those addressing the needs of historically marginalized groups, including people of color and LGBTQ individuals. RRF seeks to foster a well-trained workforce capable of meeting the increasing demands of an aging population, thereby improving the quality of life for older Americans.

The grant mechanism will focus on furthering the development of strategies towards improving the outcomes of Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) patients through patient advocacy. Work supported through this mechanism will address important areas of need across the entire care continuum and have the immediate potential to increase research efforts, quality of life and survivorship. The overarching theme of the proposals should be centered around using patient advocacy as a tool to develop strategies toward improving outcomes for patients with SCLC. We will encourage applications on a wide variety of topics related to SCLC, including but not limited to the following:

• Patient-Centric Care Models
  • Develop and implement care models that prioritize patient needs and preferences, integrating innovative approaches from diagnosis through survivorship
• Advanced Screening and Diagnostic Technologies
  • Create comprehensive survivorship care plans addressing long-term healthcare needs, focusing on follow-up care, monitoring for recurrence, and managing chronic side effects

• Access and Equity
  • Investigate barriers to accessing quality care, clinical trials, screening and biomarker testing for SCLC patients and purpose solutions to ensure equitable healthcare delivery for diverse populations

• Technology Integration
  • Explore the use of digital health tools and technologies to facilitate better patient-provider interactions, personalized care, and continuous monitoring during the care continuum
• Patient Feedback Mechanisms
  • Establish robust feedback systems to gather patient insights and experiences and use this data to inform continuous improvements in care delivery, diagnostic technologies, treatment approaches, clinical protocols and accessible repositories to facilitate broad research collaboration

The 2026 Strategies Using Patient Advocacy to Improve Outcomes in Small Cell Lung Cancer will grant a minimum of one award of $250,000 for a period two years ($125,000 per year).

The SAA Shakespeare Publics Award, presented by the Shakespeare Association of America, celebrates innovative efforts that engage diverse publics with Shakespeare's works. Open to SAA members, the award recognizes projects that promote teaching, scholarship, performance, and activism. Since its inception in 1972, the SAA has fostered dialogue and collaboration among scholars, enhancing the appreciation of Shakespeare's impact on culture. This award highlights the importance of broadening access to Shakespeare's legacy in today's society.

The NINDS Faculty Development Award aims to enhance diversity in neuroscience research by supporting junior faculty from underrepresented backgrounds. This award provides essential research cost support, protected research time, and mentorship for individuals holding doctoral degrees within their first three years on a faculty tenure track. It specifically encourages research proposals that do not involve independent clinical trials, while allowing participation in trials led by mentors. Key application deadlines span from October 2024 to June 2027.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

William B. and Bonnie Z. Swonger Nursing Scholarship

A Shelby County resident who is a graduate of any high school within Shelby County and is pursuing a Registered Nursing degree. 

Selection based upon:

• Financial need and academic ability.

Awards

• Four $1,250 scholarships available

American College Of Sports Medicine Foundation Inc

ACSM is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world, with nearly 50,000 international, national and regional members and certified fitness professionals.

Our Mission: To educate and empower professionals to advance the science and practice of health and human performance.

GSSI Pathways in Sports Science Award | Graduate Student Research & Mentorship Award

GSSI celebrates the passion, resilience, and academic excellence of first-generation college students pursuing graduate degrees in exercise physiology, sports science, kinesiology, and/or sports nutrition. Designed to empower emerging leaders in the field, the award recognizes individuals who are breaking new ground, not only in their families but in the science of human performance.

In addition to research funding, to help promote professional development, award winners will receive one year of 1:1 mentorship from a GSSI scientist. Award winners will also receive complementary registration to ACSM’s 2027 Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, IN.

ACSM requires award winners to:   

• Submit official transcripts if selected as an award winner, 
• Attend the 2027 ACSM Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, IN. 
• Present funded research at a future ACSM Annual Meeting, and   
• Send ACSM a copy of any publications or presentations related to the funded research. 

The Path to a Cure — Collaborative Research Grant, offered by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, aims to support research in developing new therapies for cystic fibrosis, particularly focusing on CFTR gene repair and replacement strategies. This program prioritizes collaborations that integrate new investigators and innovative technologies into CF research. Applicants can request up to $1,000,000 annually for three years, with proposals requiring preliminary data to demonstrate feasibility and potential impact.

Society of Toxicology

Founded in 1961, the Society of Toxicology (SOT) is a professional and scholarly organization of scientists from academic institutions, government, and industry representing the great variety of scientists who practice toxicology in the US and abroad. The Society’s mission is to create a safer and healthier world by advancing the science and increasing the impact of toxicology. SOT operates under four guiding principles:

• Serving the needs of the scientific discipline and our members to enhance human, animal, and environmental health.
• Life-long learning and intellectual scientific stimulation.
• Diversity of representation in all activities of the Society.
• Integrity.

MDCPSS Early Career Achievement Award

Description

The MDCPSS Early Career Achievement Award recognizes the research accomplishments of young scientists in the early stages of their careers who have demonstrated excellence in toxicological research related to medical devices and/or combination products.

Award Categories

Up to two award recipients will be selected:

• One undergraduate or graduate student
• One postdoctoral fellow or early-career scientist (≤5 years post-graduation)

Award Recognition

• Each recipient will receive a plaque and a monetary award to support travel to the SOT Annual Meeting.
• Awardees will be recognized at the MDCPSS Reception and invited to give a 5-minute overview presentation of their work.

Karma for Cara Microgrants empowers students aged 18 and under to bring their service project ideas to life with funding up to $1,000. Founded in honor of Cara Becker, who inspired community service during her own health journey, the program supports a wide range of initiatives aimed at improving local communities across the U.S. Students are encouraged to demonstrate creativity and community involvement, with grants awarded quarterly to fuel their impactful projects.

The Bottomley, Peter R. Scholarship Fund, managed by the Noble County Community Foundation, offers a scholarship to an East Noble High School senior who has participated in the school band for four years and is pursuing a four-year degree in instrumental music education or performance. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00. This initiative aims to support aspiring musicians in their educational journey and further enrich the community's cultural landscape.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Craig “Cujo, Jr.” Bennett Scholarship Fund

Established in June 2015, the Craig “Cujo, Jr.” Bennett Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who has excelled in the face of adversity. This scholarship was established in memory of Craig Daniel Bennett, known as Cujo, Jr – a reference to his father’s flight call sign and to the way a seemingly harmless and vulnerable young person could grow into a passionate and powerful individual. Challenged by extensive multiple physical issues, he defied the negative predictions of skeptical doctors again and again. Craig sometimes encountered people who had difficulty seeing past his wheelchair to who he really was – for them he was a source of surprise and, once his dynamic personality made itself known, a source of inspiration. Craig was a goal-oriented fighter who whitewater rafted the New River and was elected Homecoming King at Bluefield College. He had dreams of walking to receive his diploma and of sky diving.

Craig wanted to be seen as “normal”. Those who knew him saw more than that, he was extraordinary.

Knowing that his life expectancy was shorter than average, Craig asked his parents to establish a scholarship in his memory. Craig Daniel was the recipient of a Bootstrap Scholarship, which is given to nominees that demonstrate the effort and will to succeed in the face of adversity. Award winners are chosen by how well they demonstrate the concept of "pulling yourself up by your bootstraps." The Craig “Cujo, Jr.” Bennett Scholarship Fund also recognizes a student who uses determination and force of will to overcome odds, to meet hardship and to succeed in achieving their dreams.

Marshall High School Scholarship

The Alison Shuemake Scholarship is for a Marshall High School senior and graduates pursing an academic or technical degree or certification.

Applications are open year-round. After we receive all application requirements, we internally review applications and make decisions within two weeks of receipt. An email will be sent to the applicant to complete follow up requirements.

Scholarship payments are sent directly to the school.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The John C. Neal Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established by Union Bank and Trust in recognition of President John C. Neal on the occasion of his retirement. In recognition of his 25 years of service at the bank, Union and The Community Foundation intend for this new fund to reflect Mr. Neal's commitment and dedication to our region by supporting the further education of area students with a passion for service to their communities.

"If you were to look up the definition of a true community banker, you would most likely find a picture of John Neal as an example," said G. William Beale, president and CEO of Union Bankshares Corporation. "

John was instrumental in the growth of Union in the Fredericksburg region when he first joined in 1991 and later brought the same commitment and dedication to his role as bank president. John has always understood that in order for a community bank to grow, it has to help the community it serves grow."

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Martha S. Daltan Scholarship Fund

The Martha S. Daltan Scholarship Fund was established by Martha’s husband, Gerry, and children, Ashley and Michael. 

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Baron P. “Deuce” Braswell II Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was created in memory of Baron P. “Deuce” Braswell II of Spotsylvania. Baron was the son of Baron Purnell Braswell and Gwendolyn Sue Braswell and he died tragically January 20, 2006. He was a junior and an honor student at Courtland High School. Baron was a very spiritual person and was an active member of the football, basketball, baseball and track teams, known for thanking God for his athletic abilities.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites applications for the validation of biomarkers and assays for cancer detection and treatment. This funding opportunity allows for biphasic or monophasic applications to support both analytical and clinical validation phases. Successful projects will leverage human specimens to develop assays that enhance cancer treatment and prevention, ensuring multidisciplinary collaboration among scientists and clinicians. This initiative aims to improve cancer management through reliable and clinically validated tools.

The Roesler, Max and Elizabeth Memorial Scholarship Fund supports non-traditional students aged 25 and older in Noble County, Indiana, pursuing higher education or retraining. This fund awards $1,500 to applicants enrolled in any accredited college, university, or trade school. Applicants may be full-time or part-time students and may reapply. The scholarship reflects the commitment of generous donors to invest in local students' educational goals.

This grant aims to enhance cooperation and regulatory standards among animal food safety programs by funding national feed associations. It promotes inter-agency collaboration, strengthens state regulatory frameworks, and supports the Animal Feed Regulatory Program Standards (AFRPS). By leveraging resources and aligning with federal and state initiatives, the program seeks to improve animal food safety and ensure comprehensive surveillance and protection.

Society of Toxicology

Founded in 1961, the Society of Toxicology (SOT) is a professional and scholarly organization of scientists from academic institutions, government, and industry representing the great variety of scientists who practice toxicology in the US and abroad. The Society’s mission is to create a safer and healthier world by advancing the science and increasing the impact of toxicology. SOT operates under four guiding principles:

• Serving the needs of the scientific discipline and our members to enhance human, animal, and environmental health.
• Life-long learning and intellectual scientific stimulation.
• Diversity of representation in all activities of the Society.
• Integrity.

OTSS Career Achievement Award

Description

The Ocular Toxicology Specialty Section (OTSS) recognizes a Senior Investigator for the achievement or contribution of a particularly influential body of work to the field of ocular toxicology. This award is presented to SOT members who are scientists in academia, industry, or those who have had an impact on regulation in the field.

Nomination is required for this award. The nominator (or self-nomination) should provide a discussion of the role that the candidate’s work has played in any of the below 4 points of criteria. A curriculum vitae and bibliography are required to be included. A letter of recommendation from another investigator in the field is not mandatory but encouraged. Nominations of candidates not selected will be considered for two additional award cycles unless the nomination is withdrawn by the nominator.

Nominations are encouraged with respect to any of the following criteria:

• Contribution to the field of ocular toxicology—depth and breadth of scientific contributions and significance of contributions for advancing the field
• Major influence in the education/training/mentorship of young scientists in the field of ocular toxicology including training in government, industry, or academia
• Leadership and service to the ocular toxicology field including involvement in the Specialty Section or other meetings/organizations related to ocular toxicology
• Influence on regulatory and risk/safety assessment decisions related to ocular toxicology

The award will be announced at the OTSS reception held during the SOT Annual Meeting. The recipient will receive a certificate, monetary award of $1,000 and will give a short (approximately 10 mins) presentation of their work at the OTSS reception held during the SOT Annual Meeting.