Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Indiana

The Clowes Fund, based in Indianapolis, provides grants focusing on socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals through Immigrant Services and Workforce Development. The fund offers two types of grants: Introductory Grants for organizations with smaller budgets aimed at immigrant and workforce initiatives, and Continuation Grants for established programs. The application process includes an initial Letter of Inquiry, and funding is primarily directed towards addressing barriers faced by immigrants and supporting community economic participation.

The Ashland County Wildlife Conservation League David McClure Memorial Scholarship supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools and alternative education programs pursuing a degree in wildlife-related fields. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be accepted into accredited colleges or vocational programs. This scholarship fosters educational growth while promoting conservation efforts, reflecting the commitment of the Ashland County Community Foundation to enhance community development and support future leaders in wildlife conservation.

The Historic Preservation Education Grant, offered by Indiana Humanities, aims to educate citizens about the importance of preserving historic places in their communities. The grant funds various educational formats, including workshops, presentations, and digital projects like webinars and online exhibits. In 2025, Indiana Humanities plans to award nine or ten grants, encouraging projects that foster community engagement and raise awareness of historic preservation's value.

Coover/Rural Schools Partnership Rural Ready Grant Program

The Louis L. and Julia Dorothy Coover Foundation, a partnership between Community Foundation of the Ozarks and The Commerce Trust Company is proud to offer the Rural Ready grant program. It is designed to give rural schools the flexibility to address the needs and opportunities that matter most in their communities. Rural Ready grants will support projects that prepare students with the knowledge, skills, experiences, and relationships they need to thrive in our ever-changing world while strengthening the communities they call home. 

Funding

• Total amount to award is $185,000.00. 
• Applicants may apply for up to $7,000 in funding for this grant cycle.

The Indiana Youth Institute offers Professional Development Grants to support youth-serving professionals in Indiana. These grants provide funding for conferences, workshops, and training to enhance skills and improve student success. Eligible applicants include staff and volunteers from tax-exempt organizations that serve Indiana youth. The program aims to strengthen professional practices, ensuring that applicants can effectively support the needs of children and youth in their communities.

About the Foundation

Our Mission

The mission of the Greene County Foundation is to inspire individuals to engage in strengthening Greene County now and for generations to come.

As a public charity, we accomplish our mission by:

• Building permanent charitable funds
• Connecting donors to organizations, programs and charitable causes of interest
• Making effective grants
• Providing leadership on community issues

Scholarships for Current College Students & Non-Traditional Students

Helen Hunter Scholarship

Scholarships are given in the following categories:

• Current college student enrolled as a junior or senior for the coming fall semester.
• Graduate student enrolled for the coming fall semester.
• Returning or non-traditional student – an adult student at least 25 years old who has been out of the college system for 2 years or more, or an older student who has been out of high school for 5 years or more and is just now starting college.

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5424 - Adaptive Control Frameworks to Unlock Full-Scale BNR Potential

Grant Information

• Identify and categorize the dominant failure modes of current aeration and process control implementations under real-world operating conditions.
• Develop guidance on data and instrumentation requirements for utilities to support adaptive control, including the characterization of existing sensor infrastructure and the use of soft sensors where hard sensors are limited.
• Develop practical adaptive control frameworks and implementation guidance that utilities can deploy without dependence on proprietary black-box tools or specialized data science expertise, including hybrid approaches that augment conventional controls with data-driven models (e.g., artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML), digital twins) for variable flow and concentration conditions.
• Benchmark control performance against biological capacity indicators across multiple full-scale facilities to quantify the gap between achievable and realized biological nutrient removal (BNR) performance.

Samerian Foundation

Founded in 2003, the Samerian Foundation is dedicated to perpetuating the vision of Cindy and Paul Skjodt, the founders. They seek 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.

Though the Samerian Foundation primarily serves Central Indiana, it has taken part in some international endeavors and have reached outside the state on special projects.

The Samerian Foundation is the philanthropic vehicle of the Skjodt’s generosity. To date, they have granted 2,105 requests of nearly $93.4 million.

The Samerian Foundation is lovingly named after Cindy and Paul’s children, Samantha, Erik, and Ian, who serve on the board.

Cindy Simon-Skjodt Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the Simon-Skjodt family to encourage students pursuing degrees with a focus on global studies, international law, or related disciplines at Indiana University.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers the DGLF Summer Reading Grants, which support the development and expansion of summer reading programs aimed at Pre-K to 12th grade students, particularly new and below-grade-level readers, including those with learning disabilities. Eligible organizations, such as nonprofits, schools, and libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store, can apply for grants up to $3,000 to foster literacy and education initiatives.

Mission

The Foundation was established in December 2013 by Kathryn B. McQuade, after retiring from 33 years of working in the business community. I was blessed to have been born into a loving middle class family. My father worked very hard to insure that all of his children were given an opportunity for a good education and my mother, “a stay at home Mom’ was always there for us. My world was safe and comfortable. My life is in stark contrast to how much of the rest of the world lives. I continue to read of the terrible injustices waged against women and children globally and hope that this foundation can provide them the opportunity and resources to succeed. We will support organizations that help us achieve our goal of Striving to make sustainable improvements in women and children’s rights education and welfare.

Kathryn McQuade Foundation Grant

The Foundation will make timely decisions on your grant request and provide clear communications on our expectations of reporting progress.

Women

The Foundation’s goal is to provide women assistance and provide them an opportunity to succeed. Assistance can take many forms, however our goal is to help them become self sufficient and enable them to lift themselves out of poverty and provide for their children. Access to education, job training and professional skills, even access to capital in order to build a business are possible ways we will consider helping women to succeed. Grant requests should focus on enabling the women to sustain financial independence.

We look forward to hearing of the many creative ways organizations are working on helping women succeed through out the world. To help women is to help their children and the communities they live in.

Children

Too many children in the US and across the world live in poverty and lack the access to education. Education and/or appropriate skills training are necessary to break the cycle of poverty and crime. While the assistance to women may take many forms, the foundation’s focus for children will target education and/ or skills training. The Foundation is open to many ideas on how to accomplish this goal and look forward to receiving proposals to help all children achieve their potential.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Indiana support organizations in facilitating self-help housing projects for low-income families. By supervising construction efforts, these grants enable families to build their own homes in rural areas, fostering community involvement and skill development. Eligible applicants include government non-profits, federally-recognized tribes, and private non-profit entities. Funds can be used for technical assistance, recruitment, and guidance in loan applications, but cannot cover direct construction costs.

The Delta Dental Foundation (DDF) aims to enhance oral health access and equity through strategic partnerships and funding initiatives. Established in 1980, the DDF focuses on underserved populations, promoting education, and addressing health disparities. The foundation prioritizes grants that align with its strategic plan, emphasizing oral health equity for people with disabilities. With a commitment to improving overall health, the DDF supports innovative programs and initiatives that ensure everyone has access to quality dental care.

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program aims to enhance educational attainment in Indiana by supporting talented students. This initiative provides full-tuition, fees, and book stipends for four years at accredited Indiana colleges. Eligibility requires a high school diploma from an accredited Indiana school, a minimum GPA of 3.5, and standardized test scores. With 147 scholarships awarded annually, this program fosters community engagement and encourages recipients to pursue careers in Indiana, thus improving local quality of life.

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5416 - Innovative Approaches to Extend Lifetime and Minimize O&M for Nature-based Installations

Grant Information

• Identify and evaluate innovative design, construction, and management approaches that extend the functional lifetime of nature-based installations and reduce ongoing operations and maintenance (O&M) requirements.
• Develop practical guidance on key factors affecting nature-based solution (NbS) longevity, including hydraulic optimization, engineered media selection and replacement, plant selection, sediment management, and construction-phase best practices.
• Survey utilities and other NbS owners to document current maintenance practices, costs, and hours, and establish benchmarks to inform targets for improvement.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding up to $25,000 for organizations focused on improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Established in 1943, the foundation prioritizes health equity through strategic partnerships aimed at reducing cancer burdens, preparing healthcare professionals, and enhancing crisis response efforts. Eligible applicants include national and local nonprofits targeting specific regions in the U.S. and Canada. The foundation emphasizes projects that align with its mission and demonstrate significant community impact.

The Jeffris Heartland Fund Grant, provided by the Jeffris Family Foundation, supports significant historic preservation projects across several Midwestern states, including Iowa and Wisconsin. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, covering 50% of costs for Historic Structure Reports, requiring a dollar-for-dollar match. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies, focusing on projects with historical significance, architectural merit, and strong community ties. Applications are accepted anytime, with decisions made approximately 30 days after submission.

The NRP Young Investigator Award is designed to support research on optimizing newborn care during delivery using Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) techniques. This grant encourages innovative projects addressing gaps in transitional physiology and resuscitation practices. Eligible applicants include researchers from Canadian and US institutions, particularly those in training or within four years of completing medical training. Awardees may receive up to $15,000 to enhance their skills and knowledge, ultimately improving neonatal outcomes.

The Delta Dental Foundation's Community Mini Grants provide up to $10,000 to local nonprofits promoting oral health care in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. These grants focus on enhancing access to dental care for at-risk populations, educating communities about oral health, and supporting innovative programs. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with strategic aims and the ability to achieve impactful results. This initiative seeks to improve community health through dedicated funding and support for effective oral health programs.

Marshall County Community Foundation administers a number of scholarships, from traditional awards for graduating seniors to those geared towards current students, professionals, and other special circumstances.

Bowen Family Medical Scholarship Fund 

The purpose of this fund is to provide one or more annual scholarships to a Marshall County resident accepted into an accredited school of medicine to prepare for a career in rural family medicine. The intent of this scholarship is to prepare physicians for family practice in a rural Indiana community. 

For purposes of this scholarship rural Indiana is defined as Indiana Communities excluding the cities of Indianapolis, Evansville, Fort Wayne, South Bend, and the northwest Indiana counties of Lake and Porter. 

The Bowen Family Medical Scholarship Fund is renewable annually to previous recipients based upon the successful medical school advancement of the recipient and at the discretion of the Scholarship Advisory Committee. 

Should the scholarship be granted to a newly recruited family practice physician in the form of medical school debt reduction, the funding is also renewable at the discretion of the Scholarship Advisory Committee. 

The IN Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) offers financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers for implementing conservation practices. This program aims to enhance agricultural productivity while promoting environmental quality. Eligible participants, including socially disadvantaged farmers and Indian tribes, can benefit from various conservation activities, such as soil health improvement and water quality enhancement. EQIP prioritizes reducing pollution and soil erosion, making it a vital resource for sustainable agricultural development in Indiana.

The High Priority HIV and Substance Use Research funding opportunity aims to support innovative research that addresses the intersection of HIV and substance use. Researchers are encouraged to submit proposals that include a detailed research plan and preliminary data, exploring new avenues for prevention, treatment, and potential cures for HIV among people who use drugs. Applications are due by 5 PM local time, with optional Letters of Intent recommended 30 days prior.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, initiated by the Arbor Day Foundation, encourages colleges and universities to enhance their green spaces, benefiting both the environment and student well-being. By meeting five standards, participating institutions can gain national recognition for their commitment to tree care and sustainability. This initiative not only fosters a healthier campus but also engages students in environmental stewardship, making a positive impact on their communities. Join to celebrate the importance of trees in our lives.

The Great Lakes Protection Fund Grant aims to support projects that deliver significant ecological improvements to the Great Lakes region. The Fund seeks transformative initiatives that involve collaboration among diverse stakeholders and rely on scientific rigor. Eligible applicants include non-profits, universities, and businesses, and the projects must demonstrate a positive environmental impact on the Great Lakes ecosystem. Importantly, the Fund does not support advocacy or compliance-related activities.

The PLTW Computer Science grant, offered by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, provides funding for teacher training in PLTW Computer Science Core Training. This initiative supports public and charter schools in Indiana by covering registration fees for teachers participating in the program. The funding is directly managed by PLTW, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to enhance educational opportunities in computer science.

The Gilmore Inclusive Arts Grant supports projects that engage individuals with disabilities in Northeast Indiana's arts communities. Annually, applications open in May and close in September, with funding up to $25,000. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant, and priority is given to impactful projects. Collaboration is encouraged, ensuring diverse participation in the arts. This grant aims to foster inclusivity and enhance the cultural landscape by empowering individuals with disabilities.

Community Foundation of Noble County

At the Community Foundation of Noble County we are passionate about making Noble County an even better place to call home. Since 1991, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Noble County to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible, as we see it as our mission to serve as a catalyst for positive change. The Community Foundation of Noble County is a public charity 501 (c) 3 entity.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Noble County offers a wide range of scholarships to support local students in achieving their academic and career aspirations. 

Noble County Retired Teachers’ Association Scholarship Fund in Memory of Deceased Teachers

For a resident of the West Noble School District who will have a high school diploma or equivalent by the end of June 2026, is or will be enrolled in a certified 1-,2-,3- or 4-year Indiana post-high school program (the award is given in alphabetical rotational distribution among the three school corporations of Noble County.) Pays $500 one-time.  

Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Inc supports independent medical education to enhance healthcare professional competence and improve patient health outcomes. Their mission is to be a global leader in innovative medical education, focusing on evidence-based activities that address critical gaps in knowledge. By fostering excellence in healthcare, they aim to ensure measurable improvements in performance and patient outcomes across various disease areas.