Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Indiana

The Charles B. Decker Memorial Scholarship, established in 1991, supports college and graduate students from the Tri-Lakes area pursuing journalism careers. This scholarship emphasizes the importance of education in the Adirondack region by providing essential financial assistance to students dedicated to journalism. Candidates are evaluated based on financial need, demonstrated commitment to journalism, and academic achievements, ensuring that the scholarship aligns with the foundation's mission to invest in educational opportunities.

The Mercer Vu Farms/Ron and Judy Hissong Scholarship for Agriculture Fund honors Ron Hissong, a dedicated dairy farmer. Established by his family, this scholarship supports students from the Tuscarora School District pursuing education in agriculture or related fields, ensuring they can continue Ron's legacy of community contribution. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and a commitment to agriculture, making this opportunity vital for aspiring agricultural professionals.

The John D. Dixon and Louise A. Dixon Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of its namesakes by supporting graduating seniors from Cedar Cliff and Northern York High Schools. This scholarship aims to assist students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to volunteerism or extracurricular activities. It is a one-time award intended to help students pursue higher education at colleges or technical schools.

The Herbek Humanitarian Award honors a CAP member pathologist for significant contributions to the See, Test & Treat® program, which offers free cancer screenings to underserved women. Established in 2011, it commemorates Gene N. Herbek, MD, FCAP, who pioneered this initiative for Native Americans. Nominees must have led or significantly contributed to the program, with submissions due by May 3, 2024. Self-nominations or incomplete entries will not be accepted, ensuring high standards in recognition.

The Big 33 Academic Scholarship Fund, managed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, offers financial assistance to Pennsylvania high school seniors planning to pursue higher education. Eligible students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and demonstrate academic achievement, community service, and leadership. Since its inception in 1985, the fund has awarded over $3.9 million in scholarships, helping countless students achieve their academic goals and overcome obstacles.

The HEAL Initiative aims to address the significant overlap between chronic pain (CP) and opioid use disorder (OUD), with 40-75% of individuals affected by both. The IMPOWR project focuses on testing innovative interventions and implementation strategies to integrate care for CP and OUD across various health systems. The BEACON Center will enhance network coordination, build capacity, and develop resources to address barriers in service delivery, ultimately improving sustainability and scalability of evidence-based practices.

About Us

We are YOUR Community Foundation! Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation of Randolph County, Inc. is here to make our community the very best place to live, work, and raise a family. As a non-political private organization, we are uniquely able to provide grant money for innovative projects that have a major impact on our community.

Donald Forrest Hahn & Wilma Fraley Hahn Memorial Scholarship Fund

Donald Forrest Hahn and Wilma (Fraley) Hahn were high school sweethearts in Hollandsburg, Ohio where they graduated in 1941. Don enrolled at Earlham College, but was drafted into the Army to serve in World War II. He was part of the 3rd Army under the command of General Patton and his unit fought at Normandy Beach on D-Day, in the Battle of the Bulge, and in the battle for the Remagen Bridge. Don received a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, one with clusters and a purple heart for shrapnel wounds. Don was a member of the Honor Guard for General Patton’s funeral. Wilma obtained her nursing degree from Reid Memorial Hospital. When Don returned from the war in 1946, they married and moved to 298 No. Jackson Street in Winchester where they lived as man and wife for 70 years in that same house. Don passed away on December 24, 2016 and just 30 hours later Wilma died on December 25. Wilma worked as an emergency room nurse from 1946-1949 and then was employed by the Randolph County Hospital from 1950-1968. From 1968 until her retirement in 1986 Wilma was Randolph Central School corporation’s nurse. Don farmed, was a rural route mail carrier, a member of the Lion’s Club and served on the school board for the Randolph Central School Corporation. He was on the board when the new high school was built. Don and Wilma were members of the First United Methodist Church of Winchester for 70 years. Both Don and Wilma were awarded Sagamores of the Wabash. They had three children, Greg, Randy and LeighAnne. Both Don and Wilma valued public school education and held higher education as a priority.

Awarded to a Randolph County, Indiana High School graduate with a financial need. Preference to be given to a student(s) pursuing a degree in Agriculture or Nursing.

The US Department of Health & Human Services, through the FDA, is funding clinical trials targeting rare neurodegenerative diseases. This initiative aims to enhance treatment options by evaluating the efficacy and safety of new products for both children and adults. By fostering innovative and collaborative trial designs, the FDA seeks to accelerate the approval of new therapies, ultimately benefiting patients with rare conditions and advancing drug development in this critical area.

The Jenna’s Rainbow Moving Forward Grant, offered by the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation, provides crucial financial assistance to adult survivors of brain or spinal cord tumors. Aimed at fostering independence, this grant supports costs associated with job transitions, new living situations, and resources to enhance self-sufficiency. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old, diagnosed before 21, and not have received recent funding from CBTF or JRF. This initiative empowers survivors to overcome challenges and move forward in their lives.

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship

Advancing the science and practice of supporting children to thrive

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship is a global initiative supporting researchers working to deepen our understanding of how children thrive. Spanning disciplines from education and psychology to public health, data science, and humanitarian studies, the fellowship brings together early- and mid-career scholars whose work has the potential to generate evidence that matters for children’s lives.

Fellows receive three years of flexible support to pursue rigorous, practically relevant research, and join a cohort of peers working across the fellowship’s themes. In addition to funding research, the program fosters a community of scholars engaged in meaningful exchange with one another and with research, policy, and practice audiences.

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship is developed in partnership with the LEGO Foundation, and administered by SSRC as part of its commitment to supporting scholars whose work bridges research and real-world impact.

Research themes

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship welcomes research proposals that advance understanding of children’s thriving through one of the following three themes: the youngest children in crisis and conflict settings; inclusion and wellbeing of neurodivergent children; and children’s learning and development in an AI-enabled world. Applicants may explore the role of play where it is relevant to the research question. The consideration of play is optional and not a condition of eligibility.

The Amazing Grace Scholarship, established by the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation, honors Grace Fulcher, a brain tumor survivor. This scholarship supports students diagnosed with brain or spinal cord tumors before age 21, who reside in the U.S. and are pursuing higher education. With a $1000 award, the scholarship aims to empower survivors to achieve their educational goals, inspired by Grace's resilience and academic success despite her challenges.

The Master's Degree Scholarship Program for Under-Represented Minority Students, offered by the Environmental Engineering and Science Foundation, provides three scholarships of $2,500 each. These scholarships aim to support students from diverse backgrounds who are pursuing a Master's Degree in Environmental Engineering or a related field. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and must identify as part of specific under-represented groups.

The Environmental Engineering and Science Foundation offers six Master's Degree scholarships of $2,500 each for students pursuing advanced studies in Environmental Engineering or related fields. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have a strong academic record with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be accepted into an accredited graduate program. This initiative aims to support future leaders in environmental engineering and science.

The Rod's Tire and Service Scholarship Fund, managed by the Central Kansas Community Foundation, offers $2,500 to assist graduating Marion County high school seniors pursuing higher education or vocational training. The foundation, established in 1994, focuses on enhancing community welfare through charitable giving and emphasizes support for students majoring in agricultural fields. This scholarship aims to empower local youth and strengthen the community by investing in their educational futures.

The Rotary Works Foundation Grant supports charitable projects primarily focused on children, youth, and families, emphasizing active Rotarian involvement. Grants range from $500 to $5,000, awarded prior to events. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(1) organizations. Preference is given to projects engaging Rotarians. The application deadline is the 2nd Wednesday of each month, and all grantees must report outcomes post-project.

The Lakken’s Legacy Survivor Scholarship, offered by the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation, awards $1,000 to brain tumor survivors pursuing education beyond high school. This initiative honors Lakken, who faced challenges during her cancer journey yet remained passionate about education. The scholarship aims to support individuals diagnosed with brain or spinal cord tumors before age 21, ensuring they have the opportunity to continue their studies in various educational institutions. It's a commitment to empower survivors and foster their dreams.

The DCCF Small Project Grants offer funding of up to $1,500 for organizations aiming to implement impactful small-scale projects in Decatur County. The foundation supports initiatives in various areas such as community development, education, health, and the arts. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, governmental agencies, and educational institutions, provided their projects benefit the local community. This grant encourages innovative projects that foster community participation and significant positive change.

The Harry Sudakoff Foundation Grant supports qualified charities in Sarasota, Florida, focusing on arts, community, education for youth, environment, human services, and science. Established by builder Harry Sudakoff, the foundation prioritizes organizations with a history of support. Grants are restricted to 501(c)(3) entities, excluding individuals and certain funding types like endowments and operating expenses. A commitment to impactful contributions is central to the foundation's mission.

The Steven Berkeley Marine Conservation Fellowship, established by the American Fisheries Society in 2007, honors a dedicated fisheries scientist. This $15,000 award supports graduate students engaged in thesis research on marine conservation topics. Applicants must be enrolled in a North American university's M.S. or Ph.D. program and be AFS members in good standing. The fellowship encourages innovative research addressing various conservation issues, not limited to fisheries.

BAE Systems offers community investment grants aimed at enhancing the well-being of military families and supporting future workforce development in STEM fields. As a U.S. subsidiary of a global defense and aerospace leader, they require applicants to be recognized 501(c) organizations. The initiative underscores a commitment to charitable partnerships that uplift local communities and contribute positively to society.

The Hyperkalemia Grant, provided by the Patient Advocate Foundation, offers crucial financial assistance to patients struggling with hyperkalemia. This grant covers out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including medication copays and health insurance premiums. Eligible applicants must have a confirmed diagnosis and meet specific income and residency requirements. Since its inception, the foundation has supported millions of patients, ensuring they can access the necessary treatment and resources for their health needs.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Mentoring for Youth Impacted by Opioids and Other Substance Use program aims to provide high-quality mentoring services to youth affected by substance use. This funding opportunity supports various mentoring formats, including one-on-one, group, and peer mentoring, to assist those currently using substances or at risk due to familial influences. The initiative seeks to enhance the well-being of these youth through supportive relationships and guidance.

The Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services (NANH) program, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), aims to support Native American Tribes, Alaska Native Villages, and organizations serving Native Hawaiians. It focuses on preserving heritage and culture through educational services, workforce development, capacity building, community engagement, and effective collections stewardship. This initiative is crucial for sustaining the rich cultural heritage of Native communities.

Disabled Veterans National Foundation

The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) was established in 2007 to support veterans facing challenges that traditional systems could not fully address. From its earliest days, DVNF has been focused on closing critical gaps in care and providing resources that help veterans rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.

Guided by this commitment, DVNF developed its Health & Comfort programs, offering emergency financial assistance, housing transition support, food assistance, comfort kits, and wellness initiatives. These programs are designed to meet veterans where they are and to provide practical solutions that restore hope and stability. Today, DVNF continues to grow as a trusted national nonprofit. Every day, our team works with a clear purpose: to change lives for the men and women who have served our country.

Veterans Food Assistance Program

It is our goal to ensure that no veteran goes hungry by providing essential food assistance and household support, fostering stability and well-being in the lives of our veterans and their families.

The Veterans Food Assistance Program (VFAP) is designed to provide a one-time grant of essential food and household support to veterans and their families, ensuring no veteran goes hungry. With the rising cost of living, especially food prices due to inflation, this program offers a much-needed lifeline to those who have served our country. Once approved, the DVNF program team will handle the shopping for you.

The Veterans Food Assistance Program provides a one-time grant per household to support different family sizes, given the rising cost of food:

• Married Veterans Grant Allowance
  • Married - No Children up to $250
  • Married - 1 Child up to $300
  • Married - 2 Children up to $450
  • Married - 3+ Children up to $500
• Single Veterans Grant Allowance
  • Single - No Children up to $200
  • Single - 1 Child up to $300
  • Single - 2 Children up to $350
  • Single - 3+ Children up to $450

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Martha Rodriguez Scholarship Fund

Martha Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship was initiated in 2025 by Lisa Ackerman, close friend and then Director of the Columbus Citizens Foundation. Raised in Gary, Indiana and a true New Yorker, Martha died as the result of traumatic head injuries from a tragic accident just outside her NYC apartment. Martha Rodriguez gave in life, working as a nurse helping patients navigate the trauma of breast cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. In her death, she was lauded by the President of LiveOnNY, an organization that coordinates and oversees organ donations, for her last selfless act of giving. Martha donated organs that gave life and hope and helped three people lead better lives. Her zest for life was contagious, and her dedication, compassion, and expertise left an indelible mark on the lives of countless MSKCC patients and caregivers. She was a friend and mentor to many. She loved being a nurse at MSKCC and worked for more than 28 years as a nurse practitioner and for the last 15 years of her life dealing with breast cancer patients. This scholarship is awarded to nurses studying in master's or doctoral programs who are dedicated to oncology care, or women’s health, or are Latinx nurses.

The ABPN Dorthea Juul, PhD, Education Research Award offers up to $100,000 for research projects aligned with the ABPN's mission of enhancing lifelong learning and certification standards for psychiatrists and neurologists. Two awards each in psychiatry and neurology are available annually, with projects lasting up to two years. Eligible applicants must hold faculty appointments or have confirmed offers, comply with conflict of interest policies, and, if MDs or DOs, maintain ABPN certification and licensure.

The Alkermes Pathways Research Awards program aims to foster research in neuroscience, specifically targeting schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. With grants up to $100,000, it supports early-career investigators exploring critical areas, including sleep and circadian disturbances related to these conditions. This initiative addresses the urgent need for innovative solutions in mental health research, empowering the next generation of scientists to make impactful contributions in understanding and treating these complex disorders.