Best Local Government Grants in Indiana

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.

The Auto Club Group Foundation focuses on creating a positive impact through grants that enhance traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy across 14 U.S. states and two territories. With a mission rooted in community service, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations and government entities that align with its goals. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, addressing crucial areas such as traffic safety initiatives, financial literacy for K-12 students, and equitable access to driver education programs.

The Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program, led by The Minneapolis Foundation, supports community-based nonprofits in the Great Lakes region. With a focus on underserved communities, grants will total $40 million over three years, aiming to enhance environmental health, education, and resilience. The program prioritizes applications from federally recognized tribes and organizations with limited budgets, fostering inclusive community engagement and sustainable development. Eligible projects include environmental assessments, public health initiatives, and job training.

The Great Lakes Federal Grant Navigation Program offers free assistance to local governments in accessing critical federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This program aims to simplify the grant application process, especially for smaller municipalities, by providing one-on-one support and facilitating collaboration among cohort members. By participating, cities can maximize the impact of federal dollars and strengthen their communities in the wake of economic challenges.

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 Knight Foundation Fund for Gary, Indiana aims to revitalize downtown by attracting and retaining talent, enhancing economic opportunities, and reducing blight. By investing in local entrepreneurship and community engagement, the foundation focuses on bridging economic divides and fostering a vibrant urban core. Eligible projects must target the Gary area and align with the foundation’s mission to support informed and engaged communities. Priority will be given to initiatives that strengthen connections to key local assets.

The Laura Hare Charitable Trust is dedicated to enhancing Indiana's natural environment through the preservation of ecologically significant lands and promoting environmental education. Grants are available for not-for-profit organizations focused on land acquisition, environmental restoration, education, and stewardship. The Trust aims to maintain the integrity of natural habitats while supporting initiatives that foster public awareness and engagement in environmental conservation. Funding is targeted towards projects that align with these core values.

The Warren County Community Foundation offers grants of $2,500 or less to support community-focused projects in Warren County, Indiana. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and civic groups. Grant proposals are reviewed monthly, with emphasis on education, human services, recreation, and more. Projects must address significant community needs and utilize local resources. This initiative aims to foster impactful improvements and innovation within the community, while ensuring inclusivity and feasibility.

The Wabash Valley Community Foundation offers Seed Grants to support preliminary projects aligned with the "See You in Terre Haute" Community Plan. Grants up to $10,000 assist nonprofits in enhancing community services, including economic development and health initiatives. Applicants must match at least 25% of the funds and complete projects within 12 months. The Foundation aims to fund ten grants over the next 18 months, fostering growth and engagement in Vigo County.

The Joyce Foundation's Democracy Grants aim to enhance participation and representation in the electoral process across the Great Lakes region. With a focus on combating voter suppression, gerrymandering, and disinformation, the Foundation supports policy changes that protect voting rights and ensure fair representation. Through public engagement and litigation, it seeks to empower communities of color and young voters, fostering a more equitable democracy for all residents.

The Joyce Foundation's Education & Economic Mobility Grants aim to close income and race disparities in college and career success. The foundation prioritizes equitable access to high-quality education, supporting policies for effective educators, high school graduation, and affordable college credentials. Focused on racial equity and economic mobility, it addresses the needs of historically underserved young people in the Great Lakes region and invests in research, policy development, and advocacy to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Community Health Investments Grant Program by Owensboro Health supports eligible nonprofits and public entities addressing health issues in Kentucky and Indiana. Grants up to $50,000 are available for programs promoting health equity and addressing social determinants of health. Applicants must demonstrate a 100% tobacco-free policy and show clear connections between their projects and community health needs. This initiative fosters partnerships to improve health outcomes and is open for annual applications.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

The Martin County Community Foundation Grant supports local nonprofits and educational institutions in Martin County, Indiana. Through permanent endowment funds, the foundation enhances community life by providing grants and scholarships. Eligible projects include those under $2,000 for operational expenses and larger impact grants for significant programs. However, funds cannot be used for gift cards, sales tax, or proselytizing projects, ensuring support aligns with community needs.

Mission

The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs works with local, state and national partners to provide resources and technical assistance to aid communities in shaping and achieving their vision for community and economic development.

CDBG Construction Grants

Funding for all Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the Office of Community and Rural Affairs. The State of Indiana distributes CDBG funds to rural communities to support a range of projects, including infrastructure enhancement, downtown revitalization, improvements to public facilities, and economic development initiatives.

The state CDBG program offers competitive grants to units of local government to support rural areas. Within the CDBG program, there are five types of Construction Grants designed to enhance community resilience and livability:

Two rounds of Construction Grants are offered each year, with specific funding guidelines detailed in each round’s application Instructions document. 

Facilities Program

Community facilities enhance the lives of residents in numerous ways. In addition to community facilities, historic preservation projects are eligible for the Facilities Program grant. The goals of the Facilities Program are to support rehabilitation and restoration of historic buildings and public facilities. A local match of 10% of the total project cost will be required for consideration of funding.

The CFDC Community Grants support nonprofit organizations addressing the needs of DeKalb County, Indiana. These grants, awarded quarterly, focus on areas such as arts, education, health, and community development. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations, schools, and government agencies. The foundation favors projects that promote community cooperation and sustainability, while avoiding funding for certain expenses like debt reduction and religious purposes. Grants can also cover general operating or capacity-building expenses.

The Women's Giving Circle Grant Program supports organizations that empower women and children in Jefferson County, Indiana. This competitive grant initiative focuses on education, economic empowerment, health, and violence prevention. By funding projects that prepare children for school, enhance women's financial management, improve healthcare access, and reduce violence, the program aims to make a significant impact. Grants are awarded based on community needs and legal requirements, prioritizing initiatives that foster collaboration and sustainability.

About Us

The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) is an agency of state government, and its funding comes from the Indiana General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

A core component to the Indiana Arts Commission’s commitment to investing in the state’s vibrant and rich arts and culture sector are grants, which support people and communities through arts organizations and arts projects.

Every County Funded

About

The Every County Funded community-based arts program is designed to increase access to arts funding for all Hoosiers by providing invitation-only grant funding that directly serves counties where there is little to no state arts funding.

Every County Funded is designed to:

• Identify allies, partners and stakeholders in counties interested in bringing the arts to life in their community
• Provide communities with funding and technical support for creative initiatives
• Provide a simple process from which all can easily succeed and grow
• Connect communities through an informal cohort model

FY2026 Grant Program

The Indiana Arts Commission is accepting grant applications from Blackford, Lawrence, Parke, Newton, Rush, Washington, and White counties.

These projects should be based locally and include an opportunity that is open to the public. Previous projects that have been supported include activities such as:

• Example: Ongoing arts/performing arts classes or workshops that are open to the public for any age. Workshops employ local artists to support community and economic development.
• Example: A local 4-H club may wish to bring in a ceramic artist to provide a series of weekly classes for youth, resulting in a community exhibition that is open to the public and entries into the county fair.

• Example: Creating a mural that documents the history of your town and inviting local students to be involved in the painting process under the guidance of the mural artist.
• Example: Hosting a concert series that is free and open to the public, featuring a variety of musical acts. This series is in combination with existing events, such as festivals or annual town celebrations.

• Example: Providing arts-based classes at your library to support mental health and wellbeing of teenagers.
• Example: Increasing access to arts programs for people with disabilities by purchasing adaptive art supplies (e.g. paint brush grips, wheelchair accessible chalk tools, magnifying glasses) and hosting an inclusive event.

These project examples are not exhaustive or the only type of project allowed in Every County Funded. Applicants are encouraged to think creatively about how to provide arts experiences in their communities.

The Warrick Community Good Grants Program, managed by the Community Foundation Alliance, Inc., supports local charitable organizations by funding new or ongoing projects that address various community needs. Grants are provided annually through unrestricted funds and aim to enhance the quality of life in Warrick County. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt nonprofits and government agencies, while specific funding criteria may vary each year. Organizations must review requirements before applying.

INDOT Mission

Together, we plan, deliver, and maintain a safe, efficient, and innovative transportation system that:

• Enhances the daily lives of Hoosiers.
• Strengthens Indiana’s economy
• Embraces evolving transportation needs.

Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities

The Federal Section 5310 grant program is intended to enhance mobility for seniors and persons with disabilities by providing funds for programs to serve the special needs of transit-dependent populations beyond traditional public transportation services.

INDOT does not provide funding to areas over 200,000 population (Lake/Porter counties, South Bend, Fort Wayne, Evansville, Indianapolis, Clark/Floyd counties) should contact their local Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). A list of these MPOs can be found at http://www.indianampo.com/inmpo_regions.html

Eligible Activities

Specialized transportation projects planned, designed, and carried out to meet the special needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities when public transportation is insufficient, inappropriate, or unavailable.

The Betty Ann McCullough Enrichment Project Grants Program, managed by the Community Foundation Alliance, provides funding and challenge grants to schools and educational organizations in Gibson County, Indiana. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities in mathematics, science, and language arts for both youth and adults. Proposals are reviewed by the McCullough Education Committee and must align with community needs to be considered for funding.

CDBG Construction Grants

Overview

Funding for all Community Development Block Grant programs is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the Office of Community and Rural Affairs. The State of Indiana distributes CDBG funds to rural communities to support a range of projects, including infrastructure enhancement, downtown revitalization, improvements to public facilities, and economic development initiatives.

The state CDBG program offers competitive grants to units of local government to support rural areas. Within the CDBG program, there are five types of Construction Grants designed to enhance community resilience and livability:

• Blight Clearance
• Main Street Revitalization
• Public Facilities
• Stormwater Improvements
• Wastewater/Drinking Water

Main Street Revitalization

The Main Street Revitalization Program (MSRP) is designed to empower rural communities in their efforts to build vibrant, sustainable environments and enhance overall quality of life.

Eligible projects include:

• Traffic Control or Pedestrian Safety
• Functional Art
• ADA Improvements
• Sidewalk Rehabilitation or Addition
• Signage or Utility Relocation for Accessibility
• Pavers
• Water Management
• Energy Efficiency (LED Traffic Lights or Signals)
• Alley Activation

To be eligible, applicants must have a designated Indiana Main Street organization that meets one of the following qualifications:

• National Accreditation through the National Main Street Center (NAMS), or
• Indiana Accredited Main Street (IAMS) status with at least three years of active designation
• Be in good standing with the Indiana Mainstreet Program requirements

Grant awards are based on the proposed project cost, as outlined below.

• Projects over $2 million in total project cost may received a grant up to $600,000
• Projects under $2 million in total project cost may received a grant up to $500,000
• A local match of 20% of the total project cost is required for funding consideration.

CDBG funds will be awarded at a rate of $5,000 per project beneficiary.

The Heart of Cook Grants support non-profit organizations, schools, and government units in furthering education, enhancing human services, and protecting the environment within Southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana. With funding priorities focused on skill development, community independence, and environmental restoration, the grants aim to foster local leadership and innovative solutions. Eligible applicants may submit one application per cycle, with particular attention given to measurable outcomes and projects addressing emerging community needs.

The PreservINg Main Street Grant, initiated by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, aims to enhance local economies through the preservation of historic properties in Indiana. This program supports eligible communities with funding up to $2 million for downtown revitalization projects, alongside opportunities for capacity building in partnership with Indiana Humanities and Indiana Landmarks. It offers a sustainable approach to historic preservation while fostering community engagement and economic development.

The Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County (CFMJC) supports grant-making to organizations that benefit Jefferson County residents. Since 1991, it has funded diverse causes such as education, health, and welfare. CFMJC prioritizes projects that demonstrate preventative measures and collaboration among organizations while ensuring legal compliance. Grants are not available for political activities or sectarian purposes. This initiative encourages impactful contributions from generous donors to enhance community well-being.

The CFMC Community Impact Grants support charitable projects in Morgan County, providing funding for initiatives that address pressing community needs. With priorities in K-12 mental health, workforce development, and quality of life improvements, this responsive grant program encourages innovative solutions. Applicants do not need to be 501(c)(3) charities, but must serve the general population and adhere to non-discrimination policies. The program aims to strengthen community impact through visionary grant proposals and ongoing support.

The Horizon Bank Community Grant Program aims to enhance local communities by funding initiatives in education, arts, and economic development. With grants starting at $5,000, the program supports 501(c)(3) organizations addressing housing needs for low- to moderate-income families. Applications are accepted annually, with a strong emphasis on corporate citizenship and community involvement. However, grants are not available for political activities or organizations that discriminate. This commitment reflects Horizon Bank's dedication to fostering community growth and responsibility.