Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

What Is Kiwanis?

Kiwanis is a global service organization of volunteers committed to improving the lives of children—one community at a time. Our members take action every day by:

• Sheltering the homeless and supporting families in crisis
• Feeding the hungry and organizing food drives
• Mentoring at-risk youth and empowering young leaders
• Raising funds for pediatric medical research and care
• And much more—all focused on helping children in our communities thrive

All Indiana Kiwanians make up the membership of the Kiwanis Indiana Foundation, Inc. (aka the Indiana District Foundation) The Foundation has 501(c)(3) status.

Eagle Award

The Kiwanis Indiana Foundation has established a recognition award for presenting to anyone who has gone “above and beyond” in serving their Kiwanis club. It can also be awarded for service to their community or others. It could be awarded to an outgoing President, Lt. Governor, or other club officer. This includes someone who has brought in several new members, a member who has taken on and completed a new service project. Or it can be to anyone else you or your club feel have accomplished great things.

The Honoree will receive a beautifully designed Eagle lapel pin and a certificate with the $250 donation to the Kiwanis Indiana Foundation.

The PLTW Engineering-New Program grant provides $40,000 in funding to Indiana schools for implementing or expanding Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Engineering programs. Schools must offer at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year and an additional course in 2027-2028. Eligible applicants include public, private, and charter schools, while funding can be used for participation fees, required equipment, and training expenses.

CSX Charitable Investments provide essential in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations focused on supporting military members and community first responders. Through intermodal transportation services, CSX offers equipment and rail services to help reduce transportation costs for eligible organizations. The program also includes occasional donations of railroad materials and equipment based on availability. CSX prioritizes support for organizations operating within its service areas, promoting community betterment and development.

The Indiana University Alumni and Friends of Marshall County Scholarship, administered by the Marshall County Community Foundation, offers annual need-based scholarships for residents of Marshall County who are graduates of local high schools attending Indiana University. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7 and participate in extracurricular activities. This scholarship is a great opportunity for students in the community to receive financial support while pursuing their higher education goals.

About Us

Indiana Humanities sparks curiosity, connects people, and explores the human experience through programs, grants, and storytelling.

Indiana Humanities is a statewide nonprofit that infuses the humanities into our daily lives. We do this by providing grants, convening discussions, uplifting humanities scholars, spotlighting humanities organizations and activities, and creating our own programs that help Hoosiers think, read and talk.

Mission

Indiana Humanities sparks curiosity, connects people, and explores the human experience through programs, grants, and storytelling.

Vision

An Indiana where community grows from conversation, knowledge expands understanding, and stories celebrate our shared humanity.

Mini-Grants

Indiana Humanities Mini-Grants provide tax-exempt organizations with funds to present humanities programs for their communities.

Goals and Timeline

Indiana Humanities Mini-Grants support programs in the areas of history, literature, archaeology, ethics, philosophy, world cultures, and other subjects. The programs can come in a variety of formats—workshops, presentations, reading/discussion programs, exhibitions, podcasts, film documentaries, and more—as long as they’re open to the public and utilize the humanities as a tool for engagement.

Indiana Clinical & Translational Sciences Institute

The Indiana Clinical & Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI) has been at the forefront of translational research since 2008. From the lab bench to clinical trials and beyond, we help researchers move their scientific findings through the development pipeline.

Indiana Department of Health Activity-Based Therapy Program

The overall objective of this program is to foster and encourage activity-based therapy programs for the treatment of spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries, including acute management, medical complications, rehabilitative techniques, and neuronal recovery.

The initiative for funding activity based therapy programs consists of two funding mechanisms: RFA for programs for traumatic spinal cord injury and RFA for programs for traumatic brain injury. 

Programs must be conducted in compliance with all state and federal laws.

RFA for Programs for Traumatic Brain Injury 

An RFA for programs providing rehabilitative clinical care and employing “activity based” approaches for traumatic brain injury persons.

CSX Charitable Investments offers the Pride in Service Grants to support organizations that honor and assist military members and first responders. Focus areas include safety, mental health, community bridging, workforce development, and addressing food insecurity. Eligible organizations include those with 501(c)(3) status, government entities, and educational institutions. Grants aim to uplift communities and recognize the contributions of those who serve, while ensuring alignment with specific charitable criteria.

Indiana Clinical & Translational Sciences Institute

The Indiana Clinical & Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI) has been at the forefront of translational research since 2008. From the lab bench to clinical trials and beyond, we help researchers move their scientific findings through the development pipeline.

Indiana Department of Health Activity-Based Therapy Program

The overall objective of this program is to foster and encourage activity-based therapy programs for the treatment of spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries, including acute management, medical complications, rehabilitative techniques, and neuronal recovery.

The initiative for funding activity based therapy programs consists of two funding mechanisms: RFA for programs for traumatic spinal cord injury and RFA for programs for traumatic brain injury. 

Programs must be conducted in compliance with all state and federal laws.

RFA for Programs for Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury 

An RFA for programs providing rehabilitative clinical care and employing “activity based” approaches for traumatic spinal cord injury persons.

The Standard's Corporate Giving Program emphasizes community support and employee engagement, reflecting its foundational mission to enhance financial well-being. Established in 1906, the program focuses on Healthy Communities, Disability and Empowerment, Cultural Development, and Education. With a funding range of $500 to $25,000, it aims to make a substantial impact in the lives of individuals and families facing challenges. The Standard Charitable Foundation, launched in 2006, further extends this commitment by supporting organizations that align with its philanthropic goals.

Gibson County Community Foundation

The Community Foundation is a charitable resource devoted to our local community. We help people make meaningful gifts that improve life in Gibson County, Indiana today and for generations to come.

The Community Foundation can help you...

• Make a difference where it matters
• Invest in the future of the community you love
• Create greater good together

R. Dean and Vivian Townsend Memorial Scholarship

Annual, renewable scholarship created by Robert and Judith Townsend in memory of R. Dean and Vivian Townsend. It was a lifelong desire of Dean and Vivian to help Gibson County students who could not attend a post-secondary school without financial aid.

Award Amount

• $8,160 (Open to renewal candidate only - not accepting new applications)

Renewal Details

May be renewable for up to four years in pursuit of recipient’s degree. Renewal applications may be considered provided the recipient continues to meet his or her college or university’s academic standards. Renewal award amounts may differ from original award. A new recipient for the award will be identified once the prior year’s recipient has completed his or her eligibility for the award. Renewal applications will be assigned to renewal candidates in their online student account.

The Carol Ann and Ralph V Haile Jr Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Established by Carol and Ralph Haile, the foundation focuses on funding initiatives in arts and culture, civic engagement, education, and human services. It supports organizations that are tax-exempt and aligns with their mission across ten counties. By fostering collaboration, the foundation seeks to create a vibrant community and drive meaningful change.

About Us

Our Mission

We create lasting impact through asset development, nonprofit capacity building, and community leadership. 

Our Vision

To enrich the lives of Wabash County residents by fostering opportunity, inspiring generosity, and building a thriving connected community. 

Our Scholarships

For High School Seniors & Non Traditional Students who are beginning college more than one year after high school.

The Community Foundation of Wabash County offers a wide variety of post-secondary education scholarships to traditional, non-traditional, and graduate students. With nearly 70 different scholarship endowments created through the generosity of our donors, many students are eligible to apply.    

Roy B. Craver Scholarship Endowment

Roy B. Craver was a veteran of World War I. He established a scholarship for residents of Wabash County and graduates of a Wabash County high school who like himself are willing to serve in the armed forces even if they do not intend to enlist.

The Franco Family Institute provides Publication Indexing Grants to support faculty in defraying indexing costs for their scholarly monographs. With awards up to $1,500, these grants are intended for the first edition of books and require acknowledgment of support in the published work. Faculty must apply individually, and grants are awarded competitively based on the quality of the press and the scholarly contribution. Priority is given to assistant and associate professors.

About Us

Our Mission

We create lasting impact through asset development, nonprofit capacity building, and community leadership. 

Our Vision

To enrich the lives of Wabash County residents by fostering opportunity, inspiring generosity, and building a thriving connected community. 

Our Scholarships

For High School Seniors & Non Traditional Students who are beginning college more than one year after high school.

The Community Foundation of Wabash County offers a wide variety of post-secondary education scholarships to traditional, non-traditional, and graduate students. With nearly 70 different scholarship endowments created through the generosity of our donors, many students are eligible to apply.    

Dorothy J. and William A. Rice Memorial Scholarship Endowment

Established by Gary A. Rice and Randall W. Rice to memorialize their parents, Dorothy and William, who were devoted members of Christ United Methodist Church in Wabash, Indiana. The endowment provides funds to Christ United Methodist Church to be used to award tuition only scholarship grants to members of the church.

The Tom F. Bunge Charitable Trust Grant supports organizations that assist homeless individuals, reflecting the legacy of its founder, Tom F. Bunge. Established in St. Joseph County, Indiana, the trust awards approximately 10 grants annually, with a preference for local organizations. To be eligible, applicants must be 501(c)(3) exempt organizations. The trust aims to address homelessness without geographical restrictions, although it focuses on Indiana and Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The Cancer Center American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant Competition aims to support new IU investigators with pilot projects in cancer research. Funded by the American Cancer Society, this initiative provides up to $50,000 to help early-career researchers develop preliminary data for future national funding opportunities. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or hold a valid visa, and must not have received prior ACS-IRG funding. The goal is to foster innovative research that addresses crucial health challenges.

The Franco Family Institute's Publication Imaging Grant supports faculty in publishing peer-reviewed scholarly monographs. It provides funding for publication costs, image acquisition, and professional indexing. Awards are competitive, prioritizing assistant and associate professors. Grants typically cover up to $2,000 for image costs, with exceptions possible for extraordinary circumstances. Applications are accepted from August 1 to May 31, emphasizing the importance of quality contributions and professional reputation in the review process.

The Franco Family Institute offers the Publication Subvention Grant to support faculty in publishing scholarly monographs. This grant assists with publication costs, including professional indexing and image permissions. Applications are competitive and require a publisher's contract. Subventions are typically under $3,000, and funds must be returned if the book is not published. This grant prioritizes assistant and associate professors while excluding advisory and emeritus faculty.

Cancer Center Community-Academic Collaborative Program Award

IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Office of Community Outreach and Engagement is inviting collaborative proposals for implementing evidence-based cancer related programs within the community. Proposals should address the cancer burden in Indiana. The program should include an evaluation component and priority will be given to projects targeting one of the major cancer burdens in Indiana, including lung, breast, colon, pancreas, prostate and cervical. We are particularly interested in initiatives that promote healthier behaviors linking to reducing cancer incidence and morbidity. Of particular interest are community-led programs that expand our reach and deepen our understanding of populations across Indiana. The project must be co-led by an Cancer Center faculty member and a community advocate or partner.

The duration of this funding is one year, and the budget should not exceed $15,000.

Indiana Clinical & Translational Sciences Institute

The Indiana Clinical & Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI) has been at the forefront of translational research since 2008. From the lab bench to clinical trials and beyond, we help researchers move their scientific findings through the development pipeline.

Cancer Center “Near-Miss” NIH R01 Initiative

The IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center is providing an opportunity to fund cancer focused PI-directed applications to the National Institutes of Health that have been reviewed once and missed the NIH pay line and have a high potential for obtaining external funding. The goal is to increase the cancer focused NIH funding base. Non-NCI targeted applications should have significant cancer relevance.

Investigators wishing to apply to this funding mechanism must first submit their project to the IU External Resubmission Grant opportunity for funding consideration. If the project is not funded at the University level, an investigator can submit the project to the Cancer Center’s Near-Miss initiative for funding consideration.

The Honda USA Foundation's Mobility Pillar Award aims to empower individuals with disabilities by funding programs that enhance access and mobility. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations and schools that provide therapeutic, adaptive, and comprehensive care programs, as well as mobility modifications and assistive technology. Applications are accepted from U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsors, ensuring that the joy of mobility is accessible to all.

Indiana Clinical & Translational Sciences Institute

The Indiana Clinical & Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI) has been at the forefront of translational research since 2008. From the lab bench to clinical trials and beyond, we help researchers move their scientific findings through the development pipeline.

Cancer Center Early Career Investigator Award 

The IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Cancer Center Junior Faculty Special Interest Group (JFSIG) are inviting proposals for pilot/feasibility research projects in any area of basic, translational, or clinical cancer research (diagnostics, therapeutics), and population science research (prevention, survivorship, quality of life, epidemiology) that would serve to advance the applicants’ career goals.

Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs

The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs works with Indiana communities to build relevant and economically thriving places where people want to live, work and grow.

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 Planning Grant - Historic Preservation Plan

The Planning Grant Program leverages Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to encourage communities to plan for long-term, holistic improvement. The Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) seeks applications from local units of government for programs funded through the State CDBG program. Eligible local units of government are counties, cities, or incorporated towns not located within an entitlement community. Unincorporated areas must apply through the county in which they are located. Eligible planning activities consist of all costs associated with data gathering, study, analysis, and preparation of plans and the identification of actions to implement such plans.

A Historic Preservation Plan identifies and documents historic resources, sets a preservation vision, and prioritizes compliance driven rehabilitation, funding, and maintenance actions.

The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation Grant, established in 1981, provides financial support to students pursuing higher education in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. With a focus on STEM fields, the Foundation aims to promote academic excellence through direct grants to qualified colleges and universities. Since its inception, it has awarded millions in scholarships, making a significant impact on the educational landscape. The Foundation invites suggestions for expanding its reach and enhancing its contributions to higher education.

The NCR-SARE Graduate Student Grant Program funds up to $20,000 for graduate student projects addressing sustainable agriculture in the North Central Region. Established in 2002, it supports Master's and Ph.D. students at accredited institutions. Projects can last up to 36 months, and applicants may receive only one grant during their academic career. The program aims to promote innovative solutions to agricultural challenges and enhance sustainability practices in the region.

The Community Health Partnerships (CHeP) Trailblazer Planning Grant aims to foster community-university partnerships in Indiana to enhance health equity and address social determinants of health. This initiative will fund activities such as meetings and conferences that lead to collaborative research proposals. Awards of up to $5,000 support partnership growth and the development of future grant applications. Eligible applicants must include both university-based and community-based partners actively engaged in Indiana.

The IN Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) offers financial and technical support to private landowners and Indian tribes for restoring and protecting wetlands through various easement options. These include permanent and 30-year easements, where NRCS covers most costs including easement values and restoration. Benefits include improved wildlife habitats, enhanced water quality, and resilience to climate change. This program is available year-round, ensuring ongoing support for eligible landowners.