Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

The Planetary Science Enabling Facilities (PSEF) program by NASA invites proposals for research facilities that support the Planetary Science Division. It aims to enhance scientific collaboration and innovation by providing resources to a diverse range of institutions, including emerging and undergraduate colleges. Proposals should highlight the scientific merit and community need for these facilities, ensuring that they serve a broad user base committed to advancing planetary science.

The Fund for a Just Society Grant, offered by the Unitarian Universalist Association, supports nonprofit organizations that focus on social and economic justice through community organizing. This grant prioritizes innovative projects that seek systemic change and empower disenfranchised communities. Eligible organizations must operate with an annual budget under $500,000 and demonstrate a clear campaign for change. This funding aims to foster a more just society by addressing root causes and enhancing visibility for Unitarian Universalist principles.

The NEA Arts and Artifacts International Indemnity Program, administered by the National Endowment for the Arts, provides financial protection for museums exhibiting significant art and artifacts. Launched in 1975, it minimizes insurance costs for international exhibitions. The program allows U.S. entities to receive indemnity for works of art while on display in the U.S. Applications are assessed by expert panels, ensuring a thorough review process before approvals or conditional notices are issued.

The Littleton-Griswold Prize in American Law and Society, awarded by the American Historical Association, recognizes exceptional scholarly works in the history of American law and society. Established in 1961, this annual award seeks books demonstrating high literary merit, with eligibility for works published in 2024. Recipients will be announced in October 2025, with a formal recognition ceremony at the January 2026 AHA annual meeting in Chicago, celebrating significant contributions to the field.

Clifford H. Spicer Memorial Scholarship

Clifford Spicer, founder of Spicer Engineering, was a registered professional engineer and professional land surveyor. A member and past president of the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers, Michigan Society of Land Surveyors, Michigan Waterworks Association and Michigan Water Pollution Control Federation, he served also on the Board of Appeals on Zoning for the City of Saginaw for 21 years.

At Spicer Engineering’s 50th Anniversary celebration in 1994, Mr. Spicer was honored by community leaders, including Governor John Engler and employees of Spicer Engineering. Former Saginaw Township Manager Frank Jones remarked, “Clifford Spicer … instilled in all employees his own extremely high professional work ethic. A finer gentlemen and engineer I have yet to meet.” Mr. Spicer died in 1997 at the age of 94.

The ASPCA Right Horse Grants aim to enhance equine adoptions and support community equines by funding programs that boost shelter capacity or assist in keeping owned equines in their homes. Grants between $5,000 and $50,000 are available, with a total funding pool of up to $750,000. Eligible applicants include ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners and organizations committed to the welfare of retired Thoroughbred racehorses. Proposals should clearly outline the objectives and expected impacts.

The Capacity Building Grants for Non-Land-Grant Colleges of Agriculture Program, administered by the USDA's NIFA, aims to enhance the capabilities of eligible institutions in agriculture and related fields. By providing financial support, the program encourages institutions to compete for federal funding, disseminate vital information, and foster community engagement in educational and research initiatives. This initiative is crucial for developing infrastructure, promoting faculty development, and establishing graduate assistantships to address national and regional agricultural priorities.

The Stanley C. Israel Regional Award for Advancing Diversity in the Chemical Sciences recognizes individuals or institutions promoting inclusiveness in the chemical sciences. This award includes a medal, a $1,250 grant, and reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,500 for attending the ACS regional meeting where the award is presented. Eligible nominees must foster programs that increase participation from diverse groups in the chemical enterprise.

The Research and Education Program for HBCUs and TCUs provides funding for essential equipment and instrumentation, enhancing research capabilities in STEM fields. This initiative aligns with the FY 2026 NDAA and aims to increase participation and graduation rates in critical scientific disciplines. The program is overseen by the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering and administered by various defense agencies, promoting educational advancements in historically underrepresented institutions.

About Us

The Wenner-Gren Foundation is a private operating foundation dedicated to providing leadership in support of anthropology and anthropologists worldwide.

Our Mission

The Wenner-Gren Foundation is committed to playing a leadership role in anthropology. We help anthropologists advance anthropological knowledge, build sustainable careers, and amplify the impact of anthropology within the wider world. We dedicate ourselves to broadening the conversation in anthropology to reflect the full diversity of the field.

Hunt Fellowship in Public Writing

General

Anthropologists have important stories to tell about human lives, histories, societies, and futures. Yet many scholars lack the time and resources needed to translate their research into books that reach readers beyond the academy. The Hunt Fellowship in Public Writing supports anthropologists who are writing serious nonfiction books for general audiences.

This program is designed to encourage public writing that brings anthropological knowledge into wider conversations. The Foundation welcomes book projects that are intellectually ambitious, grounded in substantial research, and written in ways that invite nonacademic readers to explore anthropological questions, evidence, and insight. We are interested in projects that demonstrate how anthropological writing can shape public understanding, contribute to urgent debates, and expand the audiences for anthropological work.

The fellowship supports scholars pursuing a book-length project for broad audiences. Through this award, the Foundation seeks to raise the status of public writing within anthropology, especially for earlier career scholars, and promote its recognition in hiring, tenure, promotion, and other forms of professional evaluation.

There is no preference for any methodology, research location, or subfield.

The Zyne Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance and support Catholic faith-based organizations and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits dedicated to education, medical research, and family values. The foundation's mission focuses on making a direct impact on individuals' daily lives, ensuring that these initiatives can thrive both now and in the future, promoting community well-being and development.

Robert J. & Kathryn W. Davis Scholarship

Award:

4-year award of $7,500 per year, renewable each year. Student must maintain a 2.75 GPA and remain in their major to renew their award each year. Possible medical school awards could follow if applicant moves on to medical school.

About the Foundation

Mission

The Hoover Presidential Foundation strengthens the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum and Herbert Hoover National Historic Site by inspiring leadership, service, and civic responsibility grounded in the Hoovers’ life and values.

Vision

A future where Herbert Hoover’s uncommon legacy inspires generations to live with purpose, serve with compassion, and create lasting civic impact.

Herbert Hoover Presentation Travel Grant

The Herbert Hoover Presentation Travel Grant Program helps scholars share new research and insights about Herbert Hoover and his enduring impact on American public life, humanitarian service, and global affairs. By supporting presentations at scholarly conferences and professional gatherings, the program encourages broader understanding and appreciation of the ideas, values, and legacy of Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover.

The Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion (SpaceTech REDDI-2026) initiative by NASA aims to advance transformational space technologies to meet critical stakeholder needs. This umbrella solicitation for FY 2026 will invite proposals across various technology topics, promoting innovation and competitiveness in the U.S. space sector. With a focus on economic growth and fostering a strong aerospace community, STMD supports ideas from diverse innovators nationwide.

The ACTA Apprenticeship Program has been supporting California's cultural traditions for nearly 25 years by providing $5,000 contracts to mentor artists for intensive training of eligible apprentices. This program fosters the continuity of traditional arts through one-on-one mentorship, culminating in public presentations and documentation of the learning process. Eligible applicants must submit a collaborative application, demonstrating commitment and quality in their respective art forms. This initiative not only preserves cultural practices but also enhances community engagement.

About Us

Harbor Freight is America’s #1 Tool Store with more than 1600 locations nationwide. Founded in 1977 by Eric Smidt, the company began as a small mail-order tool business in North Hollywood, California. Over 75 million customers have come to Harbor Freight for our unmatched assortment of quality tools at an unbeatable value, including automotive, air and power tools, storage, outdoor power equipment, generators, welding supplies, shop equipment, hand tools, and much more.

Harbor Freight Tools Gift Card Donation Requests

If you are a Harbor Freight Associate and have been affected by an unexpected, unavoidable crisis and are in financial need, please apply to our Employee Emergency Relief Fund (EERF). To apply, go to www.myHFT.com to review our FAQs, guidelines, eligibility requirements and application form.

For all other donation requests, please note that we have recently updated our criteria. You can find the current eligibility requirements below.

All donations are given in the form of Harbor Freight Store gift cards. We do not provide cash donations, event sponsorships or support for individuals.

Harbor Freight Tools proudly supports the following:

Skilled Trades Education

• Skilled trades classes that emphasize the expert use of tools and materials to build, repair and maintain products and structures. Fields include Agricultural Mechanics, Carpentry, Construction, Electrical, HVAC, Advanced Manufacturing, Plumbing, Transportation Mechanics and Repair, and Welding
• Donation requests must be submitted by a K-12 public-school teacher for their own school/classroom. Harbor Freight store gift cards are given directly to the school/teacher requesting one. We do not provide donations to outside organizations, clubs or third parties.

The CORE Funding: AHNS/AAO-HNSF Translational Innovator Award supports innovative research in head and neck neoplastic diseases with a grant of $100,000 over two years. Eligible applicants include full-time academic head and neck surgeons, who must demonstrate a commitment to developing independent research careers. The award encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and aims to yield significant findings within the funding period, fostering long-term research potential and attracting further funding opportunities.

The NRC Research Associateship Grant Program, managed by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, provides prestigious research opportunities for postdoctoral and senior scientists at federal laboratories. This program promotes scientific excellence through mentorship and access to advanced facilities. Eligible candidates must hold a relevant doctorate and demonstrate significant research potential. With annual deadlines on February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1, this initiative aims to enhance the career development of promising researchers.

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation and KidsGardening offer the GroMoreGood Grassroots Grant to enhance community gardens across the U.S. This initiative supports programs that engage under-resourced communities, focusing on youth participation. In 2026, 120 grants of $750 will be awarded, with additional funding opportunities available through specialty awards for programs addressing specific needs, including those serving LGBTQ+ youth and communities of color.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from a high school in Lackawanna County who is matriculating to a college or university to study in the field of education.

The AWWA Larson Aquatic Research Support Scholarships, administered by the American Water Works Association, honor Dr. Thurston E. Larson by providing financial support for graduate students in science or engineering. Annually, two scholarships are awarded: $5,000 for master's students and $7,000 for doctoral students. This initiative reflects AWWA's commitment to fostering future leaders in the water industry while recognizing the contributions of Dr. Larson.

The Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence, offered by the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, honors outstanding nonprofit organizations in St. Joseph County, Indiana. This biennial award recognizes exceptional leadership and programming, providing a $200,000 endowment challenge grant, contingent upon the recipient raising $100,000 in matching funds. This initiative fosters sustainability and high standards within the local nonprofit sector, ultimately enhancing community welfare through strategic philanthropic efforts.

The NEA Arts and Artifacts Domestic Indemnity Program provides museums and cultural institutions in the U.S. with financial protection against loss or damage to significant artworks during exhibitions. Established in 1975 and expanded in 2007, the program aims to enhance public access to art by minimizing insurance costs. Managed by the National Endowment for the Arts, it involves thorough evaluations by expert panels to ensure eligibility and compliance, facilitating the safe display of invaluable cultural treasures.

The Stephen I. Katz Early Stage Investigator Research Project Grant provides a unique opportunity for Early Stage Investigators (ESIs) to pursue innovative research projects without requiring preliminary data. This grant encourages ESIs to explore new directions in their research, distinct from their prior work. Applications must demonstrate how the proposed project aligns with the mission of NIH Institutes and Centers, fostering creativity and new methodologies in scientific inquiry. Notably, clinical trials are not permitted under this funding opportunity.

The Pilcrow Foundation offers matching grants to rural public libraries for acquiring new, quality children's books. Libraries can receive up to $1,200 in funding by contributing $200-$400 through local sponsorships. Eligible libraries include independent rural and Native American Tribal libraries, with a focus on those serving communities with populations under 10,000. The initiative supports libraries in rural areas of the U.S. to enhance their children's book collections and promote literacy.

The Clinical & Translational Science Award TL1 Postdoc Fellowship Training Grant offers comprehensive support for biomedical researchers at Vanderbilt University. This program empowers scholars through career development tools, mentoring opportunities, and participation in national Translational Science meetings. Trainees must hold a doctoral degree and be committed to translational research while pursuing full-time training. This fellowship fosters innovation and collaboration among researchers, enhancing their contributions to the field.

The Huston Foundation Grants support both Protestant Evangelical Christian and secular needs, emphasizing humanitarian efforts since 1957. Applicants must demonstrate evangelism and provide a doctrinal statement of faith for Christian grants, while secular projects must show unique community needs and measurable goals. All applicants must also possess 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. This dual-focus ensures diverse community support, fostering personal development and innovative solutions to pressing issues.