Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

The United Company Foundation, established in 1986, provides grants to support charitable organizations in Bristol, VA, Bristol, TN, and Southwest Virginia. This private non-profit focuses on areas such as food, shelter, education, the arts, health, and youth services, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and innovative approaches. By prioritizing accountability and measurable outcomes, the Foundation aims to foster long-term improvements in the community it serves.

The Gamma Mu Foundation, established in 1988, aims to support the LGBT community in rural and underserved areas through various grants. Initially focused on HIV/AIDS projects, it now funds scholarships and services for diverse LGBT subpopulations. With over $2 million awarded, the Foundation prioritizes initiatives that enhance community support, public education, and health programs. It emphasizes projects that build organizational capacity and provide essential services where resources are limited, ensuring ongoing support for vital health and social services.

The Carl & Marilynn Thoma Foundation offers Collections-Related Grants for Nonprofits, aimed at enhancing public interest in art through innovative projects. Grants support exhibitions, academic convenings, research, and catalog publication, focusing on art from the Spanish Americas, digital media, and more. The foundation prioritizes proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S., particularly from New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, fostering partnerships that advance art scholarship and cultural engagement.

AARP Foundation

AARP Foundation strengthens financial resilience for and with older adults by empowering individuals and improving systems.

AARP empowers people to choose how they live as they age. There are 125 million Americans who are 50 or older, and people want their money, health and happiness to last as long as they do. We are a wise friend and fierce defender, focusing on the priorities of older Americans.

Purpose Prize® from AARP

Honoring extraordinary people 50-plus who put their purpose into action.

Purpose is a powerful force for good. The Purpose Prize from AARP honors extraordinary older Americans who put their purpose into action to support AARP’s mission of empowering people to choose how they live as they age. Winners receive $75,000 and a year of organizational support from AARP to grow the impact of their nonprofits. Examples of organizational support include data and evaluation, governance and succession planning, fundraising strategy, and prospectus development.

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.    

Jennie Wade Scholarship Endowment

More than one hundred years ago, Jennie Wade created a scholarship in her words “to benefit mankind.” This scholarship is made to help young men and women continue their education after high school. Wabash County residents under the age of 21 are selected from among applicants who have done as much as possible in helping themselves obtain an education and whose families are unable to provide an education.

The Rare Impact Fund, founded by Selena Gomez, is dedicated to transforming mental health support for young people. With a commitment to mobilizing $100 million, the fund aims to enhance access to mental health services and promote a stigma-free community. Through public Requests for Proposals, the initiative seeks to strengthen the nonclinical youth mental health workforce, ensuring effective support systems that reflect the diverse backgrounds of youth. This innovative approach fosters lasting change in mental health care.

The Core State Injury Prevention Program (Core SIPP) aims to enhance public health infrastructure and partnerships to prevent unintentional injuries through data-driven strategies. Focusing on key areas such as traumatic brain injury, falls among older adults, and drowning, it seeks to improve community safety by strengthening data use and fostering collaborations. This initiative supports states in identifying local injury concerns, thus promoting evidence-based prevention approaches and increasing the capacity for sustained public health actions.

Harry C. Anthony, Jr. Scholarship

Essay:

• Describe yourself and explain why you are interested in a career in medicine.

Awards:

• One-time award of $2,500

Hungry for Music

The Hungry for Music story began in 1992, when Founder and Director Jeff Campbell (in photo) organized a street musician concert to benefit the homeless. Within three years, he formed a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, dedicated to expanding opportunities in music for children.

Since then, Hungry for Music has placed more than 27,000 instruments into the hands of aspiring musicians. Children whose trajectory has been altered by the uplifting and life-changing gift of music.

We've delivered everything from guitars and trombones to violins and xylophones to kids in 50 states and 35 countries.

We collect and redistribute more than 2,000 instruments annually and, in our 31-year journey, we've become a full-time force for good in the musical community.

Request an Instrument

Hungry for Music collects and distributes instruments including brass, woodwinds, strings, electric keyboards, drums and other percussion, as well as amps and accessories.

Who Hungry for Music Helps

• Music teachers at Title One schools who identify children who cannot participate because of lack of funding.
• Music directors at innovative after-school music programs.
• Social workers who have young clients who would benefit from music therapy.

We only accept requests from public school music teachers, administrators, after-school/summer music program directors, and social workers. 

In our history, we have supported music programs in 40 different countries through stateside sponsors (i.e. business, school, church). We do not accept requests directly from international programs.

After-School & Summer Programs

Hungry for Music supports more than three dozen after-school/summer music programs annually across the United States. To be added to our distribution, a site visit is required.

St. Mary's Bank Charitable Foundation Community Support Grants aim to enhance community welfare by providing financial support to nonprofit organizations. With a commitment to 'people helping people' since 1908, the foundation focuses on areas like youth programming, homelessness, and civic support. In 2023 alone, they donated over $200,000 to 190 organizations, reflecting their dedication to improving lives in New Hampshire. They prioritize funding for nonprofits within their service areas, ensuring impactful contributions to local communities.

Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund)

TREE Fund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to support scientific discovery and dissemination of new knowledge and best practices in the fields of arboriculture and urban forestry.

TREE Fund’s research and education programs shape industry best practices, improve workforce safety and contribute to the long-term sustainability of our communities in the following crucial ways:

• Improving the quality of nursery grown trees and overall tree survival through the development of hardier, drought- and disease-resistant species.
• Stopping diseases and pests while reducing pesticide use with the evolution of integrated pest management programs.
• Enhancing public and workforce safety with advanced tree risk assessment techniques and greater knowledge about why and how trees fail.
• Quantifying the benefits of trees which makes it easier for governments and businesses to project their return on tree care investment.
• Revolutionizing global best practices for growing strong, healthy landscape trees.
• Connecting youth with nature to promote environmental stewardship in the next generation and inspire them to consider careers in green industries.

Lucas Tree Experts Integrated Vegetation Management Endowed Research Fund

Since 1926, John Lucas Tree Expert Co. has worked with investor-owned utilities, electric cooperatives, municipalities, railroads, and pipeline customers throughout the United States and Canada. Innovation has always been a core value, and Lucas remains committed to innovation that makes the industry safer, greener, and more efficient. The Lucas Tree Experts Integrated Vegetation Management Endowed Research Fund is a new endowment fund of Tree Research and Education Endowment (TREE) Fund created to support research in Integrated Vegetation Management in the United States and Canada.

This fund program was created in 2026 to help celebrate Lucas Tree’s 100th anniversary. Lucas Tree’s anniversary marks a century of innovation, safety, and stewardship in utility vegetation management.

Projects are expected to be completed within one to three years. No project may receive more than one award from this program.

Application Requirements can be found here.

The RMEF Grant Program lies at the core of advancing our mission.

RMEF established the program in 1986 to provide financial and logistical support to projects that align with our priorities and goals. Grant funds raised by RMEF members, volunteers and generous donors from across the country translate into significantly more conservation accomplishment when matched with partner funds. The RMEF Grant Program also aims to build recognition for RMEF’s work, grow engagement, and boost local fundraising efforts.

Governed by clear guidelines and criteria, the RMEF Grant Program seeks to foster meaningful collaborations and long-term impacts in the conservation of natural resources and outdoor traditions. Grant project partners include federal, state, local, and tribal wildlife and land management agencies, private landowners and local stakeholders, sportsmen and women, and conservation organizations, universities, foundations and the outdoor industry. Eligible projects primarily focus on habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage.

We support organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)3 entity, federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, sportsmen’s organizations, or educational institutions. All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. RMEF does not offer grants to individuals.

Hunting Heritage

Ensuring our hunting heritage is central to RMEF’s mission. Hunters—America’s first conservationists—remain the driving force behind wildlife conservation. RMEF funds hunting heritage and conservation education to help more people experience the outdoors, learn the skills of hunting, and carry forward the traditions that define big game country, including outdoor skills programs/events, hunter or conservation outreach, mentored hunts, and other similar activities.

Sun Life’s Health Access Grant Program aims to enhance access to health services, specifically targeting diabetes and oral health in local communities. With funding options ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, this program supports 501(c)(3) charities focused on diabetes prevention, management, and oral health care. By fostering access to essential health services, Sun Life is committed to building healthier communities and addressing health disparities faced by underprivileged populations.

The Ethel Strickarz Memorial Scholarship aims to address community needs through educational support in special education and related fields. Funded by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, it encourages students pursuing careers in human services, nursing, psychology, speech pathology, or therapy. This scholarship reflects a commitment to holistic community development by fostering future professionals dedicated to improving lives and addressing urgent societal challenges.

The Smart Growth America Community Connectors Grant Program supports small and mid-sized cities in addressing divisive infrastructure caused by dangerous roads. With funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, this program aims to reconnect communities through temporary street safety projects while fostering skills and partnerships. Eligible teams must represent populations of 50,000 to 500,000 and include both government and community-based organizations. Priority will be given to projects benefiting low-income communities historically affected by disinvestment.

The Oriental Trading Company Corporate Giving Program focuses on enhancing the lives of children through education, youth programming, healthcare, and human services. With a commitment to making the world a better place, they support organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) or public educational institutions. Their initiatives aim to foster community partnerships and provide essential resources to youth in need, ensuring they have access to vital services and opportunities for growth.

The Broadcasters Foundation of America Monthly Grant provides essential financial assistance to broadcasters facing acute hardships due to serious illnesses or accidents. This initiative aims to support those who have dedicated significant years to the broadcasting profession, ensuring they receive medical aid and relief from financial burdens. Eligible applicants can apply for monthly grants if they meet specific employment and hardship criteria, helping them navigate difficult times with dignity and support.

The Quadratec Cares 'Energize The Environment' Grant Program is dedicated to supporting individuals and organizations in the U.S. focused on environmental improvement. With two grants of $3,500 awarded annually, the program encourages initiatives like trail restoration and community educational projects. This grant aims to empower passionate individuals to enhance environmental awareness and stewardship, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.

The Cancer-Related Behavioral Health Fund, established by the HealthWell Foundation, provides financial assistance to individuals diagnosed with cancer for behavioral health treatments. This fund covers costs associated with prescription drugs, counseling services, and transportation. Aiming to alleviate financial burdens, it ensures that underinsured patients can access necessary care without delay. In 2024, the foundation awarded over $1.2 billion, emphasizing its commitment to improving health outcomes for cancer patients across the United States.

The NIH is offering access to biospecimens from the ABCD, HBCD, and PATH studies to promote research on health and disease across a lifetime. This initiative encourages projects that utilize these samples to deepen understanding of genetic and environmental influences, particularly substance exposure. Researchers can submit proposals to maximize the scientific utility of these resources, in alignment with the goals outlined under federal health regulations.

The Systemic Sclerosis with Interstitial Lung Disease Fund, managed by the HealthWell Foundation, aims to reduce financial barriers for underinsured patients suffering from systemic sclerosis. This rare autoimmune disease leads to excessive collagen production, causing serious health issues. The fund assists with prescription copays and insurance premiums to ensure patients receive necessary treatments. In 2024, HealthWell awarded over $1.2 billion in grants, supporting more than 1.1 million patients in accessing vital healthcare services.

The Center for Family Engagement Healthy Minds Fellowship, organized by the National PTA, invites active PTA leaders to enhance their mental health expertise over a 12-month cohort starting January 2026. Participants will receive a $1,500 stipend and engage in developing actionable plans to improve mental health initiatives in schools. This fellowship aims to empower leaders through workshops and collaborative efforts, fostering a supportive environment for mental wellness in educational settings.

The National Girls and Women in Sports (NAGWS) Legacy Award, established by SHAPE America, honors exemplary contributions to increasing opportunities for women in sports. This annual award recognizes current SHAPE America members who submit impactful proposals related to women's sports, with a monetary prize of $1000. The award will be presented at the National Convention & Exposition, with a special deadline of November 1st. Nominations can include various initiatives aimed at empowering women in sports.

The Mosaic Company Foundation Community Investment Grant aims to create a lasting impact in communities by supporting initiatives in three key areas: Food, Water, and Local Community. With an annual investment of approximately $12 million, the foundation addresses food security, promotes water conservation, and enhances community sustainability. Eligible applicants must be recognized charitable organizations, primarily in North America, committed to improving quality of life through innovative solutions and partnerships.

The Harris and Frances Block Foundation, established in 2001, supports small grassroots organizations focused on social and environmental justice. They prioritize equitable solutions and sustainable community development, funding initiatives related to environmental education, justice, and food security. Grants are available to non-profit, tax-exempt organizations in specific geographical areas including Vermont, North Carolina, Virginia, and New York City, excluding funding for lobbying, land acquisition, and scholarships.

Headstream Accelerator 2026

Accelerator Application Cohort VI

The Headstream Accelerator supports entrepreneurs from all backgrounds in scaling digital solutions that improve the mental well-being of teens at risk, with a focus on the education and healthcare sectors. Our four-month, virtual-first program is designed for early-stage innovators, helping them strengthen their business models, refine their value propositions, and build the foundation for sustainable growth and meaningful impact.

Benefits:

• $30,000 non-dilutive stipend 
• Partnership with youth from Headsteam’s Youth Co-Creator Club to gain insights on cultural relevance, age-appropriateness, and user experience, ensuring your solutions resonate deeply and effectively with the next generation 
• Access to a network of expert advisors, connect with a community of founders, and engage with potential investors and capital providers 
• Access to one-on-one and group coaching sessions with our partner, FounderWell

Participant Expectations:

• Attend all activities, including virtual cohort and youth co-creation sessions, advisor calls, and an in-person kickoff event from July 28–30, 2026
• Commit 2–5 hours weekly during the program, including virtual sessions, advisor network office hours, guide calls, and more
• Embed youth voices throughout your product development

This funding opportunity invites Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant applications aimed at developing FDA-regulated medical products for patients with opioid and stimulant use disorders. Projects may focus on pharmacotherapeutics or diagnostic devices, including software. The initiative seeks to address the ongoing opioid crisis by supporting innovations that enhance treatment options for individuals and communities affected by these disorders.