Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

The Community Foundation of Switzerland County offers Large Project Grants for charitable programs benefiting the local community, with requests exceeding $2,000. Applications are due by 3:00 p.m. on the first business day of March and August. These grants undergo an extensive evaluation process, requiring a meeting with the Grants Committee. Eligible projects must enhance community welfare, while ineligible items include general operating expenses and funding for individuals.

The Community Foundation of Switzerland County offers Leadership Grants to support staff and volunteers attending professional development events. These grants cover fees for workshops, conferences, and retreats, providing up to $1,500 per organization annually. Importantly, hotel accommodations may be included, but food and travel expenses are not covered. The program has no deadlines and continues until December 1, 2025, or until funds are exhausted, with decisions made within 15 days of submission.

Law School Admission Council Inc (LSAC) is committed to promoting access in legal education and the legal profession. LSAC will consider grant proposals from institutions for projects focused on one or more of our strategic goals.LSAC Outreach GrantsLSAC's Board of Trustees has made available funds to support cooperative outreach and applicant-pool expansion events. These grants are designed to encourage law schools to work together to promote legal education. At least three LSAC-member schools must work together on each event. Examples of eligible events include law fairs, conferences, workshops, or other events that are a combination of these types.

The Portland Foundation Summer Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Jay County, Indiana, by providing support to charitable organizations and community agencies. Established in 1951, the foundation encourages proposals that address local charitable needs, particularly for start-up costs, one-time projects, and capital needs. Eligible applicants include new or existing organizations committed to making a positive impact in the community.

The Benton Community Grants Below $2000, offered by the Benton Community Foundation, aim to support projects that benefit the local community. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the foundation for guidance and to submit requests any time of the year. Grants are awarded monthly, with notifications sent within 45 days. Priority is given to initiatives that positively impact many residents, enhance long-term organizational capabilities, and involve collaborations among non-profits.

The R3PEATS Multi-Team Triangulation initiative supports collaborative research teams to explore a central biomedical question using diverse methods and model systems. It emphasizes the importance of identifying biological variability and ensuring the robustness of findings through replication strategies. This program is part of the NIH Common Fund's Rigor, Replicability, & Reproducibility to Promote Excellence in Science, aiming to enhance the accuracy and translation of scientific discoveries.

The Portland Foundation Winter Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Jay County, Indiana, by supporting charitable organizations and community agencies. Established in 1951, the foundation focuses on funding start-up costs, one-time projects, and capital needs that directly address local charitable requirements. Eligible applicants include both new and existing organizations that can demonstrate a clear connection to Jay County's needs. The foundation does not support individual projects, political activities, or operating deficits.

The Community Impact Grants Program, administered by the Union County Foundation, invites competitive grant applications four times a year. This program aims to address the evolving needs of the community by providing seed funding for innovative projects rather than ongoing operational support. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations that serve Union County residents. The program encourages collaboration with other funding sources to enhance community impact and maximize funding effectiveness.

The Bicycle Hotel Casino offers sponsorship and donation opportunities to support various worthy causes through a structured Board Review Committee. To qualify, organizations must submit a formal request at least 60 days before their event. This includes a Donation Request Form and a letter detailing the organization's purpose and alignment with the casino’s mission. The casino prioritizes requests from registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, ensuring that each project aligns with their philanthropic goals.

The Portland Foundation Women’s Giving Circle Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Jay County, Indiana, by empowering women philanthropists. Established in 1951, this initiative supports tax-exempt organizations to address community needs through grants. With a focus on collaboration and resource pooling, the Circle seeks to award a $5,000 grant to strengthen local nonprofit organizations and their programming, ensuring a lasting impact on the community.

The FAA Aviation Research Grants Program invites applications for aviation research grants aimed at supporting innovative research for civil aviation growth. Eligible applicants, primarily colleges and non-profit institutions, can propose studies across various scientific disciplines. The program emphasizes advanced research in areas like air traffic control, communications, and human factors, promoting the development of technologies that enhance safety and efficiency in aviation and commercial space transportation.

Cornerstone Grants

Do you volunteer with a nonprofit organization? Would you like additional funding to start or enhance a service project? Organize your own service project!

We know that as an Elks scholar, you already uphold the cornerstones of the Foundation: knowledge, integrity, charity and community. Now, we want to help you do more! The ENF is offering fifteen $500 Cornerstone Grants to any Elks scholar interested in starting or expanding a community service project. We are also offering six $250 bonuses for projects done in collaboration with an Elks Lodge.

Looking for project ideas?

Consider a cause that you are passionate about and partner with an organization addressing that need.

Talk to your sponsoring lodge about what sort of service project they’d like to see at the Lodge. Ask them about charitable projects they are currently involved with, and see if there are any projects they’d like to see enhanced. You can find contact information for a Lodge near you here.

Funding

• The ENF is offering twenty $500 Cornerstone Grants to any Elks scholar interested in starting or expanding a community service project.
• We are also offering fifteen $250 bonuses for projects done in collaboration with an Elks Lodge.

The Convention Opportunity Travel Grant, offered by the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (ASEEES), supports non-student members with incomes under $40,000 to present their research at the ASEEES Annual Convention. Established in 1948, ASEEES prioritizes first-time presenters and junior scholars lacking institutional support. The grant encourages diverse scholarly contributions and is aimed at enhancing the visibility of underrepresented voices in the field of Slavic and East European studies.

The AAAE Native American Scholarship, offered by the AAAE Foundation, supports Native American students pursuing aviation studies at accredited institutions. Eligible applicants must be college juniors, seniors, or graduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Selection is based on academic achievements, financial need, and community involvement. Two awards of $2,000 each are available, although amounts may vary. This non-renewable scholarship aims to foster future leaders in aviation.

The Greene County Foundation, established in 1997, enhances the community by providing vital support through its Community Support Grants. Governed by a diverse Board of Directors, the Foundation distributes over a quarter million dollars annually to various local initiatives. By fostering connections between donors and impactful causes, it aims to inspire community engagement and ensure lasting benefits for Greene County residents. This initiative reflects a commitment to building a stronger, more resilient community for future generations.

State Farm Companies Foundation offers marketing sponsorships to organizations that align with their mission of building safer, stronger communities. They are open to partnerships that enhance their marketing strategies on both local and national levels. Interested parties can expect a review of their proposals within 2-3 weeks. This initiative aims to foster collaboration with various brands and causes that resonate with State Farm's vision.

The ACLS HBCU Faculty Fellowships provide financial support ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 for faculty at Historically Black Colleges and Universities to advance their research projects. The fellowships encourage innovative research outcomes, including scholarly articles and community-engaged projects. Awardees also benefit from mentoring and networking opportunities, with additional funding for their institutions to support humanities programming. This initiative promotes diverse scholarship and collaboration across disciplines, enhancing the academic landscape for HBCU faculty.

The Ripley County Community Foundation Grantmaking Program aims to enhance the quality of life in Ripley County through strategic grantmaking. Governed by a knowledgeable Board of Directors, the program supports 501(c)(3) organizations, including government entities and schools, with funding up to $500. The Foundation emphasizes equitable access, ensuring that grant funds are distributed without discrimination based on race, gender, or other characteristics, thereby fostering community development and leadership.

The ACLS Project Grants for HBCU Faculty provide up to $10,000 to support early-stage project design and development over a 12- to 15-month period. This funding facilitates exploratory research and the advancement of existing projects, while offering networking and mentorship opportunities. Applicants must be employed at an HBCU and possess an MA or PhD in humanities or social sciences. The initiative encourages innovative research methods and community engagement, with a focus on higher education outcomes.

The Royal B. Kinder Fund aims to enhance the quality of life in Wichita Falls by promoting charitable giving. Nonprofits in Archer County are eligible to apply for grants, which are awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations and other charitable projects. The fund encourages initiatives that benefit the community without discrimination. However, restrictions apply to fundraising, scholarships, and grants to individuals or political entities. Eligible organizations can apply annually to support various charitable purposes.

The Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation (EFRI) program by the NSF aims to support transformative research in wave-based computing, fostering significant advancements in foundational engineering knowledge. With funding opportunities including EAGER awards and four-year grants up to $2 million, EFRI-WBC encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative approaches to address strategic technology priorities. Proposals should articulate their potential long-term impacts on national science and technology missions, promoting a new era in computing methodologies.

The Burkburnett Legacy Foundation aims to enhance philanthropy and provide charitable opportunities to support nonprofits in Burkburnett, TX. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities, with grants awarded for charitable purposes. The foundation promotes the well-being of all, irrespective of race or gender. However, certain ineligibilities apply, such as restrictions on grants to political candidates or individuals. Organizations can apply annually to benefit from this foundation's support.

Lockheed Martin is funding PLTW grants to schools for adding or expanding PLTW Engineering programs. This initiative aims to meet the growing need for engineers and technology professionals by providing students with essential skills in engineering and computer science. Since 2007, over 300 PLTW programs have been launched, benefiting more than 77,000 students nationwide. Schools can apply for funding to either start new programs or enhance existing ones, promoting innovation in education.

The Lawrence County Community Foundation: Impact Grant supports local nonprofit organizations, schools, and governmental agencies in Lawrence County, Indiana. Established in 1992, it offers grants for projects over $2,000, enabling applicants to receive multiple grants. The foundation focuses on generating earnings from permanent endowment funds to benefit the community through charitable giving, ensuring that funds will support the community for generations to come.

The PLTW Engineering program, supported by the Caterpillar Foundation, aims to enhance STEM education in underserved communities. Grants of $30,000 will help schools launch and expand these programs starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. Schools must offer at least two different PLTW Engineering courses over two years. Preference will be given to institutions with high-need student populations as determined by free and reduced lunch eligibility.

The Lawrence County Community Foundation's Boost Grant offers funding of up to $2,000 for small projects and operating expenses to local nonprofits, schools, and governmental agencies. Established in 1992, the Foundation aims to support charitable initiatives that benefit the community of Lawrence County, Indiana. This grant allows applicants to submit one application, aiding in sustainable growth and development through community-centered projects.

The PLTW Engineering program, supported by the Caterpillar Foundation, aims to enhance access to STEM education in underserved communities. This initiative focuses on expanding existing PLTW Engineering programs by introducing new courses, additional class periods, and teacher training for the 2025-2026 academic year. Preference is given to schools with a high-need student population, ensuring that those eligible for free or reduced lunch programs are prioritized for funding. This partnership fosters workforce readiness and empowers future innovators.