Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

The NCDDG program supports innovative research aiming to discover and develop new treatments for mental disorders, including substance use and alcohol use disorders. This initiative encourages collaborations between academic and industry partners to advance neurostimulation techniques and drug/device development. Applicants are invited to submit proposals that focus on specific projects utilizing the U01 mechanism, with a clear emphasis on rationally designed candidate agents and cutting-edge technologies. Letters of Intent are encouraged 30 days prior to the submission deadline.

The National Cooperative Drug/Device Discovery/Development Groups (NCDDG) program invites applications to foster innovative research in treating mental disorders and substance use issues. This initiative promotes collaboration between academia and industry, supporting diverse, multidisciplinary projects aimed at developing rational therapies and neurostimulation techniques. Applicants are encouraged to submit Letters of Intent 30 days before the proposal deadline to enhance project alignment with funding goals.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Safety First Grant Program aims to enhance community safety across its 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, it supports organizations that provide safety services or promote safe behavior. This program reflects Norfolk Southern's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, empowering employees to engage locally. By investing in safety and workforce development, Norfolk Southern fosters thriving communities, demonstrating its dedication to social responsibility and community well-being.

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.

Clinical & Translational Science (CTS) Pilot Grant Program

The objective of the new Indiana CTSI Clinical & Translational Science (CTS) pilot grant mechanism is to initiate or continue translational science projects that help identify translational methods and processes relevant across a range of diseases, treatments, and interventions. The key objective of the projects should be to develop methodological innovations and/or produce crosscutting solutions for common and persistent challenges to reduce, remove, or bypass significant bottlenecks across the continuum of translation.

Applications to this program are limited to a total of $40,000 and are 12 months (1 year) in duration. There will be no ability to apply for a no cost extension with this new grant.

The Pipeline Grants Competition by the Russell Sage Foundation aims to bolster early-career scholars and enhance diversity in the social sciences. It supports innovative research focusing on economic mobility and systemic inequalities in the U.S. Eligible applicants can receive up to $35,000 individually or $50,000 in teams. The foundation emphasizes methodological diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging novel data usage. Projects should align with RSF's mission to improve social conditions, prioritizing underrepresented scholars from under-resourced institutions.

The STEM Education Major Teaching Fellowship provides funding for students majoring in STEM Education at INSGC affiliate institutions. This financial support enables students to engage in meaningful outreach experiences, covering expenses for student teaching or hands-on STEM activities. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens enrolled in relevant programs with a minimum GPA of 2.5. This opportunity encourages collaboration with INSGC Outreach Affiliates for mentorship and project locations.

The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Assistance Fund offers crucial financial support and counseling for individuals in the theatrical exhibition and distribution sectors facing health-related challenges. This fund assists with medical expenses, housing emergencies, and essential services like vocational rehabilitation and equipment aid. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years in exhibition or five years in distribution. The fund aims to provide a safety net for those impacted by illness, injury, or significant life changes.

The IAC Arts Project Support Grant offers funding for Indiana 501(c)3 nonprofits and public entities to carry out specific arts projects or activities. Applicants can propose diverse projects like art events, performances, exhibitions, or workshops that foster public engagement, especially in underserved communities. This initiative, supported by the Indiana Arts Commission, aims to enhance access to quality arts experiences and support local artists, enriching Indiana's cultural landscape without a match requirement.

Industrial Grant Development Fund (IGDF)

The Industrial Grant Fund (IDGF) provides assistance to municipalities and other eligible entities as defined under I.C. 5-28-25 with off-site infrastructure improvements needed to serve the proposed project site. Upon review and approval of the Local Recipient’s application, project specific Milestones are established for completing the improvements. IDGF will reimburse a portion of the actual total cost of the infrastructure improvements. The assistance will be paid as each Milestone is achieved, with final payment upon completion of the last Milestone of the infrastructure project. 

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 - Economic Recovery 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.

Economic Recovery Plan identifies strategies to recover and bolster the local economy in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The David M. Dolan Scholarship, offered by the International Association for Great Lakes Research, supports master's and Ph.D. students engaged in applied environmental statistics and modeling related to the Great Lakes. The scholarship provides a $3,000 award, complimentary conference registration, and IAGLR membership. Recipients must present their research at the annual IAGLR conference. Eligibility is limited to those whose research aligns with Dr. Dolan's work, and previous awardees are not eligible.

Community Foundation of Randolph County

Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation’s work falls into three major categories: grant-making, donor service, and community convening. Our most visible activities are the grants and scholarships we award each year. Most of these awards come from income earned from permanently endowed funds. Scholarships and other grants come from funds that donors have established for specific purposes.

Diana Fahl Sciences Scholarship

In the early 1990’s Diana Fahl began working at Indiana University East, she saw there was a financial need for single mothers. Diana came up with the idea to create a fundraiser cookbook, with faculty, staff and students submitting recipes. Diana served as the editor, and it was a hit; they reached the level for two endowed scholarships. Ten years later Diana saw that the student body had changed to a more traditional student body with a large percentage of freshman students not advancing to sophomore level. Diana proposed a new scholarship as a two-fold scholarship, the high school graduate would receive the first component of the scholarship their freshman year of college, then, as the student proceeds to their sophomore year they would get an increased additional payment from the scholarship. Diana served as editor of this cookbook and two more endowed scholarships were created.

After decades of working with the community and creating needed scholarships, Diana is overwhelmed with pride to have a science scholarship in her name.

This scholarship may be awarded to students who are a Randolph County resident, graduate from a Randolph County school, and plans to pursue a degree in the Sciences (not including nursing) at Indiana University East.

Community Foundation of Randolph County

Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation’s work falls into three major categories: grant-making, donor service, and community convening. Our most visible activities are the grants and scholarships we award each year. Most of these awards come from income earned from permanently endowed funds. Scholarships and other grants come from funds that donors have established for specific purposes.

David E. Hyre Memorial Scholarship Fund

The David E. Hyre Memorial Scholarship was created by Mr. Hyre’s daughters in his memory. David Hyre, born in 1943, graduated Winchester High School in 1961. He also attended Purdue University (Mechanical Engineering Bachelors), University of Michigan (Mechanical Engineering Masters), and Michigan State University (M.B.A.). He was a part of the Chrysler Institute of Engineering (CIE Program). He worked as an engineer and a manager during his 35 years at Chrysler until he retired in 2001. David was very active with Habitat for Humanity and ushered at the Maddie Kelly Center for the Arts in Niceville, FL. He was also an election poll volunteer and Special Deputy for Okaloosa County, FL. His favorite hobby was collecting watches; he was a member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors and participated in shows across the country.

This is a four-year scholarship for a student graduating from a Randolph County high school attending Purdue University studying engineering.

The HDR Foundation Grant Cycle supports community organizations aligned with HDR's values, focusing on education, healthy communities, and environmental stewardship. This employee-funded initiative emphasizes the importance of employee engagement in grant proposals, requiring a clear scope of work and completion within a year. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments, while grants are not provided for faith-based organizations or individual support.

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion in Indiana aims to enhance educational opportunities through the Step Up Indiana STEM Grant. Schools can utilize a total award of $15,000 to implement new PLTW programs or expand existing ones for the 2026-2027 academic year. Eligible uses include additional courses, class periods, and teacher training, while ensuring that funds are allocated effectively to support STEM education initiatives.

About US

Vision Statement

To be the partner and trusted resource for philanthropy in our community, providing stewardship of charitable intent so the impact of generosity will last for generations.

Mission Statement

• To build enduring charitable resources used to positively impact our community by:
• Serving as a partner and resource for donors, their advisors, and area nonprofits.
• Making it simple for donors to fulfill their individual goals in giving back.
• Providing stewardship of donor gifts and charitable intent for generations to come.
• Fulfilling a leadership role on important community issues.

Through the generosity of our donors, the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana awards scholarships each year to help students across our region pursue their educational goals.

Our scholarship program includes dozens of funds established by individuals and families who believe in the power of education. These funds support students from diverse backgrounds as they work toward higher education and brighter futures. As we grow this program, we remain committed to expanding renewable, impactful scholarship opportunities – fostering success, enriching lives, and strengthening our community through learning.

Raymond Rhodes Memorial Scholarship for Printing Technology & Graphic Arts

This fund hopes to award a non-renewable scholarship of up to $2,000 for a student who will seek a full-time, post-secondary education pursuing a career in the graphic arts or printing technology.

The Historic Preservation Education Grant, offered by Indiana Humanities, aims to educate citizens about the importance of preserving historic places in their communities. The grant funds various educational formats, including workshops, presentations, and digital projects like webinars and online exhibits. In 2025, Indiana Humanities plans to award nine or ten grants, encouraging projects that foster community engagement and raise awareness of historic preservation's value.

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program aims to elevate educational attainment in Indiana by providing full-tuition scholarships to eligible high school graduates from each county served by community foundations. Launched in 1998, this initiative encourages engagement among scholars and local leaders to enhance community quality of life. By partnering with Independent Colleges of Indiana, the program aspires to support talented students in pursuing degrees at accredited institutions, fostering both personal and economic growth within the state.

The Pratt Family Foundation Grant, established in 1999, supports initiatives in education, healthcare, and community welfare. It prioritizes organizations that aid housing assistance, support for women in crisis, and disadvantaged youth programs, particularly in North Carolina. The Foundation favors established religious and charitable organizations that are tax-exempt and have a local presence. Preference is given to areas connected to the Pratt family, such as Texas and Florida, ensuring impactful contributions to community development.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

The Indiana Youth Institute offers Professional Development Grants to support youth-serving professionals in Indiana. These grants provide funding for conferences, workshops, and training to enhance skills and improve student success. Eligible applicants include staff and volunteers from tax-exempt organizations that serve Indiana youth. The program aims to strengthen professional practices, ensuring that applicants can effectively support the needs of children and youth in their communities.

The Ashland County Wildlife Conservation League David McClure Memorial Scholarship supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools and alternative education programs pursuing a degree in wildlife-related fields. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be accepted into accredited colleges or vocational programs. This scholarship fosters educational growth while promoting conservation efforts, reflecting the commitment of the Ashland County Community Foundation to enhance community development and support future leaders in wildlife conservation.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding above $25,000 to support health equity initiatives across North America. Founded in 1943, its mission focuses on removing barriers to quality healthcare for vulnerable communities. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with strategic pillars: reducing cancer burdens, preparing the healthcare workforce, and enhancing crisis response. Eligible organizations include national and local nonprofits. Funding is limited to specific regions and assessed based on demonstrated need and expected impact.

The IU Health Values Fund Grant Pilot & Feasibility Program supports early-career researchers in advancing their careers and securing funding. It emphasizes pilot clinical trials that align with IU Health's core values: purpose, excellence, compassion, and teamwork. This program is designed to benefit patients in the IU Health system by fostering innovative research that meets medical and scientific standards, ultimately contributing to the improvement of healthcare outcomes.

Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Inc supports independent medical education to enhance healthcare professional competence and improve patient health outcomes. Their mission is to be a global leader in innovative medical education, focusing on evidence-based activities that address critical gaps in knowledge. By fostering excellence in healthcare, they aim to ensure measurable improvements in performance and patient outcomes across various disease areas.

The Chicago Board of Trade Foundation Grant offers funding to non-profit organizations in the Chicago area, focusing on initiatives that assist children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and must not discriminate based on race, religion, or sexual orientation. Applications will be assessed based on program effectiveness, community impact, and organizational management. The foundation does not fund individuals, political candidates, or organizations without tax-exempt status.