Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

The Indiana Elks Vocational Grant provides essential financial support to Indiana high school seniors seeking vocational education. Offering ten scholarships of $1000 each, this program encourages students to pursue two-year vocational or technical programs, fostering career readiness without requiring affiliation with the Elks. Since its inception, the grant has recognized the diverse educational goals of students, promoting opportunities for those not interested in traditional four-year degrees. This initiative exemplifies the Elks' commitment to enhancing community welfare through education.

The Day-End Dough-Nation® Program by Panera Bread exemplifies community generosity through the donation of unsold bakery products to local charities. This impactful initiative supports various organizations that distribute food to those in need, including shelters, health centers, and youth programs. By partnering with thousands of non-profits nationwide, Panera Bread not only reduces food waste but also plays a crucial role in addressing hunger and promoting equality within communities.

The Delta Dental Foundation's Community Mini Grants provide up to $10,000 to local nonprofits promoting oral health care in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. These grants focus on enhancing access to dental care for at-risk populations, educating communities about oral health, and supporting innovative programs. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with strategic aims and the ability to achieve impactful results. This initiative seeks to improve community health through dedicated funding and support for effective oral health programs.

Library Services and Technology Act Grants

The purpose of the technology sub-grants is to assist Indiana libraries with purchasing new and improved technology necessary to meet their users’ ever-changing needs for library services and to provide access to information. Libraries may use these sub-grants to better meet the technological needs of their community, or to test or implement innovative or emerging technologies. Libraries are encouraged to use the grants to provide educational, instructional, or outreach services, both inside and outside the library.

The CHS Foundation supports initiatives that benefit the agriculture industry, focusing on 501c3 organizations within specific states. Their funding is aimed at empowering cooperative growth and sustainable practices. Local projects may also be eligible through the CHS Seeds for Stewardship program. However, funding is not available for individuals, sports teams, or religious groups, ensuring that the support remains directed towards community and cooperative development.

The Doctoral Fellowship Program, initiated by NASA's National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program, aims to enhance STEM education and research opportunities across the U.S. The Indiana Space Grant Consortium (INSGC) offers fellowships ranging from $6,000 to $20,000 for eligible doctoral students engaged in STEM projects. This initiative supports the INSGC's mission to inspire and educate the next generation of scientists and engineers, ensuring a bright future for technological innovation and workforce development.

The Masters’ Fellowship Program, offered by the Indiana Space Grant Consortium, provides financial support ranging from $6,000 to $8,000 for graduate students engaged in STEM research or education. This initiative aims to enhance opportunities for students at INSGC affiliate institutions, fostering diversity and inclusion within STEM fields. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled full-time and in good academic standing. The program encourages reapplication for continued support in subsequent years.

About the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) is a state agency dedicated to serving. Its mission is to Support, Serve, and Advocate for the Indiana Veterans Community. IDVA aims to make Indiana the choice for veterans to Live, Work, and Thrive. 

Community Challenge Strategic Plan Affiliated Grants

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking applications for the Grants for Veterans’ Services – Community Challenge Strategic Plan Affiliated Grants program. This solicitation is open to non-profit organizations registered with the Indiana Secretary of State. Eligible organizations will apply for grant funds that directly support an Indiana Community Challenge (ICC) coalition partner who has completed the ICC Community Planning Grant Program.

The grant amounts will be between $1,000 and $15,000, depending on each applicant’s need for funds, the availability of funding, and the volume of eligible applicants. 

All applications, procedures, and documentation should follow the Indiana Code, Indiana Administrative Code, and Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs’ policies.

About the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) is a state agency dedicated to serving. Its mission is to Support, Serve, and Advocate for the Indiana Veterans Community. IDVA aims to make Indiana the choice for veterans to Live, Work, and Thrive. 

Veteran Service Organizations Grant

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) is seeking applications from eligible Veteran Service Organizations (VSO).

The grant amounts will vary depending on each applicant’s need for funds, past performance assisting veterans in securing available benefits, and the volume of eligible VSO applicants.

All applications, procedures, and documentation should follow Indiana Code, Indiana Administrative Code, and Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs’ policies.

Quality Improvement Grant Request for Proposals

Optimizing Maternal RSV Immunization Delivery: A Systems-Based Quality Improvement Initiative to Improve Uptake, Equity, and Newborn Outcomes

Pfizer, in collaboration with the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), is pleased to announce a competitive grant opportunity to support independent Quality Improvement (QI) initiatives focused on advancing maternal immunization, with a specific emphasis on Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination during pregnancy.

This initiative builds upon insights generated from the Maternal Immunization Needs Assessment (MINA) project, a multi-stakeholder collaboration that identified persistent clinical, behavioral, and system-level gaps in the delivery and uptake of maternal vaccines.

We seek to fund projects that implement measurable, evidence-based interventions to improve real-world delivery of maternal RSV immunization across healthcare systems and care settings. Proposed initiatives should aim to optimize access, strengthen provider–patient communication training and tools, enhance care coordination, and address structural and behavioral barriers impacting vaccine uptake and equity.

Pfizer Global Medical Grants (GMG) supports the global healthcare community’s independent initiatives (e.g., research, quality improvement or education) to improve patient outcomes in areas of unmet medical need that are aligned with Pfizer’s medical and/or scientific strategies. Pfizer’s GMG competitive grant program involves a publicly posted Request for Proposal (RFP) that provides detail regarding a specific area of interest, sets timelines for review and approval, and uses an expert review panel (ERP) to make final grant decisions. Organizations are invited to submit an application addressing the specific gaps in clinical practice or care as outlined in the specific RFP.

For all QI grants, the applicant (and ultimately the grantee) will be solely responsible for the design, implementation, and conduct of the proposed initiative. Pfizer will have no involvement in project development, execution, or outcomes.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding up to $25,000 for organizations focused on improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Established in 1943, the foundation prioritizes health equity through strategic partnerships aimed at reducing cancer burdens, preparing healthcare professionals, and enhancing crisis response efforts. Eligible applicants include national and local nonprofits targeting specific regions in the U.S. and Canada. The foundation emphasizes projects that align with its mission and demonstrate significant community impact.

The NCAA Division II Degree Completion Award provides financial assistance to student-athletes who have exhausted their athletics eligibility, enabling them to complete their first undergraduate degree. Since its inception in 2001, nearly $9 million has supported approximately 1,875 athletes, with a remarkable 90 percent graduation rate among recipients. The award covers tuition costs up to $15,000 for remaining credits and may be used in the summer term or short terms surrounding the final undergraduate year.

Letha's Youth Outdoors Fund Grant provides financial support for field trips that connect youth groups in Indiana with nature. Ideal for educators, this grant fosters outdoor learning experiences, emphasizing the importance of native plants and their habitats. Since 2008, it has enabled over 15,000 youth to explore environmental education centers and parks, especially those with limited access to such opportunities. Grants range from $50 to $700, covering transport and educational activities.

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

The Teacher Creativity Fellowship Program by Lilly Endowment supports K-12 educators in Indiana by providing grants up to $15,000 for renewal projects. These projects aim to restore educators' enthusiasm and stimulate creativity, enhancing student educational experiences. The program encourages meaningful exploration and reflection rather than typical vacations. Approximately 125 grants will be awarded in 2025, with a focus on activities that are intellectually enriching and personally renewing.

The EDA Chicago FY 2016–FY 2019 Planning Program and Local Technical Assistance Program aims to enhance regional economic development through comprehensive planning and technical assistance. By supporting the development and implementation of Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS), EDA empowers designated organizations, including Indian Tribes, to create jobs and foster economic resilience in distressed areas. This initiative focuses on strategic investments to facilitate effective economic development practices, ensuring sustainable growth and prosperity across regions.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Notre Dame Club of Canton, Ohio Scholarship Fund

The Notre Dame Club of Canton, Ohio Scholarship Fund assists students who attended a Stark County or Tuscarawas County high school, Dalton High School, Orrville High School or Central Christian High School in Kidron, Ohio and will attend the University of Notre Dame. 

This scholarship is renewable.

The Historic Preservation Fund Grant Program in Indiana supports archaeological projects through matching grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. Administered by the DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology, this program focuses on enhancing cultural resource management and includes funding for archaeological surveys and National Register nominations. Eligible applicants include local governments, universities, and not-for-profit organizations, with a preference for Certified Local Governments. Approximately $500,000 to $600,000 is available annually.

Marshall County Community Foundation administers a number of scholarships, from traditional awards for graduating seniors to those geared towards current students, professionals, and other special circumstances.

Bowen Family Medical Scholarship Fund 

The purpose of this fund is to provide one or more annual scholarships to a Marshall County resident accepted into an accredited school of medicine to prepare for a career in rural family medicine. The intent of this scholarship is to prepare physicians for family practice in a rural Indiana community. 

For purposes of this scholarship rural Indiana is defined as Indiana Communities excluding the cities of Indianapolis, Evansville, Fort Wayne, South Bend, and the northwest Indiana counties of Lake and Porter. 

The Bowen Family Medical Scholarship Fund is renewable annually to previous recipients based upon the successful medical school advancement of the recipient and at the discretion of the Scholarship Advisory Committee. 

Should the scholarship be granted to a newly recruited family practice physician in the form of medical school debt reduction, the funding is also renewable at the discretion of the Scholarship Advisory Committee. 

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, initiated by the Arbor Day Foundation, encourages colleges and universities to enhance their green spaces, benefiting both the environment and student well-being. By meeting five standards, participating institutions can gain national recognition for their commitment to tree care and sustainability. This initiative not only fosters a healthier campus but also engages students in environmental stewardship, making a positive impact on their communities. Join to celebrate the importance of trees in our lives.

The National PLTW Administrator of the Year award recognizes exemplary leadership in education, highlighting administrators who positively impact PLTW schools or districts. One outstanding administrator will be honored for their commitment to expanding STEM access and empowering students with essential skills. The recipient will receive an engraved award, a $1,000 prize, and $2,000 in myPLTW Store credit for their school, along with travel and registration to the PLTW Summit 2026.

The California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant aims to support public middle and high school sports programs facing funding challenges due to budget cuts. Established by California Casualty, this grant provides financial assistance for purchasing equipment and covering travel costs for competitions. Eligible applicants must be active employees of public schools and members of affiliated education associations. Awards cannot be used for individual student recognition or fundraising projects.

The Patterson Foundation offers Oral Health Grants to support programs that enhance access to dental care for underserved communities. Eligible 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations can apply for funding up to $35,000 for capacity expansion, $10,000 for personnel support, or $10,000 for program support. The foundation prioritizes projects led by volunteer dental professionals and requires follow-up reports for continued funding. Applications are accepted year-round through a two-step process.

About the Foundation

Our Mission

The mission of the Greene County Foundation is to inspire individuals to engage in strengthening Greene County now and for generations to come.

As a public charity, we accomplish our mission by:

• Building permanent charitable funds
• Connecting donors to organizations, programs and charitable causes of interest
• Making effective grants
• Providing leadership on community issues

Scholarships for Current College Students & Non-Traditional Students

Helen Hunter Scholarship

Scholarships are given in the following categories:

• Current college student enrolled as a junior or senior for the coming fall semester.
• Graduate student enrolled for the coming fall semester.
• Returning or non-traditional student – an adult student at least 25 years old who has been out of the college system for 2 years or more, or an older student who has been out of high school for 5 years or more and is just now starting college.

Ripley County Community Foundation

The Ripley County Community Foundation was established in 1997 with $19,000 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to leave a lasting legacy for future generations. 

Mission: We serve Ripley County by growing and sustaining a culture of giving and investing resources to meet community needs.

Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program will provide one scholarship for otherwise reimbursed full tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $900.00 per year for required books and equipment for four years of undergraduate study on a full-time basis. The undergraduate study will lead to a baccalaureate degree at any Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Phase II: Timed Essay

Phase II of the selection process consists of a timed essay portion, which will be administered directly at your high school.

Mission The mission of the Grants Linking University–wide Expertise (GLUE) awards is to support “the planning and team building across campuses to develop of large multi-investigator and/or multi-project, milestone-driven, translational research teams who are planning to eventually submit a multi-year extramural grant applications with annual budgets of $300K or higher in direct costs per year”. 

IU Grant Linking Universitywide Expertise (GLUE) Award

• The GLUE funding is available to collaborative teams where the lead PI of the research team is from IUB, and the other members of the team are from Indiana CTSI affiliate campuses.
• Applications are expected to have a maximum requested amount $100,000 per year for up to two years.
• The projects are expected to typically bring together two or more distinct scientific expert teams who will develop appropriate administrative and technical ‘core’ supports
• Applications for GLUE grants are accepted for review at any stage of their development.
• It is expected that these planning/seed grants will increase multidisciplinary collaborations, institutional competitiveness, opportunities for extramurally funded training grants and overall institutional funding.
• The GLUE funding is available to collaborative teams where the lead PI of the research team is from Indiana University Bloomington (IUB), and the other members of the team are from CTSI affiliate campuses. 

The Department of Pediatrics at Indiana University School of Medicine is pleased to announce the availability of grants to support research projects conducted by clinical fellows in accredited fellowship programs within the sections of the Department of Pediatrics.Research projects must be feasibly completed within the fellowship period.