Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman Award Trust Grant

The Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman Award Trust was established in 2008 under the Will of Gail McKnight Beckman. Wells Fargo Bank, N. A. serves as the trustee. Gail McKnight Beckman created the award in memory of her mother, Dr. Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman. Dr. Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman was an educator, a renowned author, and a pioneer in the field of Psychology. She was one of the first female Psychology professors at Columbia University and she taught at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Beckman authored nine books and textbooks about child and adolescent Psychology. Dr. Beckman was a champion of gender equality and an advocate for the advancement of women in academia.

A trailblazer in her own right, Gail McKnight Beckman created the Beckman award to benefit teachers who have inspired their former students to make a difference in their communities. The award is given to current or former academic faculty members who have inspired their former students to “create an organization which has demonstrably conferred a benefit on the community at large.” Or, the academic faculty member must have inspired their former students to “establish on a lasting basis a concept, procedure, or movement of comparable benefit to the community at large.”

Types of support

Award recipients will receive $25,000 as a one-time award to be used at their sole discretion (taxable income). 

Population served 

Only United States citizens or permanent resident aliens are eligible.

The Experimental Physics Investigators Initiative, launched by the Gordon E. and Betty I. Moore Foundation, aims to support mid-career scientists in experimental physics. With a funding of $1,250,000 over five years, this program encourages innovative research and collaboration among scientists. Applicants from U.S. institutions are invited to submit pre-proposals, with about 50% advancing to full proposals. The initiative fosters inclusivity and equity while aiming to make significant impacts in the field of experimental physics.

The East and Inner Asia Council of the AAS offers small grants up to $2,000 for dissertation-level students and scholars focusing on China, Taiwan, or Inner Asia. Eligible projects include short research trips and conference organization. Preference is given to junior scholars and projects that enhance communication and curriculum development. Successful applications will clearly outline research questions and significance, and demonstrate the project's broader impact within the field. For further guidelines, visit the AAS FAQ page.

The John C. Lasko Foundation Trust Grant supports the construction of worship spaces across the nation, requiring churches to fund at least 50% of the project costs. Established by John C. Lasko, the foundation aims to build enduring churches that adhere to its mission. Grants are specifically for sanctuary construction, and applicants must own the land designated for the church. Notably, funds are not available for debt repayment or non-sanctuary areas.

The ACS Local Section Innovative Project Grant Program aims to empower local sections of the American Chemical Society to devise and execute innovative projects that enhance community engagement and chemistry literacy. By fostering collaboration and inclusiveness, this program encourages sections to implement new initiatives inspired by successful practices from other groups. The goal is to strengthen member involvement and promote sustainable activities that contribute positively to the community's scientific culture.

The CFSI Health Careers Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana, provides multiple $5,000 non-renewable scholarships for students pursuing education in health-related fields. It aims to support those aged 25 and older who have previously attended college but did not complete a degree. Eligible applicants must reside in Clark or Floyd County, Indiana, and can include high school seniors planning to pursue health-related certificates or degrees, fostering educational advancement in the community.

The Boston Scientific Foundation Inc. offers charitable donations to U.S. Health Care Providers (HCPs) and National Associations supporting legitimate charitable efforts. These include funding for public health education, community health research, and charitable sponsorships. Eligible applicants are encouraged to reach out to the division Grant Coordinators for inquiries or submission guidance. This initiative aims to foster community well-being and enhance health outcomes through various charitable activities.

The Burg-Coleman Iowa State 77 ACI Fellowship, offered by the ACI Foundation, supports graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in civil engineering focused on concrete structures or materials. Recipients receive a $10,000 stipend for educational expenses, recognition in Concrete International magazine, and coverage of travel costs for two ACI conventions. Open to international students attending institutions in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, this fellowship fosters the next generation of leaders in the concrete industry.

The Cooperative Education Fund, managed by the Cooperative Development Foundation, offers grants, scholarships, and sponsorships to support cooperative education initiatives. Annually, it allocates between $100,000 and $140,000, providing 10-15 grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. Eligible applicants include cooperatives and related organizations within the U.S. The Fund prioritizes research, educational material development, and sponsorship for educational events, ensuring resources remain accessible and non-proprietary.

L3Harris Technologies is expanding its partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to enhance STEM education for PreK-12 students. This initiative aims to support schools in launching or expanding PLTW Computer Science programs for the 2026-2027 academic year, focusing on diverse and economically challenged communities across multiple states. Eligible schools can receive grants to implement new courses, additional class periods, or teacher training, fostering a strong foundation in technology and engineering.

L3Harris Technologies partners with PLTW to inspire PreK-12 students in STEM education. The program provides $20,000 in grants to schools starting or expanding PLTW Computer Science courses in the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible public and charter schools in specified counties can receive funding to support diverse and economically challenged communities. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities and ensure students gain essential skills for future careers in technology and engineering.

The Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists honor exceptional faculty-rank scientists and engineers in the U.S. Recognizing achievements in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences & Engineering, and Chemical Sciences, each Laureate receives $250,000 in unrestricted funds. Nominations come from a select group of institutions and previous Laureates, emphasizing innovation and impact. The awards celebrate the future potential of young researchers, fostering diversity in STEM fields. The ceremony takes place annually in New York City.

The Therapeutic Garden Grants program, sponsored by the National Garden Bureau, awards $7,500 annually to five selected therapeutic gardens, promoting health and healing through gardening. Organizations must have a defined therapeutic program for at least a year and a commitment to the garden for five years. Grants are co-funded by several partners, and winners are determined through a social media voting contest, ensuring community engagement and visibility for the gardens.

About

At Creative Pinellas, we believe the arts are essential to a vibrant, thriving community. Through programs, partnerships, and advocacy, we empower artists and cultural organizations across Pinellas County—enhancing quality of life, driving economic growth, and inspiring residents and visitors alike.

At Creative Pinellas, we’re all about celebrating the power of the arts to bring people together and make life better. We support local artists, spark creative experiences, and help build a cultural scene that makes Pinellas County an inspiring place to live, work, and play. From gallery shows and public art to festivals and performances, the arts play a big role in drawing visitors to the area—boosting local businesses and showcasing everything our vibrant community has to offer.

Arts Tourism Funding Program: Celebrating Pinellas County’s Creative Spirit Grant

Creative Pinellas is spearheading a transformative new arts tourism funding program designed to position Pinellas County as a premier cultural destination while strengthening its creative economy. On Tuesday, March 24, the Pinellas Board of County Commissioners approved the $500,000 program by unanimous vote. Creative Pinellas will direct the program, which is funded by Visit St. Pete-Clearwater (VSPC) with outreach and event support provided by St. Petersburg Arts Alliance and Clearwater Arts Alliance.

The inaugural program will fund a wide range of experiences created by artists and arts organizations selected through a competitive process. The experiences will shape a countywide, multi-week festival of the arts during Fall 2026 featuring performances, exhibitions, workshops, public art, and immersive cultural experiences across beaches, parks, downtown districts, and cultural venues. It is expected to reach an estimated 2.5 million visitors during that time.

This marks the first time Creative Pinellas has distributed arts funding to support not only individual artists and nonprofits, but also for-profit arts organizations.

Award Amounts and Frequency

• The panel plans to select approximately 20-30 arts experiences, totaling $350,000 to Individual Artists and Organizations. It is possible that more or fewer experiences will be selected. Another $50,000 is planned for those selected to provide opening and closing experiences for the month of the arts.
• The panel reviewing applications will be asked to fund in two categories: individuals and organizations.
• Individual Artists may apply for $5,000 to $15,000.
• Organizations may apply for $15,000 to $50,000.
• The panel predicts to select a very limited number of arts experiences at the higher funding levels.
• All applicants acknowledge that Creative Pinellas may offer funding at a different amount than applied for.

The Darrel Hess Community College Geography Scholarship, funded by the American Association of Geographers, supports community college students pursuing geography. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a US community college and have completed two transfer courses in geography, intending to transfer to a four-year institution. The award includes funding for educational expenses and a certificate of merit, announced at the annual AAG meeting. Compliance with the AAG Professional Conduct Policy is required.

The Green Chemistry Student Chapter Award recognizes ACS student chapters for their commitment to green chemistry initiatives. This award highlights the importance of green chemistry in education, encouraging students to engage in activities that promote sustainability. Eligible chapters must submit detailed summaries of at least three green chemistry projects, demonstrating their understanding of the principles and practices that contribute to a more sustainable future.

The PLTW Computer Science program, supported by the Caterpillar Foundation, aims to enhance STEM education in underserved communities. Grants of $20,000 will be awarded to public and charter schools to implement PLTW Computer Science courses over two academic years. This initiative focuses on building workforce readiness and ensuring students gain essential skills in a rapidly evolving job market, thereby creating opportunities for future success.

The PLTW Computer Science - Program Expansion grant, funded by the Caterpillar Foundation, aims to enhance STEM education in underserved communities. This initiative focuses on expanding existing PLTW Computer Science programs by adding courses, class periods, and training teachers for the 2025-2026 academic year. The grant prioritizes schools with a significant high-need student population, promoting workforce readiness and equipping students with essential skills for a changing world.

The PLTW Computer Science grant, funded by Lockheed Martin, aims to support schools in expanding or establishing PLTW Computer Science courses. This initiative addresses the critical shortage of skilled professionals in STEM fields, enabling students to gain essential knowledge and skills. Since 2007, Lockheed Martin has successfully partnered with PLTW to implement programs across the nation, impacting over 77,000 students. Schools are encouraged to apply for funding to enhance their computer science curriculum.

The Iber Health Education Scholarship, a program of the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, supports graduate students pursuing health-related studies. With scholarships ranging from $500 to $40,000, the foundation aids students in enhancing their educational opportunities. Applicants must be Portage County residents, demonstrating academic excellence, financial need, and community involvement. Special consideration is given to those likely to return to the area post-graduation. This initiative aims to foster future leaders in healthcare.

The Minde Browning Professional Development Fund Grant, established by The Indianapolis Foundation, supports professional development activities for library staff in Marion County. Grants of up to $1,500 are available for attending conferences, workshops, and courses that enhance skills and benefit library patrons. Applicants must demonstrate how their development will positively impact their community. Applications are accepted year-round, with a 60-day advance notice required.

Wabash Valley Community Foundation

The Wabash Valley Community Foundation is your community portal. By channeling community expertise to you and taking your creative ideas to the community, together, we make a difference. We go beyond simply taking charitable contributions and making grants to charitable organizations. Our board and staff are responsible for having in-depth expertise and spend most of their time in the community understanding challenges, identifying opportunities and recognizing successful organizations.

Families, individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations have created more than 670 charitable funds at the Community Foundation in the past 30 years. Together, we have awarded over $30 million in grants and scholarships. Grants from the Community Foundation support every imaginable area of our communities from community centers and local arts organizations to tree-planting projects and literacy programs in schools. The Community Foundation also has special community funds that support Arts & Culture, Community Development, Education, Health & Human Services and Religion.

The Wabash Valley Community Foundation has determined broad priorities for awarding its grant funds. Each county has its own individual review process and deadlines.

Vigo County Grants

Our Grant-Making Philosophy

As you begin the grant application process with the Wabash Valley Community Foundation, we invite you to learn more about the philosophy that guides our work and how, together, we can Make More Possible for our community.

Our tagline, For good. For ever.®, reflects our commitment to funding projects that create lasting, measurable impact. We prioritize grants that serve as true investments in the community — initiatives that are visionary, collaborative and designed for long-term change rather than short-term solutions.

Strong applications demonstrate:

• Organizational commitment and collaboration
• The ability to benefit a broad segment of the community
• A clear focus on sustainable, measurable outcomes

In February 2026, the Community Foundation launched its revised competitive grants process following a year-long review of its procedures compared to those utilized by peers across Indiana and sector-driven best practices. To learn more about the grantmaking strategy, please click here.

Grants as Community Investments

We view grants as partnerships with your organization. Our goal is to invest in projects that generate the greatest return in positive community impact by addressing root causes and reducing long-standing challenges. As Robert D. Lupton, author of Toxic Charity, notes, meaningful impact requires missions that produce measurable results.

Organizational Health Review

All organizations, regardless of intention to submit or not submit a grant application, are required to complete the Organizational Health Review form annually. The review process provides a benchmark to assist the non-profit in becoming a stronger, healthier organization, as well as to track progress year over year. For the initial submission, organizations MUST HAVE COMPLETED the Review by March 9, 2026. The form will go live again on August 15, 2026 with a submission deadline of September 30, 2026. The form MUST be submitted both times to remain eligible for grant consideration!

Community Grants

Community grants are grants in support of Arts & Culture, Community Development, Education and Health & Human Services.

Pillar 1 - Arts & Culture

High Priorities

With the limited unrestricted funds available, it is necessary to determine which grants can best be awarded to have the greatest impact on the needs and growth of the Wabash Valley. The priorities are as follows:

• To focus on the prevention of problems rather than on the symptoms
• To maintain both a proactive focus and an ability to respond to creative ideas from grant seekers
• To assist grant seekers to better respond to the changing needs of the community
• To encourage programs that enhance cooperation and collaboration among institutions within our community
• To leverage funds through the use of “seed money,” “match” and “challenge” grants
• To fund projects that will make a significant improvement to our community

Wabash Valley Community Foundation

The Wabash Valley Community Foundation is your community portal. By channeling community expertise to you and taking your creative ideas to the community, together, we make a difference. We go beyond simply taking charitable contributions and making grants to charitable organizations. Our board and staff are responsible for having in-depth expertise and spend most of their time in the community understanding challenges, identifying opportunities and recognizing successful organizations.

Families, individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations have created more than 670 charitable funds at the Community Foundation in the past 30 years. Together, we have awarded over $30 million in grants and scholarships. Grants from the Community Foundation support every imaginable area of our communities from community centers and local arts organizations to tree-planting projects and literacy programs in schools. The Community Foundation also has special community funds that support Arts & Culture, Community Development, Education, Health & Human Services and Religion.

The Wabash Valley Community Foundation has determined broad priorities for awarding its grant funds. Each county has its own individual review process and deadlines.

Vigo County Grants

Our Grant-Making Philosophy

As you begin the grant application process with the Wabash Valley Community Foundation, we invite you to learn more about the philosophy that guides our work and how, together, we can Make More Possible for our community.

Our tagline, For good. For ever.®, reflects our commitment to funding projects that create lasting, measurable impact. We prioritize grants that serve as true investments in the community — initiatives that are visionary, collaborative and designed for long-term change rather than short-term solutions.

Strong applications demonstrate:

• Organizational commitment and collaboration
• The ability to benefit a broad segment of the community
• A clear focus on sustainable, measurable outcomes

In February 2026, the Community Foundation launched its revised competitive grants process following a year-long review of its procedures compared to those utilized by peers across Indiana and sector-driven best practices. To learn more about the grantmaking strategy, please click here.

Grants as Community Investments

We view grants as partnerships with your organization. Our goal is to invest in projects that generate the greatest return in positive community impact by addressing root causes and reducing long-standing challenges. As Robert D. Lupton, author of Toxic Charity, notes, meaningful impact requires missions that produce measurable results.

Organizational Health Review

All organizations, regardless of intention to submit or not submit a grant application, are required to complete the Organizational Health Review form annually. The review process provides a benchmark to assist the non-profit in becoming a stronger, healthier organization, as well as to track progress year over year. For the initial submission, organizations MUST HAVE COMPLETED the Review by March 9, 2026. The form will go live again on August 15, 2026 with a submission deadline of September 30, 2026. The form MUST be submitted both times to remain eligible for grant consideration!

Community Grants

Community grants are grants in support of Arts & Culture, Community Development, Education and Health & Human Services.

Pillar 2 - Community Development

High Priorities

With the limited unrestricted funds available, it is necessary to determine which grants can best be awarded to have the greatest impact on the needs and growth of the Wabash Valley. The priorities are as follows:

• To focus on the prevention of problems rather than on the symptoms
• To maintain both a proactive focus and an ability to respond to creative ideas from grant seekers
• To assist grant seekers to better respond to the changing needs of the community
• To encourage programs that enhance cooperation and collaboration among institutions within our community
• To leverage funds through the use of “seed money,” “match” and “challenge” grants
• To fund projects that will make a significant improvement to our community

Wabash Valley Community Foundation

The Wabash Valley Community Foundation is your community portal. By channeling community expertise to you and taking your creative ideas to the community, together, we make a difference. We go beyond simply taking charitable contributions and making grants to charitable organizations. Our board and staff are responsible for having in-depth expertise and spend most of their time in the community understanding challenges, identifying opportunities and recognizing successful organizations.

Families, individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations have created more than 670 charitable funds at the Community Foundation in the past 30 years. Together, we have awarded over $30 million in grants and scholarships. Grants from the Community Foundation support every imaginable area of our communities from community centers and local arts organizations to tree-planting projects and literacy programs in schools. The Community Foundation also has special community funds that support Arts & Culture, Community Development, Education, Health & Human Services and Religion.

The Wabash Valley Community Foundation has determined broad priorities for awarding its grant funds. Each county has its own individual review process and deadlines.

Vigo County Grants

Our Grant-Making Philosophy

As you begin the grant application process with the Wabash Valley Community Foundation, we invite you to learn more about the philosophy that guides our work and how, together, we can Make More Possible for our community.

Our tagline, For good. For ever.®, reflects our commitment to funding projects that create lasting, measurable impact. We prioritize grants that serve as true investments in the community — initiatives that are visionary, collaborative and designed for long-term change rather than short-term solutions.

Strong applications demonstrate:

• Organizational commitment and collaboration
• The ability to benefit a broad segment of the community
• A clear focus on sustainable, measurable outcomes

In February 2026, the Community Foundation launched its revised competitive grants process following a year-long review of its procedures compared to those utilized by peers across Indiana and sector-driven best practices. To learn more about the grantmaking strategy, please click here.

Grants as Community Investments

We view grants as partnerships with your organization. Our goal is to invest in projects that generate the greatest return in positive community impact by addressing root causes and reducing long-standing challenges. As Robert D. Lupton, author of Toxic Charity, notes, meaningful impact requires missions that produce measurable results.

Organizational Health Review

All organizations, regardless of intention to submit or not submit a grant application, are required to complete the Organizational Health Review form annually. The review process provides a benchmark to assist the non-profit in becoming a stronger, healthier organization, as well as to track progress year over year. For the initial submission, organizations MUST HAVE COMPLETED the Review by March 9, 2026. The form will go live again on August 15, 2026 with a submission deadline of September 30, 2026. The form MUST be submitted both times to remain eligible for grant consideration!

Community Grants

Community grants are grants in support of Arts & Culture, Community Development, Education and Health & Human Services.

Pillar 3 - Education

High Priorities

With the limited unrestricted funds available, it is necessary to determine which grants can best be awarded to have the greatest impact on the needs and growth of the Wabash Valley. The priorities are as follows:

• To focus on the prevention of problems rather than on the symptoms
• To maintain both a proactive focus and an ability to respond to creative ideas from grant seekers
• To assist grant seekers to better respond to the changing needs of the community
• To encourage programs that enhance cooperation and collaboration among institutions within our community
• To leverage funds through the use of “seed money,” “match” and “challenge” grants
• To fund projects that will make a significant improvement to our community

The NSF SBIR/STTR programs are launching a pilot emphasis on advancing scientific instrumentation and enabling technologies to drive innovation and economic growth in the U.S. This initiative supports startups and small businesses developing critical scientific equipment and platforms, with funding opportunities up to $2 million for R&D. By prioritizing next-generation instrumentation, NSF aims to enhance the scientific enterprise and foster breakthroughs essential for the future of AI-driven discoveries and broader scientific advancements.

The Indigo Oak Fund is a Colorado-based foundation dedicated to empowering individuals through support for education, the arts, and social justice. Focused on fostering lifelong learning and creative expression, the Fund aids various programs that enhance community engagement. It supports both youth and adult initiatives, including classes and community events in diverse artistic disciplines. By prioritizing equal opportunity and personal potential, the Fund strives to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and the community.

Service Club of Chicago

The Service Club of Chicago is a charitable organization of women that has continually served the charitable needs of Chicago and its surrounding communities since 1890. Our mission is to award grants to Chicagoland’s 501(c)(3) organizations that will expand their facilities, improve their equipment and initiate new programs, thereby uplifting the community as a whole.

The Service Club of Chicago Grant Awards 

• Applications for grant awards shall be limited to non-recurring expenses not otherwise covered in the agency’s normal operating budget.

• All applicants must provide written evidence of financial stability, documentation of their own non-profit status issued by the State of Illinois, and the latest, most current 990 filing with the IRS. All applicants must provide 501(C)(3) tax-exempt status, have been in operation no less than three years, and provide financial statements as required by the Internal Revenue Service.

• The application package must include at least two bids for each item requested (exceptions may apply). The Service Club of Chicago will disburse grant awards directly to the vendor and not to the agency; no cash awards are given.

• Grant Recipients from the preceding year are not eligible to apply for the following 3 consecutive calendar years. For example, for the upcoming 2026 grant cycle, only agencies granted in 2023 and earlier can be considered. However, if you were denied in the preceding three-year period, you may apply in the current year.