Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

The NINDS Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Dementias (ADRD) K99/R00 program promotes diversity by supporting new independent investigators from underrepresented backgrounds in AD/ADRD research. This award facilitates a transition from mentored postdoctoral positions to independent faculty roles, providing essential NIH research support. Applicants must propose research that does not involve leading a clinical trial but may include participation in trials led by mentors. Key deadlines for applications span from October 2024 to June 2027.

The Richmond African American Scholarship, established by The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond, aims to support African American students from public high schools in Richmond. This scholarship provides financial assistance for college expenses and is awarded to students based on academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Eligible candidates must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and plan to enroll in a full-time Baccalaureate program at an accredited institution after graduation.

Exelixis Grants & Giving focuses on impactful charitable contributions, supporting non-profit organizations in community support, healthcare-related initiatives, independent patient assistance, medical education, and sponsorships. Their aim is to enhance oncology care, particularly for renal cell carcinoma and other cancer types, while ensuring proposals are submitted within specified timelines. Exelixis partners with organizations dedicated to improving patient outcomes and community health, demonstrating their commitment to making a difference beyond medicine.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Emerson and Janet Koenig Family Scholarship

Selection based upon (in order of priority):

• Participation in extracurricular activities, volunteer participation in community or non-profit setting, and recommendations.

Awards

• One $2,000 renewable scholarship for up to 3 additional years at increasing amounts

The Holland Scholarship, established in honor of Merle Holland Leis Frenzel, aims to support aspiring music students from Saginaw County. Funded by her friends and former students, this scholarship encourages recipients to pursue their musical dreams while honoring the support of her parents, Norton and Virginia Holland. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, be seniors at Saginaw County public high schools, and be involved in music programs. Awards typically range from $500 to $4,000.

The Elevance Health Foundation's Maternal and Child Health Grant supports community-based nonprofit organizations aiming to enhance maternal and infant health outcomes. The foundation prioritizes funding programs that address disparities, improve care access, and promote health throughout the pregnancy journey. Focus areas include reducing pre-term birth rates and severe maternal morbidity. This initiative encourages scalable solutions for measurable impact across various states, ensuring comprehensive support for mothers and infants alike.

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

We the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians are the most diverse confederation of Tribes and Bands on a single reservation in the United States. Our ancestors spoke 10 completely different languages, each of which had multiple dialects. Our ancestors brought with them deep connections to more than 20 million acres of ancestral territory combined, including all of Western Oregon from the summit of the Cascade mountains to the Pacific and extending into what’s now SW Washington State and northern California. Our ancestors signed many treaties with the United States. We were promised the 1.1 million acres Siletz Reservation as our permanent home, but following massive reservation reductions Congress passed the Western Oregon Termination Act in 1954 (took effect in 1956), and our federally recognized status as a tribe was also taken. In 1977 our lobbying of Congress to repeal our Termination was successful, and we became the second formerly Terminated Tribe to regain federal recognition as a Tribe.

Education

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz seeks to provide opportunities for Tribal members to reach potential, establish independence and improve quality of life through lifelong learning and education.

NWIHA – Youth Scholarship Program

Scholarship applications will be reviewed to meet the following minimum eligibility before any further review of the application will be done.

• Applicant must either have an application pending or a letter of acceptance from a higher education institution such as a four (4) year college or a two (2) year community college prior to the funds being sent to the higher educational institution.
• Applicant must be less than twenty four (24) years old on the deadline submission date.
• Applicant must be an enrolled member from one of the NWIHA member Tribes.
• Payments are made directly to the school, organization, etc. and not to the Applicant or their families.
• All of these items must be postmarked on or before March 31st of each year, or the Application will be automatically rejected.
• Faxed applications will NOT be accepted.
• All Applications become the property of NWIHA. NWIHA reserves the right to publish essays.

The Great Lakes Bay Pride Scholarship, offered by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports Michigan residents dedicated to promoting respect and acceptance across diverse backgrounds. This scholarship is open to high school seniors and college students pursuing undergraduate or Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, with awards ranging from $500 to $4,000. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate commitment through volunteer work in the LGBTQ+ community.

The SHAPE America Hall of Fame Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to health and physical education, ensuring these fields remain central to educational programs. This prestigious award honors dedicated professionals, including educators and leaders, who have demonstrated exemplary commitment and leadership in promoting physical activity, health education, and related disciplines. Through their efforts, they enhance the quality of education and the well-being of students across the nation.

The FX Storytelling Legacy Scholarship, established by the United Negro College Fund, honors the renowned director John Singleton. This initiative aims to empower aspiring filmmakers and screenwriters by providing financial support of $5,000 to four selected students during their junior year, with the possibility of an additional $5,000 in their senior year. The program also includes mentorship opportunities with FX employees, fostering professional development and engagement in the film and television industry.

The Columbia University – Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association Inc./Penny Hund West Scholarship, established by Nurses Educational Funds, Inc., offers support to graduate nursing students. It aims to honor Penny Hund West, a dedicated nurse and culinary enthusiast. Applicants must have two semesters remaining in their studies and meet specific eligibility criteria, including maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.6. This scholarship reflects NEF's commitment to fostering nursing leadership through advanced education.

The Cynthia Davis Sculco Scholarship, established by Nurses Educational Funds, Inc., supports nurses pursuing doctoral programs in nursing education. To qualify, applicants must hold a current RN license and be enrolled in an accredited nursing program with a minimum GPA of 3.6. This permanent scholarship, initiated with a generous $50,000 donation in 2012, honors Cynthia Sculco, a dedicated NEF Board member known for her leadership roles. It aims to promote nursing leadership through financial assistance for advanced education.

The Eleanor C. Lambertsen Scholarship, established through a legacy of nursing leadership, supports doctoral candidates pursuing education or administration in nursing. Applicants must have a valid RN license and be enrolled in an accredited nursing program with a minimum GPA of 3.6. This fund honors Eleanor Lambertsen’s contributions to nursing, aiming to empower future leaders in healthcare. With over a century of service, Nurses Educational Funds continues to enhance nursing education through scholarships for master's and doctoral programs.

The Evelyn J. Barclay Scholarship supports professional nurses pursuing advanced degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration. Applicants must have a current RN license and be enrolled in accredited graduate nursing programs. This scholarship, awarded by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., emphasizes the importance of nursing leadership and aims to enhance the nursing workforce. Preference is given to doctoral candidates focusing on public health, nursing education, or research, ensuring a continued commitment to improving healthcare outcomes.

The Georgette Viellion Scholarship, established in 2021 with a $50,000 donation, supports doctoral nursing students aiming to become full-time faculty members. Applicants must have an RN license and maintain a GPA of at least 3.6. Preference is given to those focusing on nursing research or organizational study. This scholarship is part of the Nurses Educational Funds, Inc.'s mission to promote nursing leadership through financial assistance for advanced education in nursing.

The Douglas W. Pfautz Memorial Scholarship Fund honors a dedicated community servant and family man, Doug Pfautz. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Elizabethtown, this scholarship supports high school seniors from the Elizabethtown Area School District who demonstrate good moral character and a commitment to community service. Applicants must maintain good academic standing and plan to pursue further education. This one-time award encourages students to embody the Rotary motto of 'Service Above Self', continuing Doug's legacy of service.

The Henry B. Spencer Scholarship, awarded by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., supports RNs pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration. Applicants must have at least two semesters remaining in their program and meet specific eligibility criteria, including current RN licensure and professional nursing association membership. This scholarship prioritizes doctoral students focusing on nursing research or organizational study, continuing a legacy of leadership in nursing established by Henry Spencer.

The Isabel Hampton Robb Scholarship, provided by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., supports doctoral candidates in nursing education, practice, research, and administration. Applicants must hold a current RN license and have two semesters of study remaining after the award notification. Preference is given to those majoring in nursing research or organizational study. With over a century of service, NEF is dedicated to advancing nursing leadership through scholarship assistance, fostering the next generation of nursing professionals.

The Isabel McIsaac Scholarship, awarded by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., supports master's and doctoral nursing students with a minimum GPA of 3.6. Applicants must hold a current RN license and have completed a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Preference is given to candidates pursuing nursing research or organizational studies. This scholarship aims to promote nursing leadership and is funded solely through donations, reflecting over a century of commitment to advancing nursing education.

The Reel Change Film Fund is a five-year initiative aimed at supporting underrepresented film composers in the industry. It provides grants averaging $20,000 to assist US-based projects in production or post-production. Created by Christophe Beck and SESAC, this fund addresses the lack of diversity in film scoring, promoting inclusivity for diverse composers. Through mentorship and financial support, it seeks to elevate the careers of talented individuals from various backgrounds, enhancing the overall landscape of film music.

The Caesars Foundation of Floyd County Annual Grant supports various community initiatives in Floyd County, Indiana. Established in 1999, the foundation aims to enhance economic development and quality of life through funding in areas such as arts, education, health, community development, and human services. This grant encourages diverse programs that foster cultural appreciation, educational opportunities, health improvements, and community engagement, contributing to a vibrant and supportive environment for all residents.

About

Mission, Vision & Values

To enhance our community through philanthropy.

We aspire to co-create diverse, meaningful and innovative charitable giving that yields an exponential positive impact within local communities and beyond.

Coopey Boys’ Memorial Fund

About the fund

The Coopey Boys, Raymond Peter and Lauritz Martin, were born with hemophilia, a genetic disorder that impairs the body’s ability to make blood clots. Sadly, they both died at an early age. The Coopey Boys’ Memorial Fund benefits Corvallis students who suffer from a physical handicap or serious chronic health problem.

In 2020, GradGuard founded College Life Protected, LLC as a social purpose entity that supports programs, research, professional development, and best practices in higher education that promote greater confidence in the value of higher education as a public good. 

College Life Protected invites the higher education community to apply for grants that are consistent with our mission.

Promoting Financial Literacy

College Life Protected recognizes that that financial literacy is a critical skill for student success, impacting everything from academic persistence to long-term financial well-being. That’s why we are committed to funding programs and initiatives that equip students with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed financial decisions.

By supporting programs that enhance financial education, we aim to empower students to navigate college costs, manage personal finances, and build a strong financial future.

The Jane Eleanor Knox Scholarship, established by a $50,000 bequest from Dr. Knox, supports doctoral nursing students committed to leadership in the field. Applicants must possess a current RN license and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.6 while enrolled in accredited nursing programs. Preference is given to those focusing on nursing research or organizational studies. This scholarship fosters the advancement of nursing education and leadership through financial support from Nurses Educational Funds, Inc.

The Joan L. Conroy Scholarship, established in 2024, supports Ph.D. nursing students dedicated to educating future nurses. It honors Joan L. Conroy's legacy, emphasizing her love for education and nursing. Applicants must have two semesters left in their program and demonstrate a commitment to geriatric nursing and home health care. This scholarship is funded by the Nurses Educational Funds Inc., a nonprofit organization that promotes nursing leadership through educational scholarships.

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) Trail Grants

RTC’s Trail Grants are building strong foundations in communities for equitable trail network development and activation—investing in transformative projects and programs that create more access to trails for more people across the country.  

Our grants support organizations at all levels—from local and national nonprofits to public agencies—with a focus on community-based leadership, engagement and long-term impact.  

Since 2008, RTC has provided over $3.7 million in grant funding to more than 280 organizations seeking to create, connect and maintain the nation’s trails, building vibrant trail networks that connect neighborhoods and regions, and make it possible for America to walk, bike and be active outside.

The Amanda Reed Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Amanda Reed, a Rockford resident and 2001 Boylan Central Catholic High School graduate, who tragically lost her life due to domestic violence. This scholarship supports individuals committed to stopping domestic abuse and promoting community safety. Applicants are encouraged to provide references from those familiar with their work in domestic violence prevention. Academic performance will be considered moderately in the selection process, fostering a compassionate and proactive community.