Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

The Partnership Grants, offered by Music Movement, provide funding between $2,500 and $5,000 for eligible entities such as academies, public schools, hospitals, and non-profit organizations within the United States. Applications are reviewed semi-annually, and existing non-profits must submit their 501(c)(3) TIN. Grants can be resubmitted for reconsideration annually, but international applications are not accepted.

MATRA Scholarship

Awards:

One time award of $7,500. Students may reapply for this scholarship for continued support based on their GPA for up to three years.

The BURGER KING Scholars: Employee-Based Track provides scholarships for employees and their families pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or enrichment programs at accredited institutions. With nearly $64 million awarded to over 55,000 students, this initiative aims to support academic success and empower individuals through education. Eligible applicants include employees, spouses, partners, and dependent children, with awards of up to $1,000 based on financial need and academic performance. This program reflects the Burger King Foundation's commitment to education and community support.

The BURGER KING Scholars: General Track offers scholarships for high school seniors and past recipients who plan to pursue undergraduate studies at accredited institutions. The program aims to empower students through education, providing $1,000 awards based on academic performance, community involvement, and financial need. Administered by Scholarship America, this initiative has awarded nearly $64 million to over 55,000 students across North America, embodying the Burger King Foundation's commitment to education and opportunity.

The BURGER KING Scholars: Nancy McLamore Scholarship offers $20,000 to deserving students, focusing on employees and their families. Administered by Scholarship America, it supports U.S. citizens graduating from high school or pursuing higher education. With over $64 million awarded to 55,000 students, the program emphasizes empowerment through education, reflecting the values of the Burger King Foundation. Eligible applicants must meet specific criteria, ensuring support for those committed to their educational journey.

The Prevention of Musculoskeletal Youth Sports Injuries Grant provides essential funding for new investigators focused on clinical and social research aimed at reducing youth sports injuries. This initiative emphasizes the importance of clinical relevance in project proposals, ensuring that outcomes are practical and applicable. Only one grant will be awarded per institution each year, supporting innovative approaches to enhance youth sports safety and health.

The ABMS Research and Education Foundation grants support innovative research aimed at enhancing healthcare quality through board certification. By encouraging collaborations among ABMS Member Boards, the program seeks original studies that inform improvements in certification processes. Proposals are reviewed based on relevance to the ABMS mission, research novelty, methods, team composition, and potential impact. Applications from diverse health organizations are welcomed, provided the principal investigator is unaffiliated with ABMS.

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports nearly 70 academic, sports, special circumstances, and 4-H scholarships. Search scholarships by name, or sort by application type.

Rita M Medeiros (Rita's Closet) Scholarship

The purpose of the Rita's Closet Scholarship is to honor the memory of Rita Marie Medeiros by providing scholarship (s) for graduating seniors at any public High School in Carroll County, Maryland, and the Carroll County Career and Technology Center. Because Rita was a very caring friend and spent much of her short life, giving others her time, her friendship and ultimately her organ donor gift, the Rita's Closet Scholarship will be awarded to a graduating student (s) pursuing an undergraduate degree at an accredited college, university or technical school who meets the criteria established for the fund.

The Community Foundation of Marquette County distributes over $130,000 annually in scholarships to benefit aspiring students in Marquette County.

Marquette Senior High School Class of 1977 Scholarship Fund 

Provides scholarships to MSHS graduating students who best represent the character, ideals and drive of the Class of 1977. The recipient shall use the scholarship to pursue a college degree or vocational education program of their choice. 

Distribution Process

• CFMC scholarship recipients will be contacted in June requesting student enrollment verification
• Scholarships can only be distributed once student’s information is received
• Scholarships will be distributed to the college/school/university indicated by student
• The scholarship must be used for tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of the student at a qualifying educational institution; fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at such an educational institution; and room and board, within the first semester of first year of students enrollment
• That year’s recipient must claim the scholarship within that fiscal year to be distributed (by 12/31/xx)

The CATCH Grant, offered by USA Football, provides essential support to organizations facing critical challenges such as natural disasters or theft. This program aims to enhance the athlete experience by assisting with unexpected hardships affecting operations. Eligible organizations enrolled with USA Football can apply for varying award amounts based on their specific circumstances. For more information, refer to the FAQs available on the USA Football website.

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Thrive Scholarship

Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.

The Community Foundation of Marquette County distributes over $130,000 annually in scholarships to benefit aspiring students in Marquette County.

Lowell A. Larson Scholarship

Provides scholarships to MSHS graduating students pursuing secondary education in the trades including, but not limited to construction, welding, automotive, hvac, etc.

Distribution Process

• CFMC scholarship recipients will be contacted in June requesting student enrollment verification
• Scholarships can only be distributed once student’s information is received
• Scholarships will be distributed to the college/school/university indicated by student
• The scholarship must be used for tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of the student at a qualifying educational institution; fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at such an educational institution; and room and board, within the first semester of first year of students enrollment
• That year’s recipient must claim the scholarship within that fiscal year to be distributed (by 12/31/xx)

The Community Foundation of Marquette County distributes over $130,000 annually in scholarships to benefit aspiring students in Marquette County.

Brian Watson Scholarship

Awarded to a graduating senior of Gwinn Area Community Schools pursuing higher education, who is pursuing a degree in one of the STEM fields and demonstrates a financial need.

Distribution Process

• CFMC scholarship recipients will be contacted in June requesting student enrollment verification
• Scholarships can only be distributed once student’s information is received
• Scholarships will be distributed to the college/school/university indicated by student
• The scholarship must be used for tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of the student at a qualifying educational institution; fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at such an educational institution; and room and board, within the first semester of first year of students enrollment
• That year’s recipient must claim the scholarship within that fiscal year to be distributed (by 12/31/xx)

The Forecast for Clinical Trial Readiness for Rare Diseases (R21) aims to enhance the development and testing of diagnostics and therapeutics for rare diseases. This funding opportunity invites researchers to facilitate clinical trial readiness by developing rigorous biomarkers and clinical outcome measures. Through collaborative efforts with various stakeholders, NCATS seeks to improve the efficiency of moving candidate therapeutics towards clinical trials, ultimately increasing the likelihood of successful treatments for rare diseases.

Claud Hyatt Scholarship

The Claud N. Hyatt Scholarship was established in 2023 as a permanent fund of Taos Community Foundation. Mr. Hyatt started his teaching career in 1964, and dedicated his entire career to teaching history at Clayton High School. His desire to give back to the Clayton community has made this scholarship possible. The award is available to graduating seniors of Clayton High School who are pursuing advancement of higher education beyond high school. The scholarship is available to those applying to 2 or 4 year colleges and universities as well as vocational / trade schools. Award amounts will be determined at the time of committee review and will be within the range of $2,000 and $8,000. The awards will be paid out in annual installments for up to four years for those students attending a 4 year institution, 2 years for those students attending a 2 year institution, or per unit for certificate programs. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA and be enrolled as a full time student to continue eligibility for the scholarship.

The Visionary Prize for Women’s Economic Empowerment, established in 2022 by Visionary Women and the Hostetler/Wrigley Foundation, honors a visionary woman leader of a nonprofit focused on advancing women's economic empowerment in the U.S. This prestigious award provides $100,000 in unrestricted funds to support the recipient's agency and its initiatives. Eligible candidates must have a minimum of four years of operation and an annual budget exceeding $500,000, actively working towards women's economic advancement.

The Community Partnership Grant, administered by the Sons of Norway Foundation, offers up to $5,000 for projects that promote and preserve Norwegian culture and heritage. Open to individuals and groups from Norway and the U.S., the grant encourages initiatives that reflect the foundation's core values such as lifelong learning and community generosity. Applications must be submitted online in English and should demonstrate a commitment to celebrating Norwegian cultural traditions.

Extreme Terrain’s Clean Trail Initiative Program aims to enhance trail integrity by supporting groups in the U.S. with grants for projects like trail clean-up, restoration, and expansion. Eligible applicants include Wrangler and 4x4 clubs, environmental organizations, and those managing public or private trails. The initiative emphasizes responsible off-roading while encouraging volunteers to engage in improving our natural landscapes. This program fosters community involvement and promotes sustainable practices in outdoor activities.

The Siemer Milling Company Fund, established by the Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation, supports youth leadership development in Effingham County, Illinois, Christian County, Kentucky, and Dearborn County, Indiana. The fund emphasizes the importance of cultivating leadership skills among youth to prepare them for future roles in their communities. Organizations eligible for grants must be public charities with 501(c)(3) status and must focus on programs that enhance leadership skills for youth aged 19 and under.

The Shared Decision Making in Hemophilia Patient Care grant program, funded by Pfizer, aims to enhance patient outcomes through Quality Improvement projects that integrate shared decision-making tools into hemophilia care. This initiative encourages multidisciplinary collaboration to address healthcare disparities and empower patients in their disease management. Eligible organizations include healthcare institutions and professional schools, fostering innovative approaches to improve care for individuals living with hemophilia.

The OCCF Food Pantry Assistance Grant supports local nonprofit food pantries in Owen County, providing essential food resources to residents. Since its inception in 2006, it has allocated over $223,899 to these organizations. In 2025, the Owen County Community Foundation will distribute $18,841 in grants, prioritizing based on served population and other factors. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare and address food insecurity effectively.

The Lutheran School Support Grant is designed to empower Lutheran schools in northeast Indiana to enhance their endowments for long-term sustainability. Grants, starting at $1,500, aim to support various ministry needs, including leadership development and community care. The Lutheran Foundation prioritizes applications that foster collaboration among congregations and address challenges in a post-Christian culture, ensuring that resources effectively promote Gospel sharing and mental wellness.

The AAFP Foundation's Center for the History of Family Medicine Oral History Grant offers up to $3,000 annually for oral history interviews in family medicine. Aimed at researchers, physicians, and students, it encourages the documentation of family medicine's history in the U.S. The grant supports travel and research expenses to enhance the oral history collection, ensuring a diverse representation of experiences and perspectives in the field.

The Lutheran Congregation Grant, offered by the Lutheran Foundation, supports member congregations in northeast Indiana to promote mental wellness and reduce stigma surrounding mental illness. With a minimum funding request of $1,500, the foundation prioritizes applications focused on leadership development, strategic planning, and community care. Grants aim to equip churches to provide hope and healing, addressing pressing needs within a post-Christian culture and fostering collaboration among congregations.

The Dr. Patricia L. Austin Family Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship offers $10,000 in tuition assistance to medical students entering their final year. Sponsored by the AMA Foundation, this program supports a diverse group of students, including those of Eastern European descent and first-generation students. All applicants must be enrolled in accredited U.S. medical schools, ensuring equitable opportunities in pursuing their medical careers, while fostering representation in the field.

Neuroscience & Society Grants

Applicants may request up to $150,000 in funding for projects over a period of up to 18 months.

Neuroscience and society is the interdisciplinary study of how neuroscience informs and reflects society, and practical work to put these ideas into action. Neuroscience and society includes fields where neuroscience interfaces with the world, such as ethics, law, humanities, medicine, arts, social sciences, policy, education, journalism, and public engagement. This list is meant to be illustrative, not exhaustive. Other disciplines may fall within the purview of neuroscience and society. 

While neuroscience and society is not the same as neuroethics, bioethics, or science and technology studies, there are areas of overlap. 

Another way we think about it: Neuroscience & society is a paradigm for how we can teach neuroscience to people, train people to do societally relevant neuroscience-focused work, and engage diverse communities of people to shepherd the development and application of neuroscience.   

The National Institute on Aging is announcing a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers (OAICs) award. This initiative aims to establish centers of excellence in geriatrics research and education to enhance the independence of older adults. Applicants are encouraged to identify a research focus that fosters collaboration and education in aging. Though applications are not currently being accepted, this notice allows potential applicants to prepare meaningful projects. The P30 activity code will be utilized.