Best Diversity Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

Nonprofit and charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) status serving Indiana communities can seek program-specific support for community revitalization, services, affordable housing, and economic development. Focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, Huntington National Bank invites partners—by local invitation—to advance racial and social equity for low- and moderate-income residents within its regional footprint.

Youth-serving organizations in Indiana can apply for Indiana Youth Institute’s Youth Worker Well-Being Project Grants, awarding up to US $20,000 to pilot or implement strategies that improve staff well-being and workplace culture. Programs that incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion or crisis intervention efforts may be especially well-positioned for this funding.

Focused on neighborhood development, workforce education, and culture, First Financial Foundation invites Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for funding that strengthens local communities. Eligible organizations must serve counties within First Financial Bank’s assessment areas, with programs in affordable housing, financial literacy, diversity and inclusion, or community arts and cultural initiatives that enhance economic opportunity.

Indiana NCAA Division II colleges and multisport conferences can access funding through the National Collegiate Athletic Association to create full-time, entry-level athletics administration internships. Awards of US $30,000 plus professional development support help expand ethnic minority and women’s representation in areas like strategic planning, compliance, student-athlete welfare, and diversity initiatives for one academic year.

Indiana NCAA Division II conferences and institutions seeking to enhance ethnic minority and women’s representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration can access funding through the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Grants support full-time positions focused on strategic planning, budgeting, fundraising, compliance, diversity initiatives, and student-athlete welfare over a five-year commitment.

NCAA Division II member colleges in Indiana can receive US $48,000 over three years to create new assistant coaching positions that increase ethnic minority and gender representation. With a mission to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in athletics, the National Collegiate Athletic Association supports schools’ salary and benefits costs for these roles.

NCAA Division III conferences and institutions seeking to expand ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles in Indiana can apply for this Strategic Alliance Matching Grant. National Collegiate Athletic Association support funds full-time positions with responsibilities such as strategic planning, budget management, fundraising, compliance, diversity initiatives, and student-athlete welfare over a five-year period.

Indiana NCAA Division III member institutions seeking to create new assistant coaching positions that increase ethnic minority and gender representation can receive salary and benefits support through the Coaching Enhancement Grant. National Collegiate Athletic Association funding helps advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in athletic coaching staffs, with institutions required to match the grant for two years.

The Graduate Fellowships for STEM Diversity (GFSD) aims to increase the number of American citizens with graduate degrees in STEM fields, focusing on a diverse applicant pool. Founded in 1989, GFSD supports various disciplines, including Astronomy, Biomedical Engineering, and Physics, through partnerships with universities and employers. Each fellowship can last from two to six years, with an annual fee of $27,000, covering both expenses for fellows and operational costs for GFSD. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and meet specific academic requirements.

Late-stage biomedical PhD students from diverse backgrounds in Indiana and other U.S. locations can apply for the NIH Advancing Research Careers F99/K00 award to support dissertation completion and mentored postdoctoral research. This two-phase program funds research in NIH mission areas and includes cohort-based mentoring, networking, and professional development to advance inclusive research careers.

Indiana graduate students conducting aging and aging-related health research can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to support their doctoral dissertations and help diversify the scientific workforce. This opportunity offers up to US $142,312 and is open to work within the National Institute on Aging’s strategic priorities, including diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Indiana research institutions and similar organizations supporting diverse, new, or at-risk health investigators can apply for R01 funding to conduct independent research projects in NIH scientific mission areas. The National Institutes of Health provides support for science, health, and medical education initiatives that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the biomedical workforce.

Postdoctoral research scientists from nationally underrepresented backgrounds conducting cancer-related biomedical, behavioral, clinical, or social science work in the U.S. can receive career development support to transition into independent faculty roles. The National Institutes of Health provides three years of salary and research support, which may benefit Indiana institutions advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in cancer research careers.

Indiana clinical and translational science researchers affiliated with NCATS CTSA Program institutions can access small R03 grants to advance pilot studies, secondary data analyses, or new research methods and technologies, including DEI-related work. Funding from the National Institutes of Health offers up to US $100,000 to help scholars transition to independent academic research careers.

Early Stage and New Investigators conducting independent research on deafness, hearing, speech, or other communication disorders in the U.S. and territories can apply for up to US $2,500,000 to support their projects. Grants from US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health encourage applicants from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, which may benefit Indiana diversity-focused institutions.

Nurses licensed in the U.S. who earned their initial nursing degree abroad and are pursuing advanced study to become or advance as full-time nurse educators can receive $8,000 in scholarship support. Focused on nursing and diversity, equity, and inclusion, this National League for Nursing award supports tuition, books, and research expenses for Indiana applicants and others nationwide.

The NLN Cecelia Lou Vriheas Scholarship Award offers an $8,000 scholarship to first-generation nursing students from historically marginalized groups pursuing advanced degrees. This award aims to support those committed to becoming full-time nurse educators. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in accredited nursing programs and demonstrate academic excellence. The scholarship can be used for tuition, books, and related expenses, fostering diversity in nursing education and leadership.

The Emerging Voices Fellowship offers a five-month virtual mentorship for early-career writers from underrepresented communities, including Black, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and disabled individuals. This program aims to enhance their publishing skills through one-on-one mentorship, workshops, and access to industry professionals. Participants also benefit from community-building events and an honorarium. Established by PEN America, this fellowship seeks to diversify the literary landscape and is open to various genres, fostering creative growth and professional development in a supportive environment.

The Stanley C. Israel Regional Award for Advancing Diversity in the Chemical Sciences recognizes individuals or institutions promoting inclusiveness in the chemical sciences. This award includes a medal, a $1,250 grant, and reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,500 for attending the ACS regional meeting where the award is presented. Eligible nominees must foster programs that increase participation from diverse groups in the chemical enterprise.

Local Data for Equitable Communities CFP

This call for proposals (CFP) invites eligible nonprofit organizations in the U.S. to apply for a grant to collect, analyze, and use data to address inequities in the physical, economic, and social conditions of a place. Improving these conditions is key to achieving health equity where health is no longer a privilege, but a right. Structural racism is one of the leading barriers that results in inequities in conditions within and across communities. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) expects to award up to 30 grants of $50,000 each, with a period of performance of nine months. The Urban Institute, as the national coordinating center for this program, is collaborating with RWJF on program design, grantee support, and communications.

Local data can be valuable tools to make progress on building places that offer everyone the chance to be as healthy as possible. Community organizations and residents can use data to understand challenges, set priorities, advocate for what is important to them, and hold others accountable for promised changes.

The goals of the Local Data for Equitable Communities grant program are to:

• Inform public policy and improve the physical, social, and economic conditions of places
• Build local capacity to use data for action
• Strengthen the use of equitable data practices
• Document successful practices for more communities to learn from and adapt

Funding

• Type of Award: Awards funded under this opportunity will be structured as grants.
• Number of Awards: Up to 30 awards will be funded.
• Amount of Award: Each award will be up to and including $50,000.
• Award Duration: Awards will be nine months.

The Fund for the Arts' Sustaining Impact Grant supports first-time applicants by providing general operating support to arts organizations that align with community priorities in Greater Louisville. Eligible organizations must have received a Fund for the Arts grant in the last three years. This grant emphasizes community impact, equity, diversity, and sustainable operations, offering funding based on operating revenues, with a maximum of $500,000 for larger organizations.

The Sustaining Impact Grant from the Fund for the Arts provides essential operating support to arts organizations that enhance community vitality and engagement. Eligible returning applicants, having met prior reporting requirements, can apply via the online portal. The grant focuses on community impact, engagement, and sustainable operations, with funding levels based on annual revenues, ensuring that organizations can continue to thrive and contribute to the arts ecosystem.

The ACS Award for Encouraging Women Into Careers in the Chemical Sciences recognizes individuals who promote women's interests in chemistry, fostering their professional development. The award includes a $5,000 cash prize, a certificate, and a $10,000 grant to an academic institution designated by the recipient. Additionally, up to $1,500 for travel expenses to the award presentation will be reimbursed. This initiative highlights the importance of diversity in the chemical sciences and supports women's career advancement.

The Advancing Equity Through Oral Health Funds, initiated by CareQuest Institute, seeks to transform oral health systems by supporting projects that dismantle disparities faced by marginalized communities. The program encourages organizations to propose innovative solutions that enhance access to dental care, engage community voices, and promote policies that ensure equitable health outcomes for all. This initiative aims to create a more integrated and accessible healthcare system, particularly for historically underserved populations.

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 NINDS Faculty Development Award aims to enhance diversity in neuroscience research by supporting junior faculty from underrepresented backgrounds. This award provides essential research cost support, protected research time, and mentorship for individuals holding doctoral degrees within their first three years on a faculty tenure track. It specifically encourages research proposals that do not involve independent clinical trials, while allowing participation in trials led by mentors. Key application deadlines span from October 2024 to June 2027.

The Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers (MOSAIC) program aims to enhance diversity in the research workforce by supporting early career investigators from underrepresented backgrounds. This initiative includes a K99/R00 career transition award for postdoctoral scholars and a UE5 cooperative agreement to foster mentoring, networking, and professional development. With multiple application deadlines from 2024 to 2027, MOSAIC is dedicated to facilitating successful transitions into tenure-track or equivalent research-intensive faculty roles.