Best Diversity Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Pipeline Grants Competition by the Russell Sage Foundation aims to bolster early-career scholars and enhance diversity in the social sciences. It supports innovative research focusing on economic mobility and systemic inequalities in the U.S. Eligible applicants can receive up to $35,000 individually or $50,000 in teams. The foundation emphasizes methodological diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging novel data usage. Projects should align with RSF's mission to improve social conditions, prioritizing underrepresented scholars from under-resourced institutions.

Nonprofit organizations with 5+ years serving Black, Latina, and Native American women and girls in computing can seek funding to recruit and retain them in college-level tech programs, including in Indiana. Reboot Representation Tech Coalition prioritizes multi-geometry, research-backed programs with strong impact data and deep community trust that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in computing.

Federally recognized Historically Black Colleges and Universities developing or expanding aquatic programming can receive US $5,000 - US $10,000 to support competitive swimming or youth learn-to-swim costs nationwide, including Indiana. With a mission to strengthen aquatic access, USA Swimming Foundation provides HBCUs with funding for youth water safety lessons and university-based swim clubs.

Swim lesson providers and youth-serving programs in Indiana can access funding for free or reduced-cost swim lessons and transportation for children under 19 through USA Swimming Foundation’s Youth Learn-to-Swim Grant, with awards of more than US $1,000. Eligible programs must be in the Swim Lesson Provider Network and focus on underserved, underrepresented communities.

Indiana research institutions and similar organizations advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in biomedical research can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to support both health-related research and DEIA activities. Eligible projects must align with participating NIH Institutes and Centers and may benefit diversity-focused programs serving U.S. communities and territories.

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.

The T32 Training Program aims to enhance the participation of individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic, and sleep disorders research. This initiative, funded by the NIH, supports institutions committed to diversity and health disparity populations. By providing training opportunities for students and postdoctoral trainees, the program seeks to foster research that improves health outcomes for these communities. Note that appointed trainees cannot lead independent clinical trials but can gain experience in trials conducted by mentors.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation's Creating Equitable Pathways to STEM Graduate Education initiative aims to foster partnerships between Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and graduate programs to enhance equitable learning environments. Grants of up to $500,000 will support projects addressing systemic barriers, promoting effective practices, and ensuring seamless transitions from MSIs to advanced degrees in various STEM fields. The initiative seeks to create lasting impacts on student access and success in graduate education.

The T32 Training Program for Institutions That Promote Diversity aims to increase the involvement of individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in research related to cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic, and sleep disorders. This initiative seeks to support institutions dedicated to serving health disparity populations, ensuring they develop robust training programs. While trainees cannot lead independent clinical trials, they can gain valuable experience under the guidance of mentors, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes for underserved communities.