Best Grants for Churches in Indiana

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The IH: INcommon Grant, offered by Indiana Humanities, supports tax-exempt organizations in developing public programs that explore critical issues related to race and ethnicity. With a focus on history and contemporary debates around topics such as immigration and institutional racism, the grant encourages diverse projects throughout Indiana. However, due to recent funding cuts from the National Endowment for the Humanities, many grants will be paused in 2025, with exceptions for specific programs like the Historic Preservation Education Grant.

The Quality of Place: Pathways to Progress Grants, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana, aim to enhance access to safe and high-quality public spaces for individuals facing economic and mobility challenges. By partnering with local nonprofits, the foundation seeks to improve safety, accessibility, and environmental quality of amenities, ultimately fostering a more inclusive community. Since its inception in 1991, the foundation has awarded over $5 million annually to support initiatives that benefit the Southern Indiana region.

The Foundations of East Chicago provides annual program grants to support initiatives that enhance education, health, safety, and community enrichment. Eligible applicants must be recognized 501(c)(3) agencies in good standing. The grants focus on measurable outcomes and operational plans, prioritizing educational advancement, health awareness, and community safety. Notably, FEC does not fund speaker fees, conferences, landscaping, or general operational costs. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life in East Chicago by supporting impactful community programs.

The Dow Promise Grant empowers communities by addressing the unique barriers faced by Black youth and adults in the U.S. This program provides grants up to $10,000 for initiatives that promote social, economic, and environmental advancements. Since its inception in 2000, the Dow Promise Program has been committed to fostering equitable opportunities and positive social change, ultimately contributing to long-term community success and a brighter future for all.

The Fifth Third Foundation in Evansville, IN, focuses on funding programs that foster community development, health services, education, and the arts. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving designated regions, such as Evansville and Chicago. The foundation prioritizes organizations with a history of recent funding. Notably, grants cannot support individuals or certain event sponsorships. This strategic approach aims to create meaningful impacts in communities by aligning resources with local needs.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Historic Preservation Education Grant, offered by Indiana Humanities, aims to educate citizens about the importance of preserving historic places in their communities. The grant funds various educational formats, including workshops, presentations, and digital projects like webinars and online exhibits. In 2025, Indiana Humanities plans to award nine or ten grants, encouraging projects that foster community engagement and raise awareness of historic preservation's value.

The Harvey R. and Doris Klockow Foundation, established in 1978, aims to benefit the South Bend community and St. Joseph County in Indiana. It supports organizations that are exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and prioritizes projects promoting public welfare, education, and the arts. Notable preferences include initiatives that enhance community engagement and requests from St. Paul's Memorial United Methodist Church. This foundation honors the legacy of its founders, Doris and Harvey Klockow.

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 Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The R C Archdiocese of Indianapolis provides grant opportunities to support home mission needs, ministry growth, and capital improvements across its parishes and schools. Funded through dedicated endowment funds, the grants typically range from $20,000 to $40,000, with applications accepted biannually. The office emphasizes transparency and ethical financial management, ensuring that resources are stewarded effectively to enhance the spiritual and educational missions of the Church throughout central and southern Indiana.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Central Chapter of the Indiana Native Plant Society is offering small grants up to $300 for projects that promote the conservation and study of Indiana's native plants. Applicants must be affiliated with not-for-profit organizations, such as community gardens or schools, and the initiative aims to enhance diversity and inclusion in Central Indiana. This effort reflects a commitment to ecological stewardship and connecting youth with nature through native plant education.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

About The Community Foundation of Hancock County

We are a nonprofit, public charity that encourages philanthropy, convenes and leads community initiatives, provides educational support, and supports nonprofit organizations. 

Martha Beckenholdt Youth Philanthropy Award

This award, named in honor of long-time Hancock County resident and philanthropist Martha Beckenholdt, recognizes a Hancock County high school junior who has contributed outstanding time, talent, and energy to philanthropic endeavors. The award recipient will select a Hancock County nonprofit organization or agency to receive a $1,000 donation in his or her name, donated by the Community Foundation.