Best Grants for Environmental Justice in Indiana

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Indiana that support children, education, or health and human services may be eligible for monetary program funding, which can include environmental justice work intersecting with these areas. Grants from Costco Foundation help community-based programs demonstrate measurable outcomes, collaborate locally, and leverage a broad base of financial support.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative approaches to human services and social problems can apply for invitation-only funding from the Creag Foundation; awards support new or unaddressed solutions. Organizations in Indiana working on environmental justice within this broader human services focus may be eligible if they offer creative, impactful programs and have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving youth through education, health, welfare, or environmental programs can access funding through the Dan Paul Foundation for projects such as early childhood development, child advocacy, clean air and water education, homelessness, and refugee enrichment. Grants up to US $15,000 are available, with no geographic restrictions, for initiatives that directly benefit children and youth.

Early-stage nonprofit and impact-first, mission-driven for-profit organizations tackling urgent social or environmental problems in Indiana can access funding through Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, with awards up to US $300,000 over three years. Eligible ventures must serve underserved communities, operate post-pilot and pre-scale, and demonstrate scalable, data-driven impact and financial sustainability.

Eligible tribal governments, community-based nonprofits, local governments, and educational institutions in Indiana can apply for the Minneapolis Foundation’s Tier 1 grants, awarding up to US $150,000 for environmental and public health assessment and engagement projects. Funding supports environmental justice work in disadvantaged communities, including air, water, and soil monitoring, research, mapping, and community education across EPA Region 5.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education, economic empowerment, or climate resilience in Indiana and worldwide can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation, with awards up to US $100,000. Eligible programs must primarily serve economically underserved communities and may include green jobs, regenerative agriculture, conservation, or clean energy solutions that support environmental justice goals.

Indiana educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Focused on long-term impact, State Farm Companies Foundation invites projects such as disaster preparedness, community revitalization, affordable housing, financial literacy, and job training that may also support environmental justice goals.

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 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.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in early childhood education or community economic development can seek funding for programs serving low- and moderate-income residents in PNC service areas. Focused on education, the PNC Foundation invites organizations to propose initiatives in early learning, workforce readiness, affordable housing, community services, or neighborhood revitalization that may advance environmental justice goals.

Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations improving health, education, or disaster relief can apply for funding that supports marginalized communities worldwide, including Indiana. With a mission to advance human welfare, Semnani Family Foundation provides support for health care access, women and children’s services, literacy, and humanitarian aid; Indiana groups with related environmental justice impacts may be eligible.

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 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.

Environmental and environmental justice organizations working on climate or water policy in Indiana and other Great Lakes states can seek support for advocacy and policy change initiatives. The Joyce Foundation funds work advancing climate solutions and Great Lakes and drinking water priorities, with emphasis on communities facing structural racism and water or energy inequities.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation on environmental, economic, racial, or social justice can access recoverable grants from The Impact Fund, including work in Indiana. Awards of US $10,000 - US $50,000 help cover out-of-pocket litigation costs like expert fees and discovery in systemic justice cases.

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.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Indiana seeking project support for environmental, health, education, social service, or civic and cultural programs can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Dr Scholl Foundation primarily funds U.S. applicants, with a broad, flexible focus that can include environmental justice and advocacy initiatives.

Environmental justice and conservation-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Indiana can seek the Storytelling Grant to share the real-world impact of their work through compelling media and narratives. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation funds storytelling projects for organizations working in areas like environmental conservation, waste management, wellness, and education, with awards of more than US $50,000.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving local communities in Indiana and other areas with an O’Reilly Auto Parts presence can apply for the O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant to support economic stability, workforce development, health, and disaster relief programs. Eligible organizations may request project, general operating, or capital support that benefits underserved and underrepresented residents, including those facing environmental burdens.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Indiana community organizing nonprofits focused on social, economic, or political justice can seek general operating support for multi-issue, base-building work that empowers low- and moderate-income communities. Needmor Fund for Social Justice supports strong, democratically run organizing groups in an eight-state Midwest region, which may include campaigns addressing environmental justice and advocacy priorities.

Indiana environmental justice and advocacy nonprofits that lead strong cross-sector partnerships may be eligible for the Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award, a national U.S. recognition program. This award honors exemplary collaborations that measurably improve communities, can be replicated elsewhere, and introduce innovative approaches to significant social issues.

Indiana nonprofits and qualifying foreign organizations working on poverty, disability, disaster relief, or human services may be eligible for Gupta Family Foundation support to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant. Environmental justice and advocacy groups that fit this mission and operate within the foundation’s current countries, including the U.S., can seek US $5,000 - US $250,000 in annual or multi-year funding.

Youth-led organizations and groups in the Chicago metro area and Northwest Indiana can seek $5,000 - $15,000 to run social justice advocacy and activism projects. With a mission to strengthen grassroots movements, Crossroads Fund provides support for campaigns on issues like environment, education, health, incarceration, media, and discrimination, connected to a 501(c)(3) or fiscal sponsor.

Indiana organizations building community-university partnerships to address health, social determinants of health, or health equity can access funding through the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute. Grants up to US $5,000 support planning activities like meetings, conferences, travel, and stakeholder engagement that lay groundwork for future collaborative research, including projects that may touch environmental justice in Indiana communities.