Best Grants for International Development in Indiana

Lilly Endowment provides Indiana Christian organizations and theological institutions with funding to deepen and enrich the religious lives of Christians, especially by strengthening congregations and leadership. Nationally, its religion grantmaking supports diverse Christian traditions, theological schools, and efforts that nurture children, youth, and young adults, which may benefit Indiana groups with international development connections.

Museums and public cultural institutions in Indiana seeking support for photography programming can apply for funding to expand acquisitions, exhibitions, and publications. Focused on photography and museum-based projects, the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation may benefit organizations whose international development work includes photographic exhibitions, collections, or related public programs.

Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations serving greater Indianapolis can seek funding for education, health, and local economic vitality initiatives, including workforce readiness and job creation. Grants from Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation help Indiana organizations improve academic outcomes, reduce tobacco and substance use, and strengthen the city’s talent pipeline, which may benefit groups with international development connections based in the state.

Indiana 501(c)(3) organizations and public entities seeking funding for charitable, educational, health, arts, human services, or community development work can apply; grants primarily support the Fort Wayne area. Waterfield Foundation supports a wide range of community-focused initiatives that may benefit organizations with international development components based in Indiana.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in education, economic development, health, youth services, community development, or humanitarian projects can apply for up to US $5,000 from the Samerian Foundation. With a mission to enhance quality of life, it primarily supports Central Indiana organizations, including those addressing poverty, hunger, homelessness, and social needs, with some nationally significant and occasional international projects.

Nonprofits and schools in Indiana and other eligible states can receive US $25,000 - US $100,000 to run hands-on manufacturing workforce education programs. With a mission to cultivate a future-ready workforce, American Honda Motor provides funding for training in design, data analytics, AI, automation, and related technical skills that may benefit international development efforts.

Grants from The Pokagon Fund help Indiana 501(c)(3) organizations fund education, poverty reduction, community vitality, and related charitable projects, with awards up to US $7,500. Eligible projects must directly benefit residents of Hartford or Dowagiac, Michigan, or South Bend, Indiana, including efforts in community development, food security, parks, and early childhood support.

The Developing Talent Grant Program, established by the Don Wood Foundation, aims to empower young individuals in northeast Indiana by enhancing access to high-quality STEAM education and career pathways. By fostering partnerships among schools, nonprofits, and industry, the program promotes experiential learning and essential skills like leadership and adaptability. This initiative not only equips students with the necessary tools for future success but also strengthens the local workforce, ensuring a sustainable impact on the community.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Marion County with programs for basic needs, self-sufficiency, education, foster care, animals, or community enrichment can access funding up to Up to US $250,000. Grants from Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust help organizations whose local work may complement international development goals through poverty alleviation, education, and community resilience efforts.

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with programs serving the Michigan City Area School District in Indiana can receive up to US $30,000 for public-purpose projects that benefit the local community. With a mission to support community enrichment, Michigan City Community Enrichment Corporation provides Indiana nonprofits with flexible funding that may benefit organizations engaged in international development-related work alongside local initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Indiana counties where Penn National Gaming operates can seek funding for community development, education, human services, cultural programs, health initiatives, and veteran and military support. Grants from Penn National Gaming help Indiana groups serving local residents with infrastructure, safety, youth, senior, and disadvantaged population needs in their immediate communities.

The Empowering Manufacturing Grant Program, initiated by the Don Wood Foundation, aims to enhance northeast Indiana's manufacturing ecosystem by engaging nonprofit-led initiatives that collaborate with manufacturers. This program focuses on enabling young people to explore STEAM fields, develop leadership skills, and navigate career pathways. By providing essential resources and fostering partnerships, the program seeks to create sustainable workforce systems and promote innovation in the manufacturing sector, ensuring a robust future for the industry.

Indiana research faculty working on diabetes, obesity, or metabolic diseases can access funding through Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute to launch innovative pilot projects. Eligible investigators at Indiana University campuses, Purdue University, University of Notre Dame, and Indiana Biomedical Research Institute may receive up to US $50,000 for one-year, high-risk studies that support future major extramural grant applications.

Faculty investigators at Indiana University, Purdue, Notre Dame, and the Indiana Biomedical Research Institute can apply for Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute pilot grants awarding up to US $50,000 for one-year diabetes and metabolic disease research projects. Indiana-based teams working on globally relevant diabetes or obesity challenges may benefit, especially those aiming to secure larger extramural funding.

Established faculty investigators conducting innovative diabetes, obesity, or metabolic disease research in Indiana can seek up to US $50,000 for one-year pilot projects. Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute supports work at Indiana University campuses, Purdue, Notre Dame, and IBRI that can lead to major extramural funding and may benefit global and international health efforts.

Faculty investigators in Indiana developing new diabetes, obesity, or metabolic disease research technologies can apply for up to US $50,000 to support pilot projects. With a mission to advance clinical and translational science, Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute provides Indiana researchers with seed funding that may benefit institutions engaged in global or international development-related health research.

With a mission to advance grassroots social justice, Crossroads Fund provides Indiana social change organizations with grants up to US $15,000 for general operating, start-up, or project costs. Eligible groups are community-based efforts in Lake County, Indiana with prior-year expenses under $500,000, including non-501(c)(3) organizations with fiscal sponsorship or an organizational bank account.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies in Indiana, especially those serving Warrick County, can apply for Community Foundation Alliance’s Warrick Community Good Grants to support new or ongoing community programs and projects. Funding may benefit initiatives in arts and culture, education, health, human services, environment, recreation, youth development, and community development.

Public and private schools in Gibson County, Indiana can apply for Community Foundation Alliance’s Betty Ann McCullough Education Seminar and Convocation Grant to host educator seminars and convocations in science, mathematics, and language arts. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental agencies; other charitable organizations may qualify, sometimes with a fiscal sponsor.

Schools, libraries, and public education organizations in Indiana working in Gibson County can seek funding for innovative math, science, and language arts projects through the Betty Ann McCullough Enrichment Project Grants. Grants from Community Foundation Alliance help K–12 and adult education programs purchase equipment or launch enrichment initiatives that expand learning opportunities.

About Us

Near the sunset of a full career filled with hard work, perseverance, and many successes, Don Wood founded the 80/20 Foundation Trust in 2018, which was later renamed the Don Wood Foundation. Don built his life and career on a simple but powerful belief: opportunity should not be limited to one path. 

Don recognized the immense value of industrial trades, advanced manufacturing, innovation, having an entrepreneurial mindset, and leadership skills. He believed individuals should have access to the tools, credentials, and real-world training necessary to build meaningful careers and provide for their families and the community. He saw his Foundation as a vehicle to get there.

Opening Pathways

Young people thrive when they are given meaningful opportunities to do, lead, and imagine what’s possible. The Don Wood Foundation awards grants for programs that prioritize early and frequent opportunities for young people to:

• Explore STEAM through doing, not just observing
• Build foundational leadership skills and an entrepreneurial mindset alongside technical curiosity, building their capability for adaptability, problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork                                                                                     
• Explore and navigate career pathways, so more students can see themselves in high-skill, high-wage technical careers

When every student in northeast Indiana has access to hands-on STEAM experiences and can connect learning to real careers in their communities, they develop the leadership skills and entrepreneurial mindset needed to power Next-Gen Manufacturing—today and tomorrow.

Engaging Youth Grant Program

Through the Engaging Youth Grant Program, the Don Wood Foundation supports programs and initiatives that: 

• Engage youth in STEAM and career exploration experiences that help them imagine future possibilities
• Provide early, frequent, and hands-on learning experiences that engage students as active participants, not passive observers
• Build foundational skills and mindsets, including curiosity, confidence, creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, persistence, and a growth mindset
• Offer progressive experiences that deepen over time as youth grow
• Expand access to opportunity by reducing barriers to participation 

​We are particularly interested in programs that center student voice and agency, are developmentally appropriate, and are delivered in partnership with schools, educators, and community organizations.   

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools offering STEM education programs for economically disadvantaged K–12 students can access funding through Boston Scientific Foundation. Programs must serve communities within 60 miles of Spencer and surrounding eligible counties and demonstrate evidence-based approaches, clear targeting of low-income participants, and measurable improvements in STEM learning outcomes.

Researchers studying problem, disordered, or responsible gambling with a clear connection to Indiana can apply for this seed grant from the International Center for Responsible Gaming. Projects may involve pilot studies, preparatory work for larger projects, or follow-up research related to lottery gambling, including use of Hoosier Lottery or Indiana-specific data.

Nonprofit organizations in Indiana seeking to strengthen internal systems, leadership, skills, and long-term sustainability can access capacity-building funding through Bethany Legacy Foundation; awards up to US $20,000. Eligible work must serve Jefferson County and align with focus areas such as childcare, housing, recreation, professional development, mental health, or social services.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits running education, arts, community development, health, or human services programs can access funding via Fifth Third Foundation’s Foundation Office, including support from several Evansville-based foundations and trusts. Organizations serving children, youth, public spaces, or charitable, scientific, literary, or religious purposes in designated regions may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting education, arts, community development, housing, or social services in Indiana and other eligible areas can seek project or building support through the Horizon Cares Community Grant Programs from Horizon Bank. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Horizon Bank provides grants of more than US $5,000 for one-time or one-year initiatives that leverage additional funding sources.

Indiana youth-serving nonprofits and public entities running leadership development programs for ages 19 and under in Dearborn County can access funding through Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation’s Siemer Milling Company Fund. Grants support youth leadership skills such as enterprise savvy, conscience, and collaborative communication, and may also benefit education-based initiatives and previously funded projects that are expanding or addressing new challenges.