Best Grants for Solar Panels for Nonprofits in Indiana

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in East Chicago that own or rent commercial space can apply for Foundations of East Chicago’s general operating grants, with awards up to US $12,500 for core operating costs. Funding can cover utilities, office equipment, supplies, maintenance, and similar expenses, which may help stabilize facilities that also host solar or energy-efficiency projects.

501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations working in education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs can receive US $2,000 - US $10,000 to support operating costs, projects, or occasional capital needs. McGraw Foundation provides Indiana nonprofits with broadly focused funding that may benefit organizations whose solar projects advance education, human services, or environmental programming.

Indiana 501(c)(3) organizations can seek funding for program-specific costs like equipment, software, supplies, transportation, and rental space that advance education, health, safety, and community enrichment priorities. Foundations of East Chicago supports local program grants up to US $35,000, which may benefit nonprofits planning or expanding projects, including those that incorporate solar or energy-related components.

Indiana health and research organizations studying how demographics, social factors, comorbidities, and behaviors influence cancer risk, diagnosis, treatment, or survivorship in Indiana can apply for pilot funding up to US $50,000. Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute supports one-year projects, with priority for lung, colorectal, prostate, breast, pancreatic, and cervical cancers.

Graduate students pursuing research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance work with actionable outcomes for the water industry. Focused on water-related challenges, American Water Works Association invites researchers whose projects may intersect with clean energy, sustainability, or green infrastructure relevant to Indiana nonprofits’ environmental goals.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can apply for Community Possible support; grants fund programs under the Work, Home, and Play pillars. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation may benefit nonprofits advancing equity, including organizations led by people of color in eligible bank communities.

With a mission to support environmental sustainability, American Honda Motor provides Indiana nonprofits and schools with US $25,000 - US $100,000 for programs advancing decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and school districts installing solar or other clean energy projects in Honda communities may apply through the Environment Pillar Award.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Indiana can seek funding for community development, affordable housing, education, and workforce preparation programs; awards range from US $10,000 - US $25,000. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help strengthen neighbors, expand financial literacy, and support job readiness initiatives, and are generally limited to states where the bank has retail operations.

Nonprofit organizations serving women, children, and vulnerable families in Indiana can apply for funding to build self-sufficiency through education, employment assistance, homelessness services, health care, and humanitarian aid, with awards up to US $750,000. The Father's Table Foundation supports programs that strengthen long-term resilience and may benefit nonprofits whose solar projects are part of broader community services.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working in social services, health, education, environment, or arts and culture may be eligible for community program funding in Indiana and the broader region. Focused on community well-being, the Patrick and Anna M Cudahy Fund invites proposals that support under-resourced populations, which could complement energy or facility-related improvements like solar projects.

Indiana nonprofits and educational institutions working on sustainability, climate action, or food security can access funding through Caesars Foundation, including monetary and in-kind support. Eligible 501(c)(3) charities, public charities, and public universities serving Indiana communities may benefit, especially those advancing environmental sustainability, social equity, workforce development, or mental health initiatives.

Indiana nonprofits and community partners implementing evidence-based cancer programs can receive up to US $15,000 for one-year projects addressing the cancer burden in Indiana. Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI) supports community-academic collaborations co-led by an IUSCCC faculty member and a community advocate, especially those serving underserved populations and targeting major cancers or related risk behaviors.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Indiana conducting biomedical or health-related research can apply for this NIH Academic Research Enhancement Award to support small-scale projects and student research experiences. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health offers up to US $375,000 to strengthen research environments at colleges and universities that meet NIH funding limits.

Nonprofit charities in Indiana seeking support for humanitarian, educational, environmental, or arts initiatives may be eligible for Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy. Roche supports accredited, country-based projects worldwide, so Indiana nonprofits with local programs and potential solar or sustainability components can approach the company’s U.S. affiliate for consideration.

Indiana agricultural producers, forest owners, and Tribes can receive conservation funding to improve working lands, including cropland, pasture, rangeland, and non-industrial private forestland. USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service of Indiana supports environmental stewardship, sustainable agriculture, and habitat conservation that may benefit nonprofits managing farms, ranches, or forests interested in long-term resource and energy improvements, including climate-smart practices.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits with projects in education, environmental conservation, or healthy and vibrant communities may be eligible for funding that could include solar or other sustainability initiatives. Grants from Cleveland Cliffs Foundation help organizations in its Indiana operating communities expand STEM education, restore land and water, improve community health, and enhance green spaces.

Early-career medical and health researchers at academic or research institutions in eligible low- and middle-income countries can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award to support mentored clinical research and career development. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help Indiana-affiliated or collaborating nonprofits working on global health, cancer, mental health, environmental health, and related fields access approximately US $140,000 over three to five years.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) status serving Indiana communities can seek program-specific funding for community revitalization, services, housing, and economic development. Focused on improving self-sufficiency and equity, Huntington National Bank invites discussions with local Community Development Relationship Managers about potential partnerships that may support solar or energy-related projects within its broader impact areas.

Early-career research scientists in eligible low- or middle-income countries holding junior faculty posts can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, which provides approximately US $140,000 for mentored health research career development. Projects must address local health priorities; Indiana-based partners or mentors working on global health or solar-related health impacts may be involved.

Indiana environmental and climate policy organizations can access funding through the Joyce Foundation to advance climate solutions and Great Lakes and drinking water priorities. National and environmental justice groups working in Indiana on clean energy policy, freshwater protection, water infrastructure, and equitable access to safe drinking water in Great Lakes communities may be eligible.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

Biogen Corporate Sponsorships provide funding to support congresses, events, and initiatives in exchange for tangible benefits such as marketing opportunities and recognition. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and requests must be submitted 50 days in advance. Biogen considers various disease areas for sponsorship, including Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis. Approval depends on funding availability, alignment with interests, and event details, ensuring transparency for all potential sponsors.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Recent Retirees

Retirees of Regions and its affiliated companies are eligible for the Matching Gift Program for up to 5 years after retirement (the gift date must be within the first 5 years of retirement). Regions will match donations of $25 or more, up to a total of $1,000 per year per retiree.

The Regions Community Affairs team will contact the organization on your behalf to verify the gift and review eligibility.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

CDBG Construction Grants

Overview

Funding for all Community Development Block Grant programs is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the Office of Community and Rural Affairs. The State of Indiana distributes CDBG funds to rural communities to support a range of projects, including infrastructure enhancement, downtown revitalization, improvements to public facilities, and economic development initiatives.

The state CDBG program offers competitive grants to units of local government to support rural areas. Within the CDBG program, there are five types of Construction Grants designed to enhance community resilience and livability:

• Blight Clearance
• Main Street Revitalization
• Public Facilities
• Stormwater Improvements
• Wastewater/Drinking Water

Main Street Revitalization

The Main Street Revitalization Program (MSRP) is designed to empower rural communities in their efforts to build vibrant, sustainable environments and enhance overall quality of life.

Eligible projects include:

• Traffic Control or Pedestrian Safety
• Functional Art
• ADA Improvements
• Sidewalk Rehabilitation or Addition
• Signage or Utility Relocation for Accessibility
• Pavers
• Water Management
• Energy Efficiency (LED Traffic Lights or Signals)
• Alley Activation

To be eligible, applicants must have a designated Indiana Main Street organization that meets one of the following qualifications:

• National Accreditation through the National Main Street Center (NAMS), or
• Indiana Accredited Main Street (IAMS) status with at least three years of active designation
• Be in good standing with the Indiana Mainstreet Program requirements

Grant awards are based on the proposed project cost, as outlined below.

• Projects over $2 million in total project cost may received a grant up to $600,000
• Projects under $2 million in total project cost may received a grant up to $500,000
• A local match of 20% of the total project cost is required for funding consideration.

CDBG funds will be awarded at a rate of $5,000 per project beneficiary.

The CFGFW Agile Grants program, offered by the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, provides funding up to $20,000 for innovative projects that enhance the community's quality of life. Emphasizing diversity and inclusion, these grants support various issue areas, including education, health, and arts. Applications are accepted from March to October, and organizations can apply for new initiatives or significant enhancements to existing programs. This initiative aims to create lasting, positive impacts across Allen County and Northeast Indiana.