Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations 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.

Indiana grassroots 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth health, education, development, and welfare can access funding through the Dan Paul Foundation for programs like early childhood development, child advocacy, homelessness, poverty relief, and refugee enrichment. Grants up to US $15,000 may support workshops, scholarships, environmental education, and other direct services for children and young people.

Early-stage nonprofit and impact-first, mission-driven for-profit organizations tackling major social or environmental challenges can receive up to US $300,000 in flexible funding, capacity-building, and community support. Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides Indiana and global grassroots innovators with multi-year backing to scale proven solutions for underserved populations across areas like poverty, health, education, and the environment.

Eligible community-based nonprofits, tribal and local governments, and educational institutions in Indiana can apply for the Minneapolis Foundation’s Tier 1 grants, offering up to US $150,000 for environmental and public health assessment and engagement projects. Grassroots organizations serving disadvantaged communities may benefit, especially those focused on environmental justice, pollution, climate resilience, or disaster preparedness in EPA Region 5.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, government programs, and volunteer fire companies in Indiana can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Focused on auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, job training, financial literacy, food insecurity, and K–16 education, State Farm Companies Foundation may support long-term, sustainable local impact.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in Indiana and across the U.S. can apply for more than US $100,000 to support arts and science programming, capital projects, or limited general and endowment needs. William Randolph Hearst Foundation prioritizes large, well-established organizations offering impactful arts education, artist development, museums, and performing arts programs, especially those engaging young people.

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.

Grassroots and other 501(c)(3) organizations working on health, education, or community programs in Indiana can seek support for food pantries, healthcare access, STEM initiatives, or healthy lifestyle efforts. Grants from Labcorp Charitable Foundation help U.S.-based nonprofits and equivalent charities strengthen local communities through these focus areas.

Indiana grassroots and other eligible organizations working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability can seek more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling efforts. The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds social enterprises and nonprofits serving urban low-income children and youth in the U.S., India, and South Africa, within its defined focus areas.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

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.

Grassroots and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Indiana can seek support for community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, environment, and inclusion initiatives. With a mission to advance economic mobility, Bank of America Charitable Foundation provides U.S. organizations with regional sponsorships that strengthen low- and moderate-income communities through housing, jobs, hunger relief, and cultural programming.

Youth-led organizations and groups in the Chicago metro and Northwest Indiana area can seek $5,000 - US $15,000 to run social justice advocacy and activism projects. With a mission to back grassroots social change, Crossroads Fund provides resources for campaigns on issues like education, health, environment, incarceration, media, racism, and discrimination.

Grassroots and community-based organizations improving rural health and well-being in Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky can apply for Interact for Health’s Rural Changemaker RFP, with awards of US $10,000 - US $70,000. Projects must serve at least one eligible rural county and address vital conditions affecting health, such as social determinants and access to care.

Grassroots organizations in Indiana serving underserved children and families through education, health and wellness, or community action programs can apply for Brave Heart Foundation support. Grants up to US $5,000 focus on program costs rather than fundraising, with larger repeat awards considered only for past grantees that submitted required impact reports.

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.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community services programs or fundraising events can access grants and event sponsorships through Insperity, provided they connect to communities where employees live and work or are Insperity clients. Eligible organizations may apply once per year for either a philanthropic grant or an event sponsorship.

Nonprofits and research or advocacy organizations working on gun violence prevention, justice reform, or violence intervention that impact the Great Lakes region, including Indiana, can apply for support from The Joyce Foundation. Funding backs research, policy development, advocacy, pilot initiatives, and violence intervention strategies with a strong emphasis on racial equity.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Indiana providing programmatic health services to self-identified women and girls in Central Indiana can seek up to US $50,000 for innovative, collaborative initiatives. With a mission to strengthen women and girls, Central Indiana Community Foundation backs projects in reproductive health and Black girls’ mental health, prioritizing grassroots partners serving underserved communities.

Indiana grassroots and other 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations can seek support for community services, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding projects. With a mission to empower positive change, Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides flexible funding that may benefit Indiana-based efforts improving communities, protecting the environment, and respecting all people and life.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

Grassroots and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Indiana that are within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, out-of-school supports, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. The TJX Foundation reviews eligibility questionnaires and letters of inquiry on a rolling basis, with full applications by invitation only.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and libraries in Indiana can apply for Lawrence Foundation’s unrestricted grants, typically US $5,000 - US $10,000, to support environmental and human services work. Organizations addressing community services or environmental conservation may be eligible for program or general operating support, with reasonable indirect costs allowed.

Indiana 501(c)(3) organizations seeking support for education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental programs can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Dr Scholl Foundation primarily funds U.S. applicants, offering one-year project support that may benefit grassroots organizations with at least three years of financial activity.

Grassroots social justice and human rights organizations in Indiana’s Lake County can seek up to US $15,000 for general operating, start-up, or project costs through the Seed Fund. With a mission to resource social change organizing, Crossroads Fund supports small-budget groups using community-based strategies to challenge inequality and oppression in the greater Chicago metropolitan area.

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 grassroots organizations addressing poverty, disability, social justice, or humanitarian needs can access funding through Gupta Family Foundation to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant. U.S.-based 501(c)(3)s with revenues between $300,000 and $3,000,000 may apply for annual or multi-year awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $250,000.