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 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can apply for monetary program funding that demonstrates clear community need and measurable outcomes. Grants from Costco Foundation help grassroots organizations with strong community collaboration and diversified financial support serving youth, child welfare, children’s mental health, disabilities, and related human and social services.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Grassroots and community-based organizations working on health, education, or humanitarian relief can seek funding to serve marginalized communities in Indiana and worldwide. With a mission to empower the disaffected, Semnani Family Foundation provides support for initiatives such as healthcare access, disaster relief, child welfare, women’s services, and literacy in the U.S. and numerous other countries.

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.

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.

Nonprofit organizations in Indiana and across the U.S. can seek funding for community-based programs, cultural institutions, education, health facilities, environmental conservation, and services for youth, seniors, and people with disabilities. With a mission to make a large difference with modest awards, Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides US $1,000 - US $20,000 grants to IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) groups.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Indiana

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

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.

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.

Grassroots and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Indiana and across the U.S. can seek funding to tell impactful stories about their work in preservation, education, or wellness. The Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant supports organizations, including wildlife conservation groups, in creating media that highlights real-world community change; awards more than US $50,000.

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 and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Indiana addressing economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief can apply for project, general operating, or capital support from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation. U.S.-based community-benefit organizations in O’Reilly Auto Parts service areas that meet nondiscrimination requirements may be eligible.

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 and other U.S. nonprofit organizations leading strong cross-sector community partnerships can access recognition and support through the Community Partnership Award. This national program from Mutual Of America Foundation honors collaborative initiatives that measurably improve communities, demonstrate replicable models, and address significant social issues through public, private, and social sector cooperation.

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.