Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Indiana

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

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.

CSX Charitable Investments provide essential in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations focused on supporting military members and community first responders. Through intermodal transportation services, CSX offers equipment and rail services to help reduce transportation costs for eligible organizations. The program also includes occasional donations of railroad materials and equipment based on availability. CSX prioritizes support for organizations operating within its service areas, promoting community betterment and development.

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.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

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 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.

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.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

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.

The Audacious Project Grant Program, supported by TED, aims to catalyze social impact by funding bold solutions to pressing global challenges. This initiative encourages changemakers to develop transformative ideas into actionable plans, with a focus on various issues, including health and education. The program operates on a rolling basis, welcoming applications from individuals and organizations with a proven track record and a budget of at least $2 million. Join us in creating lasting change for a better world.

The AWS Foundation offers Traditional Grants aimed at supporting organizations in Northeast Indiana that assist individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. These grants provide funding for various programs, capital needs, and operations that align with their mission of promoting independence and community inclusion. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) and serve specific counties to qualify. The foundation values innovative approaches that significantly impact the lives of beneficiaries.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The Western Indiana Community Foundation offers Legacy Grants aimed at supporting a variety of community needs through unrestricted funds. With a focus on local organizations in Fountain and Vermillion Counties, the grants prioritize projects that enhance community services, address significant issues, and foster partnerships. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations and certain non-profit entities, while ensuring that funded projects benefit the local population directly. The application process is designed to be thorough yet responsive to community requirements.

The David C. Herriman Fund, established by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, aims to support regional performing arts organizations in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. This fund prioritizes proposals that enhance performances and foster youth education in the arts. Grants range from $200,000 to $350,000 for larger projects and $15,000 to $50,000 for smaller initiatives, with a total budget not exceeding $400,000. Eligible applicants include local 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to the arts.

The Kroger Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through significant charitable contributions, having donated over $1.9 billion in the past six years. Their focus on combating hunger through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative exemplifies their commitment to social impact. Annually, they provide over $300 million to nonprofit organizations aligned with their mission, promoting health, education, and disaster relief while fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative reflects Kroger's belief that strong communities are a shared responsibility.

The Corporate Giving Program by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that enhance community welfare. Focus areas include agriculture, education, fighting hunger, and public safety. Eligible applicants must have IRS 501(c)(3) status and a Taxpayer Identification number. Requests are prioritized for programs directly benefiting communities near Perdue facilities across various states. The foundation emphasizes responsible stewardship and community engagement in all funding decisions.

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.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

About the Indiana Department of Homeland Security

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) leads Indiana's emergency planning and operations, first responder training and fire and building safety. The State Fire Marshal and State Building Commissioner oversee fire and building safety efforts, including the enforcement of building codes and a fire investigations unit. The agency certifies and trains thousands of first responders and hosts state-level exercises each year. IDHS also supports county emergency management agencies and runs the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which leads response and coordination efforts for large-scale incidents.

Nonprofit Security Grant Program

Executive Summary

The NSGP improves and increases the physical/cybersecurity and facility/target hardening of nonprofit organizations’ facilities at risk of a terrorist of other extremist attack, ultimately safeguarding the lives and property of the American people.

There are two funding sources appropriated for nonprofit organizations: 1) NSGP - Urban Area (NSGP-UA), and 2) NSGP - State (NSGP-S)

NSGP - State (NSGP-S)

NSGP-S funds nonprofit organizations located outside of a FY 2025 Designated highrisk urban area. Under NSGP-S, each state will receive an allocation for nonprofit organizations in the state located outside of FY 2025 Designated high-risk urban areas.

NSGP-S: Nonprofit organization must be located outside of Marion and Hamilton counties.

About the Indiana Department of Homeland Security

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) leads Indiana's emergency planning and operations, first responder training and fire and building safety. The State Fire Marshal and State Building Commissioner oversee fire and building safety efforts, including the enforcement of building codes and a fire investigations unit. The agency certifies and trains thousands of first responders and hosts state-level exercises each year. IDHS also supports county emergency management agencies and runs the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which leads response and coordination efforts for large-scale incidents.

Nonprofit Security Grant Program

Executive Summary

The NSGP improves and increases the physical/cybersecurity and facility/target hardening of nonprofit organizations’ facilities at risk of a terrorist of other extremist attack, ultimately safeguarding the lives and property of the American people.

There are two funding sources appropriated for nonprofit organizations: 1) NSGP - Urban Area (NSGP-UA), and 2) NSGP - State (NSGP-S)

NSGP - Urban Area (NSGP-UA)

NSGP-UA funds nonprofit organizations located within FY 2025 designated high-risk urban areas. Under NSGP-UA, each urban area will receive an allocation for nonprofit organizations within FY 2025 designated high-risk urban areas.

NSGP-UA: Nonprofit organization must be located within Marion and Hamilton counties.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

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.

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 Daniel and Susan Pfau Foundation, established in 1994, focuses on enhancing education, health, cultural experiences, and social welfare for youth with disabilities and economic challenges in the Greater Cincinnati area. It supports arts organizations and recreation initiatives, prioritizing programs that help young individuals realize their potential. Eligible applicants must be recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofits and demonstrate benefits to specific counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. The Foundation encourages collaboration with other donors for project funding.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Central Indiana Community Foundation

Powered by generosity, passion, and innovative collaboration, Hamilton County Community Foundation brings together the strengths of our community to solve our most pressing challenges.

Hamilton County Community Foundation Strategic Grants

The Funding Opportunity

Strategic Grants provide larger, targeted investments in initiatives designed to create meaningful, long-term impact in Hamilton County. This funding pathway supports organizations pursuing significant opportunities—such as scaling proven programs, strengthening organizational capacity, or advancing transformational projects—in alignment with HCCF’s priority areas.

Strategic Grants may also support organizations navigating significant funding disruptions, where a targeted investment can help stabilize operations, preserve critical services, or position the organization for long-term sustainability.

What is Funded

Strategic Grants support high-impact opportunities that are significant in scope and positioned for long-term community benefit. Funding may include:

• Organizational capacity-building and expansion
• Transformational or large-scale community initiatives
• Capital campaigns (matching funds required)
• Time-sensitive opportunities to stabilize operations following the loss of significant funding

The Process

Strategic Grants are offered through an invitation-only process. HCCF proactively engages organizations whose work aligns with this funding pathway and demonstrates strong potential to create lasting community impact.

In prioritizing invitations, HCCF often considers organizations with a history of partnership or prior funding, while also remaining responsive to emerging opportunities and community needs.

Organizations that have not received an invitation but believe their work aligns with the goals of Strategic Grants may submit a brief request for special consideration. Due to the limited and highly targeted nature of this funding opportunity, submission of this form does not guarantee an invitation to apply.