Best Lake County Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

Students pursuing higher education and career or college preparation who are connected to the Central Adirondack region may be eligible for scholarship support, which could indirectly benefit Lake County, Indiana nonprofits serving them. With a mission to engage and invest, The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties provides this Adirondack League Club Scholarship for accredited U.S. college, university, or trade school attendance.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Napa Valley Community Foundation

There are more than 800 Community Foundations in the US, each devoted to a specific region. We operate independently, with a common goal in mind: to be a platform for local people who want to pay it forward. To deliver resources to effective charitable programs. And to make our communities stronger and more successful by doing these two things.

Among our peers, Napa Valley Community Foundation ranks first on several key measures of donor satisfaction and impact, according to a recent donor survey conducted by the Center for Effective Philanthropy. Our donors say that we deeply understand their interests, and deeply understand the needs of Napa Valley. That, in a nutshell, is our job.

Dr. Rick Bachman Memorial Veterinary Medicine Scholarship

The Dr. Bachman Memorial Scholarship Fund celebrates the life of Dr. Richard Wayne Bachman, DVM, a distinguished veterinarian and beloved mentor. Affectionately known as “Dr. B” by colleagues and “Ricky” to friends, his commitment to animal welfare extended beyond his role as Lead Veterinarian at Napa Humane. He was notably involved in their weekend Wellness Clinics, serving the underserved, low-income, Spanish speaking community. Dr. Bachman was also deeply invested in the education of future veterinarians and vet technicians. This fund reflects his dedication to animal health, community service, and the nurturing of upcoming veterinary professionals.

The Dr. Rick Bachman Memorial Veterinary Medicine Scholarship Fund is made possible by Napa Humane and benefits current or former residents of Napa County, Solano County, or Lake County. This scholarship is geared towards veterinary students who are committed to practicing companion animal veterinary medicine and plan to give back to their community after graduation. Recipients must attend an accredited veterinary college or veterinary technology program and will receive funding for up to two years while working to complete their degree.

Community-based nonprofits, tribal governments, local governments, and educational institutions in EPA Region 5, including Lake County, Indiana, can seek up to US $150,000 for environmental justice assessment and engagement projects. The Minneapolis Foundation’s Tier 1 grants support work in disadvantaged communities on environmental health, pollution, climate resilience, green infrastructure, and related public health issues.

Lake County, Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits facing documented losses from federal or state funding cuts can access funding through Legacy Foundation’s Lake County Resilience Grant. Awards up to US $40,000 per year may support essential services, urgent operational needs, and capacity-strengthening activities to maintain stability and community impact.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

High school seniors pursuing higher or vocational education can receive approximately US $1,000 for academic costs through the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Scholarship, including students outside Lake County, Indiana. Bay Area Community Foundation provides this non-renewable award to seniors in Bay, Midland, or Saginaw County, Michigan, who embody Dr. King’s commitment to racial harmony and social justice.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Nonprofits, schools, churches, local governments, and first responder agencies in Lake County, Indiana can seek funding to recover from storm damage and improve emergency preparedness. With a mission to strengthen community resilience, Knight Foundation provides up to US $5,000 per organization for projects in Hammond, East Chicago, and Whiting affected by the August 2025 storms.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Nonprofit and charitable civic organizations funding programs or capital projects that benefit residents of Crown Point, Cedar Lake, Lowell, and Winfield in Lake County, Indiana may be eligible. Crown Point Community Foundation supports a broad range of community needs, including arts and culture, education, health, environment, human services, and civic affairs in South Lake County.

Students pursuing higher education in Lake County, Indiana can access scholarship funding for tuition, fees, and books through the Rapier Education Fund. Focused on academic scholarship programs, San Antonio Area Foundation offers renewable awards of US $2,000 to full-time students in eligible Texas and Florida counties attending accredited U.S. colleges or vocational schools.

Graduating high school seniors with financial need pursuing higher education or trade programs can receive $1,500 scholarships through the Tri Counties Bank Endowed Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of the North State. Students from eligible California counties, including those interested in business, community service, or entrepreneurship, may benefit, alongside similar education-focused efforts beyond Lake County, Indiana.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing higher education, including those from eligible California counties, can receive merit-based scholarships for college, trade, or vocational programs. Community Foundation of the North State provides US $1,000 awards through the Tri Counties Bank Endowed Scholarship Fund to students with a 3.5+ GPA and strong academic, community service, or entrepreneurship achievements.

Students pursuing tech or trade education connected to Clayton, Amery, or Clear Lake High Schools can apply for the Dale A. Nordquist Family Scholarship, awarding US $1,500 for vocational or community college training. Lake County, Indiana nonprofits supporting such students may help them access this St. Croix Valley Foundation opportunity.

Nursing professionals pursuing a master’s or terminal degree who already hold a BSN and are active Rho Nu at Large members can receive scholarship support for graduate education, including Lake County, Indiana residents. Grants from Ashland County Community Foundation help eligible scholars advance in higher education and nursing-focused professional training; past recipients may reapply.

Lake County, Indiana students pursuing vocational, technical, or other post-secondary education may be eligible for the Scholarships for Careers Endowment, which supports higher education and career training. Focused on education and workforce preparation, Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains also allows the fund to assist with special unfunded projects in schools, career centers, and the community.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing higher education and residing in Logan County, Ohio can receive up to US $4,000 for college costs through the Mary Eleanor Morris Scholarship. The Columbus Foundation supports students attending U.S. institutions; Lake County, Indiana nonprofits working with eligible students may help them apply.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing chemical or mechanical engineering or related fields can receive scholarship support for accredited two- or four-year colleges outside Ashland County, including students from Lake County, Indiana. Ashland County Community Foundation’s Robert W. and Martha D. Casciani Scholarship helps cover higher education costs for eligible engineering-focused students.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing college education can receive renewable scholarship support for tuition and related higher education costs, including students from Lake County, Indiana if otherwise eligible. Ashland County Community Foundation supports academic scholarship programs, with the William & Martha Buckingham Scholarship – Renewal available for up to three additional years for students maintaining enrollment and good academic standing.

Lake County, Indiana students seeking academic scholarships can access funding through the Amy Heryford Ousley and James Heryford Ousley Educational Fund to attend nonprofit colleges, universities, or vocational schools. Eligible applicants must have strong GPAs, demonstrate financial need, enroll full time, and may receive multi-year support for undergraduate or graduate study in the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Lake County, Indiana can seek up to US $10,000 to strengthen their internal capacity, infrastructure, and governance. Legacy Foundation’s Transform Lake County Capacity Building Grants support activities like strategic planning, technology upgrades, evaluation, communications, and board or staff training to improve organizational effectiveness and sustainability.

With a mission to strengthen local communities, Legacy Foundation provides Lake County, Indiana nonprofits with programmatic and capacity-building grants ranging from US $2,000 - US $35,000. 501(c)(3) organizations and select community-focused public or faith-based entities can fund work in basic needs, economic mobility, community enrichment, and safety and inclusive justice.

High school seniors pursuing higher education who live in specified Nevada counties may be eligible for the John R Stockman Scholarship to help cover tuition, books, and on-campus housing. The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada provides this scholarship for ambitious, driven students who meet GPA and test score requirements and commit to maintaining academic progress.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Youth-led organizations and groups in Lake County, Indiana working on social justice advocacy and activism can apply for Crossroads Fund’s Youth Fund for Social Change, offering US $5,000 - US $15,000 for campaigns challenging inequality. Eligible projects must be youth-driven, connected to a 501(c)(3) or fiscal sponsor, and focused on long-term community change.

Graduating high school seniors in Lake County, Indiana planning full-time undergraduate study at an accredited Indiana college can receive the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, which covers four years of tuition, required fees, and a book stipend. Focused on higher education access, Legacy Foundation invites eligible students to apply for this competitive academic scholarship opportunity.