Best LaPorte County Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

The Ralph E. and Dee Bennett Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors and college students pursuing a degree in Construction Management or Engineering Technology at Purdue Northwest or Purdue Lafayette. Applicants must be full-time students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and may reapply annually. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster academic success in South Lake County.

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.

Small, professional 501(c)(3) arts organizations producing primarily in Cook County, Illinois can receive unrestricted general operating support to sustain and strengthen their work. Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation’s Chicago Region Artistic Vitality Grants offer multi-year “Gen Ops Plus” funding, technical assistance, and training; organizations must have expenses under $1 million and at least one full production season.

The Great Lakes Protection Fund Grant aims to support projects that deliver significant ecological improvements to the Great Lakes region. The Fund seeks transformative initiatives that involve collaboration among diverse stakeholders and rely on scientific rigor. Eligible applicants include non-profits, universities, and businesses, and the projects must demonstrate a positive environmental impact on the Great Lakes ecosystem. Importantly, the Fund does not support advocacy or compliance-related activities.

LaPorte County, Indiana 501(c)(3) land and habitat conservation nonprofits can access funding through the Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation to support strategic land protection, stewardship, and climate-resilient conservation efforts. Grants of US $15,000 - US $75,000 may fund general operations, projects, advocacy, and inclusive conservation benefiting diverse communities across the greater Chicago region, including LaPorte County.

About National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) works with partners to foster sustainable and impactful conservation solutions so that people and nature thrive together. Chartered by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest conservation foundation. Since its founding, NFWF has funded more than 23,900 projects that have generated a total conservation impact of more than $12 billion.About Sustain Our Great Lakes Program

Sustain Our Great Lakes is a public–private partnership designed to sustain, restore and protect fish, wildlife and habitat in the basin by leveraging funding, building conservation capacity, and focusing partners and resources toward key ecological issues. The program achieves this mission, in part, by awarding grants for on-the-ground habitat restoration and enhancement.Funding priorities for this program include:

• Habitat Restoration to Conserve Species and Improve Water Quality
• Expand and Maintain Nature-Based Solutions in Great Lakes Communities
• Invasive Species Control to Protect and Enhance Restored Habitat
• Activate Restored Habitats and Natural Areas

The Unity Foundation Community Grants aim to address local needs through innovative projects that enhance quality of life in La Porte County. Established as a permanent fund, it supports initiatives in arts, health, education, and community development. Grants are competitive and prioritize one-time projects that leverage additional funding and foster collaboration among organizations. In 2021, nearly $200,000 was awarded, ensuring sustainable support for community efforts for generations to come.

The F26AS00084 Aquatic Invasive Species Grants to Great Lakes Tribes, funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support the development and implementation of Tribal Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans. Eligible Great Lakes tribes can apply for competitive grants to address invasive species issues within the Great Lakes Basin, including outreach and prevention efforts. This initiative focuses on early detection and control, significantly contributing to the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem.

The Horizon Bank Community Grant Program aims to enhance local communities by funding initiatives in education, arts, and economic development. With grants starting at $5,000, the program supports 501(c)(3) organizations addressing housing needs for low- to moderate-income families. Applications are accepted annually, with a strong emphasis on corporate citizenship and community involvement. However, grants are not available for political activities or organizations that discriminate. This commitment reflects Horizon Bank's dedication to fostering community growth and responsibility.

The Barker Welfare Foundation offers grants to qualified charitable organizations focused on enhancing the quality of life, particularly for youth and families, in New York City and Michigan City, Indiana. Organizations must be recognized as public charities and meet specific eligibility criteria, including providing audited financial statements. Proposals from start-ups or outside designated areas are discouraged. The Foundation aims to reflect the philanthropic legacy of its founder, Catherine B. Hickox.

ATI Physical Therapy is dedicated to enhancing community health and wellness through its sponsorship and donation initiatives. With a mission to exceed customer expectations, ATI actively engages in philanthropic efforts that improve lives and promote quality care beyond clinic walls. They encourage requests for support while emphasizing a review process that ensures timely responses. Partnering with local organizations, ATI aims to elevate awareness of health and wellness, impacting thousands of lives each year.

LaPorte County, Indiana public and charter middle schools serving at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch students can access funding through Project Lead The Way to launch new PLTW Gateway STEM programs. This US $20,000, two-year grant supports participation fees, required technology, equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs for the 2027–2029 school years.

Public and charter middle schools expanding PLTW Gateway STEM programs can use this grant for participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training. With a mission to expand hands-on STEM learning, Project Lead The Way provides eligible schools, including those serving LaPorte County students within its listed counties, with US $10,000 for program growth.

With a mission to expand STEM education, Project Lead The Way provides LaPorte County, Indiana public and charter schools with funding to grow existing PLTW Computer Science programs. Eligible schools must serve at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch students and use funds for PLTW fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and core training costs; awards are US $10,000.

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations operating within the Michigan City Area School District in LaPorte County, Indiana can apply for Michigan City Community Enrichment Corporation grants, with awards up to US $30,000, to support public-purpose programs. Eligible groups may submit up to two applications, prioritizing their requests for community-benefit projects.

Public and charter schools launching new PLTW computer science programs and serving at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch students can receive US $20,000 for fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training. With a mission to expand STEM education access, Project Lead The Way provides multi-year support; eligible schools must be in designated counties, including nearby Lake County, Indiana.

Public and charter schools launching new PLTW Engineering programs, including those in LaPorte County, Indiana, can apply for Project Lead The Way’s Burns & McDonnell partnership grants, awarding US $40,000 over two years. Funding covers PLTW fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and core training for schools in eligible counties serving at least 40% free/reduced-price lunch students.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups preserving public collections in LaPorte County, Indiana can seek US $10,000 - US $100,000 to support underrepresented narratives. The Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation funds libraries, archives, and cultural institutions whose collections elevate diverse community stories and include community members in decision-making.

Public and charter middle schools expanding PLTW Gateway engineering and STEM programs can receive US $10,000 to cover participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training. Eligible schools must be in designated Burns & McDonnell communities, serve at least 40% free/reduced-price lunch students, and complete one year of grant reporting.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth, children’s health, or hunger initiatives in LaPorte County, Indiana can seek monetary or in-kind dining certificate support. Focused on kids, hunger, and education, Brinker International invites eligible groups to apply at least six weeks before events; organizations may receive one donation per calendar year.

The Chicago White Sox Grant aims to improve the lives of Chicago's underserved communities through funding for programs in child abuse prevention, health and wellness, youth education, and cancer research. With over $47 million distributed, the grant seeks qualified nonprofit organizations that demonstrate strong financial health and impactful outcomes. Interested parties should prepare for the 2027 grant cycle, as inquiries for the 2026 cycle are no longer accepted, with reviews starting in June 2026.

INDOT Mission

Together, we plan, deliver, and maintain a safe, efficient, and innovative transportation system that:

• Enhances the daily lives of Hoosiers.
• Strengthens Indiana’s economy
• Embraces evolving transportation needs.

Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities

The Federal Section 5310 grant program is intended to enhance mobility for seniors and persons with disabilities by providing funds for programs to serve the special needs of transit-dependent populations beyond traditional public transportation services.

INDOT does not provide funding to areas over 200,000 population (Lake/Porter counties, South Bend, Fort Wayne, Evansville, Indianapolis, Clark/Floyd counties) should contact their local Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). A list of these MPOs can be found at http://www.indianampo.com/inmpo_regions.html

Eligible Activities

Specialized transportation projects planned, designed, and carried out to meet the special needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities when public transportation is insufficient, inappropriate, or unavailable.

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing social services, education, arts, or community and economic development programs in LaPorte County, Indiana can seek project or program support from the 1 St Source Foundation. With a mission to strengthen community life, 1 St Source Foundation prioritizes proven organizations that reach broad segments of the communities it serves.

The Heart of Cook Grants support non-profit organizations, schools, and government units in furthering education, enhancing human services, and protecting the environment within Southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana. With funding priorities focused on skill development, community independence, and environmental restoration, the grants aim to foster local leadership and innovative solutions. Eligible applicants may submit one application per cycle, with particular attention given to measurable outcomes and projects addressing emerging community needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in LaPorte County, Indiana with local programs in youth education and empowerment, next generation storytellers, or community engagement may be eligible for NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants. The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation supports community-focused initiatives that equip youth for success, expand diverse storytelling pathways, and encourage volunteerism in NBC and Telemundo station markets.

State agencies or their designees implementing approved aquatic invasive species management plans in Great Lakes states can apply for US $100,000 - US $600,000 to support control and prevention projects, including work in LaPorte County, Indiana. Grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service use Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funds for competitive state AIS plan implementation.

Service Club of Chicago

The Service Club of Chicago is a charitable organization of women that has continually served the charitable needs of Chicago and its surrounding communities since 1890. Our mission is to award grants to Chicagoland’s 501(c)(3) organizations that will expand their facilities, improve their equipment and initiate new programs, thereby uplifting the community as a whole.

The Service Club of Chicago Grant Awards 

• Applications for grant awards shall be limited to non-recurring expenses not otherwise covered in the agency’s normal operating budget.

• All applicants must provide written evidence of financial stability, documentation of their own non-profit status issued by the State of Illinois, and the latest, most current 990 filing with the IRS. All applicants must provide 501(C)(3) tax-exempt status, have been in operation no less than three years, and provide financial statements as required by the Internal Revenue Service.

• The application package must include at least two bids for each item requested (exceptions may apply). The Service Club of Chicago will disburse grant awards directly to the vendor and not to the agency; no cash awards are given.

• Grant Recipients from the preceding year are not eligible to apply for the following 3 consecutive calendar years. For example, for the upcoming 2026 grant cycle, only agencies granted in 2023 and earlier can be considered. However, if you were denied in the preceding three-year period, you may apply in the current year.