Best LaPorte County Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

The DEW Foundation Grant supports tax-exempt charitable organizations globally, aiming to promote the common good through financial contributions and personal involvement. The foundation prioritizes charities where family members are actively involved and focuses on ministries, health, education, and community service. While it may fund its own projects, it typically does not exceed 10% of an organization's operating budget and avoids supporting politically affiliated causes or normal church operations. Innovative and effective organizations are especially welcome.

The Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company supports local nonprofits through employee-led grants. With over 60 years of experience, ECF pools tax-deductible donations to empower impactful community initiatives. The Chicago Chapter prioritizes established nonprofits in Arts and Culture, Education, Environment, and Health and Human Services, focusing on sustainable and scalable programs. Grants typically range from $3,000 to $10,000, with careful consideration given to alignment with ECF's mission and employee contributions.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a cooperative agreement for research on the long-term demography of imperiled bumble bee species, particularly the rusty patched bumble bee. This initiative aims to leverage collaborations to enhance understanding and recovery strategies for these species. Research will focus on site surveys, innovative monitoring technologies, and data compilation to address significant knowledge gaps. The project aims to produce actionable insights for land management partners to support conservation efforts.

LaPorte County, Indiana nonprofits and civic or trade organizations can access funding support in the form of donated auction items and used playing cards for adult-focused events. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino offers restaurant gift cards, hotel stays, and recycled playing cards to eligible organizations within roughly a 90-mile radius that can pick up items on-site.

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.

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 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.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities supporting education, entrepreneurship, environment, or community enrichment in LaPorte County, Indiana can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation’s community grant funding. Eligible applicants must be located within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community and serve communities connected to Georgia-Pacific operations.

Nonprofit organizations seeking to improve physical or cybersecurity and facility hardening in LaPorte County, Indiana can apply for funding through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program – State. Indiana Department of Homeland Security administers NSGP-S for nonprofits located outside designated high-risk urban areas, supporting organizations at risk of terrorist or extremist attacks.

The PLTW Launch program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM education within eligible communities. This initiative will provide grants to schools that implement at least one PLTW Launch module in the 2025-2026 academic year, followed by another module in subsequent years. The program is designed to empower students with hands-on learning experiences that connect real-world challenges to essential skills, fostering a stronger future in STEM fields.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Joseph & Evelyn Skora Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports high school or college students from Lake County, IN, pursuing a degree in Construction Engineering at Purdue University Northwest or Purdue University Lafayette. This scholarship encourages community development by providing financial assistance to deserving students, allowing them to achieve their educational goals and contribute to the local economy. Reapplication is permitted annually, fostering ongoing support for students in need.

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 Lumpkin Family Foundation has launched the Wellness Grants for Leaders and Frontline Workers to combat burnout in nonprofit organizations. This program offers up to $2,500 for mental wellness initiatives and up to $10,000 for sabbatical leave for senior leaders. Eligible organizations must have received LFF funding within the last three years and adhere to specific guidelines. The foundation prioritizes the mental health of frontline workers to ensure sustainable community service.

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 PLTW Launch program, in collaboration with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by expanding access to innovative educational modules in eligible schools. This initiative supports public and charter schools in targeted counties, focusing on increasing student engagement in STEM fields. Through grant funding, participating schools can introduce new PLTW Launch modules and provide essential training for teachers, fostering a richer learning environment to prepare students for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

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.