Best Madison County Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

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.

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.

The Madison County Community Foundation offers Emergency Grants to support nonprofits facing unexpected expenses that hinder their missions. These grants are available year-round, with applications submitted via email. Organizations can receive one emergency grant annually, and decisions are made within 14 days. The Foundation aims to enhance the quality of life in Madison County by providing financial stewardship and community leadership, focusing on various sectors including arts, education, and health.

CFMJC: Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship

Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. (ICI) administers the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program statewide. ICI is a nonprofit corporation that represents 29 regionally accredited degree granting, nonprofit, private colleges and universities in the state. The scholarships are the result of a statewide Lilly Endowment Inc. initiative to:

• Raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana
• Increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play
• Encourage and support Lilly Scholars’ engagement with Indiana leaders to improve the quality of life statewide. 

Over 5,400 full-tuition scholarships have been awarded, and over $505 million in scholarship tuition has been provided since the program’s inception in 1997-98.

The Community Foundation of Madison & Jefferson County is tasked to select one student from Jefferson County. Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. then awards the scholarship each year on behalf of the Lilly Endowment. 

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides a 4-year, full-tuition scholarship to one selected graduating senior in Jefferson County, Indiana. The scholarship must be used to pursue a baccalaureate degree at any accredited public or private Indiana college or university. Recipients are also granted a $900 yearly stipend for books and required equipment.

The MCCF: Impact Madison Grants provide essential funding to nonprofit organizations in Madison County, addressing local needs through strategic grantmaking. Established by the Madison County Community Foundation, this fund supports projects in various areas including arts, health, education, and community welfare. Since 1992, MCCF has aimed to improve the quality of life for residents by fostering long-term solutions and responding to emergencies, ensuring that community needs are met effectively and sustainably.

The Madison County Community Foundation (MCCF) offers Engage Grants to enhance community well-being through funding for first-time grantees. The foundation focuses on attracting charitable gifts, making grants in various sectors, and promoting effective community leadership. Eligible applicants include 501c3 nonprofit organizations that have not previously received funding from MCCF and are not seeking sponsorship for events. This initiative aims to foster positive change and support innovative projects within Madison County.

The Mibor Realtor Foundation Grant, offered by the Mibor Foundation Inc, aims to combat homelessness in central Indiana by funding 501(c)(3) non-profits. Since its inception, the Foundation has allocated over $3 million to support organizations that provide permanent housing solutions. Eligible entities can request funding up to $20,000, with typical awards ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. The Foundation prioritizes proven housing-based solutions linked with comprehensive support services.

The Steve Sullivan Professional Development Funding Grant, offered by the REALTOR® Foundation, aims to enhance the capabilities of 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations in central Indiana. With a commitment to combating homelessness, the grant provides resources for training in essential areas such as grant writing, leadership, and strategic planning. By focusing on professional development, the Foundation seeks to empower organizations to better serve vulnerable populations and create sustainable solutions for housing instability.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

The PLTW Engineering - New Program, supported by Burns & McDonnell, aims to empower U.S. students through STEM education. By offering at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year, schools can enhance their curriculum and foster critical skills. This initiative not only increases access to valuable programs but also prepares students for future challenges in college and careers, ensuring they thrive in an evolving world.

The PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion initiative aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs in communities served by Burns & McDonnell. This partnership focuses on empowering students through real-world learning experiences, helping them develop essential skills for future careers. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs to foster greater participation and engagement in STEM fields.

The PLTW Gateway - New Program, in partnership with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM by providing teachers with essential resources and support. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, eligible schools can apply for grants to introduce and expand PLTW programs, fostering real-world skills through applied learning. This initiative targets schools with significant free and reduced-price lunch populations, promoting equity in education across various U.S. counties.

The PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion initiative, led by Burns & McDonnell in partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW), aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to PLTW programs for students in eligible communities. This program empowers students through real-world applied learning experiences, promoting essential skills for college and careers. Grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Gateway programs starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, fostering a brighter future through education.

The PLTW Launch - New Program initiative, sponsored by Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to eligible schools within specific U.S. counties. Schools must implement PLTW modules over two academic years, ensuring access to real-world learning experiences for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. This program emphasizes the importance of empowering educators and fostering student engagement in STEM fields to prepare them for future careers.

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion initiative by Burns & McDonnell aims to enhance access to STEM education in U.S. schools. This program focuses on empowering students by providing real-world learning experiences and essential skills. Grants will support schools in expanding PLTW programs during the 2026-2027 academic year, benefiting students from underserved communities. By fostering a deeper understanding of STEM, the initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

The Church, Church, Hittle & Antrim Scholarship, provided by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, aims to support aspiring law students from underrepresented backgrounds. This scholarship offers financial assistance along with a 75-hour paid summer internship, helping students gain practical experience in the legal field. Applicants must demonstrate their commitment to pursuing a legal career through a personal statement, addressing how their unique experiences can enrich the profession. The initiative emphasizes inclusivity and access in law education.

The Jennifer Samson Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by The Community Foundation for McHenry County, honors the memory of a talented artist and advocate. It provides annual awards to graduating high school students in McHenry County who have actively participated in musical theater. This scholarship not only supports educational pursuits but also continues Jenn's legacy of love for the arts and her commitment to equal rights and community service. Applicants must demonstrate involvement in musical theater during their high school years.

The Alice and William Johnson Foundation Scholarship is managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, aimed at supporting graduating seniors from Fauquier County public high schools. This scholarship, which values education and community commitment, provides $5,000 annually for four-year universities and $2,500 for two-year schools, with renewal options available. Priority is given to students demonstrating financial need, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their educational aspirations.

The Culpeper Rotary Foundation Scholarship supports residents of Culpeper County pursuing a four-year degree. With a $1,000 award renewable for four years, applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher. The Northern Piedmont Community Foundation manages the scholarship application process, emphasizing community involvement. This initiative reflects NPCF's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the region, ensuring that local students have the support they need to succeed in their academic pursuits.

The David Collins Jeck Memorial Scholarship supports Fauquier County residents attending local public high schools who aspire to careers in culinary arts. Applicants should demonstrate passion for cooking and culinary studies, embodying the values of respect and kindness exemplified by David Collins Jeck. Priority is given to those showing financial need and academic merit, ensuring that this scholarship not only honors his legacy but also fosters future culinary talents in the community.

The Lynne Goldsborough Yowell Scholarship, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, supports students from Madison and Culpeper County public high schools. It is awarded to high school graduates or current college students pursuing an Arts Major, defined as visual arts, music, theater, or culinary arts. Emphasizing academic merit and financial need, this scholarship honors the legacy of Lynne Goldsborough Yowell, a dedicated community advocate.

The Martha Mae Giles Scholarship, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, supports graduating high school students from Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock counties who plan to attend college. This renewable scholarship honors Martha Mae Giles and prioritizes applicants who are members of Our Saviour Lutheran Church, although it is open to all students. The foundation has grown substantially since 2000, emphasizing community support and educational opportunities.

 About NPCF

The Northern Piedmont Community Foundation (NPCF) began in December 2000 when nine concerned citizens from Virginia’s Piedmont region were searching for solutions to the charitable needs in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock counties. With modest beginnings, our funds have grown to over $39 million in support of local charities, scholarships and community need in our northern Piedmont region.

NPCF manages a wide variety of funds established by local individuals, families, businesses, or charitable institutions. Through our investment strategies, the returns from these funds are put back into the community through grant cycles, and scholarships, along with the personal causes the fund holder holds dear. 

On the nonprofit side, the staff at NPCF is committed to building deep bonds with our region’s nonprofits, educating and supporting them in their health as businesses and their resilience in their missions of supporting our most vulnerable. 

We believe that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. By working on both sides of the equation — growing our citizens’ resources while maximizing local nonprofits’ use of those resources — NPCF is ensuring that each link in the chain is healthy, strong, and contributing to the wellness of the Northern Piedmont community. 

Scholarships

Northern Piedmont Community Foundation manages the scholarship application process for dozens of scholarships for students in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock counties (as well as a handful serving students from surrounding counties too). 

St. Luke’s Foundation Scholarship Fund (Universal Application)

The St. Luke’s Foundation Scholarship is open to seniors who are residents of Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, or Rappahannock counties, and are alumni of any private school in Culpeper County, although priority is given to St. Luke’s alumni. The qualifying candidate should possess a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrate good academic standing, have community service experience and possess an academic record that displays leadership and initiative. Up to three scholarships are available for $1,000 – $2,000 depending on GPA. This award is renewable for all four years provided the student maintains a GPA of 3.0 and submits transcripts annually to NPCF

The Women in Philanthropy Grants, awarded by the Madison County Community Foundation, support nonprofit projects that benefit women and children in Madison County. Established in 2005, this initiative fosters collaboration among women philanthropists and has grown its endowment fund to over $175,000. Participation is open to all women in the county who wish to enhance the quality of life for women and children. Finalists must attend a luncheon on April 11 to celebrate impactful grantmaking.

The Asheville Wilbert Vault Service Scholarship, established by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, offers financial aid to residents pursuing a career in funeral services. This scholarship is aimed at individuals from the 18 westernmost counties of North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary. Eligible applicants must be seniors in secondary school or graduates and can apply funds to any relevant post-high school educational program. This initiative reflects the foundation's commitment to supporting local communities.

The Madison County Community Foundation (MCCF) Impact Grants aim to enhance the quality of life for residents by supporting nonprofit agencies in programming, capacity building, and capital improvements. Focus areas include arts, culture, health services, education, and community development. With a commitment to responsible stewardship, MCCF seeks to attract charitable gifts and make impactful grants, fostering effective community leadership and collaboration to address local needs.

The Deaconess Foundation offers Nursing Scholarship Grants aimed at supporting local students pursuing nursing degrees with demonstrated financial need. This program reflects the foundation's mission to enhance community health in Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois. Grants are administered in partnership with the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis and the St. Louis American Foundation. Eligible students must be working towards an accredited nursing degree and demonstrate significant financial need, among other criteria.