Best Marion County Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

The Cox Enterprises Project Learning Garden Grant Program offers schools the opportunity to create outdoor learning laboratories through established gardens. This initiative promotes inquiry-based STEAM education and provides essential resources such as raised garden beds, a mobile cooking cart, and professional development for teachers. By integrating real-world experiences with curriculum goals, students engage actively in their learning. Cox employees may also volunteer to install and maintain gardens, fostering community involvement and healthy eating habits among students.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on improving economic mobility and social progress through partnerships with nonprofits. It prioritizes basic needs, income creation, stable housing, and community empowerment. By supporting vulnerable populations, the foundation aims to enable individuals to achieve their goals and contribute positively to their communities. The foundation emphasizes sustainable progress, ensuring that all community members have access to essential resources and opportunities for growth.

The Samerian Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life through financial support for education, economic development, health, youth sports, and humanitarian projects. It primarily focuses on disadvantaged youth and community development in Central Indiana, welcoming applications from 501(c)(3) organizations. The Foundation does not fund general operating expenses or for-profit ventures, ensuring that assistance is directed towards impactful initiatives that align with their mission.

The Caesars Foundation supports community-focused organizations through monetary and in-kind donations, prioritizing strategic areas like social equity, climate action, and mental health. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized nonprofits and educational institutions operating within the U.S. Requests must align with these focus areas to enhance community impact. Organizations that discriminate or operate outside the U.S. are ineligible. By fostering collaboration, the foundation aims to uplift vulnerable populations and promote sustainable practices.

The Lilly Endowment Community Development Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Indianapolis and across Indiana, supporting initiatives that foster strong neighborhoods, arts, and human services. With a focus on charitable entities, the Endowment prioritizes projects that address societal challenges, especially for communities of color. Organizations interested in funding must submit a preliminary letter detailing their project and funding needs, adhering to guidelines that emphasize local community impact.

The SpartanNash Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on Hunger, Heroes, and Hope. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located within a 30-mile radius of SpartanNash facilities. The Foundation ensures that every dollar raised directly benefits partner organizations, with a commitment to community impact. Grants are not available for ineligible entities, including those outside the radius or not aligned with the Foundation's mission. Since its inception in 2015, the Foundation has positively influenced local communities.

The Emerging Leaders Fellowship, offered by The Mind Trust, is a transformative three-year program designed for educators in Indianapolis. It focuses on enhancing their leadership skills through personalized coaching, community engagement, and professional development. Participants receive a $30,000 stipend, engage in cohort-based experiences, and have opportunities to learn from leading educational experts. This fellowship is ideal for those in key educational roles who are committed to making a lasting impact in their communities.

The Central Indiana Senior Fund Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for low-to-moderate-income seniors in Central Indiana. Established in 2005, the fund has contributed over $12.3 million to support various senior-focused programs. With an emphasis on basic needs, health and wellness, and life-affirming opportunities, the fund strives to address the unique challenges faced by underserved seniors, ensuring they have access to essential resources and services.

FORUM Credit Union Sponsorship is dedicated to enhancing community welfare through its cooperative financial services. The organization prioritizes member benefits, offering lower interest rates and higher savings. Committed to community support, FORUM also provides grants and scholarships via the FORUM Foundation. They invite partnership proposals, focusing on events that align with their mission. Sponsorship requests should include event details, audience demographics, and sponsorship levels. FORUM maintains a policy against political and religious sponsorships.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

The Jean Griswold Foundation

The Jean Griswold Foundation (JGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Caregivers through educational opportunities and scholarships. 

Our Mission

The mission of the Jean Griswold Foundation is to support Caregivers by providing educational scholarships* to enable them to further their training, enhance their careers, and better assist the clients they serve.

By offering educational scholarships*, our Foundation will not only make a positive impact on the Caregivers themselves, but also the clients they assist and the home healthcare agencies where they are employed, as well as help advance the overarching home-care industry.

Scholarships will be paid directly to the federally accredited educational institutions of the winning Scholars’ choosing.

Empowering Caregivers Through Education

The Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving Caregivers who wish to further their education in a care-related field. Applicants do not have to be associated with Griswold in any way, and the funds will be paid directly to the institution where the caregiver will be receiving education.  

Our Winter 2026 Scholarship Application period is now open! Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm ET August 31, 2026. Join our email list to get the first notice of all Scholarship happenings.  

Where would we be without Caregivers? 

Their selflessness is astounding, yet they are often overlooked and underappreciated. 

The Jean Griswold Foundation is dedicated to supporting Caregivers, the backbone of the care industry. We provide educational scholarships so Care Professionals can further their training, enhance their skills, elevate their careers, and better assist the people they serve.

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.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

The Stantec Community Engagement Grant is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in communities where Stantec operates. Focused on arts, education, environment, and health and wellness, the grant supports initiatives that foster sustainable development and responsible practices. Organizations seeking funding must align with Stantec's values, emphasizing ethical practices and community impact. Preference is given to projects located near Stantec offices, ensuring a more significant local impact through their contributions.

The Erie Insurance Giving Network Grant supports organizations focused on community building, safety, and environmental responsibility. Grants under $10,000 can be submitted at any time, while larger requests follow specific deadlines. Priority is given to organizations with community representation in their governing bodies. Eligible entities include nonprofit organizations, accredited educational institutions, and municipalities. The initiative emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion, aligning with ERIE's corporate values.

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.

The Henry A. and Ruby Ernstes Family Scholarship, managed by the Decatur County Community Foundation, aims to support graduating seniors from Decatur County who plan to attend Marian University, with a preference for nursing majors. This scholarship encourages students to pursue their educational goals while easing financial burdens. It exemplifies the foundation's mission to inspire community generosity and foster impactful charitable giving.

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 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.

Citizens Energy Group Philanthropic Partnerships aims to support organizations that provide significant value to the community while aligning with environmental, business, and community sustainability goals. The funding prioritizes projects that address critical areas such as basic human needs, education, inclusion, environmental conservation, economic development, and cultural institutions. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving the Greater Indianapolis area, committed to non-discrimination, and have a history of impactful community contributions.

Dr. Leslie M. Baker Memorial Scholarship

The Dr. Leslie M. Baker Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by Dr. Steven Gerke and the family of the late Dr. Baker to help students seeking a doctorate in medicine. Dr. Gerke received financial support for his education from Dr. Baker and was surprised when he later learned that Dr. Baker helped a number of other students in the same way. Dr. Gerke and the family of the late Dr. Baker were so moved by Dr. Baker’s philanthropy that they established the memorial scholarship in his honor.

Scholarship Amount:

• One Scholarship up to $1,000

Clinical Laboratory Science Investigator Award

Clinical laboratory science is a critical component of the research capabilities required for effective drug and diagnostic development. As pathologists enable the next wave of medical innovation, it is important that the future generation understand the challenges and opportunities of applying principles of laboratory medicine practice within the industry.

The Clinical Laboratory Science Investigator Award—sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company—seeks to provide a four-week onsite training opportunity at Lilly’s Clinical Diagnostics Laboratory in Indianapolis for pathology residents to participate in research projects focused on improving the discovery, quality, and delivery of novel biomarker assays for use in clinical studies.

Award features the opportunity for recipients to:

• gain exposure to the clinical trial ecosystem
• achieve a greater understanding of and exposure to advanced analytical techniques
• heighten their understanding of the impact pathologists can make on medical innovation
• engage in a project based on individual interests (eg, clinical chemistry, anatomic pathology, or molecular diagnostics)
• interact with a diverse group of Lilly professionals within the Clinical Diagnostics Laboratory
• obtain a broader perspective on available career pathways

Funding up to $5,000 is available to support travel and living expenses during the four-week training period. Awardees and/or their institutions should expect to cover any travel costs that exceed the amount awarded.

FOCUS

Four-week onsite training for pathology residents to participate in research projects improving the discovery, quality, and delivery of novel biomarker assays for use in clinical studies

Honda’s Community Event Sponsorship aims to support local, regional, and national events that enhance community engagement and celebrate diverse cultures. Organizations must be U.S.-based and tax-exempt, focusing on projects that serve communities where Honda associates are active. Eligible events include parades, festivals, and educational initiatives. Honda evaluates requests based on community needs and available funding, reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility and community enhancement.

The Neighborhood Builders Program, supported by Bank of America, empowers 501(c)(3) nonprofits through a two-year leadership development initiative. Participants receive funding, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact in communities. Since its inception, the program has invested over $346 million, training more than 4,000 leaders. The initiative focuses on advancing social mobility and economic opportunities, ensuring affordable housing, and fostering resilient communities. This program is vital for nonprofits aiming to strengthen their leadership and community engagement.

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 Zondor Family Scholarship, established by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from Crown Point with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who are accepted at Butler University or DePauw University. This non-renewable scholarship aims to enrich the quality of life in South Lake County by providing financial assistance for community needs. Award recipients are invited to a special Scholarship Awards Night on May 7, 2026.

The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust focuses on supporting nonprofits in Arizona and Indiana through invitation-only grants. The Trust funds initiatives that help people in need, protect animals and nature, and enrich community life, emphasizing self-sufficiency, crisis intervention, and education. Grants are available for programs that enhance civic vibrancy, promote environmental awareness, and provide essential services to vulnerable populations. Organizations must align with the Trust's priorities and geographic areas to be eligible for funding.