Best Noble County Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

About Us

Our Mission

To improve the quality of life in Noble County by serving as catalyst for positive change, enabling donors to carry out charitable intent, and making grants.

Community Impact Fund

The purpose of this fund is to be used for grantmaking through grant requests submitted to the community foundation.

Donor Story

This fund was established in 1993 by the then board of directors of the Community Foundation of Noble County. The Community Impact Fund holds the unrestricted dollars used by the Community Foundation of Noble County Grants Committee to support programs and charitable efforts in our county.

Community Impact Grant

Current grant cycles focus on three priority areas. The first cycle, with a deadline of March 2, focuses on senior issues and human services. The second cycle, with a deadline of July 2, focuses on childcare and education. The final cycle, with a deadline of November 2, focuses on economic development and other charitable services. These categories allow for a wide range of project types that align with the foundation’s mission of improving quality of life in Noble County.

The P.U.L.S.E. of Noble County Grants aim to support nonprofit organizations in enhancing educational and service-related programs for the youth of Noble County. Grants up to $1,000 are available for projects that align with the mission of fostering lifelong service and education. Applicants must submit a detailed proposal, budget, and IRS Tax Determination Letter. Successful recipients will need to fulfill reporting requirements to maintain eligibility for future grants.

Nonprofit organizations providing high-quality early childhood education and school readiness programs can apply for PNC Foundation’s Grow Up Great funding, including in Noble County, Indiana. Grants support initiatives for children birth to age five focused on vocabulary, social-emotional learning, math, science, the arts, and related family and teacher engagement.

About Us

Near the sunset of a full career filled with hard work, perseverance, and many successes, Don Wood founded the 80/20 Foundation Trust in 2018, which was later renamed the Don Wood Foundation. Don built his life and career on a simple but powerful belief: opportunity should not be limited to one path. 

Don recognized the immense value of industrial trades, advanced manufacturing, innovation, having an entrepreneurial mindset, and leadership skills. He believed individuals should have access to the tools, credentials, and real-world training necessary to build meaningful careers and provide for their families and the community. He saw his Foundation as a vehicle to get there.

Opening Pathways

Young people thrive when they are given meaningful opportunities to do, lead, and imagine what’s possible. The Don Wood Foundation awards grants for programs that prioritize early and frequent opportunities for young people to:

• Explore STEAM through doing, not just observing
• Build foundational leadership skills and an entrepreneurial mindset alongside technical curiosity, building their capability for adaptability, problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork                                                                                     
• Explore and navigate career pathways, so more students can see themselves in high-skill, high-wage technical careers

When every student in northeast Indiana has access to hands-on STEAM experiences and can connect learning to real careers in their communities, they develop the leadership skills and entrepreneurial mindset needed to power Next-Gen Manufacturing—today and tomorrow.

Engaging Youth Grant Program

Through the Engaging Youth Grant Program, the Don Wood Foundation supports programs and initiatives that: 

• Engage youth in STEAM and career exploration experiences that help them imagine future possibilities
• Provide early, frequent, and hands-on learning experiences that engage students as active participants, not passive observers
• Build foundational skills and mindsets, including curiosity, confidence, creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, persistence, and a growth mindset
• Offer progressive experiences that deepen over time as youth grow
• Expand access to opportunity by reducing barriers to participation 

​We are particularly interested in programs that center student voice and agency, are developmentally appropriate, and are delivered in partnership with schools, educators, and community organizations.   

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 Empowering Manufacturing Grant Program, initiated by the Don Wood Foundation, aims to enhance northeast Indiana's manufacturing ecosystem by engaging nonprofit-led initiatives that collaborate with manufacturers. This program focuses on enabling young people to explore STEAM fields, develop leadership skills, and navigate career pathways. By providing essential resources and fostering partnerships, the program seeks to create sustainable workforce systems and promote innovation in the manufacturing sector, ensuring a robust future for the industry.

The Developing Talent Grant Program, established by the Don Wood Foundation, aims to empower young individuals in northeast Indiana by enhancing access to high-quality STEAM education and career pathways. By fostering partnerships among schools, nonprofits, and industry, the program promotes experiential learning and essential skills like leadership and adaptability. This initiative not only equips students with the necessary tools for future success but also strengthens the local workforce, ensuring a sustainable impact on the community.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations serving residents of Noble County, Indiana can seek support for community and human services projects that address local needs. With a mission to strengthen community life, Noble County Community Foundation provides flexible funding for initiatives that encourage collaboration, volunteerism, prevention, and long-term self-sufficiency, including work connected to St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ligonier.

The AWS Foundation Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, offers financial assistance to licensed special education teachers in Northeast Indiana. This program aims to support educators seeking additional special education certifications while fostering organizational excellence as part of the Let’s Rise! Vision Plan. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in accredited continuing education programs at colleges or universities, enhancing their qualifications to better serve students with special needs.

The NCCF: Hagen Family Advised Fund Grant, established by the Rex Hagen Foundation in 1998, supports nonprofit organizations in Noble County. The Community Foundation of Noble County seeks innovative projects that enhance community life. Applications are due on March 2, July 2, and November 2, with awards announced 60 days later. Preference is given to proposals that address unmet needs and have sustainable support. This grant exemplifies a commitment to positive change in the community.

Community Impact Grant - Economic Development & Other Charitable Services

The purpose of this fund is to be used for grantmaking through grant requests submitted to the community foundation. The Community Impact Grants come directly from this fund.

This fund was established in 1993 by the then board of directors of the Noble County Community Foundation. The Community Impact Fund holds the unrestricted dollars used by the Noble County Community Foundation Grants Committee to support programs and charitable efforts in our county.

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Noble County, Indiana can seek funding for social services, education, arts and culture, and community and economic development projects. With a mission to strengthen community life, 1 St Source Foundation provides support to proven organizations that demonstrate measurable impact and serve broad segments of the communities it serves.

Noble County, Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits running financial literacy, education, or health and wellness programs can apply for grants up to US $7,500 to support specific initiatives. Grants from 3 Rivers Credit Union Foundation help local organizations serving counties in its service area, with at least 80% of requested funds remaining in the community.

The Celebrate Community Fund Grant, managed by the Noble County Community Foundation, aims to enhance cultural awareness and understanding in Noble County. Established in 2001, this fund supports programs that celebrate diverse ethnic heritages, including educational initiatives and community events. It encourages local organizations to apply for grants that foster cultural enrichment, thereby benefiting the community. By engaging in these activities, the fund plays a vital role in promoting inclusivity and appreciation of different cultures within the region.

The Lloyd Ness Family Fund Grant, established by the children of Lloyd Ness in 2019, supports charitable initiatives in Noble and Whitley Counties focusing on education, agriculture, and youth leadership. The Community Foundation of Noble County, a 501(c)(3) public charity, aims to enhance community welfare through effective philanthropic giving. Applications are due July 2, with awards announced 60 days later, encouraging local organizations to foster growth and leadership in these vital areas.

The Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site Field of Interest Fund Grant, managed by the Noble County Community Foundation, supports projects that enhance and preserve the historic site in Rome City, Indiana. Eligible projects include maintaining the Fishing Line Trail and funding transportation costs for school field trips. The fund prioritizes restoration efforts in the formal gardens and beautification projects, fostering community engagement and ensuring accessibility to this culturally significant site.

The AWS Foundation Accessible Communities Fund Grant supports inclusive programs for individuals with disabilities in Noble County. Organizations can apply for grants up to $10,000 to create impactful projects that promote self-determination and integration. The Community Foundation of Noble County emphasizes collaboration and community involvement to address local needs and enhance quality of life. This initiative aligns with their mission to foster positive change and empowerment for all residents.

Central Noble High School seniors pursuing careers in education with at least a 3.20 GPA and community involvement can receive a one-time US $1,500 award in Noble County, Indiana. Noble County Community Foundation offers this scholarship, which may benefit local education-focused nonprofits partnering with eligible students.

Ellenbecker, Oliver and Eleanor Scholarship Medical Profession Fund

For four Noble County High School seniors (one awarded to a Central Noble High School senior, one awarded to an East Noble High School senior, one awarded to an Oak Farm Montessori School senior, one awarded to a West Noble High School senior). Awards one time to an applicant who will continue their education at an accredited college or university, for a degree in nursing or other medical studies.

Fields of study include:

• nursing,
• medical,
• pharmacy,
• pharmacy fields,
• medicine,
• dental field 
• optometrist.

Art and Jeanne Howard

Art was born and raised on a dairy farm in Dundee, Illinois. His father was a well-known herder of Holstein cattle. Jeanne was raised on a farm near Burket and Claypool, Indiana. Art graduated from Dundee Community High School and Jeanne graduated from Burket High School. Art and Jeanne were introduced by friends and were married in Claypool in 1951. The Howard’s have two daughters – Anena Rolofson and Diane Stebbe, and have four beautiful grandchildren – Lee Rolofson, Blake, Claire, and Brynn Stebbe.

Howard, Art and Jeanne 4-H Scholarship Fund

For two (2) high school seniors residing in Noble County who have excelled in 4-H and excelled academically and who will pursue any sort of post-secondary education, full-time or part-time. FOR TUITION ONLY. Students also need to complete the 4-H record of achievement in this application. (DA-2). Essay question required on application: “What has participation in 4-H meant to you and how has it affected decisions and goals for your future?”

Shumaker, Nathan Memorial Scholarship Fund

For a student from Noble County in the second or subsequent year of college (post high-school) education who received some or all of K-12 schooling through home school or a Christian School.

Nonprofit organizations connected to the Cole Center Family YMCA in Noble County, Indiana can receive support for youth development, child care, education, recreation, and healthy living programs. With a mission to strengthen community well-being, Noble County Community Foundation provides this restricted fund to sustain YMCA facilities, programs, events, and services.

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.

High school seniors at East Noble High School in Noble County, Indiana who have advanced philanthropy and community charity can receive approximately US $800 for college expenses through a one-time scholarship. Focused on academic scholarship and volunteerism, Noble County Community Foundation invites students to reflect on their humanitarian efforts in a required essay.

Noble County, Indiana elementary schools and related educational organizations can receive funding to teach chess and support student participation in chess competitions. Noble County Community Foundation provides local education programs with resources to start or expand chess instruction and tournaments for elementary students across the county.

The Duesler, Charles and Bernard Scholarship Fund offers a $2,000 scholarship for Central Noble High School seniors or graduates planning to attend Purdue University in the fall. Preference is given to students entering agriculture, consumer and health services, veterinary, nursing, or pharmacy fields. Established by Charles Duesler to honor his brother Bernard and provide support to the community that nurtured his growth, this scholarship aims to assist deserving students in their educational pursuits.

The Prickett, Hal Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Noble County Community Foundation, awards $1,000 to West Noble High School seniors and graduates pursuing full-time studies at accredited colleges or technical schools for the 2024-25 academic year. This fund aims to support students who have demonstrated a commitment to community service, fostering educational opportunities and encouraging civic engagement among local youth.