Best Noble County Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

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.

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.

The Smith Scholarship Fund, established by the Noble County Community Foundation, offers a renewable scholarship of $3,000 per year for four years to three East Noble High School seniors in the top 50% of their class. Eligible students must pursue degrees in teaching, accounting, or exercise science, maintain a 3.00 GPA, and submit necessary documentation for continued funding. This initiative aims to empower students and enhance educational opportunities in Noble County.

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.

About The James Foundation

Mission Statement

The James Foundation believes that education is a lifelong journey and learning experiences should be made available to all. Through education, quality of life will be enriched; strengthening both families and community.

The James Foundation’s Mission

The James Foundation believes that education is a lifelong journey and learning experiences should be made available to all. Through education, quality of life will be enriched; strengthening both families and community.

Grant Giving Focus:

The James Foundation strives to create change, enhance quality of life, and provide opportunities to individuals to thrive by focusing on the following funding priorities:

• Educational Impact and Innovation
• Arts and Culture

The James Foundation is continually testing new ideas and pushing boundaries of the current concept of operations, searching for new grant opportunities to be funded that explore thought provoking and motivation projects with benevolent intent.

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.

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.

The Ardelle and Theresa Glaze Foundation Grants support nonprofits that align with five key focus areas: The Arts, Community Empowerment, Conservation, Education, and Urban Design. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations that improve education, strengthen communities, promote the arts, and advocate for environmental stewardship. Grants are available exclusively to 501(c)(3) organizations, and unsolicited proposals are not accepted. The foundation emphasizes measurable outcomes and strong leadership in the nonprofits it supports.

The P.U.L.S.E. of Noble County Grants support local educators and non-profits with funding up to $1000 for programs and projects that align with its mission of promoting education and service. This initiative encourages community engagement and aims to enhance the learning experiences of youth in Noble County. Eligible applicants include K-12 school personnel from both public and private institutions, fostering a collaborative environment for impactful educational opportunities.

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 Community Impact Grant for Senior Issues & Human Services, provided by the Noble County Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in Noble County. This grant supports innovative projects addressing pressing community needs, particularly for seniors. Eligible nonprofits can apply to receive funding for creative initiatives that align with the foundation's mission to foster lasting positive change in 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 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.

The F26AS00083 Aquatic Invasive Species Grants are part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for Fiscal Year 2026. These grants, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support state-level management plans to combat aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes region. Eligible applicants include Great Lakes states and their designees, with funding awarded through a competitive selection process.

The Bayer Fund: Food & Nutrition Grant supports high-quality programs that combat malnutrition and improve access to nutritious foods, particularly for underserved communities and families with young children. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government units. The fund prioritizes long-term behavioral change towards healthy eating and nutrition, with grants typically not exceeding 25% of an organization's operating budget. International requests start at $25,000, fostering sustainable food security and education initiatives.

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.

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.

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 - State (NSGP-S)

NSGP-S funds nonprofit organizations located outside of a FY 2025 Designated highrisk urban area. Under NSGP-S, each state will receive an allocation for nonprofit organizations in the state located outside of FY 2025 Designated high-risk urban areas.

NSGP-S: Nonprofit organization must be located outside of Marion and Hamilton counties.

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.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Noble County, Indiana serving children and adults with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities can apply for WindSwell Foundation’s Traditional Grants to support programs, operations, or capital needs. Eligible projects must advance priorities such as education and employment, early diagnosis and system navigation, transportation, housing, or social enrichment in northeast Indiana.

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?”

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

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.

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.

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.

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.   

The Leaman, Pauline (McClish) Scholarship Fund, established by Will Leaman in memory of his wife, aims to support West Noble High School seniors pursuing education, especially in math. With a one-time award of $1000, this fund highlights the Community Foundation of Noble County's commitment to enhancing local education and fostering future teachers. It embodies the foundation's mission to drive positive change and improve the quality of life in Noble County through philanthropic efforts.