Best Noble County Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

Lutheran schools seeking to grow their endowments in Noble County, Indiana can apply for support, with awards starting at more than US $1,500. Lutheran Foundation supports Lutheranism in northeast Indiana by offering annual Lutheran School Support Grants to member schools located in its 10-county service area, including Noble County.

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.

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.

Noble County, Indiana environmental and water-focused organizations can access funding through the Great Lakes Protection Fund for collaborative projects that measurably improve the Great Lakes ecosystem. Eligible teams may include nonprofits, universities, government agencies, businesses, and individuals, as long as proposed work delivers scientifically grounded, action-oriented, regionally significant freshwater and pollution solutions benefiting the basin.

The Cole Center Family YMCA Capital Fund aims to enhance community well-being by providing essential support for capital projects and repairs at the Cole Center YMCA facilities. Established in 1997, the fund reflects the YMCA's commitment to serve individuals of all backgrounds, promoting healthy living through diverse programs that foster community engagement and inclusivity. By leveraging generous donations, the fund plays a vital role in ensuring the YMCA can continue its mission of positive change in Noble County.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?”

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.

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.

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.

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 Dow Promise Grant empowers communities by addressing the unique barriers faced by Black youth and adults in the U.S. This program provides grants up to $10,000 for initiatives that promote social, economic, and environmental advancements. Since its inception in 2000, the Dow Promise Program has been committed to fostering equitable opportunities and positive social change, ultimately contributing to long-term community success and a brighter future for all.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving people with disabilities in Noble County, Indiana can apply for WindSwell Foundation’s Mighty Money Mini Grants, awarding up to US $5,000 for programs, capital needs, or operations. Focused on intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities, these simple, always-open grants support big ideas with decisions typically made within 30 days.

Nonprofit organizations and groups with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor in Noble County, Indiana can seek funding to support early childhood, middle childhood, adolescent, and community development that fosters youth self-sufficiency. With a mission to nurture economic freedom for young people, Dekko Foundation provides flexible support for programs serving children from birth through age 18.

Lutheran schools providing counseling and mental health support for students and families in Noble County, Indiana and surrounding northeast Indiana counties can apply for Lutheran School Grants of more than US $1,500. Focused on Lutheran education, Lutheran Foundation invites its 18 eligible member-associated schools, including Concordia Lutheran High School and The Lutheran Schools Partnership, to strengthen mental wellness services.

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.

Member Lutheran congregations and schools in Noble County, Indiana and the surrounding 10-county region can apply for more than US $1,500 to support ministry needs. Focus areas include leadership development, vision and strategy, and caring for the church and community. Collaboration among congregations and schools is encouraged but not required.

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.

Focused on habitat and fish conservation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration invites Noble County, Indiana nonprofits and agencies to apply for US $250,000 - US $30,000,000 to restore Great Lakes fish habitat. Eligible projects support Great Lakes Restoration Initiative goals, including improving degraded habitats and sustaining healthy native fish populations in the Great Lakes states.

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 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.

Noble County, Indiana high school seniors seeking academic scholarships for higher education can access funding through the Cromwell-Kimmell Lions Club Fund, administered by Noble County Community Foundation. Awards up to US $1,000 support West Noble seniors pursuing postsecondary education, which may interest local nonprofits partnering with schools or supporting college-bound youth.

The Knopp, Cathy S. Theatrical Scholarship Fund, established by the Noble County Community Foundation, provides a one-time award of $750 to a Central Noble High School senior who will join the Honors Theatre by the end of their first semester. This initiative aims to support students pursuing further education, thereby enhancing their artistic talents and encouraging academic growth. The foundation has been committed to improving the quality of life in Noble County since 1991.

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.