Best Noble County Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

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 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.

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.

The Great Lakes Fisheries Trust offers grants for ecological and biological research aimed at enhancing ecosystem health and sustainable fish populations. These grants support competitive fisheries research, focusing on resilience, sustainability, and stakeholder value. The next funding cycle will open with a request for proposals in late 2026 for the 2027 program year, promoting innovative research and capacity-building efforts within the fisheries sector.

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 Habitat Protection and Restoration grant by the Great Lakes Fisheries Trust aims to fund projects that protect and restore vital fish habitats in the Great Lakes region. Priorities include enhancing fish passage, supporting sustainable reproduction, and utilizing decision-support tools for project identification. Eligible applicants include non-profits and governmental organizations, focusing on projects within the Lake Michigan basin. This grant emphasizes community support and long-term management, ensuring impactful conservation efforts.

The Freedom Academy – Noble County Endowment Fund, supported by the Noble County Community Foundation, empowers lifelong learning and workforce development in Noble County. This fund provides vital financial assistance to nonprofit organizations that offer educational opportunities, ensuring accessibility for residents across multiple counties. Through collaborative efforts and a focus on sustainable projects, the fund enhances community education, addressing skill gaps and fostering long-term personal and professional growth.

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.

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 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.

The Community State Bank Neighborly Fund supports charitable endeavors that benefit the people of Noble County. Established in 2002, it focuses on addressing local needs through grants in various sectors, including health, education, and civic affairs. The fund exemplifies community commitment, with initiatives like Relay for Life and the Local Christmas Bureau, which aids families in need. Through philanthropy and engagement, the fund enhances the quality of life in the region.

The Michigan Botanical Foundation Grant supports research and educational initiatives that enhance the understanding and preservation of Michigan's flora. Grants are available for projects involving rare species, environmental awareness, and educational programs. The foundation welcomes applications from individuals and organizations that align with its goals. Grant amounts typically range from $100 to $1,500, with preference given to projects based in Michigan or the Great Lakes region. Funding decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

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

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations advancing early childhood education or community and economic development may be eligible for PNC Foundation’s Foundation Grant, including those serving Noble County, Indiana. Funding can support early learning programs, educator development, family engagement, affordable housing, small business support, community services, arts and culture, and neighborhood revitalization in PNC presence communities.

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 Bottomley, Peter R. Scholarship Fund, managed by the Noble County Community Foundation, offers a scholarship to an East Noble High School senior who has participated in the school band for four years and is pursuing a four-year degree in instrumental music education or performance. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00. This initiative aims to support aspiring musicians in their educational journey and further enrich the community's cultural landscape.

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.

The Lutheran Foundation offers Community Grants to support whole-person health initiatives in northeast Indiana. Eligible organizations can apply for a minimum of $5,000 to address focus areas such as mental health awareness, early screening, and access to care for the uninsured. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance community resilience and well-being. Organizations must be located in specific counties and hold 501(c)(3) status. Applications are limited to one per year per organization, ensuring focused impact.

The Great Lakes Foundation Grant supports projects aimed at preserving wilderness areas and promoting marine safety in the Great Lakes region. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the foundation has awarded over $318,212 since its inception in 1993. Grants have funded various initiatives, including breakwater construction and academic research, to enhance appreciation and safety of the marine environment for both members and the general public.

Environmental nonprofits and community organizations working on Great Lakes ecosystem health in Noble County, Indiana can access funding through the Erb Family Foundation. Grants of more than US $10,000 support watershed and freshwater conservation, climate resilience, environmental justice, and policy efforts that build community leadership and strengthen organizational capacity across the Great Lakes region.

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.

The English, Bonter, Mitchell Foundation Grant honors Dr. Calvin English, the first medical director of the Lincoln National Life Insurance Company. This private foundation primarily supports operating, programming, and multi-year capital campaigns in Northeast Indiana. The Distribution Committee convenes biannually to review proposals and allocate resources, ensuring impactful contributions to the community.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust offers grants aimed at enhancing the lives of animals in the Ohio/Great Lakes region. It prioritizes projects that foster animal adoption, behavior training, and humane education. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and demonstrate a commitment to animal welfare. The Trust seeks innovative, collaborative initiatives that significantly improve the well-being of animals, particularly in underserved communities, ensuring a high quality of life for both individual animals and larger populations.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust Grants focus on enhancing the quality of life for companion animals and native wildlife. This private foundation supports innovative projects that go beyond basic care, ensuring the well-being of homeless and abused animals. Eligible organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status and be located in specific states, including Ohio and parts of Indiana and Michigan. The Trust emphasizes humane treatment and sustainable funding for animal welfare initiatives.