Best Grants for Museums in Indiana

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

The Great Lakes Federal Grant Navigation Program offers free assistance to local governments in accessing critical federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This program aims to simplify the grant application process, especially for smaller municipalities, by providing one-on-one support and facilitating collaboration among cohort members. By participating, cities can maximize the impact of federal dollars and strengthen their communities in the wake of economic challenges.

The Gordon J. Barnett Memorial Foundation, established in 1955, supports educational initiatives in Florida, Indiana, New York, and Oklahoma. It prioritizes funding for tax-exempt organizations, including primary schools, universities, and trade schools. The foundation does not fund political campaigns or individuals. Grants are aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and preventing cruelty to children and animals, reflecting the foundation's commitment to charitable and educational purposes.

The Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship offers unique research opportunities for graduate students from member universities. Eligible candidates can conduct research at the Smithsonian in diverse fields such as anthropology, ecology, and history of science. The fellowship provides a stipend of $45,000 per year, with additional research allowances, and supports both U.S. and international students. This initiative fosters collaboration among leading academic institutions to advance knowledge and innovation.

About MCCF

Mission & Priorities

Our goal at Madison County Community Foundation is to invest in lasting positive change to elevate and strengthen Madison County. We envision Madison County as a community where every person has the opportunity to thrive. 

Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Madison County is administered by the Madison County Community Foundation.

Madison County's Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship is awarded to two students, who will be provided eight semesters of full tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of $900 per year for required books and required equipment for four years of undergraduate study on a full time basis, leading to a baccalaureate degree at any Indiana public or private college or university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

In our selection process, applications will be reviewed by a committee of community members. Reviews are completed anonymously without disclosure of student or parent identity. Each Lilly finalist who is not selected as a recipient will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Madison County Community Foundation.

The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program are:

to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana;

to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and

to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.

The Seed Grant for Research on Lottery Gambling, announced by the International Center for Responsible Gaming and the Hoosier Lottery, promotes studies focusing on responsible gambling and gambling disorders related to lottery activities. Researchers are encouraged to explore various projects, including pilot studies, preliminary research, and follow-up testing. Emphasizing the connection to Indiana, the initiative seeks to develop insights that inform responsible gambling practices and policies.

The National PLTW Administrator of the Year award recognizes exemplary leadership in education, highlighting administrators who positively impact PLTW schools or districts. One outstanding administrator will be honored for their commitment to expanding STEM access and empowering students with essential skills. The recipient will receive an engraved award, a $1,000 prize, and $2,000 in myPLTW Store credit for their school, along with travel and registration to the PLTW Summit 2026.

The Carol & Hugh Warnecke Teacher Scholarship, provided by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, supports Indiana residents pursuing a degree in secondary education. This scholarship aims to assist individuals with academic promise and financial need, particularly those making a career change into teaching. Eligible expenses include tuition, fees, and, in some cases, room and board. Applications are encouraged from those attending any accredited Indiana college or university.

The Associated General Contractors of Indiana (AGCI) Scholarship, established by AGC/I, aims to support construction students in Indiana by covering educational expenses. Eligible applicants must be Indiana residents, enrolled in construction-related programs, and have completed at least 60 credit hours. The scholarship encourages students to pursue careers in the construction industry within Indiana, emphasizing leadership and professional experience. Awards can be used for tuition, fees, and other educational costs.

The Leah M. Sundheimer Foundation Grant, established in memory of Ms. Sundheimer, supports the education, health, and rehabilitation of handicapped individuals, especially children, in Wabash County, Indiana. With an average grant size of $10,000 to $15,000 and funding two to four grants annually, the foundation plays a crucial role in enhancing community welfare through targeted programs. This initiative ensures that the legacy of generosity continues to benefit local citizens for years to come.

The Elevance Health Foundation's Behavioral Health Grant aims to address significant challenges in mental health and substance use disorders. With a commitment of up to $90 million over three years, the Foundation seeks partnerships with nonprofits to enhance treatment access, promote prevention strategies, and alleviate loneliness among affected individuals. This initiative emphasizes innovative solutions and measurable outcomes, targeting both national and local programs, particularly in states with pressing health disparities.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Cooperating Technical Partners (CTP) Program provides $41 million in funding across nine regions to enhance flood risk awareness. This initiative, led by FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program, empowers local communities to develop critical flood hazard data and maps. By strengthening local capabilities, the program promotes informed decision-making and responsible planning to mitigate flood risks effectively.

The General Days of Service Mini-Grant, offered by Serve Indiana, supports organizations in launching Day of Service projects aimed at addressing community needs. With grant amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000, applicants must demonstrate collaboration and community engagement. Funds can cover project-related expenses, but cannot be used for staffing or food. Applications are accepted year-round, provided they are submitted at least 60 days prior to the service date.

The CTPVSS/STP Student Award, established by the Society of Toxicology, aims to support students pursuing careers in Toxicologic Pathology. Awardees receive $500 from CTPVSS, complimentary STP Annual Meeting registration, a year of free student membership, and $1,500 from STP for lodging and travel to the Annual Symposium in June. Eligible applicants must be first authors of SOT-accepted abstracts that integrate pathology with various scientific approaches, enhancing understanding of toxicologic responses.

The Cancer Center American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant Competition aims to support new IU investigators with pilot projects in cancer research. Funded by the American Cancer Society, this initiative provides up to $50,000 to help early-career researchers develop preliminary data for future national funding opportunities. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or hold a valid visa, and must not have received prior ACS-IRG funding. The goal is to foster innovative research that addresses crucial health challenges.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Mini-Grant aims to empower Indiana organizations to lead impactful service projects honoring Dr. King's legacy. Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 are available to support initiatives that address community needs and promote equity through volunteerism. Eligible projects should build local connections and enhance the capacity of service programs. This initiative encourages community engagement and fosters a deeper understanding of national service.

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program aims to enhance educational attainment in Indiana by supporting talented students. This initiative provides full-tuition, fees, and book stipends for four years at accredited Indiana colleges. Eligibility requires a high school diploma from an accredited Indiana school, a minimum GPA of 3.5, and standardized test scores. With 147 scholarships awarded annually, this program fosters community engagement and encourages recipients to pursue careers in Indiana, thus improving local quality of life.

The California Casualty Music & Arts Grant supports K-12 public schools facing budget cuts that threaten their music and arts programs. Eligible applicants, who must be active employees of public K-12 schools and members of specified educator associations, can request grants of $250 for music or arts needs. This initiative aims to enhance creative education across the states, excluding AK, HI, MA, MI, NY, and WI. Applications received by July 15 will be notified by November 30.

The KeyBank Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations focused on enhancing communities through education, workforce development, and affordable housing. Founded in 1969, the Foundation prioritizes diversity, financial capability, and sustainability. Their grants aim to empower individuals for success by improving access to resources, fostering economic inclusion, and creating safe environments. By partnering with community organizations, KeyBank Foundation seeks to make a measurable impact and ensure lasting positive change for families and small businesses.

The Zollner Foundation Grant aims to support educational and charitable organizations in Fort Wayne, IN and Golden Beach, FL. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities, with preference given to local initiatives. The foundation prioritizes funding for education, health, and human services, while typically excluding liberal arts, fine arts, and certain religious organizations. Overall, the foundation seeks to enhance community well-being through targeted philanthropic efforts.

Cancer Center Community-Academic Collaborative Program Award

IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Office of Community Outreach and Engagement is inviting collaborative proposals for implementing evidence-based cancer related programs within the community. Proposals should address the cancer burden in Indiana. The program should include an evaluation component and priority will be given to projects targeting one of the major cancer burdens in Indiana, including lung, breast, colon, pancreas, prostate and cervical. We are particularly interested in initiatives that promote healthier behaviors linking to reducing cancer incidence and morbidity. Of particular interest are community-led programs that expand our reach and deepen our understanding of populations across Indiana. The project must be co-led by an Cancer Center faculty member and a community advocate or partner.

The duration of this funding is one year, and the budget should not exceed $15,000.

The James M. Cox Foundation Grant offers support to nonprofit organizations focused on conservation, early childhood education, family empowerment, and health. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and located in areas where Cox Enterprises operates. Grant applications are accepted year-round, with deadlines before Trustee meetings. Preference is given to organizations with a history of local engagement. This foundation embodies the philanthropic spirit of its founder, James M. Cox, by giving back to the community.

The Bernice Carver Scholarship of Hope, established by the family of Don and Barbara Frey, honors the legacy of Bernice Carver, a dedicated educator. This scholarship supports Whitley County seniors from Columbia City, Churubusco, or Whitko High School who have a minimum 2.2 GPA and aspire to careers in nursing, teaching, or science. Emphasizing good citizenship and a quest for knowledge, the scholarship reflects Miss Carver's admirable character and commitment to education.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Notre Dame Club of Canton, Ohio Scholarship Fund

The Notre Dame Club of Canton, Ohio Scholarship Fund assists students who attended a Stark County or Tuscarawas County high school, Dalton High School, Orrville High School or Central Christian High School in Kidron, Ohio and will attend the University of Notre Dame. 

This scholarship is renewable.

Community Foundation of Noble County

At the Community Foundation of Noble County we are passionate about making Noble County an even better place to call home. Since 1991, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Noble County to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible, as we see it as our mission to serve as a catalyst for positive change. The Community Foundation of Noble County is a public charity 501 (c) 3 entity.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Noble County offers a wide range of scholarships to support local students in achieving their academic and career aspirations. 

Noble County Retired Teachers’ Association Scholarship Fund in Memory of Deceased Teachers

For a resident of the West Noble School District who will have a high school diploma or equivalent by the end of June 2026, is or will be enrolled in a certified 1-,2-,3- or 4-year Indiana post-high school program (the award is given in alphabetical rotational distribution among the three school corporations of Noble County.) Pays $500 one-time.  

The IU Health Values Fund Grant Pilot & Feasibility Program: Education aims to advance the development of healthcare professionals through innovative educational models. By focusing on critical areas such as healthcare disparities, rural health, and behavioral health, this initiative supports the continuous training of providers. The Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI) leads this effort to ensure that the workforce is equipped to meet evolving healthcare needs and improve patient outcomes.

Enterprise Community Partners

Enterprise Community Partners (Enterprise) is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of families without one. We support community development organizations on the ground, aggregate and invest capital for impact, advance housing policy at every level of government, and build and manage communities ourselves. Since 1982, we have invested $80.9 billion and created 1 million homes across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands – all to make home and community places of pride, power and belonging.

Midwest Asset Management University Program

Operating, maintaining, and preserving affordable housing is complex and requires a specialized set of skills and a deep organizational commitment to asset management. Today, affordable housing providers face a variety of economic, operational, and compliance challenges, including rising operating costs, rental arrears, staffing shortages, and an aging portfolio.

Enterprise is launching its first Asset Management University (AMU) Program in the Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, and/or Minnesota) in March 2026 to support mission-aligned, affordable housing providers in meeting these challenges in their efforts to provide housing stability to residents and preserve the long-term affordability of properties.

The Midwest AMU is a comprehensive, five-month training program that seeks to strengthen the asset and property management capabilities of participating housing providers, improving organizations’ capacity to oversee the financial, physical, and operational health of their housing portfolios.

Midwest Asset Management University Cohort 

Enterprise is excited to offer this application for participation in the Asset Management University (AMU) Cohort (the “Cohort”). Up to fifteen (15) eligible organizations will be selected for this Cohort and will receive access to online training offered by the Consortium of Housing and Asset Management (CHAM), peer learning opportunities, and post-training technical assistance.