Best St. Joseph County Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

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 Stanley A. and Flora P. Clark Memorial Community Trust Foundation Grant supports charitable initiatives in South Bend and St. Joseph County, Indiana. Established in 1964 to honor Dr. Stanley Clark and his wife Flora, the foundation emphasizes arts, education, health, and human services among its program areas. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) exempt and serve the local community. The foundation continues their legacy of philanthropy and community service.

The Milton Charitable Trust Foundation Grant aims to support senior housing needs in South Bend, Indiana, promoting health, dignity, independence, and quality of life for the aging population. Established by Robert P. and Clara I. Milton, the foundation continues their legacy by providing annual grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and focus on enhancing the lives of seniors in the community.

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.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

The 1st Source Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in communities by supporting established 501(c)(3) organizations. Focused on social welfare, education, arts, and economic development, the foundation emphasizes partnerships with successful nonprofits to maximize impact. Applicants must provide financial documentation, including a recent 990 form. The foundation prioritizes proven organizations over new ones, seeking to ensure effective resource utilization and community benefit through collaborative efforts.

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 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 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 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.

The Muessel-Ellison Memorial Trust Foundation, established in 1959 by Netta Muessel Ellison, aims to support charitable purposes benefiting South Bend and St. Joseph County, Indiana. The foundation focuses on areas such as arts, education, health, and human services. Organizations seeking funding must be 501(c)(3) exempt and operate within the specified geographic region. Through its efforts, the foundation honors the legacy of the Muessel and Ellison families, promoting community well-being and civic engagement.

Mobile Beacon's Connect for Success program addresses the digital divide by providing schools with essential technology resources. This initiative offers up to 25 laptops and 4G devices with 12 months of complimentary high-speed internet service. By targeting students and communities facing digital inequities, the program ensures that all students can complete homework and access educational content from home. With ongoing support options available post-grant, Mobile Beacon is committed to fostering equitable learning environments and empowering educators to enhance digital inclusion.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

The Old National Bank Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations for community impact initiatives across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Focused on four key areas—Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Financial Empowerment—the foundation prioritizes programs that support underrepresented communities. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the foundation’s funding priorities to qualify for grants, which can be applied for every two years.

The NOAA Great Lakes Fish Habitat Restoration Partnership Grants aim to support habitat restoration projects to enhance coastal habitats and promote the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. These grants will focus on projects that align with GLRI goals, particularly in addressing toxic substances and restoring habitats for native fish species affected by degradation. Proposals will be evaluated based on their contribution to environmental priorities set by Lake Committees, ensuring sustainable fish populations in the Great Lakes.

The Great Lakes Protection Fund Grant aims to support projects that deliver significant ecological improvements to the Great Lakes region. The Fund seeks transformative initiatives that involve collaboration among diverse stakeholders and rely on scientific rigor. Eligible applicants include non-profits, universities, and businesses, and the projects must demonstrate a positive environmental impact on the Great Lakes ecosystem. Importantly, the Fund does not support advocacy or compliance-related activities.

The Awesome Foundation offers Local Chapter Grants of $1000 to individuals and groups for innovative projects that enhance community engagement. Each chapter operates independently, focusing on unique interpretations of 'awesome' across various fields such as arts and technology. Grants are awarded monthly, emphasizing no-strings-attached support. This initiative encourages creativity and experimentation, aiming to inspire and delight communities worldwide. For more details, applicants can explore individual chapter preferences and restrictions through the foundation's website.

The Steel Dynamics Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community quality of life and local economies by supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Priorities include higher education, economic development, and human services, particularly in communities where Steel Dynamics operates. Grants are awarded based on community impact, employee involvement, and organizational integrity. Applicants must demonstrate a strong ethical track record and effective community engagement to qualify for funding opportunities.

The ArtsEverywhere Grants, funded by the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, aim to enrich local arts and culture through substantial support for innovative projects. With a focus on capacity building, the initiative encourages organizations to enhance their effectiveness and community engagement. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for various programs, fostering collaboration and sustainability. By investing in local talent and artistic quality, the program seeks to inspire community pride and ensure lasting contributions to the cultural landscape.

The Senior Living Initiative Grant Program aims to enhance the well-being of seniors in St. Joseph County by funding essential services and housing initiatives. This program focuses on fostering independence, safety, and community engagement, prioritizing vulnerable seniors in need. Grants will support innovative ideas and effective resource use to address current and future needs in senior care, making St. Joseph County a leader in meeting its aging population's demands.

The Large Collaborative Grant RFA, sponsored by the Executive Associate Dean for Research at Indiana University School of Medicine, aims to support large, interdisciplinary grants. Open to full-time faculty, it encourages collaboration and innovative research. Up to $75,000 is available per application, with a requirement for matching funds. This initiative seeks to enhance research capabilities and advance the goals of IUSM through collaborative efforts.

The Pokagon Fund, established through a 2000 agreement, supports communities near Band Trust Lands by providing strategic grants aimed at reducing poverty, enhancing education, and promoting community vitality. With over $23 million awarded, the Fund focuses on initiatives that foster local development, including substantial educational support and assistance for food-insecure families. By investing in these communities, the Fund aims to create a thriving environment for residents of Hartford, Dowagiac, and South Bend.

ATI Physical Therapy is dedicated to enhancing community health and wellness through its sponsorship and donation initiatives. With a mission to exceed customer expectations, ATI actively engages in philanthropic efforts that improve lives and promote quality care beyond clinic walls. They encourage requests for support while emphasizing a review process that ensures timely responses. Partnering with local organizations, ATI aims to elevate awareness of health and wellness, impacting thousands of lives each year.

About Us

The Indiana Clinical & Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI) has been at the forefront of translational research since 2008. From the lab bench to clinical trials and beyond, we help researchers move their scientific findings through the development pipeline.

Our Mission & Vision

Our mission is to bring together Indiana’s brightest minds to solve the state’s most pressing health challenges. We envision Indiana as one of the nation’s healthiest states.

RFA- Research Project Development Teams: Project Refinement ( first external submissions)

Research Project Development Teams (PDTs) are groups of experienced senior faculty located on each of the Indiana CTSI campuses who will connect you with resources, collaboration opportunities, and small (typically up to $15,000) awards for preliminary or additional data. Each PDT is designed around a common research theme.

There are biostatisticians and regulatory experts on each team, and other experts are added, as needed, to the team to when your application is discussed. You will have access to the expertise and knowledge you need all in one place.

The PDT application process is contingent on the stage of the project. You have selected the application process for pilot funding from the PDTs for a first time external submission. If you are seeking pilot funding prior to an external resubmission please use Research Project Development Teams (PDTs): Project Revision

The Harvey R. and Doris Klockow Foundation, established in 1978, aims to benefit the South Bend community and St. Joseph County in Indiana. It supports organizations that are exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and prioritizes projects promoting public welfare, education, and the arts. Notable preferences include initiatives that enhance community engagement and requests from St. Paul's Memorial United Methodist Church. This foundation honors the legacy of its founders, Doris and Harvey Klockow.

The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation is dedicated to fostering a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem and a vibrant Southeast Michigan community. Since its inception, it has invested over $180 million in environmental, cultural, and educational initiatives. As it transitions to spend down its assets by 2034, the Foundation aims to make bold, impactful investments that address urgent community needs and promote sustainable development.