Best Steuben County Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups serving children and youth in Steuben County, Indiana can seek funding for early childhood, middle childhood, adolescent, or community development initiatives. Dekko Foundation provides flexible support for programs that build young people’s skills, knowledge, character, and long-term economic freedom in eligible communities.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving people with disabilities in Steuben County, Indiana can apply for Mighty Money mini grants of up to US $5,000 to support programs, capital needs, or operations. With a mission to elevate inclusive community life, WindSwell Foundation provides simple, always-open funding for big ideas in Northeast Indiana, limited to one application per year.

Nonprofit organizations serving Steuben County, Indiana can apply for Steuben County Community Foundation’s Community Fund Grants to support local festivals, community events, and other quality-of-life projects. Eligible projects must primarily benefit Steuben County residents and fit the applicant nonprofit’s mission, with board-approved support and strong consideration for collaborative efforts addressing root causes.

Steuben County, Indiana nonprofits offering humanities programs such as performances, exhibits, multicultural experiences, workshops, or readings can access funding through Steuben County Community Foundation. Eligible projects must serve Steuben County residents, improve local quality of life, and align with the organization’s mission, with preference for collaborative efforts that address root causes.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The F.I.S.T. Grant, offered by the Steuben County Community Foundation, supports nonprofit and school projects that positively impact the youth of Steuben County. Grants of up to $2,000 are available for initiatives such as educational trips and creative projects that empower youth to give back to their community. Eligible applicants include school employees and nonprofit organizations, with the goal of inspiring the next generation of community leaders.

Nonprofits, healthcare providers, and government agencies improving substance abuse recovery services in Steuben County, Indiana can seek funding from the Steuben County Community Foundation. Eligible projects must primarily benefit Steuben County residents and improve local quality of life, with preference for collaborative efforts that address root causes and align with the applicant’s mission and board-approved plans.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

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.

Steuben County, Indiana nonprofit organizations can receive funding for education, training, and skills advancement projects serving local residents. Steuben County Community Foundation provides $500 - $25,000 grants for programs that improve quality of life, including projects led by nonprofits based outside the county when most beneficiaries live in Steuben County.

The Steuben County REMC Operation Round Up Grant supports nonprofit organizations that enhance the quality of life in Steuben County. Applications are accepted quarterly, and projects that address root causes and foster collaboration are prioritized. The fund aims to stimulate economic development while uplifting community members through philanthropic initiatives. Eligible projects must primarily benefit residents of Steuben County, and special consideration is given to those aligned with the strategic goals of established nonprofits.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

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.

Steuben County, Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children and adults with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities can access funding through WindSwell Foundation for programs, operations, and capital needs. Eligible projects must serve people with disabilities in northeast Indiana and align with priorities such as education and employment, early diagnosis and system navigation, transportation, housing, or social enrichment.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

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.

Nonprofit organizations serving Steuben County, Indiana can apply for Steuben County Community Foundation’s grants, awarding US $3,000 - US $10,000 for projects that improve local quality of life. Funding supports arts and culture, natural resource preservation, recreation facilities and access, and community development that brings residents together for collective action and relationship building.

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 True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit organizations serving Steuben County, Indiana can seek US $3,000 - US $10,000 for health and human services projects improving residents’ well-being. With a mission to strengthen local quality of life, Steuben County Community Foundation supports initiatives addressing physical and mental health, healthcare access, basic human needs like hunger or homelessness, and prevention-focused social services.

Steuben County, Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits creating community services projects can access funding through Steuben County Community Foundation’s Impact Grants to launch innovative, collaborative, and sustainable initiatives. Organizations, including those headquartered outside the county with a local partner, must provide a 25% local monetary match and plan for funding beyond the three-year grant period.