Best Vanderburgh County Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and governmental agencies serving Vanderburgh County, Indiana can seek up to US $50,000 for programs or capital projects in areas like community development, education, health, human services, arts, environment, and youth development. With a mission to strengthen local initiatives, Community Foundation Alliance provides Women’s Fund grants emphasizing planning, sustainability, collaboration, and measurable impact.

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.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

Nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions expanding educational opportunities and access to learning resources in the Mid-South, including Vanderburgh County, Indiana, can apply for education-focused grants from the PGA Tour’s Positively Memphis Community Fund, with awards from US $1,000 - US $25,000. Funding supports community-strengthening education initiatives, not administrative or operating costs.

Nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions serving Vanderburgh County, Indiana and the broader Mid-South can seek US $1,000 - US $25,000 for community development and empowerment projects. PGA Tour’s Positively Memphis Community Fund supports initiatives that create positive change, with quarterly cycles prioritizing different focus areas to address evolving community needs.

Nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions in Vanderburgh County, Indiana focused on health, wellness, or sports programs can seek US $1,000 - US $25,000 to create positive community change. Focused on wellness and athletics, PGA Tour invites Mid-South organizations to apply through the Positively Memphis Community Fund’s quarterly grant cycles.

The Fifth Third Foundation in Evansville, IN, focuses on funding programs that foster community development, health services, education, and the arts. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving designated regions, such as Evansville and Chicago. The foundation prioritizes organizations with a history of recent funding. Notably, grants cannot support individuals or certain event sponsorships. This strategic approach aims to create meaningful impacts in communities by aligning resources with local needs.

The CenterPoint Energy Foundation aims to enhance community vitality through grants supporting affordable housing, environmental education, and workforce development. Focusing on low- to moderate-income populations, the Foundation prioritizes innovative programs that foster community connections and educational opportunities. By investing in both community vitality and education, they strive to create vibrant neighborhoods and empower individuals with the skills needed for success in today's workforce. Their commitment extends across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, state or municipal entities, and public schools in Vanderburgh County, Indiana can seek support for STEM education, workforce readiness, and related community programs. Toyota provides funding for initiatives with long-term, sustainable impact, especially those serving under-resourced communities in its primary and surrounding Indiana counties.

Nonprofit organizations hosting community events or fundraisers in Vanderburgh County, Indiana can receive sponsorship funding for activities that improve local quality of life. Old National Bank supports events such as galas, tournaments, and special events, prioritizing programs serving underrepresented groups and low-to-moderate income communities through economic development, workforce development, affordable housing, small business services, and financial education.

The Project Associates Engineering Scholarship, sponsored by Project Associates, Inc., provides $2,790 annually to deserving engineering students at the University of Evansville and the University of Southern Indiana. Eligible applicants include graduating high school seniors and current college students from specified counties, who are pursuing a four-year engineering degree. Previous recipients may re-apply. This scholarship aims to support local talent in engineering, fostering their educational and professional growth.

The Clarence and Dorothy Gerard Scholarship for Nursing, established by John Gerard, honors his parents and provides financial support for high school graduates from Posey, Vanderburgh, or Warrick counties pursuing nursing degrees at accredited institutions in Southwestern Indiana. The scholarship, amounting to $11,030, aims to continue Dorothy's legacy of care, ensuring future generations have the opportunity to enter the nursing profession. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to qualify.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, fiscally sponsored groups, and public schools offering STEM education programs for economically disadvantaged K–12 students in Vanderburgh County, Indiana may be eligible for this funding. Focused on STEM education, Boston Scientific Foundation supports evidence-based, measurable programs serving participants near 185% of the poverty level within 60 miles of Spencer, Indiana.

The Enbridge Safe Community First Responder Program is designed to support emergency response organizations across Canada and the U.S. by providing grants for safety equipment, training, and educational programs. Launched in 2002, it has invested over $22 million in enhancing community safety. Eligible organizations include fire departments and medical services located near Enbridge operations. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, helping improve the capabilities of first responders in rural and underserved areas.

The Jay Lampton Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation Alliance, supports graduating seniors from various Indiana high schools pursuing post-secondary education in auto mechanics. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum 2.0 GPA. Selection criteria include academic performance, a letter of recommendation, and a required essay. This scholarship honors Jay Lampton's legacy through education, empowering students to advance their careers in technology.

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.

Vanderburgh County engineering students seeking scholarship support for college juniors, seniors, or graduate study can apply for the Michael & Anna Kurty Scholarship, which helps fund degrees and careers in engineering. Administered by Hamilton County Community Foundation, eligible applicants attend specified Indiana universities, study approved engineering fields, and demonstrate financial need with a 2.5+ GPA.

Indiana Management of Agriculture Enhancements (IMAGE) Cost-Share Program

The Indiana Management of Agriculture Enhancements (IMAGE) Cost-Share Program is a conservation funding initiative administered by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) to help producers implement practical conservation improvements on their operations.

IMAGE provides financial assistance and technical support for projects that improve livestock management, strengthen farm infrastructure, improve soil health, and protect Indiana's natural resources.

Through partnerships with Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs), the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and other conservation partners, IMAGE helps

producers overcome financial barriers to implementing conservation practices that benefit both agricultural operations and natural resources.

The IMAGE program is made possible through Clean Water Indiana Funding.

Approved participants may receive reimbursement for up to seventy-five percent (75%) of eligible project costs.

Funding is awarded through a competitive ranking process and is subject to available program funds.

This is a cost-share reimbursement program. The applicant must pay project costs upfront.

Reimbursement will occur after:

• ISDA verifies practice installation.
• Applicant submits paid receipts and required documentation.
• ISDA confirms project meets NRCS and locally approved standards.

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.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

Vanderburgh County, Indiana diabetes and metabolic disease researchers at eligible universities can access funding for pilot and feasibility studies, with awards up to US $50,000 for one year. Offered through Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, these grants support new investigators developing innovative, high-risk projects in diabetes, obesity, and related metabolic conditions.

Established faculty investigators at Indiana University, Purdue, Notre Dame, and IBRI can apply for Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute pilot grants up to US $50,000 to launch innovative diabetes and metabolic disease research. Vanderburgh County, Indiana–based researchers at these institutions may use funds for high-risk projects expected to lead to major extramural awards.

Established diabetes investigators at Indiana University, Purdue, Notre Dame, and Indiana Biomedical Research Institute can apply for Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute grants up to US $50,000 for innovative, high-risk diabetes and metabolic disease research. Faculty based in Vanderburgh County, Indiana, whose projects meet these criteria may be eligible.

Faculty investigators developing diabetes, obesity, or metabolic disease research technologies in Vanderburgh County, Indiana and other eligible Indiana institutions can apply for Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute’s pilot and feasibility support. Grants provide up to US $50,000 for one year to advance innovative, high-risk projects and generate data for major future extramural funding.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and public agencies improving health for economically disadvantaged residents in Vanderburgh County, Indiana can access funding for disease prevention, awareness, diagnosis, and care. The Boston Scientific Foundation supports programs addressing cancer, diabetes, respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, mental wellness, gastrointestinal, and urologic conditions near its employee communities in the U.S.

CTSI-designated cores within the IU School of Medicine seeking $5,000 - $100,000 for research equipment can apply for this program in Vanderburgh County, Indiana and other eligible counties. Funding from Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute supports equipment or software that enhances translational biomedical research capacity and services for CTSI investigators.