Best Vanderburgh County Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

The Services * Training * Officers * Prosecutors* (STOP) Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program (STOP Formula Grant Program) supports local communities, including Indian tribal governments and Alaska Native villages, in their efforts to develop and strengthen effective responses to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault (including adult survivors of child sexual abuse), and stalking. This also includes victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking who are also victims of trafficking and female genital mutilation or cutting, or forced marriage.

This program is authorized by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and is administered through the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) and authorized by 34 U.S.C § 10441 et seq.

Funded by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) program works to assist residential domestic violence programs in providing emergency shelter to survivors of domestic violence and their dependents. The goal of the program is to help offset the cost of certain operational expenses to include housing, food and other basic necessities in order to give domestic violence shelters more flexibility and the potential to expand services in other areas, based on their needs.

ICJI awards SSBG dollars to supplement federal Family Violence and Prevention Services Act (FVPSA) grants and state Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment (DVPT) grants, supporting comprehensive initiatives that address the needs of domestic violence victims in Indiana. SSBG funding is distributed to emergency domestic violence programs that provide emergency shelter services in the form of overnight shelter and congregate meals.

A “shelter night” is considered a unit rate for the indirect and direct costs expended per night, per client in the shelter facility. SSBG funding is the only funding source provided by ICJI that is solely dedicated to supporting domestic violence programs’ emergency shelter operations.

The Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) is a program of the State of Indiana, established by Indiana Code 6-3.1-9 and administered by IHCDA through approved local non-profit organizations. The purpose of the program is to provide a means for these organizations to fund certain neighborhood-based programs and projects that improve distressed neighborhoods and the lives of the families that live there by encouraging individuals and businesses to make donations in exchange for Indiana State tax credits.

Each year, IHCDA awards up to a total of $2.5 million in Indiana tax credits to qualifying organizations. Each prospective participant organization submits a project application to IHCDA in the spring and, if approved, is awarded an allocation of tax credits. The organization then distributes these tax credits as an incentive to individuals or businesses who donate to the organization.

All donor contributions raised in exchange for NAP credits go toward the program or project described in the organization’s application. Eligible projects include affordable housing, counseling, child-care, educational assistance, emergency assistance, job training, medical care, recreational facilities, downtown rehabilitation, and neighborhood commercial revitalization. All projects must benefit economically disadvantaged areas and/or persons.

About McElhattan Foundation

Founded in 2017 following the sale of Industrial Scientific Corporation, McElhattan Foundation invites bold ideas that advance the goals of its four program areas, including Ending Death on the Job.

Zero Electrocution Challenge

Despite decades of regulations, training, and personal protective equipment, workers continue to die from electrical contact every year.

McElhattan Foundation’s Zero Electrocution Challenge seeks breakthrough solutions that present pathways to eliminate life-threatening tasks that lead to fatal electrocution on the job by the year 2050, while increasing enterprise profitability and productivity. This is the inaugural ZERO 2050 challenge, awarding two Winners up to $1 million each.

The FY27 Communications and Networking Applied Research program aims to advance technologies essential for Naval operations. This initiative aligns with the Design for Maritime Superiority, focusing on the Naval Tactical Grid (NTG) to ensure seamless connectivity among distributed units. The technologies developed will operate under challenging conditions across multiple domains, enhancing command and control capabilities for effective decision-making in maritime and other operational theaters.

The Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) aims to combat discriminatory housing practices through funding provided to various organizations. Established by Congress in 1988 and made permanent in 1992, FHIP supports entities that educate the public and enforce fair housing rights. The program offers competitive grants across four initiatives, including the Private Enforcement Initiative, which enables national non-profit organizations to investigate violations and uphold fair housing laws effectively.

Library Services and Technology Act Grants

The purpose of the technology sub-grants is to assist Indiana libraries with purchasing new and improved technology necessary to meet their users’ ever-changing needs for library services and to provide access to information. Libraries may use these sub-grants to better meet the technological needs of their community, or to test or implement innovative or emerging technologies. Libraries are encouraged to use the grants to provide educational, instructional, or outreach services, both inside and outside the library.

About Us

Wisconsin Sea Grant is a statewide program of basic and applied research, education, outreach and technology transfer dedicated to the stewardship and sustainable use of the nation’s Great Lakes and ocean resources.

Headquartered at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the institute is housed in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research’s Aquatic Sciences Center. (See our Water and Land Acknowledgement.) Wisconsin Sea Grant is part of a national network of 34 university-based programs funded through the National Sea Grant College Program, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce and through matching contributions from participating states and the private sector. 

John A. Knauss Marine (and Great Lakes) Policy Fellowship

The University of Wisconsin Sea Grant College Program is accepting applications from graduate students statewide for the National Sea Grant College Program’s John A. Knauss Marine (and Great Lakes) Policy Fellowship Program. The program, established in 1979, provides a unique educational experience to applicants who have an interest in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources. The program matches highly qualified graduate students with “hosts” in the legislative and executive branch of government located in the Washington, D.C. area, for a one year paid internship. Placement opportunities are numerous and very diverse and have typically included offices within Congress, the Executive Office of the President, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Departments of State, Treasury, Transportation, and Energy, in addition to others. Applicants from a variety of backgrounds including natural and social sciences, law, engineering, and communications can be competitive for this fellowship. Fellowships begin June 1, 2027.

The DoW Rare Cancers Concept Award for FY26 promotes groundbreaking ideas in rare cancer research. This award encourages innovative applications that explore novel courses of investigation without requiring preliminary data. Unique to this program is the prohibition against mentioning the Principal Investigator or collaborators in the proposal materials, ensuring an unbiased review process. This funding opportunity aims to advance scientific discovery in the rare cancer domain.

The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) aims to enhance broadband access and adoption on Tribal lands, supporting initiatives for remote learning, telework, and telehealth. Administered by NTIA, this program provides vital funding to eligible entities under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. This funding is crucial for fostering digital inclusion and improving connectivity in underserved Tribal communities.

The Native Entities Grant Program, initiated by NTIA under the Digital Equity Act of 2021, aims to support Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, and Native Hawaiian organizations. This program streamlines funding through a unified application for two significant initiatives: the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant and the Digital Equity Competitive Grant. By focusing on reducing administrative burdens, it enhances access to digital resources and equity in underserved communities.

The DoW Bone Marrow Failure Idea Development Award supports innovative, high-impact research aimed at understanding and curing bone marrow failure diseases. This grant is available to both Established Investigators and Early-Career Investigators, with no preliminary data required for applications. Reviewers assess proposals based on specific criteria tailored to the investigator's career stage. The focus is on achieving interpretable results that contribute significantly to the field.

The DoW Bone Marrow Failure Investigator-Initiated Research Award supports innovative research aimed at advancing the understanding and treatment of bone marrow failure. This funding opportunity encourages applications for translational and clinical studies, requiring preliminary data to strengthen proposals. Unique features include the ability for a partnering Principal Investigator to contribute to the research, thereby fostering collaboration while maintaining a focus on significant advancements in patient care.

The DoW Rare Cancers Idea Development Award promotes innovative research ideas for rare cancers, encouraging applicants to provide preliminary data and exploratory aims. This funding opportunity, offered by the US DOD: U.S. Army Medical Command, seeks projects with the potential for high-impact findings that can significantly benefit the patient community. It aims to foster new avenues of investigation and support discovery-driven research in the field of rare cancers.

INDOT Mission

Together, we plan, deliver, and maintain a safe, efficient, and innovative transportation system that:

• Enhances the daily lives of Hoosiers.
• Strengthens Indiana’s economy
• Embraces evolving transportation needs.

Rural Transit Programs

Purpose

The Federal Section 5311 Program was created to provide public transportation in non-urbanized areas (population of 50,000 or less). The purpose of the program is to provide transportation to people living in rural areas. The Federal Section 5311 Program supports rural public transportation through operating, capital, and intercity transit funding.

Operating Project Grants

Operating Grants provide assistance for the operations of the transit service. Section 5311 may fund up to 50 percent of the net operating costs.

INDOT will make Section 5311 funds available for operating expenses, which generally include salaries and wages, fringe benefits, purchase of transit service contracts, fuel, oil, lubricants, replacement parts, tires, vehicle insurance, licenses, and other expenses.

INDOT Mission

Together, we plan, deliver, and maintain a safe, efficient, and innovative transportation system that:

• Enhances the daily lives of Hoosiers.
• Strengthens Indiana’s economy
• Embraces evolving transportation needs.

Rural Transit Programs

Purpose

The Federal Section 5311 Program was created to provide public transportation in non-urbanized areas (population of 50,000 or less). The purpose of the program is to provide transportation to people living in rural areas. The Federal Section 5311 Program supports rural public transportation through operating, capital, and intercity transit funding.

Capital Project Grants

Capital projects generally include expenses for purchasing vehicles, communication equipment, fare boxes, passenger shelters, and construction of and rehabilitation of transit facilities. Section 5311 capital assistance may fund up to 80 percent of the total capital costs.

INDOT Mission

Together, we plan, deliver, and maintain a safe, efficient, and innovative transportation system that:

• Enhances the daily lives of Hoosiers.
• Strengthens Indiana’s economy
• Embraces evolving transportation needs.

Rural Transit Programs

Purpose

The Federal Section 5311 Program was created to provide public transportation in non-urbanized areas (population of 50,000 or less). The purpose of the program is to provide transportation to people living in rural areas. The Federal Section 5311 Program supports rural public transportation through operating, capital, and intercity transit funding.

Intercity Projects

Section 5311(f) also funds capital, operating, planning and marketing projects for intercity transportation projects. An intercity project is defined as public transit service with limited stops over fixed routes connecting two or more urban areas. Projects may also include the transportation of residents of non-urbanized areas to and from urbanized areas.

Intercity capital projects funded under Section 5311(f) are also funded at the eighty percent level.

Indiana Criminal Justice Institute

The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) is the state planning agency for criminal justice, juvenile justice, traffic safety and victim services. The institute develops long-range strategies for the effective administration of Indiana's criminal and juvenile justice systems and administers state and federal funds to carry out these strategies.

Through the use of evidence-based decision-making, ICJI works to improve the efficiency of the criminal justice system, from calls for service through post-conviction. The agency accomplishes this by bringing together key leaders from the criminal justice system at the state, local, and national levels to identify critical issues facing Indiana. The agency evaluates policies, programs, and legislation designed to address these issues. ICJI is designated as the State Administering Agency for distribution of federal funds, and as the State Statistical Analysis Center for research.

Sexual Assault Victim Assistance Fund Grant

Funded by the Indiana General Assembly, the Sexual Assault Victim Assistance Fund (SAVAF) program aims to provide a comprehensive statewide response for victims of sexual assault.

The Sexual Assault Victim Assistance Fund (SAVAF) was created to:

• Establish and maintain Rape Crisis Centers (RCC);
• Enhance services provided by existing Rape Crisis Centers; and
• Develop, implement, and expand trauma-informed sexual assault services.

SAVAF is a reimbursement-based grant.

About the Indiana State Department of Agriculture

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) was established as a state agency by the Legislature in 2005. ISDA reports to the Lt. Governor, who also serves as Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. Major responsibilities include advocacy for Indiana agriculture at the local, state and federal level, managing soil conservation programs, promoting economic development and agricultural innovation, serving as a regulatory ombudsman for agricultural businesses, and licensing grain firms throughout the state.

Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Grant Program

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (“ISDA”), Division of Economic Development is seeking applications for the Indiana Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Grant Program (RFSI) to carry out projects that enhance the resilience of middle-of-the-food-supply-chain.  Applicants/Grantees applying for infrastructure program funding are permitted to claim indirect costs under the RFSI Program, not to exceed the 10% de minimis cap. Applicants/Grantees applying for special equipment-only funding are not eligible to claim indirect costs. ISDA encourages applications from woman or veteran owned businesses, socially disadvantaged businesses and historically underserved farmers, ranchers, and underserved communities.

Grant funding may not be used on meat, poultry, wild caught seafood, food for animal consumption or dietary supplements. If these items are included in your project, your project must clearly define what percentage of your project will include these items and you must be able to demonstrate that no grant or matching funds are used for those portions of the project.

Projects must choose ONE of two project options: Option 1- Special Equipment Only; Option 2- Infrastructure Projects. You may not do both project options.

Option 1- Special Equipment Only

For this project pathway, grant funding requests must be between $10,000 and $100,000. The only eligible expense in the budget for this project is the special equipment to be purchased. The equipment does not have to be American made and can be a used piece of equipment as long as the equipment is in good, working order. You may not include training for the piece of equipment in the budget. You may include installation of equipment if it is included in the quote and does not require construction of the space the equipment will be placed in. Matching funds are not required for Special Equipment Only projects. 

The WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program offers funding to eligible entities for developing local solutions to water management issues. This initiative supports watershed group development, restoration planning, and project design, promoting stakeholder cooperation and improving water reliability. It aligns with key priorities from the Trump administration, addressing complex water challenges and enhancing federal grant oversight. By facilitating these efforts, the program aims to stretch limited water resources and foster collaborative solutions among diverse stakeholders.

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) is inviting applications for the Clinical Trial Cooperative Agreement Program. This funding opportunity supports investigator-initiated, interventional clinical trials at various phases. Initial funding will facilitate the preparation needed to start trials, with successful milestones leading to further support. NIAMS emphasizes hypothesis-driven trials that promise significant clinical impact within its research mission.

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) is launching a funding opportunity for Exploratory Clinical Trials Grants. This program aims to support innovative clinical trials that enhance the understanding and treatment of arthritis and other musculoskeletal and skin conditions. Research proposals should focus on early-stage trials, including first-in-human studies, dose-finding, and biomarker evaluation. The initiative encourages the translation of promising laboratory findings into effective clinical practices, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

About the Indiana State Department of Agriculture

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) was established as a state agency by the Legislature in 2005. ISDA reports to the Lt. Governor, who also serves as Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. Major responsibilities include advocacy for Indiana agriculture at the local, state and federal level, managing soil conservation programs, promoting economic development and agricultural innovation, serving as a regulatory ombudsman for agricultural businesses, and licensing grain firms throughout the state.

Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Grant Program

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (“ISDA”), Division of Economic Development is seeking applications for the Indiana Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Grant Program (RFSI) to carry out projects that enhance the resilience of middle-of-the-food-supply-chain.  Applicants/Grantees applying for infrastructure program funding are permitted to claim indirect costs under the RFSI Program, not to exceed the 10% de minimis cap. Applicants/Grantees applying for special equipment-only funding are not eligible to claim indirect costs. ISDA encourages applications from woman or veteran owned businesses, socially disadvantaged businesses and historically underserved farmers, ranchers, and underserved communities.

Grant funding may not be used on meat, poultry, wild caught seafood, food for animal consumption or dietary supplements. If these items are included in your project, your project must clearly define what percentage of your project will include these items and you must be able to demonstrate that no grant or matching funds are used for those portions of the project.

Projects must choose ONE of two project options: Option 1- Special Equipment Only; Option 2- Infrastructure Projects. You may not do both project options.

Option 2- Infrastructure Projects

For this project pathway, grant funding requests must be between $100,000 and $3 million. Matching funds of 50% of the total project cost are required unless the applicant qualifies as a Historically Underserved Farmer or Rancher by the USDA standards or a Socially Disadvantaged Business, Women Owned or Veteran Owned business by SBA standards (See Section A for definitions), then you qualify for a 25% match of the total project cost. Infrastructure projects may include, but are not limited to: construction, transportation, equipment, training, renovation, or expansion. Please contact ISDA if you have questions regarding eligibility of your infrastructure project.

Mission

The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs works with local, state and national partners to provide resources and technical assistance to aid communities in shaping and achieving their vision for community and economic development.

Recovery Housing Program

Program Description

The Recovery Housing Program (RHP), authorized by the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act), assists local government units and their eligible nonprofit partners (if applicable) in providing individuals recovering from substance use disorders with temporary transitional housing (up to two years) as they work toward sober, independent living. Competitive projects must

demonstrate the following:

• The project must directly advance the objectives of the SUPPORT Act.
• The project must fulfill the national objectives outlined in the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended and modified by FR-6225-N-01.
• The project supports the community’s long-term planning and development goals.
• The funds granted will significantly advance the project’s success.
• The community has demonstrated clear evidence of strong local support and a commitment to the project’s long-term sustainability.
• The project must be prepared to commence upon receipt of the grant.