Best Wayne County Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

About Sawyer Foundation Charitable Trust Our mission is to support partner organizations that share the gift of clean drinking water to under-resourced communities. Our vision is to see all of our global community have access to clean, safe drinking water.Through our partnership with Sawyer, our nonprofit partners have access to affordable, point-of-use filters designed to provide reliable access to clean water for 10+ years.‍

Sawyer partners with over 140 non-profits in more than 100 countries, providing clean water to families lacking access to clean water – for long-term relief and in disaster situations.About Sawyer Foundation Grant We prioritize projects that demonstrate a strong commitment to:

• Long-term sustainability in water filtration and access.
• Training, follow-up, and local engagement that strengthen best practices.
• Data collection or research that improves project implementation and outcomes.
• Unique expertise, partnerships, or approaches that enhance global impact.

The UNLOCK program aims to enhance energy and critical resource extraction from subsurface resources, addressing geological and technical challenges. It focuses on increasing extraction efficiency from low permeability formations and optimizing water management while ensuring cost efficiency. Despite advancements in hydraulic fracturing, recovery rates remain below 20%, leaving significant resources untapped. This initiative seeks innovative solutions to improve recovery methods and manage produced water effectively, paving the way for more sustainable resource utilization.

The UNLOCK program by the U.S. Department of Energy aims to revolutionize subsurface resource extraction by enhancing recovery efficiency from low-permeability formations. This initiative seeks to overcome geological challenges that hinder oil, gas, geothermal, and mineral recovery. By developing innovative stimulation techniques and field-validation processes, UNLOCK targets a twofold increase in resource recovery efficiency while minimizing costs and wastewater production, ultimately contributing to national energy resilience and reduced foreign energy dependency.

The Residential Services for Unaccompanied Alien Children program aims to support organizations providing safe, high-quality care for children in federal custody due to immigration status. This initiative requires providers to be licensed and available 24/7, ensuring children's well-being while they await permanent placements. Special emphasis is placed on facilities near the U.S.-Mexico border, highlighting the need for immediate and responsive care options for vulnerable populations.

Parrot Head Emergency Phund Guidelines

Purpose

The purpose of the Emergency Phund is to aid Parrot Heads with financial assistance during difficulties resulting from a natural disaster. The Phund is maintained by the Board of Directors on the Lone Palm Foundation and applications will be reviewed by this board. Assistance approval is based on Board review and availability of funds.

Application Procedure

Please be as detailed as possible when completing your application. This will ensure The Lone Palm Foundation Board has all the information they need to review and make a decision on your application. Once your complete application and verification documents have been submitted, it will be reviewed in the order it was received. If the Lone Palm Foundation Board should need additional information, please be sure to provide this in a timely manner. Failure to provide the information in a timely manner could result in loss of consideration for funding.

Repayment and Donation

There is no requirement for repayment of the financial assistance provided through the Lone Palm Foundation Emergency Phund. We do encourage all Parrot Heads to help The Lone Palm Foundation continue its operations by making a donation once the crisis has passed. This donation will allow us to help many other Parrot Heads who find themselves in the same situation.

About the Grant: The Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grants are bestowed by the Broussard family through the USEA Foundation in memory and honor of Rebecca Chaney Broussard. “Becky” supported numerous international riders through both her generous financial contributions and horse ownership. The Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grants are designed to assist and to encourage the education and development of event riders at the highest level of the sport. These grants are awarded to offset some of the travel and training expenses in the pursuit of achieving the qualities of an international rider. These grants are not available to any rider that has already achieved the honor of representing the United States at the Pan American Games, Olympics or World Equestrian Games.The Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Fund is separated into three types:

1. Rebecca Broussard International Developing Rider Grant (also known as the “Big Becky”) awards $50,000 for the educational development of an international quality rider based on competition in eventing on the global stage. 

2. Rebecca Broussard National Developing Rider Grant (also known as the “Little Becky”) awards $15,000 for the educational development of an international quality rider based on competition in eventing on the national stage. 

3. Rebecca Farm Travel Grants are smaller grants made available to better assist riders to visit The Event at Rebecca Farm in order to interview for the Developing Rider Grants. 

About Us

The Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation was started by alumni of the Mitch Daniels gubernatorial administration at the conclusion of his final term in office in 2013. The original goal was to create an organization in which leaders who exemplified the traits of leadership Mitch Daniels characterized could receive recognition as an example for others to follow. This was primarily accomplished through the bi-annual awarding of the Mitch Daniels Leadership Prize. 

MDLF Fellowship

The next generation of Hoosier leadership.

The Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation is a statewide civic engine that equips principled leaders to take bold, measurable action on Indiana’s most pressing challenges. Through a two-year curriculum, Fellows join a network of Hoosier change agents who apply critical thinking and real-world solutions to make Indiana the best place to build a future. Selected for their leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and alignment with MDLF’s core principles (personal responsibility, individual liberty, importance of private enterprise), Fellows are professional leaders ready to move beyond personal success and drive statewide impact.

About the Fellowship

MDLF launched the Fellows program in 2016. Since its origins, this program continues to create a statewide network of change agents who bridge the gap between Indiana’s current and future leaders. Moreover, it serves to be a space for breaking down barriers and building up innovative ideas.

The Fellows identify, promote, and apply critical thinking and action to opportunities that will make Indiana a better place to work and live. The Fellows are given access to influential people, organizations, and resources to accelerate the state's progress on key growth initiatives.

Fellows are selected by the MDLF Board based on their demonstration of leadership potential through personal and professional achievements.

The Fellowship continues to benefit emerging Indiana leaders who demonstrate the following traits:

• A genuine intellectual interest in the principles of individual liberty, personal responsibility and role of private enterprise.
• Sufficient “real-world” experience to ensure they can meaningfully contribute to peer discussion and learnings.
• On the career ascent and approaching an inflection point in their careers to be positioned to deliver outsized impact. 

Year 1: Enable Leaders

The first half of the Fellows program consists of a one-year curriculum that educates Indiana’s future leaders on the successes of the past and opportunities and challenges of the future. Areas of study include Indiana’s performance in healthcare, education, economic development, and civic participation. 

Each topic is conducted over the course of three event types:

Lectures - An opportunity for Fellows to hear from leaders around the state about the state of the relevant topic in regard to Indiana as a whole with a particular focus on existing problems and challenges the State of Indiana faces today.

Socratic-Style Discussions - Hosted in partnership with and at Liberty Fund, these unique events foster an environment for Fellows to discuss and dive deeper into the “why” behind current, existing, and future endeavors on various topics.

Case Studies - Pulling from a library of initiatives throughout the career of Mitch Daniels, the Fellows learn to interpret, translate, and implement various innovations and reforms - and apply them with a bias towards action.

These events take place once a month, generally on a Friday, from 10:00 AM ET to 4:00 PM ET. Locations vary each session as we strive to give Fellows an experience across the State of Indiana. Some examples of past locations include: Indianapolis, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Kokomo, West Lafayette and South Bend.

Year 2: Drive Change

At the conclusion of Year 1, the current class of Fellows will each propose a project/initiative that they believe will measurably improve life in Indiana. We call these Capstones. This is an open-ended challenge, and Fellows are encouraged to be creative in both the problem and their proposed solution. However, they are instructed to follow one of Four Lanes:

Lane 1: Level Up an Existing Initiative

• Taking an existing initiative to the next level to enhance impact.

Lane 2: Starting a New Initiative

• Starting a new initiative to drive positive change and impact.

Lane 3: Policy Paper & Implementation Plan

• Development of an impactful policy (or set of policy) recommendations and an accompanying implementation plan.

Lane 4: Public Service*

• Meaningful participation in public service.

These Fellows then are granted one year to put their Capstone to the test - implementing it within their communities. 

The Fiscal Year 2026 Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program offers federal funds aimed at reducing flood risks for buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program. This initiative supports states, U.S. territories, and local governments in implementing various flood mitigation activities, thereby lessening the financial burden on the NFIP. FEMA prioritizes applications that enhance multistate or regional capabilities, contributing to a safer infrastructure and community resilience against flooding.

The NIJ FY 2026 opportunity invites research proposals focused on violent crime linked to gangs and organized criminal groups, both domestically and internationally. This initiative aims to evaluate strategies that assist law enforcement in combatting these threats, including rigorous assessments of intervention methods. Projects may utilize various evaluation designs to analyze the impact of crime reduction strategies, specifically targeting violent crimes such as murder and robbery, while encouraging collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

The NIJ FY 2026 Research and Evaluation on Drones as First Responders program aims to fund rigorous evaluations of drone technology in law enforcement. The initiative seeks proposals that assess the effectiveness of drones in combating violent crime and immigration enforcement. By fostering collaboration between police agencies and researchers, the program intends to enhance the operational understanding of drones as first responders, evaluating both existing capabilities and new pilot programs.

The NIJ FY 2026 Research aims to enhance understanding of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation through scientific research. Proposals are sought in four key areas: the role of technology in fraud detection, forensic research for elder abuse investigation, evaluation of preventive programs, and the development of educational interventions against financial fraud targeting older adults. This initiative targets critical issues to improve safety and support for elderly individuals.

The Allen Foundation, named in honor of William Webster Allen, operates under the laws of the State of Michigan with offices in Midland. Grants are limited under the terms of the foundation's charter to projects that primarily benefit programs for human nutrition in the areas of health, education, training, and research.

Policies and Priorities

• To make grants to fund relevant nutritional research.
• To support programs for the education and training of mothers during pregnancy and after the birth of their children, so that good nutritional habits can be formed at an early age.
• To assist in the training of persons to work as educators and demonstrators of good nutritional practices. 
• To encourage the dissemination of information regarding healthful nutritional practices and habits. 
• In limited situations to make grants to help solve immediate emergency hunger and malnutrition problems.

The connections between diet and health remain a basic and primary priority, and consideration has always been given to projects that benefit nutritional programs in the areas of education, training, and research.

Low priority has traditionally been given to proposals that help solve immediate or emergency hunger and malnutrition problems. The foundation welcomes proposals that develop and advance:

• the inclusion of mandatory courses in nutrition in medical schools;
• bringing the promise of nutrigenomics or nutritional genomics to realization; and
• the promotion of environmentally sound, economically viable, socially responsive, and sustainable food and agricultural systems.

We also support environmental initiatives that strengthen sustainable food systems and address the root causes of hunger and inequity through sustainable agriculture, academic research, and promoting long-term community health and resilience.

The Allen Foundation, named in honor of William Webster Allen, operates under the laws of the State of Michigan with offices in Midland. Grants are limited under the terms of the foundation's charter to projects that primarily benefit programs for human nutrition in the areas of health, education, training, and research.

Policies and Priorities

• To make grants to fund relevant nutritional research.
• To support programs for the education and training of mothers during pregnancy and after the birth of their children, so that good nutritional habits can be formed at an early age.
• To assist in the training of persons to work as educators and demonstrators of good nutritional practices. 
• To encourage the dissemination of information regarding healthful nutritional practices and habits. 
• In limited situations to make grants to help solve immediate emergency hunger and malnutrition problems.

The connections between diet and health remain a basic and primary priority, and consideration has always been given to projects that benefit nutritional programs in the areas of education, training, and research.

Low priority has traditionally been given to proposals that help solve immediate or emergency hunger and malnutrition problems. The foundation welcomes proposals that develop and advance:

• the inclusion of mandatory courses in nutrition in medical schools;
• bringing the promise of nutrigenomics or nutritional genomics to realization; and
• the promotion of environmentally sound, economically viable, socially responsive, and sustainable food and agricultural systems.

We also support environmental initiatives that strengthen sustainable food systems and address the root causes of hunger and inequity through sustainable agriculture, academic research, and promoting long-term community health and resilience.

About Patrick "Packy" McGaughan A popular instructor in Area II, Packy operated Banbury Cross Farm in Clarksburg, Maryland. The farm was developed into a premier training, breeding and boarding facility, specializing in eventing, dressage, hunters, and equitation. Packy produced numerous horses and riders to the highest level of the sport. He was a top instructor in Area II for both juniors, amateurs, and professionals alike and could often be found at events up and down the East Coast coaching riders of all ages and levels.

About Patrick “Packy” McGaughan Prize

Following his passing, an award in Packy McGaughan’s honor was established through the USEA Foundation. That award includes a beautiful bronze trophy and award recipients will be recognized at the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention, and a $5,000 award given annually to a USEA member who demonstrates a love of the sport similar to Packy. 

About Henry Luce FoundationThe Henry Luce Foundation was formed in 1936 by Henry R. Luce, the founder of Fortune, Life, and Sports Illustrated magazines co-founder of Time magazine. Our mission then and now is to empower and transform people, communities, and institutions by boosting access to knowledge and forward-thinking ideas. We envision a world in which diverse people and communities thrive— determining their own best futures and working together in pursuit of knowledge and shared understanding.American Art Program : Loan Exhibition GrantsOnce a year, the American Art Program invites institutions to seek funding for special exhibitions. These are scholarly projects that involve significant loans from multiple institutional and private collections and make new contributions to the field through research, interpretation, and publication.We’re Looking For

• Innovation and Rigor: in ideas, approach, research, and content
• Engagement/Collaboration/Partnerships: among colleagues, communities, institutions, and audiences 
• Impact: for the field of American art, for audiences, for communities

About Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS)The Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS) originally began to provide a place for nurses to collaborate, and collaborate they did! Over time, the founding members began to realize the benefits of having an organization dedicated specifically to nursing research. With some careful attention and a lot of hard work, we have grown into the organization it is today. We're a society where scientists, innovators, and drivers of clinical practice across the career trajectory, come together to share ideas and grow our field through innovative research.About MNRS Seed Research GrantThe Midwest Nursing Research Society is pleased to offer one Seed Grant of up to $5,000. The purpose of this grant is to support researchers in the Midwest that advance nursing science and practice. Funds are available for quantitative and qualitative research on any topic relevant to nursing science. This funding is available to all MNRS nursing researchers, regardless of prior funding history or time from dissertation. All applicants MUST be current active members of MNRS to be eligible for this grant.

About AOTF

For over 60 years, the American Occupational Therapy Foundation has been the premier catalyst for occupational therapy research, transforming how people with disabilities and health challenges participate in meaningful daily activities.

Established in 1965, AOTF is an independent 501(c)(3) charitable, scientific, and educational organization. We serve as the premier resource for occupational therapy research and scholarship, working alongside researchers, educators, practitioners, community partners, and students to build evidence-based practice that improves lives.

As the only foundation dedicated exclusively to advancing occupational therapy science, we bridge the critical gap between innovative research and real-world practice. Our work ensures that occupational therapy interventions are grounded in rigorous scientific evidence, ultimately improving outcomes for millions of people worldwide.

Mary J. Bridle First Research Award

The Mary J. Bridle First Research Award fosters scholarship and encourages first research efforts within the occupational therapy community. This Pi Theta Epsilon member-exclusive award supports students, young practitioners, and recent graduates conducting their initial formal research projects, helping to build the foundation for lifelong scholarly contributions to the field.

Award Purpose

The Mary J. Bridle Award provides an opportunity for Pi Theta Epsilon members to:

• Have their research manuscript reviewed by experts in the field
• Be considered for publication in OTJR: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research
• Receive recognition and financial support for their first research effort
• Build confidence and experience as emerging OT researchers
• This award supports Pi Theta Epsilon’s mission to promote research and scholarly activities within the field of occupational therapy.

The Essex Horse Trials Grant is available to a developing rider age 25 and under who is competing successfully at the CCI4*-S level and above and who is working towards representing the U.S. in international team competition. The grant is intended to assist the recipient in developing the essential horsemanship skills required for a successful transition from the Young Rider ranks to the Senior Rider ranks. The grant may be used for expenses related to equestrian education, coaching, training, and competing.On behalf of the representatives of the Essex Horse Trials, the USEA Foundation will administer the processes of the grant’s intent. Eligible riders will be in good standing with the USEA. The rider’s performance at the CCI4*-S level and above during the previous competition season will be reviewed by the Essex Horse Trials Grant Committee when making the final selection. The Essex Horse Trials Grant is awarded at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in December each year.  Funds must be used within two calendar years following receipt of the grant and riders must keep complete accounting records and receipts for all funds used and submit these to the USEA Foundation by November 30 of that year. 

About Easton Sports Development Foundation IIArchery is an inspirational sport that teaches discipline and brings communities together. However, many organizations face challenges introducing this transformative sport due to limited funding, which restricts their ability to access equipment, resources, and training. The Easton Foundations supports archery across the U.S. and seeks to bridge the gap between initial experiences and elite performance through its grants program.The foundation's mission is to inspire individuals and collaborate with partners by providing resources and services that result in growth and life-long enjoyment of archery.The Foundation supports indoor and outdoor archery facilities at city parks, schools, universities and sports complexes throughout the U.S. and provides programs to train aspiring archers, trainers, coaches and administrators.

About the Operational Grant

The Operational Grant is for those seeking funding to assist with the costs related to the operation of the archery program.

The OJP FY 2026 Special Attorneys Program aims to enhance the capacity of state, local, Tribal, and territorial prosecuting agencies by funding qualified prosecutors who will investigate and prosecute fraud and crimes committed by aliens in the U.S. This initiative also supports hiring criminal investigators and other staff to improve investigative efforts. By fostering intergovernmental coordination, the program seeks to strengthen law enforcement's ability to combat criminal activities, including drug and human trafficking.

The USGS Cooperative Landslide Hazard Mapping and Assessment Program for FY 2027 aims to assist various governments in mitigating landslide risks through comprehensive hazard mapping, risk assessments, and public education. This initiative addresses the urgent need for proactive measures against landslides, which cause significant damages annually. By enhancing community preparedness and fostering collaboration among agencies, the program seeks to protect lives and infrastructure while advancing federal priorities related to hazard mitigation and scientific integrity.

The FY27 Guidelines for Brownfield Assessment Grants aim to support eligible entities in assessing and planning the cleanup of brownfield sites. This funding opportunity is targeted at government organizations, federally recognized tribes, and nonprofit organizations, allowing for a collaborative approach through Assessment Coalition Grants. The lead entity can request up to $1,000,000 to assess sites, with individual site costs capped at $200,000, promoting effective resource allocation and community engagement.

The FY27 Guidelines for Brownfield Assessment Grants offer funding for eligible entities, including government organizations and nonprofits, to prevent, inventory, assess, and plan the cleanup of brownfield sites. This grant supports community involvement, site assessments, and the development of reuse plans, ensuring that communities can effectively address their brownfield challenges. It is essential for applicants to note that funds cannot be allocated for cleanup activities, focusing instead on assessment and planning.

The U.S. Geological Survey's Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center is providing a funding opportunity for research into seabed mineral formation through a cooperative agreement with the California Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit. This initiative aims to enhance understanding of ocean processes and inform resource management strategies. It fosters collaboration and expertise sharing among CESU partners, ensuring timely and relevant scientific contributions to address submarine geohazards and mineral enrichment.

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) invites applications for its Endowments for Advancing the Humanities program. This initiative aims to enhance the financial stability of organizations dedicated to humanities education and research. It supports projects exploring Western civilization, significant literary works, civic education, and cultural literacy. Grants combine NEH matching funds with private donations, fostering long-term investment in the humanities across educational institutions. Detailed application guidelines are provided in the accompanying Notice of Funding Opportunity.

The FY27 Guidelines for Brownfield Assessment Grants invite eligible entities, including states, tribes, and Alaska Native corporations, to apply for funding aimed at assessing and planning the cleanup of brownfield sites. The grants support activities such as site assessments, community involvement, and developing reuse plans. However, state and tribal universities are not eligible for these specific grants. This initiative by the EPA is crucial for promoting environmental health and revitalizing impacted communities.

The FY27 Guidelines for Brownfield Cleanup Grants provide essential funding for eligible entities, including government organizations and nonprofits, to conduct cleanup activities at brownfield sites. The program aims to revitalize these properties, addressing environmental contamination and health disparities while fostering community engagement and economic development. Applicants are limited to one grant application per competition cycle, ensuring focused and effective use of resources to enhance local environments and economies.