Indiana grants for Nonprofits

The Ripley County Community Foundation has a variety of available grants to benefit nonprofit organizations and their projects that serve Ripley County. The grants program strives to anticipate the changing needs of the community and be flexible in responding to them. It focuses on providing "seed" money or pilot project support, but general operating support grants could also be considered. The program aims to have the greatest benefit per dollar granted and encourages the participation of other contributions through matching, challenge, and other grant techniques. The financial condition of the applying organization will be considered, as well as its strength, community support, leadership, clarity of proposal, and eligibility. To be eligible for these grants, organizations must be a nonprofit operating in Ripley County. Grant applications must qualify as an exempt organization under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c), or be sponsored by such organizations, or qualify as governmental or educational entities with similar attributes per IRS Code Section 509(a). The purpose of the organization's grant application must fall within one or more of the Community Foundation's four service areas: Arts & Culture, Business & Entrepreneurship, Education, Health & Well-Being, and Environment & Natural Resources. Grants will only be made to organizations that have responsible fiscal sponsors and adequate accounting procedures. Grant recipients and fiscal sponsors must sign and abide by the respective conditions set forth in the Community Foundation's "Grant Award Agreements" and "Grant Report Forms". Organizations or their fiscal sponsors cannot have an outstanding or delinquent Grant Report in order for an application to be considered for future granting. The Large Projects Grants specifically provide assistance for sizable projects needed to support and/or enhance an organization's charitable reach. Nonprofit organizations that serve Ripley County can apply for a maximum request of $5,000.00. The application deadline is August 4th. It is important to note that previous awarded grants must be spent and accounted for before applying for another grant from the Ripley County Community Foundation. No grants will be made to defray travel or lodging expenses, for endowment purposes, for completed programs or already purchased equipment, for the acquisition of weapons or firearms, or exclusively for sectarian religious purposes. The foundation reserves the right to refuse any and all grant applications.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Indiana that assist veterans in accessing their entitled benefits through accredited Veteran Service Officers.

This grant provides funding to local governments and nonprofit organizations in Indiana for the development and improvement of public shooting ranges, promoting recreational shooting opportunities and hunter education.

This funding opportunity is designed to help state agencies, local governments, educational institutions, and nonprofits in Indiana improve child passenger safety by training professionals and distributing child restraint systems to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities among children.

This program provides funding to Indiana's local governments to assist low-income homeowners with essential repairs that improve safety, comfort, and accessibility in their residences.

The United Way of the Wabash Valley is offering Successful Parenting Initiative Grants of $1,000 to $10,000 for projects that enhance parental knowledge of early childhood development and improve parenting practices, with a focus on early detection of developmental delays and increasing school readiness in children, open to nonprofits, for-profits, local government units, and faith-based and community organizations in specified counties of Indiana and Illinois.

This funding opportunity provides neighborhood associations in South Bend with financial support for innovative, resident-led projects that improve community engagement and enhance local quality of life.

This program provides matching funds to commercial property owners in Crane, Loogootee, and Shoals, Indiana, for exterior improvements that enhance the visual appeal of their buildings and promote economic development.

The United Way of Grant County (UWGC) has opened its 2024–2025 funding cycle to support nonprofit organizations that are driving meaningful change in the areas of health, education, and financial stability. This initiative is part of UWGC’s mission to uplift the Grant County community by investing in programs that strengthen local families and create lasting impact. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations based in Grant County whose work directly aligns with these core focus areas. UWGC’s funding process is built on transparency, inclusivity, and community collaboration. It unfolds in three structured stages, beginning with the submission of a Letter of Interest (LOI). The LOI serves as the applicant’s introduction, allowing organizations to present a clear overview of their mission, the program they wish to fund, the amount requested, and how the initiative aligns with both their organizational goals and UWGC’s community-driven mission. A compelling LOI should communicate the program’s potential to create measurable and transformative outcomes for local residents. Organizations with strong LOIs are invited to proceed to the second stage: the full application and review process. At this stage, applicants work directly with UWGC’s Community Investment Committee—an assembly of volunteers representing diverse sectors across Grant County. The committee performs a comprehensive evaluation of each proposal, which may include site visits, program assessments, and impact reviews. The purpose of this phase is to ensure that every funded initiative demonstrates accountability, sustainability, and the ability to make a tangible difference in the community. The final stage, the allocation of funding, takes place in the spring. Programs that successfully pass through review and approval will receive funding to support their outlined initiatives. This financial support is designed to help nonprofits strengthen their operations, enhance service delivery, and expand their reach to those who need it most. Each step of the process reflects UWGC’s commitment to fostering collaboration and ensuring donor funds are directed toward the most effective, high-impact programs. Through this structured yet inclusive funding process, the United Way of Grant County continues its legacy of empowering local organizations to tackle pressing community challenges. By focusing on health, education, and financial stability, UWGC reinforces the foundation for a stronger, more resilient Grant County—one where every resident has the opportunity to thrive.

The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) application for program year 2023-2024 will open on October 02, 2023 at 8am EST. Indiana residents can apply for utility bill assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federally-funded program through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The application period closes on May 20, 2024 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Applicants can apply online via the online portal, by mail, in-person, or by calling 2-1-1. To apply in-person or request a paper application form, applicants must contact their Local Service Provider. The EAP provides a one-time benefit to assist with the high cost of electricity and heating for homes. However, it is important to note that this benefit is not intended to cover all heating and electricity costs, so applicants should continue to pay their bills regularly. Eligibility and benefits are determined by Local Service Providers based on income qualifications. It may take up to 55 days for eligibility determination and an additional 30 days for the utility company to process the benefit. For more information on eligibility and to find contact information for the Local Service Provider that serves your area, visit http://eap.ihcda.in.gov. If you have any questions or need to follow up on an application, please be sure you contact your Local Service Provider directly rather than contacting IHCDA. For general inquiries about the Energy Assistance Program, please contact the Community Programs team at eap@ihcda.in.gov.

This funding program provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and local government entities in Bartholomew County for projects that address the opioid crisis through prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives.

This grant provides financial support to Indiana-based charitable organizations focused on transforming the industrial workforce through education and training in various technical and leadership fields.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and neighborhood associations in Marion County, Indiana, to create and maintain accessible public art, particularly in underserved areas, while promoting equity for diverse artists.

This funding opportunity supports charitable organizations and government entities in Huntington County to address local needs through community collaboration, educational initiatives, and cultural development.

Community Investment Grants Program in Indiana is offering funding to support new charitable programs and projects requiring durable equipment and capital items that are essential for organizations to carry out their charitable purposes. The grant decisions aim to enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Owen County and support projects addressing community needs with lasting value. The funding categories include education, nonprofit capacity building, youth philanthropy, human services, MYPath Trail System, attracting and retaining "Rising Generations" (25–40-year-olds), and may also include other areas of emphasis such as quality of place, arts & culture, trails & parks.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is offering its 2024 Natural Disaster Recovery (NDR) Grant. This program aims to aid communities in restoring their urban tree canopy after natural disasters by funding the planting of replacement trees. This initiative directly aligns with the broader mission of environmental stewardship and community resilience, focusing on re-establishing critical natural infrastructure within urban areas. The grant seeks to mitigate the long-term environmental and aesthetic damage caused by natural disasters, thereby contributing to the overall well-being and sustainability of affected communities. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are municipalities and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations within Indiana. The target impact is the recovery and enhancement of urban tree canopies, which in turn offers numerous environmental benefits such as improved air quality, reduced urban heat island effect, enhanced stormwater management, and increased biodiversity. The program also encourages community engagement, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and local involvement in environmental recovery efforts, which can lead to more sustainable outcomes and stronger community bonds. The grant prioritizes the planting of trees native to Indiana and explicitly excludes the purchase of maples (Acer genus) unless specific conditions are met, demonstrating a commitment to ecological integrity and the prevention of monoculture. Beyond tree planting, the grant also supports crucial urban forestry management tools, including community tree inventories, canopy assessments, management plans, and storm response plans. These tools are vital for a proactive and strategic approach to urban forestry, enabling communities to not only recover from disasters but also to build more resilient and effectively managed tree populations for the future. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in urban tree canopy coverage in disaster-affected areas, improved community preparedness for future natural disasters through comprehensive management and response plans, and a heightened level of community engagement in local environmental initiatives. Measurable results will likely be tracked through the number of trees planted, the development and implementation of urban forestry plans, and the scope of community participation. The underlying theory of change is that by providing targeted financial assistance for tree recovery and urban forestry planning, IDNR can empower local entities to rebuild stronger, more sustainable, and more beautiful communities capable of withstanding future environmental challenges. Funding for project requests ranges from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $20,000, with an overall available fund of $40,000. This ensures that a diverse range of projects, from small-scale plantings to more comprehensive planning initiatives, can be supported. Eligible activities include the creation or updating of tree inventories and canopy assessments, the development or review of management/response plans, and tree planting projects that incorporate community engagement. The emphasis on native species and strategic planning reflects a thoughtful approach to environmental restoration and long-term ecological health.

The Porter County Community Foundation seeks to strengthen the community through lasting generosity and leadership by offering grants for humanitarian, cultural, educational, and environmental purposes. While the foundation acknowledges the importance of general operating support for nonprofits, it prioritizes funding requests that build organizational capacity, enhance efficiency, expand successful programming, or foster cooperation and collaboration among organizations for innovative initiatives. This approach aligns with their mission to ensure long-term growth and vitality within the community by strategically investing in projects with clear, impactful goals. The foundation targets organizations serving Porter County, Indiana, with a focus on proposals that demonstrate the potential for significant community benefit. Grants are awarded through an open process, and the committee considers several factors when making difficult choices due to limited funds. These factors include support from sources other than the foundation, evidence of meaningful financial support from the organization's board, the overall financial strength of the organization, and the request's impact on enhancing the organization's capacity to better serve Porter County. Key priorities for funding include initiatives that increase organizational capacity through planning, training, and professional development (excluding recurring annual conferences), as well as projects that enhance efficiency through equipment acquisition and extraordinary expenses difficult to budget for. The foundation also prioritizes expanding successful programming to reach new audiences and facilitating cooperation and collaboration among organizations for new, innovative programming. These focuses aim to foster a stronger, more efficient, and interconnected network of community service providers. Expected outcomes include increased organizational efficiency and sustainability, improved capacity to serve Porter County residents, and the successful expansion of programs to new audiences. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed for each funding area, the foundation's emphasis on "increased efficiency and sustainability" and "capacity to better serve Porter County" implies a focus on quantifiable improvements in service delivery, outreach, and operational effectiveness. The maximum grant amount is $10,000, and the foundation generally does not fund annual appeals, event sponsorships, multi-year grants, sectarian programs, political organizations, endowment campaigns, debt reduction, individuals (except scholarships), completed programs, travel for groups, camp scholarships, or re-granting organizations.

The Ripley County Community Foundation offers a variety of grants to benefit nonprofit organizations and their projects that serve Ripley County. The grants program focuses on anticipating the changing needs of the community and providing flexible support. Grants can be used for "seed" money or pilot projects, as well as general operating support. The foundation encourages matching, challenge, and other grant techniques to leverage additional contributions. Eligible organizations must be nonprofits operating in Ripley County and meet the foundation's grant guidelines and policies. Grant applications must fall within one or more of the four service areas: Arts & Culture, Business & Entrepreneurship, Education, Health & Well-Being, and Environment & Natural Resources. Grants will only be made to organizations with responsible fiscal sponsors and adequate accounting procedures. Organizations with outstanding or delinquent grant reports are not eligible for future grants. No grants will be made solely to individuals or for travel expenses. Grants cannot be used for endowment purposes or the acquisition of weapons or property. Religious organizations can receive grants for general community programs or historical site preservation but not for sectarian religious purposes. Previous grant recipients must comply with reporting requirements before applying again. The foundation reserves the right to refuse any grant application. For Donor Advised Funds, advisors are required to submit a recommendation form for each organization they wish to distribute funds to. Recommendations cannot be made until the form is submitted and approved by the foundation's Board of Directors. To apply for a grant from the Ripley County Community Foundation, visit their website at: [link provided]

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Indiana-based nonprofits, educational institutions, state agencies, and local governments to develop programs that improve the juvenile justice system and reduce youth delinquency.

The Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs (OCRA) is seeking applications for its Building Socially Connected Communities Program, a grant initiative designed to address concerning public health statistics in Indiana through a community and economic development lens. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance community resilience and foster economic growth across the state. By investing in initiatives that build social connections, strengthen community bonds, and enhance the overall quality of life for Hoosiers, OCRA aims to strategically counter social isolation and loneliness, which diminish social capital and impact individual and community well-being. The program targets all counties in Indiana and aims to benefit individuals experiencing social isolation and loneliness, local businesses affected by decreased community engagement, and communities striving for greater economic vibrancy and social cohesion. The impact goals are to improve individual health outcomes, enhance community well-being and social capital, foster community engagement, support local businesses, and contribute to the overall economic health of Indiana’s communities. The program's priorities and focus areas include Community Infrastructure Enhancement (e.g., community centers, meeting spaces), Social Clubs & Interest Groups tailored to older adults, Community Well-Being Programs (e.g., mental health awareness, loneliness stigma reduction, accessible resources), Local Business Support (e.g., creating inviting spaces for social interactions), Transportation Accessibility in rural areas, and Intergenerational Initiatives. These focus areas reflect the foundation's strategic priority to create strong, connected communities. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increased social connections, stronger community bonds, enhanced quality of life, greater community engagement, improved economic vibrancy through local business support, and increased access to community events and essential services. The foundation's theory of change posits that by strategically investing in these areas, communities will experience a positive shift in social fabric, economic health, and overall well-being, contributing to Indiana’s statewide development goals. Funding information includes a total of $200,000 available. Applicants can apply for either Quick Action projects (maximum $5,000, minimum $1,000, 1:1 match with 30% in-kind) or Large Impact projects (maximum $50,000, minimum $5,001, 1:1 cash match). Eligible applicants are local government, non-profit organizations, and community groups. Ineligible activities range from plants and Wi-Fi to one-time use products, permanent public restrooms, taxes, food/drink, gaming, illegal/political/unsanctioned activities, demolition, salaries, administration fees, and pre-award expenses.