Indiana Education Grants

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 Ball Brothers Foundation provides Rapid Grants up to $5,000 for immediate funding needs of organizations within Indiana, particularly for those in East Central Indiana and the Muncie/Delaware County area. These grants are designed to support professional development, travel or equipment needs for new projects, or act as seed money for new initiatives. Rapid Grants are awarded from February 1 to November 30 annually, with notification within one to two weeks of submission. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/ closing deadlines: February 1st to November 30th

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 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]

The Carolyn Jane Scott Charitable Trust provides grants to organizations dedicated to charitable, literary, scientific, and educational endeavors. The Trust's mission is aligned with supporting a broad range of community needs, with a particular focus on entities that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The grant program is designed to foster positive change across various sectors, demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive societal improvement. The target beneficiaries of the Trust's grants are diverse, encompassing organizations working in arts, culture, and humanities; education; environment and animals; health; human services; international/foreign affairs; public/society benefit; and religion. While there are no strict geographic limitations, the Trust primarily supports organizations located in New Jersey, aiming to make a significant impact within the local community while remaining open to broader initiatives. The Trust's grantmaking priorities show a preference for requests supporting secondary education. Beyond this specific area, the Trust broadly focuses on the aforementioned program areas. The strategic priorities of the Trust appear to be rooted in a theory of change that by investing in a wide array of charitable and educational activities, it can contribute to a healthier, more educated, and culturally enriched society. Expected outcomes include enhanced services in health and human services, improved educational opportunities, increased cultural engagement, and support for environmental and animal welfare. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the average grant size of $15,000 to $25,000 and an average total giving of $200,000 per year suggest a consistent level of support intended to produce tangible benefits for the communities and causes served.

The Community Foundation of Huntington County is offering Accessibility Grants to promote inclusivity within communities. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance the quality of life in Huntington County by addressing critical needs, in this case, by removing barriers for individuals with disabilities. The grants aim to create a more welcoming environment for all by fostering solutions to accessibility challenges in buildings and infrastructure, thereby supporting a choice-driven life for individuals with disabilities. The target beneficiaries of these grants include individuals, families, and businesses within Huntington County, Indiana. The program particularly focuses on people with disabilities who are currently facing physical barriers preventing full access to community use and benefits. The impact goals are centered on making communities more inclusive, ensuring that accessibility needs are considered from both individual and community perspectives, and empowering individuals with disabilities to define their own preferences, opinions, priorities, and accommodations. The grant program has two main funding tracks: the Pathfinder Services Community Accessibility Fund and the AWS Foundation Community Accessible Communities Fund. Key priorities and focuses for both tracks include encouraging potential rather than identifying limitations, preferring social settings that include family and friends, exceeding ADA standards through Universal Design principles, and enhancing education and employment potential to contribute to greater independence. Collaboration is also highly encouraged, recognizing that collective effort increases opportunities. Expected outcomes include the physical removal of accessibility barriers, increased participation of individuals with disabilities in community life, and a more inclusive and welcoming environment across Huntington County. Measurable results would likely involve tracking the number of accessibility solutions implemented, the types of infrastructure improved, and anecdotal evidence of increased access and independence for individuals with disabilities. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly geared towards fostering community well-being and equitable access, and their theory of change posits that by funding direct solutions to accessibility barriers, they can directly improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and create a more inclusive society.

The Ralph C. Vonnegut, Jr. Fund, offered by the MCCF (Marshall County Community Foundation), is an annual grant opportunity available on February 1st. The fund aims to support environmental, educational, or recreational projects that are directly linked to Lake Maxinkuckee. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) IRS status or be organizations with 501(c) IRS status whose request is charitable in nature. For further information, interested parties can contact the MCCF directly.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions for initiatives that improve earthquake safety and awareness across multiple states or nationally.

The Research Enhancement Grant (REG) is a program designed to boost research productivity at Indiana University School of Medicine’s statewide Centers for Medical Education, excluding the IUPUI campus. It targets faculty with Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor or Scientist titles, providing up to $50,000 for one-year projects. This initiative encourages scholarly and creative research activities, aiming to equip investigators for successful extramural research support acquisition. The program, funded by the School of Medicine with matching funds from regional campuses, anticipates awarding 2 grants each fiscal year.

The Indiana Office of Energy Development seeks proposals for Empowering Energy Partnerships in Indiana Communities to address energy needs at a community or regional scale. The program supports comprehensive solutions aligned with the state’s pillars of reliability, resiliency, stability, affordability, and environmental sustainability, and encourages partnerships with measurable public benefits. Eligible project topics include energy efficiency such as building upgrades and energy management technologies, alternative fueling and charging infrastructure that is publicly accessible, energy security and reliability including backup generation, microgrids, and cybersecurity, and clean energy resources such as solar, storage, geothermal, wind, and biomass. Vehicle purchases and certain high speed charging are not allowable under program rules. Projects should also demonstrate connections to state priorities such as economic development, workforce development, education, and public safety. Eligible entities include local units of government, nonprofit organizations, for profit entities, and institutions of higher education that are Indiana based and registered federally and with the state. Approximately 2,500,000 dollars is available, with anticipated awards averaging 300,000 to 500,000 dollars for project periods of up to three years. One proposal per eligible entity is allowed; applicants may coordinate regional submissions but cannot make tiered subawards. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the state’s process. Additional information is available from the Indiana Office of Energy Development.

The Men's Fund of Vanderburgh County, managed by the Vanderburgh Community Foundation, aims to improve the quality of life in Vanderburgh County, Indiana, by collectively funding significant grants for charitable initiatives. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to address current community needs and create positive social change through the efforts of male philanthropists. The fund is open to nonprofit organizations deemed tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, as well as governmental agencies serving Vanderburgh County. Non-501(c)(3) public charities may also be considered if their proposal is charitable, supports a community need, and meets the stated criteria, requiring a fiscal sponsor in such cases. The target beneficiaries of the grants are underserved residents of Vanderburgh County, with impact goals centered on improving their quality of life. The fund prioritizes both program activities and capital projects across various areas, including Community Development, Education, Health/Mental Health, Human Services, and Other Civic Endeavors (Arts & Culture, Environment, Recreation, and Youth Development). Endowment creation is also an area considered for both program and project funding. The strategic priorities emphasize supporting organizations that demonstrate long-range planning, financial stability, sustainability, and sound plans to address ongoing or emerging issues. Key considerations for funding include a commitment to long-range planning, financial stability, and sustainability. Organizations should have sound plans to address ongoing or emerging issues identified by research, specific and realistic plans for program or project evaluation, and a desire to promote collaboration to prevent duplication of services. The fund also values project methodologies utilizing preventative strategies for addressing issues and solving problems, along with evidence of organizational planning and management. This reflects a theory of change that emphasizes well-managed, collaborative, and preventative approaches to community challenges. The expected outcomes include significant improvements in the quality of life for Vanderburgh County residents through funded initiatives. Measurable results are tied to the specific evaluation plans outlined in successful proposals. The 2024 Impact Grant Award will be for $30,000, and funded programs and projects must commence within six months of the award and be completed within two years from the grant receipt date. Past recipients of the Impact Grant must observe a two-year waiting period before reapplying, ensuring broader access to funding for various community organizations.

The Harold and Rachel McMillen Foundation supports charitable purposes in Allen County, Indiana, with interests spanning arts and culture, education, environment and animals, health, human services, and religion. The foundation’s mission is to enhance community well being through grants to qualified organizations. Average awards typically range from 5,000 to 15,000 dollars. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) public charities, and applications must be submitted through the foundation’s online grant application form. Program areas include a broad range of community needs within Allen County. Applicants should present well defined projects that align with the foundation’s priorities and demonstrate capacity to deliver measurable community benefit. Grant duration is not specified in the public description. Applications are due May 1, 2024. Additional information and application procedures are provided through the trustee’s online portal referenced by Wells Fargo.

The Community Foundation of Pulaski County in Indiana is offering a grant for charitable programs and projects in areas such as adult education, agriculture, disability, disadvantaged education, environmental wellness, and wildlife conservation, prioritizing proposals that impact a substantial number of people, offer practical solutions to current problems, encourage cooperation, and come from established non-profit organizations, with a deadline of October 1, 2024.

The Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) is offering the Elevation Grant Program to support community-based efforts in Marion County, Indiana. This program aligns with CICF's mission to foster a thriving community by focusing on areas critical to well-being and equitable opportunity. The grant aims to empower residents and organizations to address systemic challenges through targeted interventions, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and resilient Central Indiana. The grant targets a diverse range of beneficiaries, including residents in specific neighborhoods, youth and young adults facing unique challenges, individuals currently interacting with the criminal legal system, and a priority population of Black/Latinx males aged 18-35 who are at high risk of violent victimization or perpetration. The impact goals are broad, encompassing increased resident safety, strengthened social networks, reduced crime, improved educational and employment outcomes for youth, enhanced social-emotional development, reduced recidivism, and comprehensive crisis response services for vulnerable populations. The Elevation Grant Program prioritizes five key areas: Thriving Neighborhoods, Empowered Youth / Young Adult, Restoration & Resilience, Justice-Involved Supports, and Intervention. Thriving Neighborhoods focuses on place-based efforts to promote safety and reduce crime, emphasizing resident engagement and community partnerships. Empowered Youth / Young Adult programs provide supportive services like employment, education, and mentoring to youth and young adults facing disengagement. Restoration & Resilience aims to offer social-emotional development, mental health support, and substance use reduction programs. Justice-Involved Supports focuses on services for individuals interacting with the criminal legal system to promote productive citizenship and reduce recidivism. Intervention programs implement integrated 24/7 crisis response services for the priority population, including housing, food, childcare, and mental health support. Expected outcomes and measurable results are integral to the grant program. For Thriving Neighborhoods, organizations must demonstrate increased resident safety and awareness through surveys, crime reporting, or statistics. Empowered Youth/Young Adult programs should show improved conditions for participants through measurable impacts of services and formal mentorship components. Justice-Involved Supports require demonstration of an individual's ability to gain skills, obtain work, secure housing, and prevent future interactions with the criminal legal system. The overall theory of change for CICF's Elevation Grant Program is to invest in strategic, community-led initiatives that address root causes of inequity and disengagement, thereby fostering a stronger, safer, and more equitable community for all residents of Marion County. The grant size ranges from $100,000 to $500,000 for an initial grant, with funding for the priority population ranging from $20,000 to $250,000. The grant duration is one year, with the grant period beginning October 1, 2024, and ending September 30, 2025. Eligibility criteria include being a 501(c)(3) public charity or having a fiscal sponsor, being located in and serving residents of Marion County, Indiana. Organizations may apply to multiple interest areas.

The 501vc® Investment Fund is seeking to invest $200,000 to $300,000 in early-stage climate tech startups in the Greater Midwest region, focusing on sectors like advanced materials, renewable energy, and agriculture technologies.

This grant provides financial support to non-profit organizations, schools, and government entities for programs and projects that benefit the youth of Henry County, Indiana.

The Bowsher-Booher Foundation is dedicated to supporting charitable, scientific, literary, and educational initiatives within St. Joseph County, Indiana. Its core mission is particularly focused on early childhood education, aligning its grant-making efforts with the critical development phase of young children. The foundation provides grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, with an average grant size between $5,000 and $10,000. Annually, the foundation disburses an average of $80,000, underscoring its commitment to consistent support within its target region. The target beneficiaries for the Bowsher-Booher Foundation's grants are primarily organizations that serve the community in St. Joseph County, Indiana, with a special emphasis on those dedicated to early childhood education. While the program areas include education, health, and human services, the foundation's practice is to predominantly support early childhood education initiatives. The impact goal is to foster positive change and development in these areas, particularly by enhancing educational opportunities for young children in the region. The foundation's priorities and focuses are clearly centered on early childhood education. While it considers broader charitable, scientific, literary, and educational efforts, its funding decisions consistently reflect a preference for organizations that directly support the educational development of young children. This strategic focus aims to create a strong foundation for learning and future success for the youngest members of the community in St. Joseph County. Expected outcomes include improved access to quality early childhood education, enhanced educational resources, and strengthened community programs that support children's development. Measurable results could involve increased enrollment in early learning programs, improved literacy rates among young children, and better health and well-being outcomes for beneficiaries of human services and health programs supported by the foundation. The Bowsher-Booher Foundation's strategic priorities are to channel resources effectively to local organizations making a tangible difference in St. Joseph County, with a clear theory of change that investing in early childhood education yields long-term benefits for individuals and the community. By supporting eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, the foundation seeks to empower local non-profits to implement impactful programs that align with its mission and address the specific needs of South Bend, Indiana, and the broader St. Joseph County area.