Indiana Youth Grants

The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) has opened applications for the 2024–2025 Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) American Rescue Plan (ARP) Supplemental Funding Grant. This initiative provides essential financial support to organizations serving victims of domestic and family violence across Indiana. With funding ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, the program aims to strengthen emergency services, provide housing and advocacy, and enhance recovery support for victims and their dependents. The grant also specifically addresses the ongoing and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on both survivors and the organizations that serve them. The FVPSA program serves as the nation’s cornerstone funding source for shelters and supportive services for victims of domestic and family violence. The ARP supplemental funds expand that mission to include the prevention of COVID-19 transmission, preparation for future public health challenges, and direct response to victims affected by the pandemic. ICJI emphasizes support for community-based, nonprofit organizations whose core mission involves operating shelters or providing advocacy, counseling, and self-help services for victims and their families. The funding seeks to ensure that these organizations can continue providing safe, stable, and accessible services despite the evolving challenges of public health and social crises. Under the “Prevent” category, eligible projects may include emergency housing through shelters or hotels, outreach to underserved populations, the purchase of PPE and health supplies, and technology for mobile advocacy. The “Prepare” category focuses on building organizational resilience, including conducting assessments and developing contingency plans to maintain operations during future surges. Meanwhile, the “Respond” category funds direct assistance such as counseling, advocacy, youth support services, civil legal aid, rental and utility assistance, and programs that promote victims’ economic empowerment, such as transportation, childcare, job training, and financial literacy initiatives. Approximately $350,000 in total funding is available for this grant cycle, covering a 12-month period from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. Eligible applicants include local public agencies and nonprofit private organizations—such as faith-based, community-based, tribal, and charitable organizations—with proven experience assisting victims of domestic or family violence. Applicants must demonstrate a strong record of delivering effective, survivor-centered services and must align their proposed activities with the grant’s prevention, preparation, or response focus areas. Through this FVPSA ARP supplemental grant, ICJI continues its commitment to protecting survivors, strengthening community-based response systems, and addressing the intersection of domestic violence and public health. By empowering organizations with the resources they need to adapt and sustain critical services, this program ensures that victims across Indiana can access safety, stability, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives free from violence.

The City of Evansville has established the Forward Together Grant Fund, an initiative designed to bolster eligible nonprofit organizations actively working within the Evansville community. This fund, strategically derived from interest generated by the American Rescue Plan Act, aligns with a core mission to strengthen neighborhoods and create pathways out of poverty for city residents. The program serves as a direct extension of the city's commitment to fostering a more resilient and equitable community by empowering organizations engaged in vital local work. The primary beneficiaries of the Forward Together Grant Fund are underprivileged or disadvantaged residents of the City of Evansville, along with the nonprofit organizations directly serving them. The program's impact goals are centered on improving the quality of life for these residents by addressing critical social and economic challenges. Through strategic funding, the city aims to foster a stronger social fabric and provide tangible opportunities for upward mobility, ultimately leading to a more stable and thriving Evansville. The grant prioritizes programs falling into several key categories, reflecting the city's strategic focus on comprehensive community development. These include Affordable Housing, Mental Health/Addiction, Food Assistance, Job Training, Youth Development, Internet Access, Childcare Access, Resource Navigation Assistance, Homeless Services, and Neighborhood Revitalization (e.g., Home Repairs, weatherization). This broad scope ensures that a diverse range of pressing needs within the community can be addressed, contributing to a holistic approach to poverty reduction and neighborhood strengthening. Organizations can apply for up to $35,000 to fund programs within these categories. The expected outcomes of this initiative include improved access to essential services, enhanced neighborhood stability, increased economic opportunities, and a reduction in poverty rates across the city. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the focus on tangible services and community-based programs suggests that success will be evaluated through metrics related to service delivery, client outcomes, and overall community betterment. The City of Evansville's theory of change for the Forward Together Grant Fund is rooted in the belief that targeted investment in local nonprofit organizations, particularly those addressing fundamental needs, can create a ripple effect of positive change. By supporting organizations that directly work to strengthen neighborhoods and provide pathways out of poverty, the city anticipates a measurable improvement in the lives of its residents, leading to a more vibrant, equitable, and self-sufficient community. Eligible uses of funds include crucial operational costs such as payroll, benefits, utilities, rent, and insurance, recognizing that stable organizational infrastructure is vital for sustained impact.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations in Indianapolis that create or expand programs benefiting children and adolescents.

This grant provides financial support to local nonprofits in Middlebury, Indiana, that focus on youth and family initiatives aligned with Christian values.

This grant provides financial support to grassroots community organizing groups in the Midwest that focus on empowering low- and moderate-income populations, particularly those historically excluded from civic participation, to drive systemic change and promote social justice.

This grant provides financial support for music-related activities and programs in Rush County, focusing on adult engagement and elementary to middle school music initiatives, while excluding high school programs.

The Youth Fund by Crossroads Fund offers grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 to youth activists (up to 26 years old) in selected counties of Illinois and Indiana, specifically Chicago and Gary, who are working on social justice projects in areas such as community, education, health, environment, violence, and media, with a focus on challenging policies and structures that hinder equality in their communities.

This program provides funding to K-12 teachers and administrators in specific Kentucky and Indiana counties to enhance classroom instruction through arts-integrated programming.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and schools in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods for improving local football fields, ensuring safe and accessible play spaces for community youth.

This grant provides funding for community projects in Blackford County, Indiana, focusing on areas such as education, health, and human services, with a preference for initiatives that demonstrate collaboration and broad community impact.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Randolph County that develop innovative programs to improve the lives of women and children, focusing on areas such as crisis prevention, education, financial literacy, and health initiatives.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government agencies in Kosciusko County, Indiana, to support health and wellness initiatives that benefit the local community.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations that support women and children in Blackford County, Indiana, focusing on health, education, human services, and community development initiatives.

This fund provides financial assistance to help youth in Bartholomew County and nearby areas participate in sports and fitness programs, removing economic barriers to access.

This funding opportunity supports local nonprofit organizations and community groups in Michigan City to implement prevention-focused projects that address the opioid crisis and enhance community resilience.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies that address community needs in areas such as education, health, and the arts.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and individual artists in Marion County, Indiana, to create arts programming in public spaces and youth-focused arts education initiatives.

This grant provides funding to public and nonprofit organizations in Indiana to develop and implement community-based mental health programs that help divert youth from the juvenile justice system and support their behavioral health needs.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Randolph County to support projects that enhance community well-being in areas such as youth services, education, arts, health, and environmental preservation.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations that offer hands-on STEAM training and paid summer internships for teens aged 16-19 from low-income areas, in partnership with Best Buy Teen Tech Centers.