Indiana Business and Commerce Grants

This program provides financial support to Indiana-based manufacturers, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises, to adopt advanced smart manufacturing technologies that drive innovation and modernization.

This grant provides funding for health and wellness initiatives that directly benefit residents of Elkhart County, Indiana, supporting nonprofit organizations and public entities in their efforts to improve community health.

This program provides financial support to non-profit organizations in Daviess County, Indiana, to help them host public events that promote tourism, cultural experiences, and community engagement.

This program provides financial assistance to business owners in Aurora for renovating and improving the façades of their commercial properties to enhance the city's visual appeal and support economic growth.

This initiative provides financial assistance to local nonprofits, schools, community organizations, and businesses in South Bend for solar panel installations and energy efficiency upgrades to reduce energy costs and promote sustainability.

This program provides mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities to early-stage startups focused on innovative transportation solutions, including autonomous vehicles and logistics improvements, to help them grow and attract investment.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Jefferson County, Indiana, for programs that support women and children in areas such as education, economic empowerment, health, and violence prevention.

This program provides funding to organizations in Porter County, Indiana, for projects, events, and marketing efforts that attract visitors and boost local tourism.

This award recognizes individuals, businesses, and advocacy groups in Monroe County for their significant contributions to improving race relations, justice, and human rights.

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 grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations hosting events in Rising Sun and Ohio County, Indiana, to help cover marketing costs and boost local tourism in 2025.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in St. Joseph County that are working on projects to improve community development, health services, education, and recreational facilities for local residents.

This grant provides funding to non-profit organizations, neighborhood associations, and local businesses in Bloomington to support projects that improve pedestrian and bicycle mobility and promote active transportation in the community.

The City of South Bend, Indiana is inviting applications for the South Bend Alive Grant program, aimed at funding community organizations that work towards reducing violence and positively impacting the lives of young people through mentorship, employment training, and community outreach activities.

This program provides financial assistance to businesses located in the Michigan City Urban Enterprise Zone to improve their facilities, enhance customer experiences, and support historic preservation efforts.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has announced the availability of grant funds to assist communities’ efforts to increase recycling and waste reduction. Donor Name: Indiana Department of Environmental Management State: Indiana County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The Community Recycling Grant Program is administered through the Office of Program Support (OPS) of IDEM. Funding Information Grants start at $1,000 and go up to $100,000 with a 25 percent cash match. Grant Period Grant agreements will be for a term of 18 months. Eligible Funding Costs  Funding is available for expenses related to the startup or expansion of recycling, reuse, composting, Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection or disposal, and source reduction programs. Eligible expenses include:  Purchase of recycling equipment such as balers and compactors. Organics management equipment including chippers and leaf collectors/vacuums.  Recycling collection vehicles, such as a curbside recycling truck.  Educational materials to inform new and existing participants.  Funding for HHW projects will be used toward proper collection and disposal methods of HHW, establishment of reuse and product exchanges to reduce the quantity of HHW being disposed, and education programs to reduce the quantity of HHW generated by informing the public of less hazardous and/or nontoxic substitutes for typical household hazardous products. Project Eligibility Projects should accomplish one or more of the following: Start or expand a recycling, source reduction, reuse, buy-recycled, or composting program. Offer a new service, collect a new material, and/or serve a new area through the establishment of a new permanent service. Improve efficiency and sustainability over current program practices through increased volumes of materials collected, and better processing of materials, cost savings, and resource conservation. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible Applicants: Solid waste management districts (SWMDs) Counties Municipalities Schools Nonprofit organizations located in Indiana Noneligible Applicants: Businesses Commercial operations For-profit organizations State agencies are not directly eligible for grants from IDEM. State agencies may be partners in projects with a solid waste management district or a local unit of government. For more information, visit DEM.

The Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) will offers a second round of grant funding to implement strategies supported by the digital inclusion plan, build upon recent activity, and that improve digital equity and inclusion across the Indiana Uplands. Donor Name: Regional Opportunity Initiatives State: Indiana County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/13/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Digital Towns Grant program will provide Uplands communities and organizations with resources needed to develop and implement projects and programs to ensure Uplands citizens can participate fully in a digital society. Digital inclusion is not limited to broadband expansion. Successful digital inclusion ensures everyone has access to affordable internet connectivity that meets the needs of households, local governments, and businesses. It also is a vehicle for ensuring that individuals and organizations have reliable and appropriate devices and sufficient digital skills/ literacy to fully participate and prosper in the digital age. Examples of the type of strategies a community might adopt to advance digital literacy include but are not limited to: Establishing and/or expanding community-based or governmental social media and website presence, Assisting local businesses with technical resources and/or training to expand their e-commerce opportunities, libraries administering device loan programs, or access to digital resources and training. digital skill-building classes. Program Goals The goal of this initiative is to financially support projects or programs that align with the strategies outlined in the Indiana Uplands Digital Inclusion Plan and as outlined below: The main objective of the Digital Towns Grant Program is the advancement of a more digitally inclusive region by adopting and integrating digital information and communication in all aspects of the communities. For the purpose of this grant program, ROI will focus on the following themes: Digital Citizens – helping households connect to the internet, access devices and grow competence in usage of digital technologies to engage in internet services, e-commerce,  educational opportunities, digital public services, and healthcare services Digital Public Services – supporting collaborations between local units of government, nonprofits, and/or health care services to provide access to online information and/or services, and telehealth access points Digital Business – partnering with businesses and entrepreneurs to maximize opportunities in the digital economy Grants are intended to increase the digital capabilities of the region by providing funding for relevant professional services, training, digital products, equipment/hardware, or other products and services that advance digital inclusion and prosperity. Funding Information Applicants can apply for a grant in any amount between $5,000 – $50,000. Projects with a regional scope, serving all 11 counties of the Uplands, can apply for up to $75,000. Geographic Areas The Indiana Uplands region is an 11-county area that encompasses Brown, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Orange, Owen and Washington counties. Eligibility Criteria Incorporated cities and towns County commissions and councils Libraries Nonprofits, including foundations, agencies, and hospitals Public education institutions, including pre-K, K-12, and post-secondary Faith-based organizations Main Street organizations Chambers of commerce and economic development organizations that have an affiliated 501(c)3 Organizations/programs that help business/entrepreneurs. For more information, visit ROI.

The Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs is seeking applications for its Building Socially Connected Communities Program. Donor Name: Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs State: Indiana County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | In-Kind Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: In light of concerning public health statistics in Indiana, OCRA is uniquely positioned to address these challenges through a community and economic development lens with the creation of the Building Socially Connected Communities grant program. Purpose Community Well-Being and Social Capital: Public health statistics in Indiana reveal a concerning trend in individual health outcomes and in the overall well-being of communities. Social isolation and loneliness impact the social fabric and cohesion of neighborhoods, diminishing social capital. This grant program seeks to strategically invest in initiatives that build social connections, strengthen community bonds and enhance the overall quality of life for all Hoosiers. Economic Vibrancy and Local Businesses: Social isolation has economic implications as well, which affects local businesses and community vitality. Those experiencing loneliness may be less engaged in community and economic activities. The Building Socially Connected Communities grant program seeks to foster community engagement and indirectly supports local businesses, enhances economic vibrancy and contributes to the overall economic health of Indiana’s communities. Alignment with Statewide Development Goals: Indiana is actively pursuing statewide development initiatives aimed at enhancing community resilience and fostering economic growth. Addressing social isolation and loneliness aligns with these goals by contributing to the creation of strong, connected communities. This program provides a platform for collaborative efforts between local government, community organizations, local businesses and residents to develop and implement initiatives that enhance the social fabric of the cities and towns. Areas of Funding  Community Infrastructure Enhancement Allocate funds to enhance community centers, meeting spaces and facilities that serve as focal points for social engagement, fostering a sense of community and mitigating the effects of social isolation. Social Clubs & Interest Groups Fund initiatives aimed at creating and sustaining social clubs and interest groups tailored to the preferences and needs of older adults, aligning with the advisory report’s recognition of the importance of tailored interventions. Community Well-Being Programs Support mental health programs that increase awareness, reduce the stigma around loneliness and providing accessible resources to promote mental health among those experiencing loneliness. Local Business Support Enhance local businesses and establishments that cater to the needs and preferences of those experiencing loneliness, such as creating inviting spaces that promote social interactions. Transportation Accessibility Improve transportation options for those experiencing loneliness in rural areas, expanding opportunities to easily access community events, social gatherings and essential services. Intergenerational Initiatives Create intergenerational programs that facilitate meaningful interactions between different age groups. Funding Information There is $200,000 in total funding available. Applicants can apply for either type, but not both. Quick Action projects: Maximum award $5,000 Minimum $1,000 1:1 match, 30% of match can be in-kind Large Impact projects: Maximum $50,000 Minimum award $5,001 1:1 cash match State Funds (e.g. READI, CreatINg Places, etc.) may not be used as matching funds. Eligible Applicants  Local government Non-profit organizations Community groups Ineligible Activities Plants, greenery, shrubs or anything of that nature Wi-Fi One-time use activities or products Permanent public restrooms Taxes Food, drink or alcohol Gaming and gambling activities Illegal, political or unsanctioned activities Demolition Salaries Administration fees, including grant writing or administration Spaces that are not open to the public Expenses that were incurred pre-award. For more information, visit OCRA.

The Dubois County Chamber of Commerce quarterly business grant is intended to support and promote locally owned businesses that are current chamber members. Donor Name: Dubois County Chamber of Commerce State: Indiana County: Dubois County (IN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Eligibility Criteria The business entity’s location must be based within the geographical limits of Dubois County. The business must have no more than 50 full-time employees. The business entity must be locally-owned and operated – this includes franchised businesses. The business cannot be a subsidiary of a larger corporation. Publicly traded companies are not eligible. The business entity must disclose information on any pending litigation or legal actions. The applicant business must be registered and in good standing with the Indiana Secretary of State as a Business Entity, or if a sole proprietorship have a certificate of assumed business name or doing-business- as {OBA) form record from the County Recorder. For more information, visit Dubois County Chamber of Commerce.

The City of Mishawaka is accepting applications for its 2025 Community Development Block Grant Program. Donor Name: City of Mishawaka State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/09/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The CDBG program works to ensure decent affordable housing, to provide services to the most vulnerable in communities, and to create jobs through the expansion and retention of businesses. CDBG is an important tool for helping local governments tackle serious challenges facing their communities. The City of Mishawaka has developed a five-year Consolidated Plan covering the years 2025-2030.  Projects must meet one of the following goals of the Mishawaka Consolidated Plan. Homeless Priority- Public Services Improve and increase public services through funding to programs that target and serve homeless individuals. Special Needs Priority-1 Public Services Improve and increase public service programs for the youth, the elderly, disabled, and target low-income population, including feeding programs and social/welfare programs throughout the City.  Housing Homeownership Assistance- Promote and assist in developing homeownership opportunities for low and moderate- income persons & families through down payment assistance.  Affordable Housing- Promote and assist in the development of new affordable housing through renovation of existing units.  Promote and assist in the preservation of existing owner occupied housing stock thru the Summer of Service Program. Promote and assist in making accessibility improvement to owner occupied housing through rehabilitation. Community Development Priority- Improve, preserve and create new public and community facilities, infrastructure, and public services to ensure the quality of life for all residents of the City of Mishawaka.  Infrastructure- Improve the City’s Infrastructure through rehabilitation, reconstruction and new construction of streets, walks, curbs, ADA ramps. Clearance-Remove and eliminate slum and blighting conditions through demolition of vacant and abandoned structures throughout the City. Administration, Planning and Management- Provide sound and professional planning, administration, oversight and management of federal, state, and local funded programs Fair Housing-Affirmatively further fair housing by promoting fair housing choice throughout the City of Mishawaka. Eligible Activities CDBG Funding may be used for a variety of activities and programs to help low and moderate- income individuals, households or areas. Eligible activities include: Public Facilities and Improvements Code Enforcement Architectural Barrier Removal Public Services, including youth services, senior services, childcare, operations of homeless shelters, services for persons living with HIV/AIDS and crime prevention. Planning  Housing Services – including down payment assistance, renovation of rental or owner occupied housing. Microenterprise Assistance Economic Development Assistance Façade Improvements for Private Businesses For more information, visit City of Mishawaka.