Indiana Capacity Building Grants

This grant provides financial support to Indiana public, charter, and accredited non-public schools to implement approved assessments that enhance student learning and inform instructional decisions for grades K-10.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government entities in Gary, Indiana, to support community revitalization projects that enhance downtown areas, promote economic development, and improve social cohesion.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Clark and Floyd counties, Indiana, to strengthen their infrastructure and enhance their long-term sustainability through capacity-building initiatives.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in specific Indiana counties to undertake capital projects that improve community health outcomes and promote sustainable, healthy communities.

This funding initiative provides financial support to nonprofits in Owen County, Indiana, enabling them to respond to emergencies or seize urgent opportunities that benefit local residents.

This grant provides funding to charitable organizations in Kosciusko County, Indiana, to create inclusive and accessible communities for individuals with disabilities.

This program provides support for aspiring philanthropic leaders in Indiana by covering membership costs and offering hands-on experience in nonprofit grant-making and community engagement.

The Community Foundation of Southern Indiana offers Capacity Building Grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 to 501(c)(3) public charities in Clark and Floyd counties, aimed at improving their operational efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability through projects such as strategic planning, tech upgrades, and organizational development.

Grant Opportunity: Brashaber Teacher Enhancement Award Funding Organization: Rush County Community Foundation Contact Information: Phone - (765) 938-1177 Award Details: The Brashaber Teacher Enhancement Award was established in 2017 to support curriculum development for teachers at Rushville Consolidated High School. The award provides funding for activities or projects outside of the classroom, activities or projects within the classroom, and additional schooling to further education enhancement. Priority is given to teachers proposing creative or unconventional ideas for the benefit of the educational process. The deadline to apply is September 1st, and the application can be accessed online at https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=rccf. Eligibility: Non-profit organizations that benefit Rush County or its citizens are eligible to apply. Established agencies must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. New organizations with demonstrated need or innovative projects are also invited to apply. However, grants are generally not awarded for ongoing operating expenses, debt reduction, travel expenses, multi-year grants, advocacy or political purposes, religious or sectarian purposes, loans, or endowments. The Rush County Community Foundation does not discriminate based on age, race, religion, sex, or national origin. Other Information: For-profit businesses are not eligible for grants from this foundation. Grants are not available for individuals; Connect2Help 211 is recommended for individual needs. Unrestricted grants to education are traditionally not given; specific funds designated for education purposes can be found on their Fund List. Religious organizations currently do not receive grants from the unrestricted fund pool until all organizations can be fairly supported. Note: Please review the Eligibility & Guidelines page on their website for more detailed information before applying.

The City of South Bend's IGNITE Grant Program is designed to enhance South Bend neighborhoods through innovative, resident-led projects that foster community engagement and development. This program aligns directly with the city's mission to empower its residents and cultivate vibrant, self-sustaining communities by offering financial support and encouraging active participation from within the neighborhoods themselves. The grants, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, are specifically structured to ignite grassroots efforts and address localized needs, reinforcing the city's commitment to community-driven progress. The target beneficiaries of the IGNITE Grant Program are exclusively neighborhood associations and the residents residing within those neighborhoods in South Bend. The program's core impact goal is to facilitate tangible improvements in the quality of life and community spirit in these areas. By requiring neighborhood associations to identify boundaries and form a committee of at least five residents, the program ensures that initiatives are truly representative of and directly beneficial to the local population, promoting a sense of ownership and collective responsibility for neighborhood betterment. The IGNITE Grant Program prioritizes projects falling into several key categories, reflecting a holistic approach to neighborhood development. These include Beautification (e.g., wildflower gardens, tree planting), Public Art (e.g., murals, sculptures), Food Security/Access (e.g., community gardens), Public Safety (e.g., sidewalk connections, lighting), Health & Wellness (e.g., walking paths, outdoor exercise equipment), Public Space Enhancement (e.g., picnic areas, shared spaces), Neighborhood Signage, and Capacity Building and Training (e.g., Neighbor Works training, strategic plans). The program also welcomes other creative, neighborhood-generated project ideas, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to fostering innovation at the local level. Expected outcomes and measurable results include visible improvements in public spaces, increased access to resources, enhanced safety, and a stronger sense of community identity and cohesion. For example, beautification projects could lead to more aesthetically pleasing and inviting environments, while public safety initiatives could result in a reduction of incidents and a greater feeling of security among residents. The focus on capacity building and training suggests an emphasis on developing sustainable leadership and organizational skills within neighborhood associations, leading to long-term community resilience and continued development efforts beyond the grant period. While the document does not explicitly outline the "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change," the program's structure strongly implies that the City of South Bend's strategic priority is to invest directly in its neighborhoods as the primary agents of change. The theory of change appears to be that by empowering and funding resident-led initiatives, the city can achieve more effective, relevant, and sustainable improvements than through top-down approaches alone. This fosters a collaborative environment where residents are both the beneficiaries and the drivers of positive transformation in their communities.

The Greater Franklin Chamber of Commerce is offering a small business capacity-building grant program through its Franklin Chamber Foundation. This initiative aims to strengthen the economic and social growth of the Franklin community by supporting local small businesses, which are considered the foundation of the city. The program aligns with the Chamber's mission to assist in fortifying these essential businesses within the community. The target beneficiaries for this program are small businesses in Franklin with 10 or fewer full-time employees. The grant seeks to impact these businesses by providing financial assistance for various capacity-building initiatives. The overall goal is to enhance the resilience and growth potential of these small enterprises, thereby contributing to the broader economic vitality of Franklin. The program prioritizes initiatives that expand physical space, improve online presence, or bolster marketing efforts. Examples of capacity building include the development of user-friendly online shopping platforms, enhancement of point-of-sale systems, updating websites, increasing physical spaces, and implementing innovative marketing strategies. These focus areas are designed to provide tangible improvements that directly contribute to business growth and sustainability. The Franklin Chamber Foundation plans to award 12 grants, each valued at $2,500, to local small businesses. The expected outcome is that these grants will enable recipient businesses to implement crucial capacity-building projects, leading to increased operational efficiency, broader market reach, and ultimately, greater economic stability. While specific measurable results are not detailed beyond the number and amount of grants, the underlying theory of change is that direct financial support for strategic improvements will empower small businesses to thrive, reinforcing the community's economic fabric.

The Emerging Erie Fund, a field of interest fund of the Erie Community Foundation, aims to champion local initiatives that will significantly benefit the Erie community both now and in the future. This aligns with the Erie Community Foundation's broader mission to foster a thriving community by supporting innovative projects that "move the needle." The fund was formerly known as the Young Erie Philanthropists, indicating a legacy of engaging with and empowering community-focused efforts. The grant program targets Erie County 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, excluding for-profit entities, sectarian religious activities, fundraising solely, or hospitality projects. The primary beneficiaries are residents of Erie, Pennsylvania, through projects focused on talent development and retention (PEOPLE) and neighborhood public spaces (PLACES). The impact goal is to create sustainable improvements in these key areas, contributing to career development and enhanced public environments within the community. The Emerging Erie Fund prioritizes innovative and ambitious projects where the allocated funds, ranging from $10,000 to a maximum of $75,000, can make a substantial difference. The grantmaking areas, "PEOPLE: Talent Development and Retention" and "PLACES: Neighborhoods Public Spaces," clearly define the strategic focus. The fund seeks proposals that demonstrate a clear potential for significant positive change within an 18-month project period. Expected outcomes include the creation of new career development opportunities, the enhancement of existing talent retention initiatives, and the improvement of public spaces within Erie neighborhoods. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on "moving the needle" suggests a desire for demonstrable impact. Organizations are expected to propose projects with clear objectives and a strong likelihood of achieving tangible improvements aligned with the fund's two core grantmaking areas.

The Wayne County Foundation's Grant making in the Community Program offers various funding opportunities, including Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants, Mini-Grants, and Crisis Grants. These grants are aligned with the Foundation's mission to improve the quality of life and enhance the spirit of the Wayne County community in Indiana. The Foundation seeks to strengthen organizations' infrastructure, management, and governance, as well as support innovative projects that address community problems. The target beneficiaries are 501(c)3 organizations operating in or serving Wayne County, Indiana. The program aims to impact the community by supporting projects that address significant community problems, present innovative solutions, promote collaborative relationships, and demonstrate a broad reach or significant depth of impact. Ultimately, the Foundation seeks to foster efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability within organizations serving the community. The program prioritizes proposals that address community problems not already being attempted or funded, present innovative and practical approaches, promote collaboration, have a broad reach or significant impact, demonstrate a clear work plan, show sustainability for ongoing projects, and provide evidence of the applying organization's qualifications and stability. Specific funding amounts are available for each grant type: up to $10,000 for Nonprofit Capacity Building, and up to $5,000 for both Mini-Grants and Crisis Grants. Expected outcomes include strengthened organizational infrastructure, improved management and governance, and enhanced sustainability for nonprofits. Measurable results could include the number of people involved or affected by projects, the achievement of project goals as outlined in work plans, and evidence of increased efficiency and effectiveness of funded organizations. The Foundation's strategic priorities are centered on enhancing the well-being of Wayne County through targeted support for community-focused initiatives.

The Huntington County Community Foundation is offering Mini Grants of up to $1,500 for charitable organizations or causes serving Huntington County. The grants are intended to provide immediate support for smaller projects, with the Mini Grant serving as "last dollar in" for projects that exceed $1,500. Organizations can only receive one mini grant per calendar year and those without 501(c)(3) status will need a fiscal sponsor who is a 501(c)(3) to administer the grant.

This grant provides funding to homeowners' associations and neighborhood groups in Fishers, Indiana, for projects that enhance community beauty and sustainability, such as landscaping, community spaces, and environmental initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to small businesses in Franklin, Indiana, to help them grow through facility expansions, technology upgrades, and new product launches.

The Posey County Community Foundation is currently accepting applications for its 2024 Community Good Grants Program. This program aims to support a broad range of community needs within Posey County, Indiana, aligning with the Foundation's mission to foster overall community well-being. By offering these grants, the Foundation seeks to invest in initiatives that enhance the quality of life for residents and address critical local issues. The program targets nonprofit organizations deemed tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, as well as governmental agencies serving Posey County. Additionally, nonprofit organizations not classified as a 501(c)(3) public charity may be considered if their projects are charitable and support a community need, potentially requiring a fiscal sponsor. The ultimate beneficiaries are the residents of Posey County, who will benefit from the projects funded across various program areas. The Community Good Grants Program focuses on several key areas for funding, including Arts and Culture, Community Development, Education, Health, Human Services, and Other Civic Endeavors, which encompass Environment, Recreation, and Youth Development. These priorities reflect the Foundation's strategic approach to addressing diverse community needs and fostering a well-rounded and thriving environment within the county. The program specifically excludes funding for religious organizations for religious purposes, political parties or campaigns, endowment creation or debt reduction, capital campaigns, annual appeals or membership contributions, and travel requests for groups or individuals. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the Foundation's theory of change appears to be rooted in a belief that by supporting a wide array of charitable endeavors, it can incrementally improve various facets of community life. The broad program areas suggest an intent to create a ripple effect of positive change, from fostering cultural enrichment and educational advancements to promoting better health outcomes and a more vibrant civic landscape. The Foundation's strategic priority is to empower local organizations to implement projects that directly respond to the identified needs and opportunities within Posey County.

The Forecast Public Art’s Midwest Memory Grant, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, is open to non-profit organizations in rural Midwest communities, aiming to elevate and preserve the stories of BIPOC communities through monuments, with a focus on addressing systemic inequities and advancing racial justice.

The Florence V. Carroll Charitable Trust offers grant opportunities aimed at supporting a diverse range of public and charitable initiatives. Its core mission is to benefit the general public residing in St. Joseph County, Indiana, aligning the foundation's strategic priorities directly with local community needs. This grant program is a testament to the trust's commitment to fostering positive change and development within this specific geographical area, acting as a vital resource for organizations dedicated to public welfare. The foundation's theory of change appears to be rooted in direct community investment, believing that by funding various charitable efforts, it can catalyze improvements across multiple sectors. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are the residents of St. Joseph County, Indiana, served by qualifying non-profit organizations. The impact goals are broad, encompassing improvements in various quality of life aspects for these residents. The program focuses on several key areas, including arts, culture, and humanities, education, environment, animals, health, human services, public/society benefit, and religion. This wide scope indicates an intention to address a comprehensive spectrum of community needs and challenges, ensuring a holistic approach to local development and well-being. The priorities of the Florence V. Carroll Charitable Trust are clearly outlined through its designated program areas. These focus on fostering a vibrant, educated, healthy, and supportive community. By supporting organizations within these sectors, the trust aims to contribute to the social, cultural, and environmental enrichment of St. Joseph County. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, it can be inferred that successful grant applications will demonstrate how their projects will lead to tangible benefits within these program areas, such as increased access to educational resources, improved health outcomes, or enhanced cultural participation for the local population. Funding information provided indicates an average total giving per year of $350,000, with an average grant size ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. Individual grants can range from $10,000 to $100,000. These figures suggest that the trust aims to support a significant number of projects each year, with grants substantial enough to make a meaningful difference. The requirements for eligibility stipulate that organizations must qualify as exempt under Sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring that funds are directed towards legitimate charitable endeavors. Applications are accepted through an online form or an alternative accessible application, highlighting a commitment to inclusivity for all potential applicants.

The Re+ Circular Economy Grant Program, supported by the King County Solid Waste Division (SWD), is designed to foster projects that actively minimize waste, extend the lifespan of materials, and rejuvenate natural systems. This initiative directly aligns with the broader mission of promoting a circular economy, moving beyond traditional linear models of production and consumption. By focusing on prevention and reuse upstream, and robust recycling actions downstream, the program seeks to create a more sustainable material flow within King County, while also addressing and reducing existing inequities. The program targets a diverse range of beneficiaries, including nonprofit organizations, fiscally sponsored organizations, businesses, self-employed individuals, tribal governments, and universities/colleges that operate within or support communities in King County (excluding Seattle and Milton). The overarching impact goals are to significantly reduce the volume of materials generated and subsequently sent to the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill, and to enhance the overall sustainability and equity of King County's solid waste system. This is achieved by supporting projects that offer higher uses for materials, focus on waste prevention, or improve the quality, quantity, and availability of recycling infrastructure. The Re+ Circular Economy Grant has two primary focus areas: Prevention and Reuse, and Recycling. Prevention and Reuse projects encompass efforts to reduce material consumption, build infrastructure for reusable products, increase food rescue, and encourage sharing or donating items. Recycling projects aim to create or expand markets for recycled materials (including organics), improve the quality and access to recycling in various communities, and even commercialize technologies that replace virgin materials with recycled content. Projects addressing plastic, paper, and organics (food waste, yard waste, and wood) are given higher priority during the evaluation process, reflecting a strategic emphasis on key waste streams. With approximately $2.2 million in grant funding available for the 2024-25 cycle, the program expects measurable outcomes such as increased food rescue for human and animal consumption, stimulated demand for reused and recycled products, expanded access to reuse and recycling programs, and enhanced collection and processing capacity for recyclable materials. Furthermore, the program anticipates the commercialization of new technologies that utilize recycled content and the development of new uses for recycled materials, all demonstrating future waste diversion potential. The King County Solid Waste Division's strategic priority is a whole system approach that balances upstream prevention with downstream recycling, underpinned by a theory of change that by supporting innovative projects in these areas, King County can achieve substantial reductions in landfill waste and foster a more equitable and resilient circular economy.