Indiana Food and Nutrition Grants

Arts Midwest is offering Cultural Sustainability: Equity-Based Operating Grants of up to $67,000 to small arts and culture organizations rooted in communities of color, providing general operating support for those with annual expenses up to $500,000 in selected states.

The United Way of the Wabash Valley (UWWV) has announced a new grant opportunity through its Community Health (UWWV CH) and Youth Success (UWWV YS) Impact Councils. This initiative is designed to support projects that address the overall health of area youth. The program aligns with the UWWV's mission by investing in the well-being of the community's youngest members, fostering a healthier future for the Wabash Valley. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are children aged 6 to 18 (K-12) within the UWWV service area, which includes Clay, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion, and Vigo counties in Indiana, and Clark County in Illinois. The impact goal is to improve the mental, behavioral, and physical health and well-being of these youth. Programs are encouraged to take a holistic approach to health, with an emphasis on innovative solutions that can be implemented during the school year, summer 2025, or other out-of-school times. Priority will be given to programs that serve youth in outlying counties (Clay, Parke, Sullivan, and Vermillion in Indiana, and Clark in Illinois), demonstrate strong collaborations and partnerships among organizations, and integrate physical exercise with social/emotional well-being, mental health, life skills, and/or food and nutrition. The focus is on creating comprehensive programs that address multiple facets of youth health. The UWWV's strategic priorities are evident in the grant's emphasis on youth health and community collaboration. The theory of change suggests that by investing in innovative, holistic programs for youth, the UWWV can contribute to a healthier and more resilient community. Expected outcomes include improved mental, behavioral, and physical health among participants, enhanced life skills, and better nutritional habits. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, successful applicants would likely be expected to track participant engagement, improvements in health indicators, and the development of key skills. A total of $30,000 in funding is available, with individual applicants eligible to apply for $1,000 to $5,000, to be expended by August 31, 2025. This funding structure allows for a broad range of impactful projects. Eligible applicants include youth-serving organizations, school and civic organizations, businesses, local government entities (e.g., Parks Departments), faith-based organizations, and non-profit health services organizations. A key requirement for counseling, therapy, or life skills services is the provision of evidence that a licensed or certified counselor will perform these services in person, as virtual sessions will not be funded.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to child care providers in Indianapolis to improve services, increase capacity, and enhance early childhood education for infants and toddlers.

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.

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 funding to various organizations in Indiana to improve the production and marketing of specialty crops, such as fruits and vegetables, through innovative projects that benefit the industry and the public.

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.

Main Street Ventures offers Launch Funding to emerging, pre-revenue businesses that have a prototype or product. This grant program aims to support the growth and scaling of businesses within the Greater Cincinnati region, aligning with the foundation's mission to foster economic development and innovation in the area. The funding is specifically designed to cover key direct costs associated with growth projects, rather than general operating expenses, reflecting a strategic priority to provide tangible support for business acceleration. The primary target beneficiaries are business entities (C-Corp, S-Corp, or LLC) with a Federal Tax ID (EIN) located in the Greater Cincinnati region, which includes specific counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Businesses must demonstrate customer demand and strong progression since their founding. The program focuses on specific growth projects that will accelerate business growth, with examples of suitable direct expenses including key equipment, packaging support, and technology product development. This targeted approach ensures that the grant funds directly contribute to measurable business expansion. Special consideration is given to women and minority-owned businesses, as well as businesses that can show matching funds from other sources. This reflects the foundation's strategic priorities to promote inclusivity and leverage additional investment, thereby maximizing the overall impact on the regional economy. The expected outcomes include the scaling of businesses, job creation, and increased economic vitality within the Greater Cincinnati region, with successful applicants demonstrating a clear impact of the grant funds on their business or the region. The Main Street Ventures' theory of change is rooted in providing early-stage, direct financial assistance to promising businesses to help them overcome critical growth hurdles. By focusing on direct costs and specific growth projects, the program aims to create a ripple effect, enabling these businesses to achieve significant milestones that would otherwise be out of reach. The emphasis on local businesses and underrepresented founders further amplifies the foundation's commitment to building a robust and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Greater Cincinnati area. The grant duration of three years allows for sustained support and monitoring of the businesses' progress.

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 Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) is currently accepting applications for its Safety Net Grant Program. This program is directly aligned with the foundation's mission to ensure that all individuals in the Greater Cincinnati region have access to essential resources such as food and shelter, while also increasing access to well-integrated, trauma-informed mental and behavioral health services. This initiative reflects GCF's strategic priority to address fundamental community needs and support the well-being of its residents through a comprehensive approach to health and stability. The target beneficiaries of the Safety Net Grant Program are the residents across the Greater Cincinnati region, encompassing specific counties in Indiana (Dearborn), Kentucky (Boone, Kenton, Campbell), and Ohio (Hamilton, Butler, Warren, Clermont). The program aims to achieve significant impact by supporting or expanding existing programs, enacting capital improvements, launching new initiatives, or building organizational capacity within these communities. The overarching goal is to strengthen the safety net for vulnerable populations, thereby improving their access to critical support systems. For the 2024 Safety Net cycle, GCF has approximately $800,000 available, with individual grants awarded for up to $50,000. Preference will be given to organizations that develop solutions with a racial equity lens, demonstrating GCF's commitment to equitable outcomes. Proposals with clear and measurable outcomes are highly favored, as are organizations that have demonstrated partnerships, collaboration, and alignment with community-wide efforts. GCF also prioritizes organizations that have shown insights from past results and utilize an asset-based approach to their work, indicating a theory of change that values evidence-based practices and community-led solutions. The expected outcomes of the Safety Net Grant Program include increased access to food, shelter, and high-quality mental and behavioral health services for individuals in the region. Organizations applying must be tax-exempt (501(c)(3) status) or a government agency, or utilize a fiscal agent. While the grant duration is not specified, the funding is intended to support sustainable efforts. Funding will not be awarded for campaigns or special events, emphasizing GCF's focus on direct program support and capacity building to achieve lasting positive change within the community.

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) offers the Environmental Sustainability Grant Program to support and enhance the environmental sustainability of the Greater Cincinnati region. This aligns with GCF's mission to increase accessibility and quality of greenspaces, conservation, horticulture, and nature education, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity for historically marginalized groups. The program aims to address environmental disparities and promote equitable access to nature's benefits. The primary beneficiaries of this program are organizations whose efforts are based in the Greater Cincinnati region, specifically within the counties of Hamilton, Butler, Warren, and Clermont in Ohio; Boone, Kenton, and Campbell in Kentucky; and Dearborn in Indiana. The program targets historically marginalized groups by prioritizing requests that connect them to the benefits of nature, including fresh food access and nature education, particularly for children and youth. The overarching impact goal is to foster a more environmentally sustainable and equitable region. The program prioritizes proposals that develop solutions with a racial equity lens, recognizing that environmental issues often disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Key focus areas include beautifying, creating, conserving, and restoring greenspaces, with a preference for those benefiting historically marginalized groups. Additionally, the program seeks to connect these groups to nature's benefits through various initiatives, such as increased fresh food access and nature education programming. Collaboration between well-aligned organizations is highly favored, as is an asset-based approach to the work. Expected outcomes include expanded or strengthened existing programs, successful capital improvements, the launch of new initiatives, and enhanced organizational capacity among grantee organizations. Proposals are expected to articulate clear and measurable outcomes, demonstrating how their efforts will contribute to the program's goals. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the general intent to increase accessibility and quality of greenspaces and nature education, the emphasis on "clear and measurable outcomes" suggests a commitment to tracking the tangible impact of funded projects. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its preference for organizations demonstrating partnerships, community alignment, insights from past results, and an asset-based approach, all contributing to a theory of change that values collaborative, data-informed, and community-centric environmental solutions with a strong equity focus.

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.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is offering the 2024 Community & Urban Forestry Assistance (CUFA) Grant. This program aims to foster the long-term growth and development of community forestry programs throughout Indiana. The core mission of the grant aligns with enhancing the quality of life for residents by investing in sustainable urban forest management. The overall funding available for this program is $230,000, with individual project requests ranging from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $25,000. The target beneficiaries of the CUFA Grant include municipalities (cities, towns, townships, counties, and other local government entities as defined by IC 369-1-2) and non-profit 501(c)3 organizations. The grant's impact goals are broad, focusing on the expansion and preservation of urban tree canopy, increased and more equitable access to urban tree canopy, broadened community engagement in urban forest planning, and improved resilience to climate change, pests, and storm events through best management practices. The program prioritizes several key areas. These include establishing and strengthening community urban forestry programs, promoting urban forestry benefits through proper tree selection, planting, and care, establishing comprehensive tree inventories for data-driven decisions, and promoting risk management through tree assessment and mitigation plans. The grant also emphasizes restoring diminished community tree canopy, diversifying urban forests for long-term resilience, and ensuring urban forests provide ecosystem services such as cleaner air, improved watershed health, reduced erosion, stormwater runoff, and reduced urban heat island effects. Expected outcomes and measurable results include addressing historic inequities in urban forestry, adapting urban forest accessibility to changing demographics, promoting the Indiana nursery and arboriculture industries, and enhancing the built environment through increased property values and reduced energy demands. The grant supports activities such as the development of tree inventories or urban tree canopy assessments, creation or update of urban forestry management/response plans, education and training, and community engagement and tree planting initiatives. All tree planting projects must include community engagement, occur on public property, utilize 100% native Indiana species (with limited exceptions for Acer genus trees), and include a maintenance plan. Other supported activities include urban wood utilization, establishment of urban food forests, invasive species removal, and community website development specific to urban forestry.

This grant provides funding to community organizations in Morgan County, Indiana, to implement innovative projects that improve mental health, address substance use, and promote physical activity and nutrition, while considering the social factors that influence health.

This funding opportunity supports organizations and individuals in Indiana to create educational programs that promote awareness and appreciation of historic preservation through various innovative formats.

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 financial support to Black entrepreneurs who are positively impacting their communities, helping them grow and sustain their businesses.

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 funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Lake County, Indiana, to enhance community services and empower residents through innovative programs and capacity-building initiatives.