Indiana Science and Technology Grants

The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) is offering the 2024-2025 Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) American Rescue Plan (ARP) Supplemental Funding Grant. This grant aims to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19, with a specific focus on increasing access to COVID-19 testing, vaccines, and mobile health units to mitigate the virus's spread and enhance support for domestic violence survivors and their dependents. The program aligns with the mission of supporting community-based projects that effectively aid victims of family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are domestic violence shelters, domestic violence programs, culturally specific organizations, tribes, rural communities, racial and ethnic specific communities, and limited English proficient (LEP) individuals, as well as domestic violence survivors and their dependents. The impact goals are to eliminate barriers to COVID-19 testing and supplies, provide resources for onsite testing, ensure access to rapid testing, maintain and increase testing efforts, expand access to testing for underserved populations, and broaden COVID-19 mitigation activities. The grant prioritizes several key areas, including COVID-19 testing (viral and antibody tests, planning, training, reporting, and supply procurement), COVID-19 mitigation (reducing transmission, case investigation, contact tracing, screening, education, and referrals), and COVID-19 vaccine access (administration, outreach, education, appointment assistance, and transportation). Additionally, the grant supports mobile health units for testing, vaccine administration, and preventative health services, along with workforce expansions, capacity building, and personnel support to ensure the continuity of domestic violence services. Expected outcomes include increased access to COVID-19 testing and vaccines, reduced spread of the virus, and enhanced support systems for domestic violence survivors. Measurable results will likely involve the number of individuals tested, vaccinated, and reached through mobile health units, as well as improvements in survivor services. The ICJI's strategic priority is to give special emphasis to community-based projects carried out by nonprofit private organizations that operate shelters or provide counseling, advocacy, and self-help services to victims of family violence. The theory of change suggests that by providing these supplemental funds, ICJI can strengthen the public health response to COVID-19 while simultaneously supporting and sustaining the advocacy workforce dedicated to preventing and responding to the needs of domestic violence survivors during the ongoing public health emergency.

The Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) is offering a second round of Digital Towns Grant funding to implement strategies that improve digital equity and inclusion across the Indiana Uplands. The program aligns with ROI's mission to advance a more digitally inclusive region by integrating digital information and communication into all aspects of communities. This grant is designed to support projects and programs that ensure Uplands citizens can fully participate in a digital society, going beyond just broadband expansion to include access to affordable internet, reliable devices, and sufficient digital skills and literacy. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are Uplands communities and organizations within the 11-county Indiana Uplands region, including incorporated cities and towns, county commissions and councils, libraries, nonprofits, public education institutions, faith-based organizations, Main Street organizations, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations with an affiliated 501(c)3, and organizations/programs that help businesses/entrepreneurs. The impact goal is to increase the digital capabilities of the region, ensuring everyone has the resources and skills to prosper in the digital age. The program focuses on three main themes: Digital Citizens, Digital Public Services, and Digital Business. Digital Citizens aims to help households connect to the internet, access devices, and grow competence in using digital technologies for internet services, e-commerce, educational opportunities, digital public services, and healthcare. Digital Public Services supports collaborations between local government, nonprofits, and healthcare to provide access to online information, services, and telehealth. Digital Business partners with businesses and entrepreneurs to maximize opportunities in the digital economy. Expected outcomes include financially supported projects that align with the Indiana Uplands Digital Inclusion Plan, leading to a more digitally inclusive region. Measurable results will be seen in increased access to affordable internet, reliable devices, and improved digital skills and literacy among citizens, as well as enhanced e-commerce opportunities for local businesses and improved access to digital public and healthcare services. ROI's strategic priority is to advance regional digital capabilities through funding for professional services, training, digital products, equipment/hardware, and other services that promote digital inclusion and prosperity. Applicants can receive between $5,000 and $50,000, with regional scope projects eligible for up to $75,000.

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 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.

This grant provides financial support and mentorship to early-stage cleantech entrepreneurs in the Midwest who are developing innovative solutions to promote economic growth and environmental sustainability.

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 program provides financial support to licensed family childcare providers in specific Indiana and Illinois counties to help them overcome barriers to achieving high-quality childcare designations.

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

This grant provides funding to organizations that implement impactful projects benefiting residents of Adams County, with a focus on collaboration, diversity, and measurable community outcomes.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and local entities in Hancock and Henry counties for community development projects that improve quality of life through beautification, recreational enhancements, and public safety initiatives.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies in Vanderburgh County to support programs that enhance community well-being across various sectors, including arts, education, health, and human services.

This grant provides funding for conservation projects that restore and enhance habitats for monarch butterflies and other native pollinators, targeting nonprofit organizations, government entities, tribal groups, and educational institutions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to schools and organizations in the Greater Cincinnati area for summer programs that enrich children's learning and development through engaging activities.

This program provides financial support to individual Black, Indigenous, and People of Color artists in Greater Cincinnati to create and showcase projects that explore themes of truth and innovation related to social justice and equity in July 2025.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations conducting medical research, especially those focused on improving disease treatment and health outcomes, with a preference for projects based in the Midwest.

This program provides funding to local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations in areas where Meta operates data centers, focusing on technology-driven community development and enhancing STEAM education.

This funding opportunity supports educational programs and events for children aged birth to 18 in the Greater Cincinnati area, aimed at enhancing their academic success and social-emotional skills.

This grant provides financial support to educational organizations, hospitals, and youth programs primarily in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Golden Beach, Florida, focusing on scholarships and educational initiatives.