Indiana Science and Technology Grants

The United Way of the Wabash Valley is offering Successful Parenting Initiative Grants of $1,000 to $10,000 for projects that enhance parental knowledge of early childhood development and improve parenting practices, with a focus on early detection of developmental delays and increasing school readiness in children, open to nonprofits, for-profits, local government units, and faith-based and community organizations in specified counties of Indiana and Illinois.

This grant provides financial support to Indiana-based charitable organizations focused on transforming the industrial workforce through education and training in various technical and leadership fields.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is offering its 2024 Natural Disaster Recovery (NDR) Grant. This program aims to aid communities in restoring their urban tree canopy after natural disasters by funding the planting of replacement trees. This initiative directly aligns with the broader mission of environmental stewardship and community resilience, focusing on re-establishing critical natural infrastructure within urban areas. The grant seeks to mitigate the long-term environmental and aesthetic damage caused by natural disasters, thereby contributing to the overall well-being and sustainability of affected communities. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are municipalities and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations within Indiana. The target impact is the recovery and enhancement of urban tree canopies, which in turn offers numerous environmental benefits such as improved air quality, reduced urban heat island effect, enhanced stormwater management, and increased biodiversity. The program also encourages community engagement, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and local involvement in environmental recovery efforts, which can lead to more sustainable outcomes and stronger community bonds. The grant prioritizes the planting of trees native to Indiana and explicitly excludes the purchase of maples (Acer genus) unless specific conditions are met, demonstrating a commitment to ecological integrity and the prevention of monoculture. Beyond tree planting, the grant also supports crucial urban forestry management tools, including community tree inventories, canopy assessments, management plans, and storm response plans. These tools are vital for a proactive and strategic approach to urban forestry, enabling communities to not only recover from disasters but also to build more resilient and effectively managed tree populations for the future. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in urban tree canopy coverage in disaster-affected areas, improved community preparedness for future natural disasters through comprehensive management and response plans, and a heightened level of community engagement in local environmental initiatives. Measurable results will likely be tracked through the number of trees planted, the development and implementation of urban forestry plans, and the scope of community participation. The underlying theory of change is that by providing targeted financial assistance for tree recovery and urban forestry planning, IDNR can empower local entities to rebuild stronger, more sustainable, and more beautiful communities capable of withstanding future environmental challenges. Funding for project requests ranges from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $20,000, with an overall available fund of $40,000. This ensures that a diverse range of projects, from small-scale plantings to more comprehensive planning initiatives, can be supported. Eligible activities include the creation or updating of tree inventories and canopy assessments, the development or review of management/response plans, and tree planting projects that incorporate community engagement. The emphasis on native species and strategic planning reflects a thoughtful approach to environmental restoration and long-term ecological health.

The Porter County Community Foundation seeks to strengthen the community through lasting generosity and leadership by offering grants for humanitarian, cultural, educational, and environmental purposes. While the foundation acknowledges the importance of general operating support for nonprofits, it prioritizes funding requests that build organizational capacity, enhance efficiency, expand successful programming, or foster cooperation and collaboration among organizations for innovative initiatives. This approach aligns with their mission to ensure long-term growth and vitality within the community by strategically investing in projects with clear, impactful goals. The foundation targets organizations serving Porter County, Indiana, with a focus on proposals that demonstrate the potential for significant community benefit. Grants are awarded through an open process, and the committee considers several factors when making difficult choices due to limited funds. These factors include support from sources other than the foundation, evidence of meaningful financial support from the organization's board, the overall financial strength of the organization, and the request's impact on enhancing the organization's capacity to better serve Porter County. Key priorities for funding include initiatives that increase organizational capacity through planning, training, and professional development (excluding recurring annual conferences), as well as projects that enhance efficiency through equipment acquisition and extraordinary expenses difficult to budget for. The foundation also prioritizes expanding successful programming to reach new audiences and facilitating cooperation and collaboration among organizations for new, innovative programming. These focuses aim to foster a stronger, more efficient, and interconnected network of community service providers. Expected outcomes include increased organizational efficiency and sustainability, improved capacity to serve Porter County residents, and the successful expansion of programs to new audiences. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed for each funding area, the foundation's emphasis on "increased efficiency and sustainability" and "capacity to better serve Porter County" implies a focus on quantifiable improvements in service delivery, outreach, and operational effectiveness. The maximum grant amount is $10,000, and the foundation generally does not fund annual appeals, event sponsorships, multi-year grants, sectarian programs, political organizations, endowment campaigns, debt reduction, individuals (except scholarships), completed programs, travel for groups, camp scholarships, or re-granting organizations.

The Indiana Alcohol Research Center (IARC) is inviting proposals for pilot projects focusing on alcohol use disorders (AUD). This program aims to support investigators in generating preliminary data that can lead to extramural funding, with special interest in studies on the behavioral, biological, and genetic mechanisms of alcohol preference, binge-level and high-intensity drinking, tolerance, and other AUD-related mechanisms. The program offers up to $50,000 per year for two years, funding up to two projects. Priority is given to early-career investigators or those new to alcohol research, and applicants should be affiliated with the Indiana University system. The application process includes a letter of intent due by August 1, 2024, and a full proposal submission by September 3, 2024. Grant renewed every year. Project during 2 years

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions for initiatives that improve earthquake safety and awareness across multiple states or nationally.

The Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) Fiscal Year 2025 Art Bank Program is a grant initiative designed to support local visual artists, District art galleries, and art nonprofit organizations by acquiring fine art. This ongoing annual acquisition program contributes to the Art Bank Collection, which began in 1986 and currently holds nearly 3,000 artworks. The mission of this program aligns with CAH's overall goal to foster artistic and cultural development within the District of Columbia and its metropolitan region. The acquired artwork is then loaned to District Government agencies for public display, thereby enhancing public spaces and offices within government buildings. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are qualified artists and District nonprofit art galleries or organizations representing metropolitan artists. The impact goals are multi-faceted: to grow the District's art collection to reflect the diverse artistic history and communities of the region, to provide support, exposure, and professional benefits for visual artists, and to enhance the aesthetic experience for District employees and visitors in government buildings. CAH seeks to achieve these goals through the acquisition of original two- and three-dimensional artwork, including ceramics, drawings, fabric arts, mixed media works, paintings, photographs, prints, and sculptures. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined. For individual artists, eligibility requires being aged 18 or older, a legal resident of Washington, DC, or within a 50-mile radius for at least one year, maintaining primary residency during the funding period (October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025), having a permanent DC, MD, or VA address, and being in good standing with CAH. Nonprofit galleries and organizations must be 501(c)(3) incorporated, represent metropolitan artists, have a principal business office in DC, be registered to do business in the District, ensure at least 51% of activities occur in DC, have an active Board of Directors, obtain "Citywide Clean Hands" certification, and also be in good standing with CAH. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the expansion of the Art Bank Collection with diverse artworks, an increase in professional opportunities and visibility for local artists, and an improved aesthetic environment in District government buildings and public spaces. Award amounts vary, with individual applicants potentially receiving up to $15,000 and nonprofit art galleries or organizations up to $20,000, for a grant duration of one year. This structured funding approach, combined with stringent eligibility, is central to CAH's strategic priorities of enriching the District's cultural landscape and supporting its artistic community, operating under a theory of change that direct investment in art acquisition and artist support will yield significant cultural and public benefits.

The Research Enhancement Grant (REG) is a program designed to boost research productivity at Indiana University School of Medicine’s statewide Centers for Medical Education, excluding the IUPUI campus. It targets faculty with Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor or Scientist titles, providing up to $50,000 for one-year projects. This initiative encourages scholarly and creative research activities, aiming to equip investigators for successful extramural research support acquisition. The program, funded by the School of Medicine with matching funds from regional campuses, anticipates awarding 2 grants each fiscal year.

This program provides funding to universities in eligible states to enhance their research capabilities in science and engineering that support the needs of the Department of Defense.

The Indiana Office of Energy Development seeks proposals for Empowering Energy Partnerships in Indiana Communities to address energy needs at a community or regional scale. The program supports comprehensive solutions aligned with the state’s pillars of reliability, resiliency, stability, affordability, and environmental sustainability, and encourages partnerships with measurable public benefits. Eligible project topics include energy efficiency such as building upgrades and energy management technologies, alternative fueling and charging infrastructure that is publicly accessible, energy security and reliability including backup generation, microgrids, and cybersecurity, and clean energy resources such as solar, storage, geothermal, wind, and biomass. Vehicle purchases and certain high speed charging are not allowable under program rules. Projects should also demonstrate connections to state priorities such as economic development, workforce development, education, and public safety. Eligible entities include local units of government, nonprofit organizations, for profit entities, and institutions of higher education that are Indiana based and registered federally and with the state. Approximately 2,500,000 dollars is available, with anticipated awards averaging 300,000 to 500,000 dollars for project periods of up to three years. One proposal per eligible entity is allowed; applicants may coordinate regional submissions but cannot make tiered subawards. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the state’s process. Additional information is available from the Indiana Office of Energy Development.

The Men's Fund of Vanderburgh County, managed by the Vanderburgh Community Foundation, aims to improve the quality of life in Vanderburgh County, Indiana, by collectively funding significant grants for charitable initiatives. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to address current community needs and create positive social change through the efforts of male philanthropists. The fund is open to nonprofit organizations deemed tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, as well as governmental agencies serving Vanderburgh County. Non-501(c)(3) public charities may also be considered if their proposal is charitable, supports a community need, and meets the stated criteria, requiring a fiscal sponsor in such cases. The target beneficiaries of the grants are underserved residents of Vanderburgh County, with impact goals centered on improving their quality of life. The fund prioritizes both program activities and capital projects across various areas, including Community Development, Education, Health/Mental Health, Human Services, and Other Civic Endeavors (Arts & Culture, Environment, Recreation, and Youth Development). Endowment creation is also an area considered for both program and project funding. The strategic priorities emphasize supporting organizations that demonstrate long-range planning, financial stability, sustainability, and sound plans to address ongoing or emerging issues. Key considerations for funding include a commitment to long-range planning, financial stability, and sustainability. Organizations should have sound plans to address ongoing or emerging issues identified by research, specific and realistic plans for program or project evaluation, and a desire to promote collaboration to prevent duplication of services. The fund also values project methodologies utilizing preventative strategies for addressing issues and solving problems, along with evidence of organizational planning and management. This reflects a theory of change that emphasizes well-managed, collaborative, and preventative approaches to community challenges. The expected outcomes include significant improvements in the quality of life for Vanderburgh County residents through funded initiatives. Measurable results are tied to the specific evaluation plans outlined in successful proposals. The 2024 Impact Grant Award will be for $30,000, and funded programs and projects must commence within six months of the award and be completed within two years from the grant receipt date. Past recipients of the Impact Grant must observe a two-year waiting period before reapplying, ensuring broader access to funding for various community organizations.

The Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) is offering the Elevation Grant Program to support community-based efforts in Marion County, Indiana. This program aligns with CICF's mission to foster a thriving community by focusing on areas critical to well-being and equitable opportunity. The grant aims to empower residents and organizations to address systemic challenges through targeted interventions, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and resilient Central Indiana. The grant targets a diverse range of beneficiaries, including residents in specific neighborhoods, youth and young adults facing unique challenges, individuals currently interacting with the criminal legal system, and a priority population of Black/Latinx males aged 18-35 who are at high risk of violent victimization or perpetration. The impact goals are broad, encompassing increased resident safety, strengthened social networks, reduced crime, improved educational and employment outcomes for youth, enhanced social-emotional development, reduced recidivism, and comprehensive crisis response services for vulnerable populations. The Elevation Grant Program prioritizes five key areas: Thriving Neighborhoods, Empowered Youth / Young Adult, Restoration & Resilience, Justice-Involved Supports, and Intervention. Thriving Neighborhoods focuses on place-based efforts to promote safety and reduce crime, emphasizing resident engagement and community partnerships. Empowered Youth / Young Adult programs provide supportive services like employment, education, and mentoring to youth and young adults facing disengagement. Restoration & Resilience aims to offer social-emotional development, mental health support, and substance use reduction programs. Justice-Involved Supports focuses on services for individuals interacting with the criminal legal system to promote productive citizenship and reduce recidivism. Intervention programs implement integrated 24/7 crisis response services for the priority population, including housing, food, childcare, and mental health support. Expected outcomes and measurable results are integral to the grant program. For Thriving Neighborhoods, organizations must demonstrate increased resident safety and awareness through surveys, crime reporting, or statistics. Empowered Youth/Young Adult programs should show improved conditions for participants through measurable impacts of services and formal mentorship components. Justice-Involved Supports require demonstration of an individual's ability to gain skills, obtain work, secure housing, and prevent future interactions with the criminal legal system. The overall theory of change for CICF's Elevation Grant Program is to invest in strategic, community-led initiatives that address root causes of inequity and disengagement, thereby fostering a stronger, safer, and more equitable community for all residents of Marion County. The grant size ranges from $100,000 to $500,000 for an initial grant, with funding for the priority population ranging from $20,000 to $250,000. The grant duration is one year, with the grant period beginning October 1, 2024, and ending September 30, 2025. Eligibility criteria include being a 501(c)(3) public charity or having a fiscal sponsor, being located in and serving residents of Marion County, Indiana. Organizations may apply to multiple interest areas.

The 501vc® Investment Fund is seeking to invest $200,000 to $300,000 in early-stage climate tech startups in the Greater Midwest region, focusing on sectors like advanced materials, renewable energy, and agriculture technologies.

Grant Title: NIST MEP is seeking applications to establish and manage Manufacturing Extension Partnership Centers in designated states to provide essential services that enhance the productivity, innovation, and competitiveness of small and mid-sized manufacturers.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations focused on preventing child abuse and neglect in specific counties of Indiana and Michigan.

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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.