Indiana Workforce Development Grants

This funding initiative provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Ripley County, Indiana, focusing on health and safety, diversity and inclusion, education and trade skills, and environmental sustainability.

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 financial support to K-12 educators in Indiana for transformative experiences that promote personal and professional growth, helping them renew their passion for teaching.

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 funding opportunity provides financial support to regional fire departments, including career, combination, and volunteer entities with training centers, to enhance their training capabilities and improve public safety.

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 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 grant provides funding to Indiana communities for planning projects that promote long-term improvements and address local priorities, requiring a minimum local match of 10% of the total project cost.

This grant provides financial support for educational and worker training programs that benefit residents of Hobart, aiming to enhance their skills for a competitive global economy.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to public and nonprofit organizations in Indiana to develop community-based alternatives to juvenile detention and improve outcomes for youth involved in the juvenile justice system.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to public and nonprofit organizations in Indiana that offer services aimed at preventing youth from entering the juvenile justice system and promoting restorative justice practices.

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.

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 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.

Porter County Community Foundation is seeking applications to strengthen community through lasting generosity and leadership. Donor Name: Porter County Community Foundation State: Indiana County: Porter County (IN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The grants are awarded through an open process for humanitarian, cultural, educational and environmental purposes. While the Foundation appreciates how important it is for all nonprofits to raise general operating support, they are not in a position to provide ongoing operating support to all the great organizations serving their community. Therefore, the Foundation is interested in funding requests that: Increase the capacity of your organization through planning, training and professional development that leads to increased efficiency and sustainability. Recurring professional development opportunities such as annual conferences are not eligible for consideration. Enhance the organization’s efficiency through the acquisition of equipment and extraordinary expenses that occur that are difficult to budget for but are important for the long-term growth and vitality of the organization; Expand successful programming in order to reach new audiences; Facilitate cooperation and collaboration among organizations for new, innovative programming. In considering grant applications, the Grant Committee needs to make difficult choices.  There are always more requests than available funds.  Here are some factors that the Committee considers: Support for the request from sources other than the Foundation; Evidence that the organization’s Board provides meaningful financial support in addition to their governance responsibilities; The overall financial strength of the organization; and The impact of the request or the overall enhancement of the organization’s capacity to better serve Porter County. Funding Information The maximum grant amount is $10,000. The Foundation Generally Does Not Fund: Annual appeals or membership contributions; Event sponsorships; Multi-year grants; Programs that are sectarian or religious in nature; Political organizations or candidates; Contributions to endowment campaigns; Campaigns to reduce previously incurred debt; Individuals (except scholarships from scholarship funds); Programs already completed and/or equipment already contracted for; Travel for bands, sports teams and similar groups; Camp scholarships or fees related to camp programs; and Grants to re-granting organizations. Grant applications from organizations headquartered outside of Porter County need to identify that they have a facility or are operating a specific program in Porter County or they need to identify a Porter County partner that will sign as a co-applicant. For more information, visit Porter County Community Foundation.

The Indiana Department of Transportation has launched the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program to provide funding to cities, towns, and counties across Indiana to make improvements to local roads and bridges. Donor Name: Indiana Department of Transportation State: Indiana County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/31/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Community Crossings is a partnership between INDOT and Hoosier communities, both urban and rural, to invest in infrastructure projects that catalyze economic development, create jobs, and strengthen local transportation networks. In April, 252 Indiana cities, towns, and counties received a combined $207.3 million in state matching funds for local road projects through Community Crossings, a component of the Governor’s Next Level Roads program. Community Crossings is open to all local government units in the State of Indiana.  Match percentages are: Cities and towns with a population of fewer than 10,000 will receive funds using a 75/25% match. Cities and towns with a population of greater than 10,000 will receive funds using a 50/50% match. Counties with a population of fewer than 50,000 people will receive funds using a 75/25% match. Counties with a population of greater than 50,000 people will receive funds using a 50/50% match. For more information, visit INDOT.

The Community Foundation of Huntington County is seeking applications for its Accessibility Grants. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Huntington County State: Indiana County: Huntington County (IN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/18/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Currently there are two potential tracks for possible funding: Pathfinder Services has the Community Accessibility Fund which was created to help communities become more inclusive of all people by funding solutions to accessibility barriers. Funding is available to individuals, families, and businesses to take ownership of the physical barriers in buildings and infrastructure that prevent people with disabilities from fully accessing the use and benefits afforded to all. Accessibility needs must be considered from an individual and community perspective to make the changes necessary to be a welcoming community for all. AWS Foundation has the AWS Foundation Community Accessible Communities Fund was created to help accomplish a goal all individuals with disabilities deserve a choice driven life. Preferences, opinions, priorities and accommodations are best defined by the individual rather than for the individual. This will help provide a more inclusive environment. Opportunities with the following criteria will be considered: presented with a focus on encouraging potential rather than identification of limitations.  social settings that include family and friends are preferred. Age related peer groups and potential for new friends is ideal.  ADA standards are the law and the minimum. Exceeding through the principals of Universal Design is desirable.  enhance and support education and employment potential will contribute to greater independence for the individual.  No one has all the answers. Collaboration increases the potential for greater opportunities. For more information, visit  Community Foundation of Huntington County.

The Evansville Endowment Fund is accepting Letters of Inquiry for capital projects that serve the City of Evansville. Donor Name: Evansville Endowment Fund State: Indiana City: Evansville Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/19/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information Requests of at least $1,000 are preferred. Eligibility Criteria Applicant organizations must serve within the city limits of Evansville, Indiana. At least sixty percent (60%) of grant funding will be distributed for activities that will support or benefit the 4th and 6th wards of the City of Evansville. The Evansville Endowment Fund serves to provide funds to organizations that qualify as tax-exempt organizations under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, so long as the activities of the organization meet one of the following criteria: Social and community-based organizations for the acquisition, construction, and renovation of permanent facilities used in the provision of services and activities. Arts and cultural activities; defined as the construction or renovation of facilities that promote the arts, culture, and/or tourism. (Examples include museums, performing arts facilities, historic properties, historic preservation of sites or structures that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the state or local inventory of historic places, or designated as a state or local landmark or historic district by law or ordinance.) Recreation activities; defined as the construction and renovation of parks, playgrounds, and other public recreational facilities which are designed for public participation. (Examples include swimming pool, skating rink, soccer/baseball/softball field development, and tree planting.) Neighborhood revitalization; is defined as the acquisition of property that is blighted, appropriate for rehabilitation, or what is needed to be used for the development of housing for low to moderate-income persons. (Examples include disposition of land; clearance, demolition, and removal of buildings and improvements; movement of structures to other sites; rehabilitation of privately owned properties; or construction of new permanent residential structures.) Economic development projects; defined as any project that will augment, supplement or replenish existing municipally operated loan programs in pursuit of new economic development opportunities. For more information, visit Evansville Endowment Fund.

The City of Evansville has announced the Forward Together Grant Fund to support eligible nonprofit organizations in the Evansville community. Donor Name: City of Evansville State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/05/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The fund, which is derived from interest on funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, will be used to provide support for eligible nonprofits who lead meaningful work to help strengthen neighborhoods and provide pathways out of poverty for city residents. Organizations may apply for up to $35,000 apiece to fund programs that fall into one of the following categories: Affordable Housing Mental Health/Addiction Food Assistance Job Training Youth Development Internet Access Childcare Access Resource Navigation Assistance Homeless Services Neighborhood Revitalization (i.e. Home Repairs, weatherization, etc.) Eligibility Criteria In order to be eligible for a grant from the Forward Together Fund, organizations must: Be a City of Evansville based organization or provide direct services to underprivileged or disadvantaged City of Evansville residents. Be a registered 501(c)(3) organization with a Board of Directors and have been continuously registered as such for at least 3 years prior. Eligible uses of funds include payroll and benefit costs, utilities, rent, insurance, and other operating. For more information, visit City of Evansville.

The Central Indiana Community Foundation is accepting applications for its Elevation Grant Program. Donor Name: Central Indiana Community Foundation State: Indiana County: Marion County (IN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  06/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Areas of Interest  Thriving Neighborhoods Place-based efforts are designed to support neighborhoods that promote safety, strengthen social networks among residents and reduce or prevent crime in a specific geographical area as defined by a neighborhood and/or community and led by engaged residents and community leaders. Organizations applying for support in this area must be able to measure how efforts have increased residents’ safety and awareness in a particular area through resident surveys, increased crime reporting, or using crime statistics. These efforts may include: a focus on sustained efforts to engage residents and community over time to increase social bonds and decrease crime within specific neighborhoods, zip codes, or other geographical areas (i.e., crime watch, block parties, bystander safety workshops and trainings, resource fairs, anti-violence messaging campaigns, etc.) a focus on building community partnerships with public systems (law enforcement, court systems, prosecutor’s office, and corrections) within a specific geographical area to help reduce criminal activity by assisting with solving crimes, increasing crime reporting, or providing information to help prevent the occurrence of a crime (i.e., reentry resource fairs for families & community, driver’s license reinstatement fairs, engage in truth and reconciliation process to increase public trust, etc.) a focus on improving physical assets and spaces within a neighborhood that has the potential of improving resident safety and/or deterring criminal behavior and/or activity. (i.e., physical design and beautification to promote a sense of ownership and decrease stigmatization of an undesirable area). Empowered Youth / Young Adult Programs focus their efforts on providing supportive services (such as employment, education, mentoring, recreation, and family support services) to youth and young adults who face unique challenges and may have a higher likelihood of community disengagement without the proper intervention strategies. Organizations applying in this area should be able to demonstrate the impact of services and the ability to improve current conditions of program participants. A formal mentorship component should include regular meetings (at least three to four times a month) of sufficient duration (six to twelve months). Priorities for organizations that provide services to both youth and the parent/guardians. This effort may include a focus to increase protective factors and develop resiliency skills of specifically targeted youth and adult populations, including education, employment, and housing services: Youth (12-16) including those in foster care, struggling academically, suspended or expelled from school multiple times, truant, or known to be affiliated with gang activity. Opportunity Youth (16-24) also known as disengaged youth, are out of school, not enlisted, and not working, often resulting from systematic barriers to jobs and education. Young Adults (24-35) who face unique social-economic or social-emotional challenges, e.g., chronic unemployment, suffering from a substance use disorder, and/or trauma. Restoration & Resilience Providing appropriate community-based social-emotional development opportunities, mental health support, conflict resolution skills for youth and young adults. Programs and/or services that promote healing centers, trauma response services, therapeutic models, and reduce the use of drugs and/or alcohol. (i.e., recovery café, mediation centers, yoga, cognitive-behavioral therapy, art therapy & artistic expression programming). Justice-Involved Supports Programs focus their efforts on providing supportive services to residents currently interacting with the criminal legal system. These services support productive citizenship, financial self-sufficiency and reduce recidivism. Organizations applying in this area should be able to demonstrate how efforts influence an individual’s ability to gain skills, obtain work, secure housing, and prevent interaction with the local criminal legal system after being convicted of a crime. These efforts may include: a focus on providing support services to youth to prevent interaction with the juvenile legal system, the adult criminal legal systems, or gangs a focus on providing support services to adults who were or are currently involved in the criminal legal system to become economically self-sufficient, reintegrate into the local community and reduce recidivism Intervention Programs/efforts that implement integrated 24/7 crisis response services and supports for the priority population, ages 18-35. The response services could include housing, food, accredited childcare, mental health supports, and other crisis help after 6 pm or on the weekends. Immediate support for sheltering fathers with children in time of crisis is an area of need. For intimate partner violence, The Elevation Grant Program will consider strategies that engage and service perpetrators/actors of violence in order to get to the root causes/prevent issues in the future and/or intervene with current abuse. Priority Population Individuals  meeting the criteria below: Black/Latinx males between the ages of 18-35. Individuals most at-risk of violent victimization or perpetration of violent acts (previously shot/known gun activity, close friend/family member shot in last 12 months), referring to pro-social & supported grassroots and community-based organizations. Individuals with multiple interactions with the criminal legal system and unemployed, underemployed, and/or without a high school diploma or HSE/GED. Funding Information $20,000 – $250,000 Grant Period  Grant period begins: Oct. 1, 2024  Grant cycle period ends: Sept. 30, 2025  Geographic Restriction Marion County Eligibility Criteria Organizations may apply to multiple program interest areas and are required to submit an application per each interest area. Organizations that are start-ups and/or pilot programs may be considered for infrastructure development support. Applicant must be a 501(c)(3) public charity or an individual or entity with an appropriate 501(c)(3) public charity serving as a fiscal sponsor. Applicant must be located in Marion County, Indiana and serve residents in Marion County, Indiana. With respect to fiscal sponsorship, a 501(c)(3) public charity may serve as a fiscal sponsor for a for-profit organization, an unincorporated association, or an individual operating with a charitable purpose but without a 501(c)(3). A 501(c)(3) public charity may also serve as a fiscal sponsor for a grassroots 501(c)(3) charitable organization. For more information, visit CICF.