Indiana Grants

Community Grants and Field of Interest Grants offer funding for various community-focused projects. The Community Grants require a Letter of Intent (LOI) submitted before the application, with deadlines of May 1st and September 1st for Cycles I and II, respectively. Approved applicants must submit their full application by May 15th or September 15th. Field of Interest Grants have separate deadlines, typically March 1st or September 1st. The foundation prioritizes charitable purposes and requires that non-501(c)(3) organizations either find a fiscal sponsor or comply with strict IRS regulations if funded.

This grant provides financial support to non-profit organizations that implement projects aimed at improving the social and mental well-being of individuals in Rush County, Indiana.

This grant provides financial support to organizations in Rush County to promote youth soccer through training, facility improvements, and sportsmanship initiatives.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Rush County, Indiana, for projects that address community needs and enhance the quality of life for local residents.

This grant provides financial assistance to Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts in Rush County, Indiana, helping them attend camp and participate in scouting activities.

This funding opportunity provides up to $5,000 to newer nonprofit organizations in Wayne County, Indiana, for small projects or urgent needs that address important community issues.

This fund provides financial support for youth-led service projects and organizations in Rush County, encouraging young people to engage in philanthropy and contribute positively to their community.

This funding opportunity supports innovative programs that address community needs in Rush County, Indiana, with a focus on initiatives benefiting women and children, available to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving the area.

This program provides funding to Indiana communities and organizations to enhance recycling and waste reduction initiatives, requiring a 25% cash match from applicants.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide career development programs for Black youth aged 14-24 in designated NBA markets.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations in Rush County, Indiana, to implement projects that enhance local parks and recreational facilities, benefiting the community and addressing current needs.

Leap Funding provides promising, revenue-generating businesses with $10,000 – $30,000 of equity-free funding to scale their community impact and increase the odds of long-term survival. Donor Name: Main Street Ventures State: Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio County: Boone County (KY), Butler County (OH), Campbell County (KY), Clermont County (OH), Dearborn County (IN), Hamilton County (OH), Warren County (OH) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information  Grant Request between $10,000 – $30,000. Eligibility Criteria  Business Type Applicant MUST be a business entity (C-Corp, S-Corp, or LLC) with a Federal Tax ID (EIN).​ Industry Focus Areas: Retail Storefronts – Ex. Restaurants, Coffee Shops, Retail Shops, etc. Manufactured Goods – Ex. Consumer Packaged Goods (Food / Beverage), Clothing, Sporting Goods, etc. Technology Companies – Ex. Hardware, Software. Business Location Business Entity MUST be located in the Greater Cincinnati region (Hamilton, Butler, Clermont and Warren counties in Ohio; Boone, Campbell, and counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn County in Indiana). Grant requests from other regions will NOT be considered. Application Responses Businesses MUST show customer demand and strong progression since the founding. Funding requests MUST focus on specific growth projects. MSV defines a growth project as a step that will help accelerate your business growth. MSV Grant Funding is designed to help businesses scale by covering key Direct Costs, not General Operating Expenses. Examples of Direct Expenses that ARE suitable for Grant Funds: Key pieces of equipment, Packaging Support, Technology Product Development, etc. Examples of General Operating Expenses that are NOT suitable for Grant Funds: Existing Payroll, Rent, Insurance, Marketing, Legal Fees, etc. Businesses MUST explain the impact of Grant Funds on the business OR the Cincinnati Region. Special Consideration will be granted to Women and Minority-Owned businesses Businesses that can show matching funds from other sources. For more information, visit Main Street Ventures.

The Dubois County Chamber of Commerce quarterly business grant is intended to support and promote locally owned businesses that are current chamber members. Donor Name: Dubois County Chamber of Commerce State: Indiana County: Dubois County (IN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Eligibility Criteria The business entity’s location must be based within the geographical limits of Dubois County. The business must have no more than 50 full-time employees. The business entity must be locally-owned and operated – this includes franchised businesses. The business cannot be a subsidiary of a larger corporation. Publicly traded companies are not eligible. The business entity must disclose information on any pending litigation or legal actions. The applicant business must be registered and in good standing with the Indiana Secretary of State as a Business Entity, or if a sole proprietorship have a certificate of assumed business name or doing-business- as {OBA) form record from the County Recorder. For more information, visit Dubois County Chamber of Commerce.

The Wayne County Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Grant making in the Community Program. Donor Name: Wayne County Foundation State: Indiana County: Wayne County (IN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Types of Grants  Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants Generally, capacity building grants are not about expanding an organization’s services, adding a new program, or renovating facilities. They are about strengthening an organization’s infrastructure, management, and/or governance. Through these grants, the Foundation seeks to strengthen the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of organizations serving the community. Mini-Grants Mini grants also present a compelling option for newer nonprofit organizations or those who haven’t previously applied for a grant award from the Foundation. Crisis Grants Crisis grants are intended to help organizations who are facing a sudden expense(s) for which they were unable to prepare for and could quickly affect their ability to carry out their core mission. Types of Projects Funded The Foundation funds organizations, programs, projects, and initiatives that seek to improve the quality of life in Wayne County, Indiana, and enhance the spirit of the Wayne County community.  They are especially interested in proposals that: Address a community problem or special project of some significance in a way not already being attempted or already being funded by some other means. Present an innovative and practical approach to a community problem or project. Promote collaborative relationships between organizations to leverage resources and reduce duplication of services most effectively. Have a broad reach, as represented by the number of people involved or affected, and/or demonstrates a significant importance or depth of impact to those who are involved or affected. Set forth a work plan which shows an ability to achieve the project’s goal. Demonstrate sustainability for projects or programs that are to be ongoing. Give evidence of the qualifications and stability of the organization applying. Funding Information Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants Requests may be up to $10,000. Mini-Grants Requests may be up to $5,000. Crisis Grants Requests may be up to $5,000. Eligibility Criteria In order to receive funding, applicants must be a 501(c)3 organization operating in or serving Wayne County, Indiana. Priority consideration is given to projects which: Address a community problem or special project of some significance for which funding is needed but not available through the organization’s regular budget; Present an innovative and practical approach to a community problem or project; Show evidence of the qualifications and stability of the applicant organization. Ineligibility In general, the Foundation will not fund requests for the following purposes in its traditional grantmaking cycle: Annual Fund and Endowment Campaigns Debt reduction Post-event or after-the-fact applications Religious purposes or capital improvements to church-owned facilities Political activity Grants to individuals Services such as fire, police, schools, parks, etc. that are the responsibility of government and tax supported. (They may, however, occasionally support special projects of these agencies) Typically, requests from youth sports leagues, school bands, or boosters will not be considered. Standard instructional or regular operating costs of non-public schools Organizations located outside of Wayne County do not provide direct services in the county. For more information, visit WCF.

The State Urban Forest Resilience (SUFR) Funding Grant seeks to restore and improve urban forests due to catastrophic losses from the Emerald Ash Borer while building resiliency through tree diversity and the protection of existing trees. Donor Name: Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) State: Indiana County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/04/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funds from this grant are to be used for management and reforestation that includes tree planting, tree removals and treatments of threatened trees. Funding Information Your request for project funds must be for a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $50,000. The overall level of funds available is $148,066. Ash Tree Removal-Removal of EAB infested or dead Ash trees. If your project includes Ash tree removals, it must be paired with planting at least two trees for every one tree that is removed. All trees to be removed must be Ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) Any trees that will be removed must present a significant and present harm to the community. To receive reimbursement for tree removals, a report signed by an ISA Certified Arborist is REQUIRED. You may substitute a report with an up-to-date tree inventory. However, you must provide the name, qualifications, and certifications of the one who prepared the inventory. Your application must include the location and number of trees to be removed, cost estimates, a tree planting plan to replace the trees that were removed and an updated tree inventory or report from an ISA Certified Arborist. Ash Tree Treatment-Insecticidal treatments may be performed on Ash trees (Fraxinus spp.). To receive reimbursement for Ash tree treatments, a report signed by an ISA Certified Arborist is REQUIRED. You may substitute a report with an up-to-date tree inventory. However, you must provide the name, qualifications, and certifications of the one who prepared the inventory. Your application must include the location and number of trees to be treated, cost estimates and an updated tree inventory or report from an ISA Certified Arborist. Any tree to be treated for the EAB must at least be in good-fair overall condition or less than 30% canopy thinning as stated in the signed report or inventory. Tree Planting & Community Engagement: Any tree planting project MUST include community engagement. If you already have a community engagement plan/program, please include it in your application. All grant recipients will work closely with the CUF team to develop a community engagement strategy that is unique to your community and its needs. The specifics of this strategy will develop as your project does but keep this requirement in mind as you complete this application. Tree plantings may be used to restore urban forests due to losses from EAB and other pests and diseases and build resiliency through tree diversity. Note that 100% of the project trees must be species native to Indiana. Additionally, this grant cannot be used for the purchase of trees in the Acer genus (maples). Exceptions shall be made if a current inventory and management plan demonstrates your Acer population is less than 5% of the overall tree community. In that case, no more than 5% of the total grant project trees are to be of the genus Acer.  Eligibility Criteria  To be eligible for a grant, applicants must be a: Municipality: As defined under IC 369-1-2 a municipality is a city, town, township, county, school corporation, library district, local housing authority, fire protection district, public transportation corporation, local building authority, local hospital authority or corporation, local airport authority, special service district, or other separate local government entities that may sue or be sued. It does not include special taxing districts. Non-profit 501(c)3: Organization as defined under IC 23-7-1.1. Non-profit organizations must include documentation of their not-for-profit status. Things to consider before applying: Only applicants who can provide proof of a fully updated (5 years or less) tree inventory are eligible for this grant.  All project aspects must take place on public property. All project types must include tree planting. The Project Coordinator and the ISA Certified Arborist can be the same person. For more information, visit DNR.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has announced the availability of grant funds to assist communities’ efforts to increase recycling and waste reduction. Donor Name: Indiana Department of Environmental Management State: Indiana County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The Community Recycling Grant Program is administered through the Office of Program Support (OPS) of IDEM. Funding Information Grants start at $1,000 and go up to $100,000 with a 25 percent cash match. Grant Period Grant agreements will be for a term of 18 months. Eligible Funding Costs  Funding is available for expenses related to the startup or expansion of recycling, reuse, composting, Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection or disposal, and source reduction programs. Eligible expenses include:  Purchase of recycling equipment such as balers and compactors. Organics management equipment including chippers and leaf collectors/vacuums.  Recycling collection vehicles, such as a curbside recycling truck.  Educational materials to inform new and existing participants.  Funding for HHW projects will be used toward proper collection and disposal methods of HHW, establishment of reuse and product exchanges to reduce the quantity of HHW being disposed, and education programs to reduce the quantity of HHW generated by informing the public of less hazardous and/or nontoxic substitutes for typical household hazardous products. Project Eligibility Projects should accomplish one or more of the following: Start or expand a recycling, source reduction, reuse, buy-recycled, or composting program. Offer a new service, collect a new material, and/or serve a new area through the establishment of a new permanent service. Improve efficiency and sustainability over current program practices through increased volumes of materials collected, and better processing of materials, cost savings, and resource conservation. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible Applicants: Solid waste management districts (SWMDs) Counties Municipalities Schools Nonprofit organizations located in Indiana Noneligible Applicants: Businesses Commercial operations For-profit organizations State agencies are not directly eligible for grants from IDEM. State agencies may be partners in projects with a solid waste management district or a local unit of government. For more information, visit DEM.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is seeking applications for its 2024 Natural Disaster Recovery (NDR) Grant. Donor Name: Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) State: Indiana County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/04/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This grant seeks to assist in the recovery of a community’s urban tree canopy following the result of a natural disaster through the planting of replacement trees optionally paired with one or more of the following urban forestry management tools: a community tree inventory or a canopy assessment a management plan or a storm response plan. Funding Information Your requests for project funds must be for a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $20,000. The overall level of funds available is $40,000. Tree Inventory or Urban Tree Canopy Assessment: Grant funds used for the creation or update of a community tree inventory or urban tree canopy assessment. Management/Response Plan: The community may use this grant to cover expenses related to the creation or update of an urban forestry management to aid in the response of a natural disaster or a storm response plan. It can also be used to fund the development or the review and update of tree ordinances. Tree Planting & Community Engagement: Any tree planting project MUST include community engagement. If you already have a community engagement plan/program, please include it in your application. All grant recipients will work closely with the CUF team to develop a community engagement strategy that is unique to your community and its needs.  Tree plantings must take place on public property and may be used to restore lost canopy due to a natural disaster. Note that 100% of the project trees must be species native to Indiana. Additionally, this grant cannot be used for the purchase of trees in the Acer genus (maples). Exceptions shall be made if a current inventory and management plan demonstrates your Acer population is less than 5% of the overall tree community. In that case, no more than 5% of the total grant project trees are to be of the genus Acer.  Eligibility Criteria  To be eligible for a grant, applicants must be a: Municipality: As defined under IC 369-1-2 a municipality is a city, town, township, county, school corporation, library district, local housing authority, fire protection district, public transportation corporation, local building authority, local hospital authority or corporation, local airport authority, special service district, or other separate local government entities that may sue or be sued. It does not include special taxing districts. Non-profit 501(c)3: Organization as defined under IC 23-7-1.1. Non-profit organizations must include documentation of their not-for-profit status. For more information, visit DNR.

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.

Main Street Ventures is accepting applications for its Launch Funding that provides emerging, pre-revenue businesses that have a Prototype or Product. Donor Name: Main Street Ventures State: Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio County: Boone County (KY), Butler County (OH), Campbell County (KY), Clermont County (OH), Dearborn County (IN), Hamilton County (OH), Kenton County (KY), Warren County (OH) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: Funding Information  Grant Request between $5,000 – $10,000. Eligibility Criteria  Business Type Applicant MUST be a business entity (C-Corp, S-Corp, or LLC) with a Federal Tax ID (EIN).​ Industry Focus Areas: Retail Storefronts – Ex. Restaurants, Coffee Shops, Retail Shops, etc. Manufactured Goods – Ex. Consumer Packaged Goods (Food / Beverage), Clothing, Sporting Goods, etc. Technology Companies – Ex. Hardware, Software. Business Location Business Entity MUST be located in the Greater Cincinnati region (Hamilton, Butler, Clermont and Warren counties in Ohio; Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn County in Indiana). Grant requests from other regions will NOT be considered. Application Responses Businesses MUST show customer demand and strong progression since the founding. Funding requests MUST focus on specific growth projects. MSV defines a growth project as a step that will help accelerate your business growth. MSV Grant Funding is designed to help businesses scale by covering key Direct Costs, not General Operating Expenses. Examples of Direct Expenses that ARE suitable for Grant Funds: Key pieces of equipment, Packaging Support, Technology Product Development, etc. Examples of General Operating Expenses that are NOT suitable for Grant Funds: Existing Payroll, Rent, Insurance, Marketing, Legal Fees, etc. Businesses MUST explain the impact of Grant Funds on the business OR the Cincinnati Region. Special Consideration will be granted to Women and Minority-Owned businesses Businesses that can show matching funds from other sources. For more information, visit Main Street Ventures.

The Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) will offers a second round of grant funding to implement strategies supported by the digital inclusion plan, build upon recent activity, and that improve digital equity and inclusion across the Indiana Uplands. Donor Name: Regional Opportunity Initiatives State: Indiana County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/13/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Digital Towns Grant program will provide Uplands communities and organizations with resources needed to develop and implement projects and programs to ensure Uplands citizens can participate fully in a digital society. Digital inclusion is not limited to broadband expansion. Successful digital inclusion ensures everyone has access to affordable internet connectivity that meets the needs of households, local governments, and businesses. It also is a vehicle for ensuring that individuals and organizations have reliable and appropriate devices and sufficient digital skills/ literacy to fully participate and prosper in the digital age. Examples of the type of strategies a community might adopt to advance digital literacy include but are not limited to: Establishing and/or expanding community-based or governmental social media and website presence, Assisting local businesses with technical resources and/or training to expand their e-commerce opportunities, libraries administering device loan programs, or access to digital resources and training. digital skill-building classes. Program Goals The goal of this initiative is to financially support projects or programs that align with the strategies outlined in the Indiana Uplands Digital Inclusion Plan and as outlined below: The main objective of the Digital Towns Grant Program is the advancement of a more digitally inclusive region by adopting and integrating digital information and communication in all aspects of the communities. For the purpose of this grant program, ROI will focus on the following themes: Digital Citizens – helping households connect to the internet, access devices and grow competence in usage of digital technologies to engage in internet services, e-commerce,  educational opportunities, digital public services, and healthcare services Digital Public Services – supporting collaborations between local units of government, nonprofits, and/or health care services to provide access to online information and/or services, and telehealth access points Digital Business – partnering with businesses and entrepreneurs to maximize opportunities in the digital economy Grants are intended to increase the digital capabilities of the region by providing funding for relevant professional services, training, digital products, equipment/hardware, or other products and services that advance digital inclusion and prosperity. Funding Information Applicants can apply for a grant in any amount between $5,000 – $50,000. Projects with a regional scope, serving all 11 counties of the Uplands, can apply for up to $75,000. Geographic Areas The Indiana Uplands region is an 11-county area that encompasses Brown, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Orange, Owen and Washington counties. Eligibility Criteria Incorporated cities and towns County commissions and councils Libraries Nonprofits, including foundations, agencies, and hospitals Public education institutions, including pre-K, K-12, and post-secondary Faith-based organizations Main Street organizations Chambers of commerce and economic development organizations that have an affiliated 501(c)3 Organizations/programs that help business/entrepreneurs. For more information, visit ROI.