Best Dearborn County Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

Dearborn Community Foundation

The Dearborn Community Foundation, Inc., (DCF) is a community foundation, tax-exempt public charity that enables individuals, families, businesses and organizations to fulfill their charitable wishes. DCF builds and safeguards endowments for the community through contributions large and small. The endowment contributions are permanently invested to produce earnings so that these charitable funds make a difference in our community now and forever.

DCF Grants 

The Dearborn Community Foundation, Inc., (DCF) has awarded more than $33 million in grants since 1997. The grants support the needs/interests of the community in the fields of Art, Culture and Humanities, Community and Public Benefit, Education, Public Safety, Environment and Animal Protection, Human Services, and Youth Programs.

Sprint Educational Excellence Grant Program

Sprint has established an endowment fund that generates income for grants for education. Innovative programs that improve learning opportunities in our community will be considered. Grants are awarded based on the creativity of the project. 

English Language Learning Foundation Incorporated

The English Learning Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in 2006 to assist English language learners. The mission of the ELL Foundation is to help English learners to become successful in their academic lives while honoring their cultural identities.

Our vision is to assist English learners in the Greater Cincinnati area so that students:

• Appreciate and are proud of their cultural identities;
• Receive the needed support service for their education;
• Graduate from high school and succeed in college;
• And serve their communities as role models.

ELL Foundation’s College Emergency Grant

The College Emergency Grant Program provides emergency assistance of up to $500 for Greater Cincinnati college/ university EL students who are experiencing temporary financial emergencies. The focus areas for the grants include: 

• Student food insecurity (meal plans are eligible)
• Student housing insecurity (student housing is eligible)
• Student transportation barriers (bus passes are eligible)
  • Note that all assistance will be disbursed to the University, and not the student.

Due to funding availability, grantees can only receive one emergency grant per academic year. The ELL Foundation will accept emergency grant applications at any time, but applications will be reviewed on a quarterly basis. 

English Language Learning Foundation Incorporated

The English Learning Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in 2006 to assist English language learners. The mission of the ELL Foundation is to help English learners to become successful in their academic lives while honoring their cultural identities.

Our vision is to assist English learners in the Greater Cincinnati area so that students:

• Appreciate and are proud of their cultural identities;
• Receive the needed support service for their education;
• Graduate from high school and succeed in college;
• And serve their communities as role models.

ELL Foundation’s Educational Event Grant Program

The ELL Foundation’s Educational Event Grant Program is intended to financially support co-curricular and curricular educational events for K-12 English learners in Greater Cincinnati. Community partners can request up to $2000 for an educational event. Due to funding availability, grantees can only receive one Educational Event Grant per calendar year. The ELL Foundation will accept Educational Event Grant applications at any time, but they will be reviewed on a quarterly basis. 

If you are interested in requesting funds for an educational event, please apply online. If you have any questions about the Educational Event Grant Program, please email the foundation.

Interact For Health

Our organization started in 1997, when ChoiceCare sold its health maintenance organization to Humana for $221 million. The proceeds were invested and The Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati was created, serving a 20-county region in Southwestern Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana. The foundation was charged with changing the way health care was delivered—especially for under-resourced communities.

Our mission is to ensure people in our region have a just opportunity to live their healthiest lives. Our Vision is focused on people in our region being healthy and thriving, regardless of who they are or where they live.

Interact For Health: Event Sponsorship

Interact for Health provides sponsorships as a way to support organizations within Greater Cincinnati with funding beyond our grantmaking work. Sponsorships are a competitive process, and funding is limited. We prioritize sponsoring events that serve our priority populations, align with our strategic plan, and benefit (and are located in) our 20-county service area.

In general, sponsorship opportunities are meant to benefit organizations that are not current grantees of Interact for Health. 

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation's Building Bright Futures: Education initiative aims to empower children and young adults by funding innovative programs that foster academic success. This inaugural grant cycle focuses on evidence-based solutions that enhance mentoring, tutoring, and socio-emotional development. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to high-quality education in the Greater Cincinnati region. Funding can support new initiatives, program expansions, or operational support, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.

ArtsWave's Young Professionals Grant Program supports innovative arts initiatives in the Cincinnati region. Since 1927, ArtsWave has empowered local organizations through funding, fostering creativity and cultural engagement. The grants, fueled by contributions from young professionals, aim to enhance community connections and stimulate the economy by backing projects that resonate with young audiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 designated and focus on arts and cultural activities within the Cincinnati-Middletown area.

Dearborn Community Foundation

The Dearborn Community Foundation, Inc., (DCF) is a community foundation, tax-exempt public charity that enables individuals, families, businesses and organizations to fulfill their charitable wishes. DCF builds and safeguards endowments for the community through contributions large and small. The endowment contributions are permanently invested to produce earnings so that these charitable funds make a difference in our community now and forever.

DCF Grants 

The Dearborn Community Foundation, Inc., (DCF) has awarded more than $33 million in grants since 1997. The grants support the needs/interests of the community in the fields of Art, Culture and Humanities, Community and Public Benefit, Education, Public Safety, Environment and Animal Protection, Human Services, and Youth Programs.

City of Lawrenceburg Community Grant Program (LCGP) - Phase II

The City of Lawrenceburg has generously provided funds for the Lawrenceburg Community Grant Program. The program is specifically for non-profit, IRS tax exempt organizations that provide a benefit, direct or indirect, to the Lawrenceburg community and Dearborn County.

LCGP Specific Guidelines

• grant funds are not granted to sustain ongoing projects/programs;
• grant applications will be considered as long as funds are available;
• organizations may not apply for any property improvements (buildings, fencing etc. …) to land not owned by the organization seeking the grant funds

About Us

Interact for Health works so that people in our region are healthy and thriving, regardless of who they are or where they live. We advance health justice by tackling the root causes of unfair systems, amplifying community power and partnering with trust.

Responsive Fund

The goal of the Responsive Fund RFP is to address immediate, emerging, or unanticipated needs within the community, recognizing that opportunities to build resilience require dedicated funding.

Grant Funding for Critical Services – Sustaining Civic Infrastructure: Total investment up to $1.5 million  

This funding supports the continuity of critical community infrastructure and services by addressing the time-sensitive operational and programmatic needs. Proposals for funding should focus on critical gaps or unmet needs with deep ties to community relationships. Organizations should demonstrate readiness to deploy resources quickly if funding is provided. This RFP will prioritize funding organizations essential to advancing health justice and youth well-being among our priority populations. Grants are available at three levels: $50,000, $75,000, or $100,000 for general operating or programmatic support.

About Us

Interact for Health works so that people in our region are healthy and thriving, regardless of who they are or where they live. We advance health justice by tackling the root causes of unfair systems, amplifying community power and partnering with trust.

Responsive Fund

The goal of the Responsive Fund RFP is to address immediate, emerging, or unanticipated needs within the community, recognizing that opportunities to build resilience require dedicated funding.

2) In-Kind Support for Sustainability Consultations and Capacity Building

Participants in this program will receive 1:1 consulting services tailored to an organization’s identified needs. Interact for Health will work with local consultants and community partners based on needs shared by grantee organizations.

Examples of needs include the following:

• Scenario planning  
• Legal support 
• Sustainability and development planning and implementation
• Diversified funding strategies and implementation
• Exploring collaboration, partnerships/alliances, shared services, and/or mergers
• Strategic planning and revisions 

Sustainability Consultations will include up to 30 hours of 1:1 support and will begin in late 2026. 

The South Central Chapter of the Indiana Native Plant Society offers small grants ranging from $50 to $250 for projects that promote biodiversity and community engagement through native plants. These grants are available to chapter members and non-profit organizations, encouraging creative initiatives like demonstration gardens or pollinator areas. Proposals are evaluated based on clarity, community benefit, feasibility, and educational value. This program aims to foster stewardship and connect Indiana youth with nature.

The Daniel and Susan Pfau Foundation, established in 1994, focuses on enhancing education, health, cultural experiences, and social welfare for youth with disabilities and economic challenges in the Greater Cincinnati area. It supports arts organizations and recreation initiatives, prioritizing programs that help young individuals realize their potential. Eligible applicants must be recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofits and demonstrate benefits to specific counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. The Foundation encourages collaboration with other donors for project funding.

The Andrew Jergens Foundation Grant, administered by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, focuses on enhancing the health, education, cultural experiences, and social welfare of children in the Greater Cincinnati area. With a commitment to supporting programs for children through high school, the foundation seeks to foster vibrant communities by connecting with nonprofits dedicated to improving quality of life. The foundation emphasizes the importance of generous contributions to create lasting change in the region.

The Donald C. and Laura M. Harrison Family Foundation, established in 2006, aims to enhance educational opportunities for underprivileged students in the Greater Cincinnati area. With a focus on innovative programs and scholarships, the foundation supports initiatives in primary, secondary, and adult education. Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000 annually, promoting sustainability and collaboration with other donors. Eligible applicants must be IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organizations, prioritizing local community impact.

The Thomas J. Emery Memorial Grant, established by prominent Cincinnati philanthropists, aims to enhance the lives of individuals in the Greater Cincinnati area through grants that support social, cultural, educational, civic, and physical betterment. Founded in 1925, the grant prioritizes nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status, focusing on collaborative projects and impactful initiatives, while not providing ongoing operational support. This initiative honors the legacy of Thomas and Mary Emery in fostering community development.

About Us

The Dearborn Community Foundation, Inc., (DCF) is a community foundation, tax-exempt public charity that enables individuals, families, businesses and organizations to fulfill their charitable wishes. DCF builds and safeguards endowments for the community through contributions large and small. The endowment contributions are permanently invested to produce earnings so that these charitable funds make a difference in our community now and forever.

DCF grants support the needs/interests of the Dearborn County community in the fields of community service, social service, education, health, environment and the arts. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Foundation was able to award grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to students in our community.

Established in December 1997, members of our community have been turning to DCF, for nearly 20 years now to make their philanthropic dreams come true. The Foundation’s No. 1 job is to carry out the wishes of its donors in perpetuity. That’s exactly what the Foundation does in administering a total of more than 130 endowed and non-endowed funds.

DCF shares your love for its community and is here to help donors achieve charitable wishes. Please visit our Donors page to see how we can help you fulfill your philanthropic goals.

City of Lawrenceburg Youth Grant Program

Serving all Youth within Dearborn County

Maximum grant awards are $8,000 per organization per calendar year.

An advisory committee made up of representatives of the following organizations will advise the Dearborn Community Foundation on grant recommendations among grant applications submitted for consideration:

• Lawrenceburg Babe Ruth Baseball
• Lawrenceburg Community Center
• Lawrenceburg/Greendale Soccer Club
• Dearborn County 4-H
• Lawrenceburg Pee Wee Football
• Lawrenceburg Lions Club
• Citizens Against Substance Abuse (CASA).

The SpartanNash Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on Hunger, Heroes, and Hope. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located within a 30-mile radius of SpartanNash facilities. The Foundation ensures that every dollar raised directly benefits partner organizations, with a commitment to community impact. Grants are not available for ineligible entities, including those outside the radius or not aligned with the Foundation's mission. Since its inception in 2015, the Foundation has positively influenced local communities.

The Rural Changemaker RFP by Interact for Health aims to enhance health and well-being in rural areas across Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. With funding ranging from $10,000 to $70,000, the initiative targets grassroots projects that address vital health conditions. This year, a total of $600,000 is available for organizations that serve at least one of Interact for Health’s rural counties. The grant duration is between 12 to 18 months, fostering community-driven solutions.

The Siemer Milling Company Fund, established by the Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation, supports youth leadership development in Effingham County, Illinois, Christian County, Kentucky, and Dearborn County, Indiana. The fund emphasizes the importance of cultivating leadership skills among youth to prepare them for future roles in their communities. Organizations eligible for grants must be public charities with 501(c)(3) status and must focus on programs that enhance leadership skills for youth aged 19 and under.

The Enbridge Safe Community First Responder Program is designed to support emergency response organizations across Canada and the U.S. by providing grants for safety equipment, training, and educational programs. Launched in 2002, it has invested over $22 million in enhancing community safety. Eligible organizations include fire departments and medical services located near Enbridge operations. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, helping improve the capabilities of first responders in rural and underserved areas.

INDOT Mission

Together, we plan, deliver, and maintain a safe, efficient, and innovative transportation system that:

• Enhances the daily lives of Hoosiers.
• Strengthens Indiana’s economy
• Embraces evolving transportation needs.

Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities

The Federal Section 5310 grant program is intended to enhance mobility for seniors and persons with disabilities by providing funds for programs to serve the special needs of transit-dependent populations beyond traditional public transportation services.

INDOT does not provide funding to areas over 200,000 population (Lake/Porter counties, South Bend, Fort Wayne, Evansville, Indianapolis, Clark/Floyd counties) should contact their local Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). A list of these MPOs can be found at http://www.indianampo.com/inmpo_regions.html

Eligible Activities

Specialized transportation projects planned, designed, and carried out to meet the special needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities when public transportation is insufficient, inappropriate, or unavailable.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

Our Club

Club 17 Description

The Rotary Club of Cincinnati is the preeminent professional service organization for men and women. Club 17’s service to others focuses on children with disabilities in the Tri-state area through its partnerships with Stepping Stones/Camp Allyn, the Roselawn Condon School and other outreach efforts. The Rotary Club of Cincinnati also supports the global effort to eradicate polio worldwide through Rotary International’s End Polio Now program. We are the 17th oldest Rotary Club worldwide (formed in 1910) and have over 300 members.

A second century of engaged leaders making an impact on our club, community, and the world.

Providing selfless service in the community and the world through involved and engaged members.

Grants

The Rotary Foundation of Cincinnati provides the funding and resources necessary to support the diverse humanitarian efforts of The Rotary Club of Cincinnati. Its primary goal is to support children, particularly those whose future development is impaired by physical, cultural, emotional, financial and social obstacles. To accomplish this goal, The Rotary Foundation of Cincinnati actively solicits and awards grants to non-profit organizations.

Robert And Adele Schiff Family Foundation Inc

The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation was started by Robert (Bob) and Adele Schiff in 2003, though earlier iterations of a family foundation, with a very slight variation in name, stretch back to 1983. Bob, who grew up in Price Hill, and Adele, raised in Fairview Heights, came from modest backgrounds and felt immensely fortunate about their success over the years. As a result, they established a foundation that could support organizations vital to their community. Their hope was mostly to give back, largely in thanks for all that the community had done for them during their lives. Since 2006, the Schiff Foundation has donated approximately $200 million to organizations, at a current rate of at least $15 million annually.

The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation is dedicated to assisting organizations, primarily in the fields of education and children's health, that seek to improve, transform, and enhance lives and communities.

Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation Grants

Our primary focus is on education and children's health, particularly in the Greater Cincinnati community, but we are also invested in supporting the arts and culture as well as human services. While our giving history reveals several focal points – the humanities, cancer survivorship, college scholarships, Cincinnati public education – other gifts speak to our objective of giving back to those organizations that have sustained and enhanced our lives.

The Penn National Gaming Foundation Grants support various community initiatives across North America, emphasizing education, health services, and cultural affairs. Launched post-Hurricane Katrina, the foundation aids local nonprofits, enhancing community development, public safety, and veteran support. The grants cater to organizations that address the needs of children, senior citizens, and disadvantaged populations, ensuring a broad impact in areas where Penn National Gaming operates. This commitment reflects the foundation's dedication to uplifting communities and fostering resilience.

Ignite Philanthropy

Through intentional listening and co-creation, Ignite Philanthropy supports the philanthropic and non-profit sectors. Our mission is simple: Maximize the power of giving. Ignite Philanthropy connects people, ideas, and capital to fuel community solutions. 

Our four core values have been developed by our team with intentionality around equity and community and how these connect to each value and the work we do each day. We believe in the merit of diverse teams and perspectives, striving to empower every voice in the creation of solutions.

Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation Grant

The Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation was created in 1997 by Cincinnati native and Boston resident, Nellie Leaman Taft, who died on December 17, 2012. Ms. Taft was an accomplished artist and committed patron of fine arts who is remembered as an independent, progressive-minded woman of great spirit and mirth, an avid gardener, and a worldwide traveler. She also was the descendant of two United States presidents, a loving friend and family member.

The Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation supports Arts Education and Environmental Education programs serving geographic areas important to Ms. Taft and to her family:

• Greater Cincinnati, OH
• Los Angeles County, CA
• Boston, MA (inside the Route 495 beltway)
• Mid-Coast Maine (defined as the towns of Bath, Belfast, Boothbay Harbor, Brunswick, Camden, Cushing, Damariscotta, Lincolnville, Owls Head, Rockland, Rockport, Searsport, Thomaston, Topsham, and Union)

Dearborn Community Foundation

The Dearborn Community Foundation, Inc., (DCF) is a community foundation, tax-exempt public charity that enables individuals, families, businesses and organizations to fulfill their charitable wishes. DCF builds and safeguards endowments for the community through contributions large and small. The endowment contributions are permanently invested to produce earnings so that these charitable funds make a difference in our community now and forever.

DCF Grants 

The Dearborn Community Foundation, Inc., (DCF) has awarded more than $33 million in grants since 1997. The grants support the needs/interests of the community in the fields of Art, Culture and Humanities, Community and Public Benefit, Education, Public Safety, Environment and Animal Protection, Human Services, and Youth Programs.

City of Lawrenceburg Community Grant Program (LCGP) - Phase I

The City of Lawrenceburg has generously provided funds for the Lawrenceburg Community Grant Program. The program is specifically for non-profit, IRS tax exempt organizations that provide a benefit, direct or indirect, to the Lawrenceburg community and Dearborn County.

Grant applications requesting $5,000 or less will be accepted pursuant to the grant application deadlines. Applications will be considered as long as funds are available.

LCGP Specific Guidelines

• grant funds are not granted to sustain ongoing projects/programs;
• grant applications will be considered as long as funds are available;
• organizations may not apply for any property improvements (buildings, fencing etc. …) to land not owned by the organization seeking the grant funds

The altafiber Sponsorships and Donations Program is dedicated to enhancing community well-being by investing in initiatives that promote economic and social mobility. With a commitment to volunteerism and local partnerships, altafiber aims to give back to the communities where their employees and customers reside. This program exemplifies altafiber's mission to provide exceptional services while fostering positive change in the areas they serve, ensuring a lasting impact through strategic investments.