Best Marion County Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

T32 Postdoctoral Training Awards in Translational Research

The Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI) T32 Postdoctoral Training Awards, funded in part by NCATS, are designed to provide promising postdoctoral fellows with the opportunity to be mentored in research-intensive multi-disciplinary settings toward the goal of developing careers across the spectrum of translational research.

The emphasis of the Indiana CTSI postdoctoral training awards in translational research is to move findings from basic laboratory and pre-clinical research (referred to as T1 research) toward the development of new treatment options or interventions or clinical trials (referred to as T2 research) to eventual dissemination or clinical implementation (referred to as T3 research) to studying population health outcomes and health metrics (referred to as T4 research). The phases of translational research may not necessarily be linear and can jump steps depending on the research project and the starting point. The goal of the Indiana CTSI is to make awards at all of these stages.

Funding for all postdoctoral training awards is for up to two years (with the 2nd year of funding contingent upon review and demonstration of satisfactory progress). Benefits include salary support as well as health insurance and research training related expenses.

The Best Buy Teen Tech Center is offering a Mini Tech Skills Workshop Grant to support local and national non-profits in providing STEAM skills workshops for youth aged 13-19. These workshops, which include topics such as coding, filmmaking, and robotics, aim to enhance technical skills and career exploration. Funding can reach up to $24,999, with a focus on hands-on, facilitator-led experiences, and additional programming opportunities may be considered.

The Summer Youth Program Fund, supported by the Central Indiana Community Foundation and other local funders, provides grants for youth programs in Marion County. Aimed at children and teens aged 4 to 24, the fund supports a variety of activities, including academic enrichment, arts, and youth employment, ensuring accessible opportunities for families. Organizations can streamline applications to multiple funders through this collaborative initiative, simplifying the grant process and enhancing program visibility.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The Old National Bank Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations for community impact initiatives across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Focused on four key areas—Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Financial Empowerment—the foundation prioritizes programs that support underrepresented communities. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the foundation’s funding priorities to qualify for grants, which can be applied for every two years.

The Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund supports literacy and information access projects for Marion County residents through competitive grants, media center enhancements, and professional development funds. Eligible libraries include the Indianapolis Public Library and local universities' libraries. The fund aims to foster innovative programming, such as bilingual story times and digitalization of archival collections, with the goal of enriching community engagement and educational resources.

The Minde Browning Professional Development Fund Grant, established by The Indianapolis Foundation, supports professional development activities for library staff in Marion County. Grants of up to $1,500 are available for attending conferences, workshops, and courses that enhance skills and benefit library patrons. Applicants must demonstrate how their development will positively impact their community. Applications are accepted year-round, with a 60-day advance notice required.

The Nicholas H. Noyes Jr. Memorial Foundation supports charitable organizations and educational institutions serving the greater Indianapolis area, focusing on arts, education, health, and community services. Grants are available for program support and scholarships, but not for endowments or multi-year requests. Organizations must be IRS-designated tax-exempt and may apply once per year. Note that unsolicited applications from outside the specified regions are currently not accepted.

The FORUM Credit Union Foundation offers educator grants to enhance educational opportunities in Marion, Hamilton, Johnson, Boone, Hendricks, and Hancock counties. Each educator can receive up to $3,000 for classroom projects, supplies, and supplemental learning experiences, with a total of $30,000 allocated annually. Eligible applicants include K-12 teachers and administrators who are FORUM members in good standing. Preference is given to equitable distribution of grants across service areas.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

The Two Oaks Scholarship, offered by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, supports Ivy Tech Community College graduates who plan to pursue a bachelor's degree at IUPUI. Eligible applicants must graduate with an associate degree, demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and pursue a degree in a helping profession such as nursing, teaching, or social work. This scholarship aims to foster a community of opportunity and service.

The Steel Dynamics Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community quality of life and local economies by supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Priorities include higher education, economic development, and human services, particularly in communities where Steel Dynamics operates. Grants are awarded based on community impact, employee involvement, and organizational integrity. Applicants must demonstrate a strong ethical track record and effective community engagement to qualify for funding opportunities.

The Arthur Jordan Foundation Grant supports organizations in Marion County, focusing on fine arts, higher education, and community service. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $15,000 and can be used for operating, program, capital, or special project support. Eligibility requires tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The foundation does not fund organizations that discriminate or those outside Marion County, including political entities and individuals.

The IUSCCC Early Career Investigator Award offers funding for pilot research projects in cancer research and population science. Sponsored by the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, this award is open to Associate level members and IUSCCC trainees aiming to advance their careers. The funding duration is one year, with a maximum budget of $50,000, encouraging innovative proposals that meet eligibility criteria. Applicants must not have prior funding from similar mechanisms or national competitive grants.

Indiana Alcohol Research Center Pilot Project Program

The NIAAA-supported Indiana Alcohol Research Center (IARC) is soliciting proposals for pilot projects from investigators who want to develop research on alcohol use disorders. Applications pertinent to basic mechanisms of alcohol misuse, neurophysiological and behavioral phenotypes of drinking, and genetic underpinnings of alcohol preference are welcome. The purpose of an IARC pilot grant is to allow an investigator to obtain preliminary data leading to extramural funding. Previous experience in research on alcohol use and/or alcohol use disorder is not required.

Pilot projects are limited to $50,000 (direct costs) per year for two years.

The Large Collaborative Grant RFA, sponsored by the Executive Associate Dean for Research at Indiana University School of Medicine, aims to support large, interdisciplinary grants. Open to full-time faculty, it encourages collaboration and innovative research. Up to $75,000 is available per application, with a requirement for matching funds. This initiative seeks to enhance research capabilities and advance the goals of IUSM through collaborative efforts.

The Stark Neurosciences Pre-Clinical Neuroimaging Pilot Grant supports innovative, high-risk animal imaging projects with funding up to $10,000. Aimed at established neuroimaging investigators, it encourages research that diverges from ongoing interests. Eligible applicants include faculty from Indiana University and partner institutions, while collaborations are welcomed. The initiative promotes the submission of major extramural grants and prioritizes image acquisition and processing costs, ensuring effective use of resources in advancing neuroscience research.

The Stark Neurosciences Pre-Clinical Neuroimaging Pilot Grant offers up to $10,000 in seed support for innovative, high-risk animal imaging projects utilizing the Bruker BioSpec 9.4T PET-MRI scanner. Open to new investigators at Indiana University and partner institutions, the grant aims to foster groundbreaking research in the neurosciences. Collaborations are encouraged, and the program emphasizes the importance of developing submissions for major extramural funding opportunities. Eligibility excludes faculty in visiting ranks and postdoctoral fellows.

The Indiana CTSI (IUSM) Core Equipment Grant invites proposals from designated IU School of Medicine Cores for equipment purchases that enhance research capabilities. Funding between $5,000 and $100,000 is available, with consideration for higher amounts if matching funds are identified. Eligible applicants must demonstrate the potential for new technologies and broad user engagement, with preference given to projects leveraging additional funding sources.

In 2025, the Community Foundation of Madison & Jefferson County awarded over $233,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors of the county’s public and private high schools. Nearly 50 different students earned money toward their college costs. Scholarships are available for a variety of applicants. Some are specific to schools, majors, need, or interests.

CFMJC scholarships may be used for tuition and related expenses like fees and required equipment at accredited colleges and universities. Room and board are not covered.

George & June Miller Memorial Scholarship

Criteria evaluated:

Academic achievement, community involvement, extracurricular activities, and financial need

Required materials:

• FAFSA SAI PDF upload

Scholarship amount:

• $4,000 | 1 scholarship, renewable at $2,000 for 2 years

Clinical Laboratory Science Investigator Award

Clinical laboratory science is a critical component of the research capabilities required for effective drug and diagnostic development. As pathologists enable the next wave of medical innovation, it is important that the future generation understand the challenges and opportunities of applying principles of laboratory medicine practice within the industry.

The Clinical Laboratory Science Investigator Award—sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company—seeks to provide a four-week onsite training opportunity at Lilly’s Clinical Diagnostics Laboratory in Indianapolis for pathology residents to participate in research projects focused on improving the discovery, quality, and delivery of novel biomarker assays for use in clinical studies.

Award features the opportunity for recipients to:

• gain exposure to the clinical trial ecosystem
• achieve a greater understanding of and exposure to advanced analytical techniques
• heighten their understanding of the impact pathologists can make on medical innovation
• engage in a project based on individual interests (eg, clinical chemistry, anatomic pathology, or molecular diagnostics)
• interact with a diverse group of Lilly professionals within the Clinical Diagnostics Laboratory
• obtain a broader perspective on available career pathways

Funding up to $5,000 is available to support travel and living expenses during the four-week training period. Awardees and/or their institutions should expect to cover any travel costs that exceed the amount awarded.

FOCUS

Four-week onsite training for pathology residents to participate in research projects improving the discovery, quality, and delivery of novel biomarker assays for use in clinical studies

The Strawberry Festival Grants, offered by Christ Church Cathedral, provide funding up to $3,000 for 501(c)(3) organizations. These grants aim to support projects that benefit women, children, and underserved communities, with a strong emphasis on local initiatives. Recipients are required to provide volunteers for festival events. This annual fundraiser not only supports community projects but also enhances the spirit of collaboration and service within the diocese.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on improving economic mobility and social progress through partnerships with nonprofits. It prioritizes basic needs, income creation, stable housing, and community empowerment. By supporting vulnerable populations, the foundation aims to enable individuals to achieve their goals and contribute positively to their communities. The foundation emphasizes sustainable progress, ensuring that all community members have access to essential resources and opportunities for growth.

The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust focuses on supporting nonprofits in Arizona and Indiana through invitation-only grants. The Trust funds initiatives that help people in need, protect animals and nature, and enrich community life, emphasizing self-sufficiency, crisis intervention, and education. Grants are available for programs that enhance civic vibrancy, promote environmental awareness, and provide essential services to vulnerable populations. Organizations must align with the Trust's priorities and geographic areas to be eligible for funding.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

The Henry A. and Ruby Ernstes Family Scholarship, managed by the Decatur County Community Foundation, aims to support graduating seniors from Decatur County who plan to attend Marian University, with a preference for nursing majors. This scholarship encourages students to pursue their educational goals while easing financial burdens. It exemplifies the foundation's mission to inspire community generosity and foster impactful charitable giving.

The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation Grant Program focuses on enhancing the vitality of Indianapolis through targeted grantmaking in education, health, and economic development. The program prioritizes support for tax-exempt organizations that align with its goals, addressing critical issues such as public health, academic outcomes, and workforce development. By fostering collaboration and sharing data-driven insights, the Foundation aims to create a more vibrant, equitable city where all residents can thrive.