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Grant Funding Opportunities: For Families and Professionals

By: Melissa Dubie, M.S. and Claire Tafoya

Overview

Staff of the Indiana Resource Center for Autism receive numerous requests each year from organizations, professionals, and families to fund a host of things, including iPads and other technology, training, services, and resources. This article outlines grants available nationally, statewide, and through private local community organizations for families, educators, and professional organizations in Indiana. If you take the time to fill out the applications and follow the specific guidelines each funding organization requires, there are dollars available. To facilitate your search for grant funding, we’ve identified and targeted four specific areas of need: Crisis & Health Services, Therapy or Educational Services & Related Products, Technology, and Training.

If you are a professional working for a school or nonprofit organization there are some questions you can review in advance to help assess if a particular grant is right for you and your school or organization.

• Is a grant right for your agency/school/nonprofit group?
• Do you meet the full eligibility requirements as described in the application?
• What projects has this organization funded in the most recent past grant cycles?
• What is the typical, average award from this organization?
• Does the organization require a Letter of Intent?
• What are the deadlines for submitting proposals to this organization?
• Do you need to register with this organization prior to application?
• What documents must you have in your possession to apply?
• Do you need/have a 501 (c3) number to apply for this grant?

Writing a grant may seem overwhelming, but it can be done! Start by reading through, gathering, and organizing all the information needed to submit the grant. An application typically asks applicants for the goals, outcomes, objectives, measures, and evaluations of the project or services the grant will help fund. A detailed projected budget is usually very important, and in some cases, a family may need to provide their tax return to prove eligibility.

For Parents/Family Members

Crisis and Health Services

National

Autism Care Today SOS Program

What grant covers: Program for those on the autism spectrum in immediate personal danger or harm if treatment is not found.

Who qualifies: Families with income below $45,000/year. Applicant may not have received support from ACT Today! within the past 12 months of applying.

Award amounts: As funds permit. Maximum amount $5,000.

How grant is paid: Directly to pre-approved treatment providers, assessors, or materials vendors.

How to apply: https://www.act-today.org/our-funds/autism-care-today-sos/ If no email access call their office at 1-877-9-ACT-TODAY (1-877-922-8863) or grants department at 818-340-4010.

Deadline: Ongoing.

Autism Speaks Cares

What grant covers: The grant program helps families cover critical expenses related to the welfare of the family member with autism experiencing a devastating life event or natural disaster. Considered on a case-by-case basis. DOES NOT fund reoccurring monthly expenses such as rent, mortgage, utility, or car payments.

Who qualifies: Families affected by autism during natural disasters and other tragic life events.

Award amounts: Determined on a case-by-case basis.

How grant is paid: Directly to the vendor.

How to apply: Families must first speak with a representative from the Autism Response Team by calling 888-288-4762, Español 888-772-9050, or by filling out the email contact on the website at https://www.autismspeaks.org/individuals-and-families

Deadline: Ongoing.

C.A.R.E. Foundation CARE Grant Program

What grant covers: Diagnosis/evaluation, medication, therapies including speech, OT, ABA, and autism summer camp.

Who qualifies: Families of children with autism (ages not specified), residing in USA with income less than $75,000/year.

Award amounts: Not specified.

How grant is paid: Directly to vendor or service provider.

How to apply: https://careautismfoundation.com/family-funds/

Deadline: Ongoing.

Cerner Charitable Foundation

What grant covers: Expenses for medical equipment or assistive technology, medical expenses for therapy, etc., that are not covered by insurance. Transportation expenses if related to care needed.

Who qualifies: Families of children 18 years of age or younger (ages 19–21 may be considered in special circumstances) with no existing insurance coverage for the requested expenses and who must meet income requirements on website. Child must be under care of a pediatrician and request must be related to child’s condition.

Award amounts: Not stated. One request per year, per child, for a maximum of three times in a child's lifetime.

How grant is paid: Directly to the provider within three weeks of approval.

How to apply: https://www.cernercharitablefoundation.org/request-funding/

Deadline: Ongoing

MyGOAL Autism Grant Program

What grant covers: Non-reimbursable medical expenses, including first-time visit to a biomedical doctor or other autism-related specialist; purchase of vitamins or other nutritional supplements that are specifically designed for children with ASD; and personal needs for the individual with ASD.

Who qualifies: Families across the United States, individuals with ASD under 18 years of age who are legal tax dependents.

Award amounts: $1,000.

How grant is paid: To caregiver with the understanding that the grant will be used to benefit the individual(s) with ASD to meet medical, nutritional or personal needs.

How to apply: https://mygoalinc.org/mygoal-autism-grant-program/

Deadline: Applications are available in January; decisions are rendered in mid-July.

United Healthcare Children’s Foundation

What grant covers: Health related grant to help support families with serious financial burden from medical expenses.

Who qualifies: Must be 16 years old or younger, a US citizen, and have a social security number. Applicant must be covered by a commercial health insurance plan, and need a treatment prescribed by a medical doctor who is treating the child. Awards will be granted only to families that meet the income guidelines.

Award amounts: $5,000 per year. A child's lifetime the limit is $10,000 and this is per child in their family.

How grant is paid: Directly to the health care professional.

How to apply: https://www.uhccf.org and select "Apply for a Grant"

Deadline: On-going

State

None currently known.

Local

None currently known.

Therapy or Educational Services and/or Related Products

National

Autism Care Today Treatment Grant

What grant covers: Their mission is to fund effective treatments, assessments, and needed life supports for military and non-military families.

Who qualifies: Incomes below $100,000 and families with multiple children with ASD will be reviewed first.

Award amounts: Up to $5,000.

How grant is paid: Directly to pre-approved treatment providers, assessors, or materials vendors.

How to apply: https://www.act-today.org/apply-for-grant/. If no email access, call their office at 877-9-ACT-TODAY (877-922-8863) or grants department at 818-340-4010.

Deadline: January 31, April 30, July 31, October 31

Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation

What grant covers: Scholarships for camp, swimming lessons, therapeutic riding, or other summer activities.

Who qualifies: Families of children with autism with documentation from child’s doctor and in need of financial assistance.

Award amounts: Not specified.

How grant is paid: Not specified.

How to apply: https://myasdf.org/our-programs/ or email at myasdf@yahoo.com.

Deadline: Application opens yearly on May 1

Maggie Welby Foundation Scholarship

What scholarship covers: School tuition.

Who qualifies: Students in grades K-12 whose family demonstrates financial need in paying school tuition.

Award amounts: $250 - $2,500

How grant is paid: Directly to the child’s school for tuition.

How to apply: https://www.maggiewelby.org/scholarships-grants

Deadline: Annually on March 31. See website for deadlines.

My Gym Challenged America Foundation

What grant covers: May include but not limited to rehabilitative therapy, assistive devices, medical equipment, and sensory items.

Who qualifies: Children under the age of 18 with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities, and those coping with chronic illness or financial struggles.

Award amounts: Up to $500.

How grant is paid: MGCA directly purchases all equipment and services. (Family supplies exact item needed and where it can be purchased.)

How to apply: https://www.mygymfoundation.org/apply-for-a-gift/.

Deadline: Ongoing

Orange Effect Foundation

What grant covers: Therapy sessions, technology purchases and speech camps.

Who qualifies: Children and young adults within the USA, with speech disorders who are up to 21 years of age and need speech therapy and/or technology to empower them to communicate. Considered based on financial need (income level less than $99,999) and must be working with an ASHA-certified therapist to be eligible for consideration.

Award amounts: Not specified.

How grant is paid: Directly to the therapy provider or vendor upon receipt of invoice

How to apply: https://theorangeeffect.org/

Deadline: February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1.

Small Steps in Speech

What grant covers: Speech therapy, related materials and/or assistive technology device; iPad software. Note: Applications are not accepted for ABA therapy or iPads.

Who qualifies: Individuals age 3 to 22 who are U.S. citizens and living in the USA. Many guidelines listed on website.

Award amounts: Not specified.

How grant is paid: Funds dispersed to professional service providers or vendors.

How to apply: http://www.smallstepsinspeech.org/individuals

Deadline: February 1, May 1, and November 1.

State

Anna's Celebration of Life Foundation

What grant covers: Device, equipment, technology or other that is intended to increase the quality of life for the child, including safety and/or medical necessity.

Who qualifies: Children under the age of 18 with special needs (or up to age 22 if still in high school) who live and/or are receiving medical treatment in Indiana. Need a third-party verficiation of diagnosis and that item requested is safe and will benefit the child.

Award amounts: No cap; decisions are made on the amount available and requests received; sometimes pay partial amount toward item requested. Limited to one gift per child with special needs per lifetime.

How grant is paid: Directly to vendor for item purchase, then item or service is delivered to the child.

How to apply: https://acolf.org/

Deadline: Ongoing

Helping Challenged Children, Inc.

What grant covers: Durable medical equipment (i.e., wheelchair, leg braces, nebulizer, communication devices, insulin pump, hearing aid, orthopedic shoes, digital blood pressure cuff, learning devices, adaptice tricycle, therapy equipment, walkers).

Who qualifies: Must be 18 years old or younger and live in Indiana. The gift must enhance the quality of life for the child. All possible resources for funding must have been exhausted. Nominations must be prepared and submitted by a third-party health care professional (i.e., doctor, nurse, physical, therapist, social worker) who has verified the diagnosis and recommended need.

Award amounts: Unknown

How grant is paid: Only submitted directly to the supplier of the requested item.

How to apply: https://indianahcci.org/grantapplication

Deadline: Ongoing.

Local

Autism Evansville: Inspiring Autism Spectrum Families Voucher Program

What grant covers: Therapy services or products not covered by insurance.

Who qualifies: Individuals 21 years and younger who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and reside in Posey, Gibson, Vanderburgh, Warrick, Spencer, or Pike County.

Award amounts: Up to $500.

How grant is paid: Funds paid directly to provider or vendor.

How to apply: Application is accessed from: https://autismevansville.org/programs/voucher-program/

Deadline: Twice a year in June and November.

Interlock Autism Support Grant

What grant covers: Items to assist individuals and families affected by ASD.

Who qualifies: Individual, of any age, with an ASD diagnosis who lives in East-Central Indiana (Delaware, Henry, Madison, Blackford, Grant, Randolph, and Jay Counties).

Award amounts: Not stated. Every request is evaluated and considered.

How grant is paid: Purchased by Interlock and delivered to recipients.

How to apply: Quick link button to application found on Interlock’s homepage https://www.interlockin.org/. A support/recommendation letter from a therapist, educator or doctor is highly encouraged. Email questions to autisminterlock@gmail.com

Deadline: Ongoing.

Technology (iPad, iOS devices, and communication devices)

National

Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation

What grant covers: Holiday gift cards and iPads.

Who qualifies: Families of children with autism with documentation from child’s doctor and in need of financial assistance.

Award amounts: Not specified.

How grant is paid: Not specified.

How to apply: https://myasdf.org/applications/

Deadline: Applications open each year on October 1st.

National Autism Association’s Give a Voice Program

What grant covers: An assistive communication device including: A 32GB Apple® iPad® Newest Generation (Wi-Fi version) with AppleCare+ Protection Plan, a Protective Case, and Avatalker AAC Augmentative and Alternative Communication Software app.

Who qualifies: Individuals age 5 or older and formally diagnosed with ASD (documentation from physician is required) with a current evaluation from a SLP to support need for use of the iPad as a communication device. Only U.S. residents.

Award amounts: Not specified.

How grant is paid: Device and accessories given directly to recipient.

How to apply: https://nationalautismassociation.org/family-support/programs/naas-give-a-voice-program/

Deadline: Ongoing as their resources permit.

Varghese Summersett PLLC Autism Scholarship

What grant covers: Educational or recreational opportunities (e.g., camp, tutoring, education)

Who qualifies: Children 15 years old or younger with autism.

Award amounts: $500.

How grant is paid: Not specified.

How to apply: Letter or video stating how the financial aid will benefit child with autism. Applications must be submitted according to directions on website: https://versustexas.com/autism-scholarship/.

Deadline: Annually on April 1

State

None currently known.

Local

None currently known.

Training

National

None currently known.

State

Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities: Consumer Education Fund

What grant covers: Opportunity to participate in or experience board meetings of service agencies, state and national conferences, city council meetings, consumer advocacy meetings, and approved training events throughout Indiana. Currently, the only out-of-state autism specific conference eligible for CIF funding is the National Autism Society Conference held each year.

Who qualifies: People with disabilities and their families who reside in Indiana.

Award amounts: 50% match unless receiving SSI or TANF with a limit of $1,000 per person and no more than two people per family per event. Also, one non-Council in-state event per calendar year and one out of state conference every two years PER FAMILY will be considered for funding.

How grant is paid: To individual, as a reimbursement, after all original receipts, the claim voucher, and initial Outcome and Activities Report are submitted (no later than 30 days after the event).

How to apply: https://www.in.gov/gcpd/

Deadline: Must apply at least 3 weeks prior to in-state event and 5 weeks prior for out-of-state event.

Local

None currently known.

For Educators/Professional

Educational Projects and Program Ideas

National

Donors Choose:

What grant covers: School teachers to organize their own online charity to support projects for such items as books, technology, classroom supplies, field trips, and other resources.

Who qualifies: Educators who are employed full-time in a US public or public charter school, and who work directly with students at least 75% of the time.

Award amounts: Depends on each project.

How grant is paid: When project reaches its funding goal, Donors Choose orders everything for you and ships it straight to you.

How to apply: https://www.donorschoose.org/teachers

Deadline: Ongoing; projects can remain on website for up to 4 months.

McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation: Academic Enrichment Grant

What grant covers: Programs that nurture the intellectual, artistic, and creative abilities of children from low-income households.

Who qualifies: Licensed K-12 teachers employed by schools, have the background and experience to complete the project successfully, have direct and regular contact with students in grades pre-k to 12, work with students from low-income households, and are willing to work in collaboration with the Foundation.

Award amounts: $10,000 per year and maximum of $20,000 over two years, if the eligibility requirements continue to be met.

How grant is paid: Not stated.

How to apply: https://mccartheydressman.org/

Deadline: January 15-April 15, application closes when reach 350 submissions each year.

Organization for Autism Research (OAR)

What grant covers: OAR developed a "Kit for Kids" which is a peer education program to increase autism awareness and acceptance among students in grades K-8.

Who qualifies: Teachers, administrators, parents, youth group organizers, and autism professionals interested in organizing an autism awareness initiative at a school or other community-based organization.

Award amounts: $500-$5000

How grant is paid: Not stated.

How to apply: https://researchautism.org/educators/peer-education-grant/

Deadline: Apply between April 17-June 26

Organization for Autism Research (OAR) & Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P)

What grant covers: Guides and/or manuals, educational curricula, books (children's, instructional), practical toolkits, or innovative multi-media tools.

Who qualifies: Include a community stakeholder (i.e., parents/family members, autistic individuals, direct autism service providers), community organization (e.g., K-12 public schools, parent group, 501c3 non-profits, etc.), university/academic partners are encouraged but not required.

Award amounts: $1,000-$10,000

How grant is paid: Not stated.

How to apply: https://researchautism.org/educators/community-grant-competition/

Deadline: April 24th at 11:59 p.m. (EST)

Supply a Teacher

What grant covers: Provides teachers with two large boxes filled with a semester's worth of essential school supplies (e.g., pencils, pencil pouches, folders, notebooks, sharpeners, erasers, rulers, and pens based on needs at grade level).

Who qualifies: Teacher, school, or entire school district with high numbers of students enrolled in the National School Lunch Program

Award amounts: Supplies only.

How grant is paid: Box is sent to teacher, school, or entire school district.

How to apply: https://supplyateacher.org/teachers/apply

Deadline: Ongoing

State

The Awesome Foundation

What grant covers: Anyone with an awesome new project. Will not pay for individual's medical needs, rent, utilities, home repairs, car trouble, appliances, etc.

Who qualifies: Anyone is eligible for a grant - individuals, groups, and organizations.

Award amounts: $1,000

How grant is paid: To person who applied for grant.

How to apply: https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en Search "chapters" to find the city that is in your state that best fits specific location. There is a "disability" category to choose, too. One can apply through several chapters if your communty fits into multiple locations and/or topics.

Deadline: 1st and 15th of the month.

Old National Bank Foundation

What grant covers: Improve educational readiness and achievement, increase access to quality education, including dual credentialing; increase access to impactful mentoring programs.

Who qualifies: Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in good standing where Old National has a business presence.

Award amounts: Average grant amount is $10,000.

How grant is paid: Not stated.

How to apply: https://www.oldnational.com/about/community/giving/foundation

Deadline: There are 3 grant application cycles per year, with deadlines in January, April, and July.

Local

AWS Foundation Mighty Money Grants

What grant covers: Might Money Grants, or “Mini Grants”, provide funding to organizations who need a little boost for their big idea that aligns with our mission and initiatives, serving individuals with disabilities.

Who qualifies: Must be a 501(c)(3) organization in Northeast Indiana serving Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Grant, Huntington, Kosciusko, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells and/or Whitley counties.

Award amounts: $2,500 or less.

How grant is paid: Not stated.

How to apply: https://www.awsfoundation.org/grants/opportunities/

Deadline: Ongoing.

AWS Foundation Gilmore Inclusive Arts Grant

What grant covers: Gilmore Inclusive Arts Grant, or Specialty Grant, is for projects devoted to including and engaging individuals with disabilities in the local arts communities of Northeast Indiana. Funding is for programming and capital only.

Who qualifies: Organizations with a substantial presence within Northeast Indiana that support those with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities.

Award amounts: Up to $25,000.

How grant is paid: Not stated.

How to apply: https://www.awsfoundation.org/grants/opportunities/#specialty-grants

Deadline: Annual fall grant cycle.

Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, Inc.

What grant covers: The Donald F. Wood and Darlene M. Richardson Foundation supports educational opportunities for specialized and at-risk individuals in Northeast Indiana.

Who qualifies: Non-profit organizations in Allen County that suport people with disabilities.

Award amounts: Up to $20,000.

How grant is paid: Not stated.

How to apply: https://cfgfw.org/wood-richardson-foundation/

Deadline: June 30

Ball Brothers Foundation

What grant covers: Supports six broad areas of arts, culture, and humanities; education; environment; health; human services; and public society benefit. In education, they place emphasis on requests that support the Muncie Action Plan's early childhood education initiative and the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber's early childhood goal, professional development for accredited or licensed childcare workers, centers which pursue Paths to QUALITY accreditation, and projects that focus on capacity-building.

Who qualifies: Nonprofits, government organizations, and schools operating within Indiana. The vast majority of funding is targeted to organizations in East Central Indiana with particular emphasis in the Muncie-Delaware County area.

Award amounts: General grants typically range from $5,000 to $100,000. Rapid grant maximum is $5,000.

How grant is paid: Not stated.

How to apply: Must speak with a member of staff before applying: https://www.ballfdn.org/apply

Deadline: February 15 and July 15. Requests for Rapid Grants can be submitted between February 1 and November 30.

Caesars Foundation of Floyd County

What grant covers: Support for programs in preschool, elementary and secondary education, post-secondary education, and for special educaton programs.

Who qualifies: Grants will ONLY be made to non-profit organizations whose projects and programs benefit the residents of Floyd County and New Albany, Indiana. Grant applicants including matching funds are encouraged.

Award amounts: Up to $25,000.

How grant is paid: Not stated.

How to apply: http://www.caesarsfoundationfc.org/annual-grants

Deadline: March 31st and August 31st

Central Indiana Community Foundation, Inc.

What grant covers: Operational support that will enable organizations to provide effective programs and respond to the needs of the people in the Central Indiana neighborhoods and communities they serve.

Who qualifies: Non-profit organizations serving those in Central Indiana (Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Marion, Morgan, and Shelby Counties). Must contact Central Indiana Community Foundation community leadership officer to start grant application.

Award amounts: Varies. Amount should be no more than 30 percent of the project budget.

How grant is paid: Not stated.

How to apply: Check the current Grant Seeker Guidebook: https://www.cicf.org/not-for-profits/.

Deadline: Varies depending on the grant.

Community Foundation of Elkhart County

What grant covers: "Community Investment" grant focuses on Early Childhood Development & Education; Career Awareness; Exploration & Employability Skills (grades 4-12); Internship & Apprenticeships (grades 4-12); initiatives to support youth and families, parents, vulnerable populations, talent attraction and retention, post-secondary education access, public art, and arts/culture events.

Who qualifies: Nonprofit organization in Elkhart County only.

Award amounts: range from $1,000 to $30,000

How grant is paid: Not stated.

How to apply: https://www.inspiringgood.org/cig/

Deadline: Requests for under $25,000 are reviewed weekly; over $25,000 reviewed twice a year

Indiana Humanities

What grant covers: The Action Grant supports projects that help people learn new information, consider different perspectives, share ideas, and understand one another better (e.g., workshops, presentations, reading/discussion programs, and exhibition, podcasts, and film documentaries).

Who qualifies: Non-profit organization; must be able to match the contributions from organization.

Award amount: Up to $3,000.

How grant is paid: To organization.

How to apply: https://indianahumanities.org/grant/action-grants/

Deadline: Ongoing.

Kosciusko County Community Foundation: Kosciusko Endowment Youth Services

What grant covers: Project based learning, experiential learning, or education that helps develop and enhance social and life skills that make learning fun, and that serve Kosciusko County residents.

Who qualifies: Public and private schools of Kosciusko County.

Award amounts: range from $60-$4500.

How grant is paid: Not stated.

How to apply: https://www.kcfoundation.org/grants/key-grants/

Deadline: January 15 or September 15

Marshall County Community Foundation

What grant covers: Humanitarian, cultural, educational, recreational, and environmental activities for residents of Marshall county.

Who qualifies: Organizations with 501(c)(3) IRS status or organizations with 501(c) IRS status who request funds for start-up costs for new programs or the expansion of needed programs, or one-time projects or needs, and other projects or needs specifically identified by the MCCF.

Award amounts: Preference will be given to Community Fund requests of $5,000 or more.

How grant is paid: Not stated.

How to apply: http://www.marshallcountycf.org/grants

Deadline: Applications are due on February 1 and August 1.

Northern Indiana Community Foundation: Fulton County

What grant covers: Activities that request seed money to realize innovative opportunities to meet needs in the community; stimulate and encourage additional funding; promote cooperation and avoid duplication of effort; help make a charitable organization more effective and efficient and better able to be self-sustaining; one-time projects or needs.

Who qualifies: Organization within communities in Fulton County. Areas of interest are education, health, human services, arts and culture, environmental, community development, recreation, and youth development.

Award amounts: Two types of grants- Impact Grants for over $25,000 and Community Grants- several hundred to several thousand dollars.

How grant is paid: Not stated.

How to apply: https://www.nicf.org/fulton-county/grants/

Deadline: Ongoing.

Northern Indiana Community Foundation: Miami County

What grant covers: Not stated.

Who qualifies: Organizations within communities in Miami County. Areas of interest are education, health, human services, arts and culture, environmental, community development, recreation, and youth development.

Award amounts: Impact Grants for over $25,000 and Community Grants from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

How grant is paid: Not stated.

How to apply:https://www.nicf.org/miami-county/grants/

Deadline: Ongoing.

Northern Indiana Community Foundation: Starke County

What grant covers: Not stated.

Who qualifies: For a Starke County Education Grant, schools or teachers in the Knox, North Judson-San Pierre, and Oregon-Davis School systems.

Award amounts: Education Grant: $1,500 for each school system; Impact Grant: over $25,000; Community Support Grant: several hundred to several thousand dollars.

How grant is paid: Not stated.

How to apply: https://www.nicf.org/starke-county/grants/

Deadline: Ongoing.

Owen County Community Foundation: Community & Teacher Mini-Grants

What grant covers: Reimburse classroom expenses, project expenses and teacher education.

Who qualifies: Charitable 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, churches, and governmental agencies in or serving Owen County.

Award amounts: Teacher mini-grants up to $300; Rapid Response Grants up to $1,000.

How grant is paid: Not stated.

How to apply: https://www.owencountycf.org/nonprofits

Deadline: Ongoing.

Portland Foundation General Summer and Winter Grants

What grant covers: Start-up costs for new programs, one-time projects or needs and capital needs beyond an applicant organization’s capabilities and means.

Who qualifies: 501(c) organizations operating or proposing to operate programs for the benefit of Jay County residents.

Award amounts: Not stated.

How grant is paid: Not stated.

How to apply: http://www.portlandfoundation.org/ - Application available 2 months prior to deadline.

Deadline: Winter Grants due in January; Summer Grants due in June.

Portland Foundation Teacher Creativity Mini Grant

What grant covers: Learning experiences which teachers feel are important and are outside the budget of their school. These grants are to be used for class projects, programs, music or art instruction, speakers, educational materials, and other uses.

Who qualifies: Teachers in Jay County.

Award amounts: Up to $300.

How grant is paid: Not stated.

How to apply: http://www.portlandfoundation.org/ - Information posted in May.

Deadline: Annually in June.

Rotary Foundation of Indianapolis

What grant covers: Promote charitable and educational purposes.

Who qualifies: Organizations serving predominately Central Indiana residents.

Award amounts: $10,000 or $25,000.

How grant is paid: Not stated.

How to apply: http://indyrotary.com/foundations/the-indianapolis-rotary-foundation/

Deadline: Community Grant Applications must have letter of intent in June of each year.

Smithville Charitable Foundation

What grant covers: A variety of causes related to education, health, relief of poverty or distress, arts and culture, and various public organizations.

Who qualifies: Nonprofit organizations in 17 counties served by customers of Smithville Communications, including Boone, Brown, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Hendricks, Howard, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Morgan, Orange, Owen, Posey, Sullivan, and Tipton.

Award amounts: Varies.

How grant is paid: Not stated.

How to apply: Apply online https://smithvillefoundation.org/grant-application/

Deadline: Yearly in the Fall.

South Madison Community Foundation Bright Futures Grant

What grant covers: Priority given to prevention of problems, creative ideas, respond to changing needs of community, enhance cooperation and collaboration among institutions within community, "match" and "challenge" grants, significant improvement in community.

Who qualifies: 501(c)3, tax-supported or educational organization. Must benefit residents of the Madison County townships of Adams, Fall Creek, Green and/or Stony Creek.

Award amounts: $500- $10,000.

How grant is paid: Not stated.

How to apply: https://www.southmadisonfoundation.org/images/grants/Bright-Futures-Application-2020.pdf

Deadline: Ongoing - apply by the 15th of each month through mid-2023. After that, deadline may change to quarterly.

WHAS Crusade for Children

What grant covers: Specific programs or equipment that provide direct services to children with special needs.

Who qualifies: Non-profit agencies, schools, and hospitals that help children with special needs up to age 18 in Southern Indiana and Kentucky.

Award amounts: $3,500 - $85,000.

How grant is paid: Directly to agency.

How to apply: https://www.whascrusade.org/whas-crusade-for-children-grants/

Deadline: January. To request an application, the organization must send a letter to WHAS Crusade for Children.

Technology (iPad, iOS devices, and communication devices)

National

Dell Technologies

What grant covers: Technology rich projects for K-12 public school districts. Propose a project and Dell wil help decide which technologies are needed and will best support project.

Who qualifies: K-12 public school district.

Award amounts: Varies on need.

How grant is paid: Not stated.

How to apply: https://www.dell.com/en-us/dt/forms/contact-us/technology-grants.htm

Deadline: Ongoing.

Educators of America Classroom Technology Grants

What grant covers: Mission to support philanthropic objectives with the target of successful literacy programs which serve populations that show out of the ordinary needs (e.g., low reading scores and high poverty levels). Propose your project and needs and allow Believe in Reading to help you with the rest.

Who qualifies: K-12 schools, community centers, English Language Learners, or Braille projects.

Award amounts: $1,000-$10,000. First time applicants will only be funded up to $3,000.

How grant is paid: Not stated.

How to apply: https://believeinreading.org/grant-guidelines/

Deadline: Ongoing

State

None currently known.

Local

None currently known.

Training

National

Funds for Teachers: Innovation Circle Grant

What grant covers: Research, design, and test a solution to a "sticky" problem of practice alongside Fellows also grappling with similar issues. You will design your own professional learning and convene virtually with other Fellows to reflect and apply to learning in the classroom.

Who qualifies: Full-time PreK-12th grade teacher who spends at least 50% of time directly providing instruction to students with at least three years of experience.

Award amounts: up to $1,500.

How grant is paid: Not stated.

How to apply: https://www.fundforteachers.org/

Deadline: April 20.

McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation: Teacher Development Grant

What grant covers: Opportunities for teachers to integrate fresh strategies that encourage critical inquiry and to observe their effects on students.

Who qualifies: Licensed K-12 teachers employed in public or private schools, have background and experience to complete the project successfully and willing to work with the Foundation.

Award amounts: $10,000 per year and maximum of $20,000 over two years, if the eligibility requirements continue to be met.

How grant is paid: Not stated.

How to apply: https://mccartheydressman.org/

Deadline: January 15-April 15, application closes when reach 125 submissions each year.

The NEA Foundation: Learning & Leadership Grants

What grant covers: Participation in high-quality professional development like summer institutes, conferences, seminars, travel abroad programs, or action research. Preference given to proposals that enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skillsm, or project-based learning and learning experiences connected to real-world issues and challenges.

Who qualifies: Must be teachers, education support professionals, or specialized instructional support personnel and must be current NEA members.

Award amounts: $1,500-$5,000.

How grant is paid: Directly to the individual or to a fiscal agent.

How to apply: https://www.neafoundation.org/for-educators/learning-and-leadership-grants/

Deadline: Quarterly in February, April, and September.

State

Indiana Youth Institute: Professional Development Grant

What grant covers: Financial assistance for youth workers to attend continuing education opportunities that will help them promote the healthy development of children and youth, with emphasis on training that IYI does not offer; may be used for conferences, trainings, workshops, or tuition reimbursement.

Who qualifies: Must be a staff member, board member, or active volunteer of a 501(c) (3) organization that provides services to Indiana youth.

Award amounts: Up to $750.

How grant is paid: Grant funds issued to the organization listed on the application form.

How to apply: https://www.iyi.org/professional-education-grants/

Deadline: Ongoing.

Lilly Endowment Teacher Creativity Fellowship

What grant covers: Provides resources for teachers to take time for meaningful renewal. The Endowment believes that through new experiences, exploraton, and reflection educators can generate renewed energy in their careers, innovative approaches to teaching and educational leadership, and thoughtful ways to encourage students' creative thinking.

Who qualifies: Full-time education professionals who have daily face-to-face interaction with students in Indiana’s public, private, and charter schools and who have held their position for at least 5 years.

Award amounts: Up to $12,000.

How grant is paid: Directly to Fellowship recipient.

How to apply: https://lillyendowment.org/for-grantseekers/renewal-programs/teacher-creativity/

Deadline: March, June, September, November, and December

Local

Ball Brothers Foundation

What grant covers: Supports six broad areas of arts, culture, and humanities; education; environment; health; human services; and public society benefit. In education, they place emphasis on requests that support the Muncie Action Plan's early childhood education initiative and the Muncie-Delaware County Chambers early childhood goal, professional development for accredited or licensed childcare workers, centers which pursue Paths to QUALITY acreditation, and projects that focus on capacity-building.

Who qualifies: Nonprofits, government organizations, and schools operating within Indiana. The vast majority of funding is targeted to organizations in East Central Indiana with a particular emphasis in the Muncie-Delaware County area.

Award amounts: General grants typically range from $5,000 to $100,000. Rapid Grant maximum is $5,000.

How grant is paid: Not stated.

How to apply: https://www.ballfdn.org/apply

Deadline: February 15 and July 15. Requests for Rapid Grants can be submitted between February 1 and November 30.

Tips for Grant Seeking and Proposal Writing

Grants are available for parents/families and educators/professionals through many national, statewide, and local resources. Often a problem is knowing where to look for the grants. Below is a list of funding resources, links for guidance on writing proposals, and information on where to take a class. You can also check “Grant Funding Opportunities” for specific funding sources that have been briefly outlined and listed in this article.

Find Funding Resources:

Indiana has over 70 community foundations providing funding to nonprofits and schools through their own endowments and their donor advised funds. Look at this website (https://www.tgci.com/funding-sources/IN/community) to start applying for grants in your county.
Federal Assistance Listings: https://sam.gov/content/assistance-listings. Assistance listings are detailed public descriptions of federal programs that provide grants, loans, scholarships, insurance, and other types of assistance awards.
Federal Grants: https://www.grants.gov/
Foundation Directory Online – Search through grants and foundations by topic and subject interest: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/. A subscription ($219.99 per month) is required to access many of the features on this website. There are over 24.9 million grants available.
Resources to find grant funding for your school district: https://www.follettlearning.com/about-us/funding.
Indiana State Library. List of grant registries, foundations, and other grant related opportunities: https://www.in.gov/library/site-index/grants/.
The Grantsmanship Center: https://www.tgci.com – This website has resources for accessing grants, including several webcasts, articles, and a list of the top-giving foundations for each state.
The Indiana Philanthropy Alliance (IPA) is another resource for non-profits searching for funding sources: https://www.inphilanthropy.org . **Excellent resource to find Community Foundations for most counties and many communities in Indiana. There are many grants offered through these Community Foundations. Some of them are listed in this document, but not all. There are too many to list. You are encouraged to go to the IPA website and search under “Member Directory”.
Philanthropy News Digest: https://philanthropynewsdigest.org/rfps. Requests for Proposals (RFPs) – Sometimes foundations post listings that detail specific aspects of projects and proposals that they are looking to fund. These listings are categorized by topics such as education, health, etc.
Indiana Grant Watch: https://indiana.grantwatch.com/. Requires a membership fee. Frequent emails about upcoming grants in Indiana. With a subscription, the Grant Watch search engine allows a search by state or country, funding source (federal, foundation, corporation, local and state government), and specialty area (e.g., special education).

Guides and Tips for Writing Proposals:

Learn about writing grants and how to use grants, includes checklists and tools: https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/finances/grants-and-financial-resources/writing-a-grant/main.
How to answer grant application questions: https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/answer-grant-application-questions.html.
Non-profits guide to grant writing with tools, samples and links to many other resources: http://www.npguides.org/.
Guide for writing a funding proposal including samples and other resources: http://www.learnerassociates.net/proposal/.

Take a Class or Attend a Webinar About Accessing Funding:

Candid Learning offers several free online classes and webinars to assist individuals and non-profits in searching for funding. Lists of live and pre-recorded webinars can be found at: https://learning.candid.org/. Then search for workshops and self-paced learning opportunities. Some helpful webinars for beginners include “Proposal writing” and “Introduction to Finding Grants.” The website also offers webinars on proposal writing and how to approach foundations.

Libraries in Indiana (and surrounding states) that Offer Grant Support

Several libraries have specific sections devoted to non-profits and grant-seeking and have staff available that can answer questions and assist in the searching process. For additional information about the services that are available at each library in Indiana and a few neighboring state locations, click on the Collection URL.

INDIANA

BLOOMINGTON, IN

Monroe County Public Library

303 E. Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, IN 47408

Main URL: https://mcpl.info

Collection URL: https://mcpl.info/npc/nonprofit-central

Non-Profit Central is located on the 2nd floor, just outside the Indiana Room.
Staff can assist in one-on-one consultations.

COLUMBUS, IN

Bartholomew County Public Library

536 Fifth St., Columbus, IN 47201

Main and Collection URL: https://www.mybcpl.org/home

EVANSVILLE, IN