Indiana grants for Small businesses

This program provides financial support to Indiana-based manufacturers, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises, to adopt advanced smart manufacturing technologies that drive innovation and modernization.

This program provides matching funds to commercial property owners in Crane, Loogootee, and Shoals, Indiana, for exterior improvements that enhance the visual appeal of their buildings and promote economic development.

The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) application for program year 2023-2024 will open on October 02, 2023 at 8am EST. Indiana residents can apply for utility bill assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federally-funded program through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The application period closes on May 20, 2024 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Applicants can apply online via the online portal, by mail, in-person, or by calling 2-1-1. To apply in-person or request a paper application form, applicants must contact their Local Service Provider. The EAP provides a one-time benefit to assist with the high cost of electricity and heating for homes. However, it is important to note that this benefit is not intended to cover all heating and electricity costs, so applicants should continue to pay their bills regularly. Eligibility and benefits are determined by Local Service Providers based on income qualifications. It may take up to 55 days for eligibility determination and an additional 30 days for the utility company to process the benefit. For more information on eligibility and to find contact information for the Local Service Provider that serves your area, visit http://eap.ihcda.in.gov. If you have any questions or need to follow up on an application, please be sure you contact your Local Service Provider directly rather than contacting IHCDA. For general inquiries about the Energy Assistance Program, please contact the Community Programs team at [email protected].

The Community Foundation of Huntington County is offering Accessibility Grants to promote inclusivity within communities. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance the quality of life in Huntington County by addressing critical needs, in this case, by removing barriers for individuals with disabilities. The grants aim to create a more welcoming environment for all by fostering solutions to accessibility challenges in buildings and infrastructure, thereby supporting a choice-driven life for individuals with disabilities. The target beneficiaries of these grants include individuals, families, and businesses within Huntington County, Indiana. The program particularly focuses on people with disabilities who are currently facing physical barriers preventing full access to community use and benefits. The impact goals are centered on making communities more inclusive, ensuring that accessibility needs are considered from both individual and community perspectives, and empowering individuals with disabilities to define their own preferences, opinions, priorities, and accommodations. The grant program has two main funding tracks: the Pathfinder Services Community Accessibility Fund and the AWS Foundation Community Accessible Communities Fund. Key priorities and focuses for both tracks include encouraging potential rather than identifying limitations, preferring social settings that include family and friends, exceeding ADA standards through Universal Design principles, and enhancing education and employment potential to contribute to greater independence. Collaboration is also highly encouraged, recognizing that collective effort increases opportunities. Expected outcomes include the physical removal of accessibility barriers, increased participation of individuals with disabilities in community life, and a more inclusive and welcoming environment across Huntington County. Measurable results would likely involve tracking the number of accessibility solutions implemented, the types of infrastructure improved, and anecdotal evidence of increased access and independence for individuals with disabilities. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly geared towards fostering community well-being and equitable access, and their theory of change posits that by funding direct solutions to accessibility barriers, they can directly improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and create a more inclusive society.

Main Street Ventures offers Launch Funding to emerging, pre-revenue businesses that have a prototype or product. This grant program aims to support the growth and scaling of businesses within the Greater Cincinnati region, aligning with the foundation's mission to foster economic development and innovation in the area. The funding is specifically designed to cover key direct costs associated with growth projects, rather than general operating expenses, reflecting a strategic priority to provide tangible support for business acceleration. The primary target beneficiaries are business entities (C-Corp, S-Corp, or LLC) with a Federal Tax ID (EIN) located in the Greater Cincinnati region, which includes specific counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Businesses must demonstrate customer demand and strong progression since their founding. The program focuses on specific growth projects that will accelerate business growth, with examples of suitable direct expenses including key equipment, packaging support, and technology product development. This targeted approach ensures that the grant funds directly contribute to measurable business expansion. Special consideration is given to women and minority-owned businesses, as well as businesses that can show matching funds from other sources. This reflects the foundation's strategic priorities to promote inclusivity and leverage additional investment, thereby maximizing the overall impact on the regional economy. The expected outcomes include the scaling of businesses, job creation, and increased economic vitality within the Greater Cincinnati region, with successful applicants demonstrating a clear impact of the grant funds on their business or the region. The Main Street Ventures' theory of change is rooted in providing early-stage, direct financial assistance to promising businesses to help them overcome critical growth hurdles. By focusing on direct costs and specific growth projects, the program aims to create a ripple effect, enabling these businesses to achieve significant milestones that would otherwise be out of reach. The emphasis on local businesses and underrepresented founders further amplifies the foundation's commitment to building a robust and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Greater Cincinnati area. The grant duration of three years allows for sustained support and monitoring of the businesses' progress.

The 501vc® Investment Fund is seeking to invest $200,000 to $300,000 in early-stage climate tech startups in the Greater Midwest region, focusing on sectors like advanced materials, renewable energy, and agriculture technologies.

This funding opportunity supports collaborative cancer prevention and education programs in Indiana, specifically targeting high-burden cancers and underserved communities, with a focus on reducing risk behaviors and improving health outcomes.

This program provides funding for farmers and ranchers in the North Central region to develop and share sustainable agricultural practices through research and educational projects.

This grant provides financial support and mentorship to early-stage cleantech entrepreneurs in the Midwest who are developing innovative solutions to promote economic growth and environmental sustainability.

This initiative provides financial assistance to local nonprofits, schools, community organizations, and businesses in South Bend for solar panel installations and energy efficiency upgrades to reduce energy costs and promote sustainability.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Randolph County that develop innovative programs to improve the lives of women and children, focusing on areas such as crisis prevention, education, financial literacy, and health initiatives.

This grant provides funding to local organizations in Jackson County, Indiana, for initiatives that prevent substance abuse, improve treatment access, and support law enforcement efforts in addressing drug-related issues.

This grant provides funding for small to mid-sized organizations in Rush County, Indiana, to support projects focused on environmental conservation, native species preservation, and community engagement in nature-related initiatives.

This grant provides funding to public and nonprofit organizations in Indiana to develop and implement community-based mental health programs that help divert youth from the juvenile justice system and support their behavioral health needs.

This grant provides financial support to Black entrepreneurs who are positively impacting their communities, helping them grow and sustain their businesses.

This program provides financial assistance to property owners in downtown Jasper, Indiana, for improving the exterior appearance of their commercial and residential buildings to enhance the community's aesthetic and economic vitality.

This program provides funding to organizations in Porter County, Indiana, for projects, events, and marketing efforts that attract visitors and boost local tourism.

This grant provides funding to projects that revitalize downtown Kosciusko County, Indiana, by transforming underutilized spaces into vibrant venues that enhance community life and support the local orthopedic industry.

This funding opportunity supports grassroots organizations in Indiana and Illinois that are focused on social change, providing up to $15,000 for operational, start-up, or project-specific expenses.

This program provides financial support to Indiana-based arts organizations to enhance community access to high-quality artistic experiences, particularly in underserved areas.