Indiana Diversity Equity and Inclusion Grants

The State Urban Forest Resilience (SUFR) Funding Grant, offered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), aims to restore and improve urban forests in Indiana. Its core mission aligns with environmental resilience and conservation, specifically addressing the catastrophic losses caused by the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). The grant seeks to build long-term resiliency through increased tree diversity and the protection of existing healthy trees. While a specific "foundation mission" is not explicitly stated in the context, the IDNR's involvement implies a state-level commitment to environmental health and sustainable urban development. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are municipalities and non-profit 501(c)3 organizations within Indiana. These entities, acting on behalf of their communities, will implement projects that directly impact the health and sustainability of public urban forests. The overarching impact goal is to mitigate the damage caused by the EAB, enhance the ecological integrity of urban areas, and foster community engagement in environmental stewardship. The grant is designed to support a range of activities, from tree removal and treatment to new plantings, all contributing to a more robust and diverse urban canopy. The SUFR Grant prioritizes management and reforestation activities. This includes the removal of EAB-infested or dead Ash trees, insecticidal treatments for threatened Ash trees, and comprehensive tree planting initiatives. A key focus is on replacing removed Ash trees with at least two new trees, promoting native Indiana species, and specifically restricting the planting of Acer genus (maples) to encourage greater biodiversity. Community engagement is a mandatory component of all tree planting projects, emphasizing the importance of local involvement and education in achieving sustainable outcomes. Additionally, applicants must possess an up-to-date tree inventory to demonstrate existing conditions and planned improvements. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in EAB impact, an increase in urban forest canopy cover, and a greater diversity of tree species in Indiana's urban areas. For every Ash tree removed, the requirement to plant at least two new trees will directly contribute to reforestation efforts. The restriction on Acer genus planting (with limited exceptions) will lead to a more varied and resilient tree population. Measurable results will stem from the required documentation, including ISA Certified Arborist reports or updated tree inventories, which detail the location and number of trees removed, treated, and planted. This data will allow for tracking the progress and effectiveness of the grant in achieving its goals. The grant's theory of change posits that by investing in strategic urban forest management, coupled with community involvement, Indiana's urban environments will become more resilient to pests and diseases, offering long-term ecological and community benefits.

This grant provides up to $100,000 to nonprofit organizations for innovative projects that address critical community needs in areas such as culture, education, environment, family, and health & wellness within the Tri-State region.

The Ulster County Food Security and Resilience Grant Program, a collaborative effort between Ulster County and the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, aims to address food insecurity within Ulster County, New York. This program aligns with the findings of the Ulster County Food Security and Access Network (UCFSAN) Report, indicating a shared commitment to improving food access and resilience in the region. The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley acts as the donor, facilitating the distribution of funds to eligible organizations. The grant program targets tax-exempt organizations, including faith-based organizations, that are either located in or provide services to Ulster County. These organizations must have operated as a nonprofit for at least one year with 501(c)(3) status or have an established fiscal sponsorship. The primary beneficiaries are individuals and communities within Ulster County experiencing food insecurity, particularly in critical geographic areas with limited provider access. The overarching impact goal is to enhance food security and resilience across the county. Funding priorities and focuses include proposals that effectively address food insecurity, leverage existing resources, expand emergency food services, and increase the capacity to collect, store, distribute, and provide food to those in need through equipment or personnel. A key focus is also on ensuring the sustainability of organizations working on food insecurity and supporting those operating in underserved areas. The grant program seeks to support "change-oriented" programs that address root causes rather than just immediate needs, aligning with a strategic approach to long-term community impact. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in food insecurity, improved access to emergency food services, increased capacity within food assistance organizations, and enhanced sustainability for these providers. The review criteria emphasize the quality of the program/project, the organization's capacity and stability, the clarity and realism of the budget, and the potential for significant impact and measurable results. Organizations are expected to have viable evaluation plans to demonstrate the likelihood of successfully measuring their impact, ensuring accountability and effective resource utilization.

This grant provides funding to Indiana communities, schools, and nonprofits for temporary urban projects that improve walking and biking safety, particularly for underserved populations.

This program provides financial support to LGBTQ+-owned and allied restaurants, cafes, and bars to help them thrive and recover.

Arts Midwest is offering Cultural Sustainability: Equity-Based Operating Grants of up to $67,000 to small arts and culture organizations rooted in communities of color, providing general operating support for those with annual expenses up to $500,000 in selected states.

The Donaldson Foundation dedicates its efforts to making a positive impact in communities where Donaldson Company employees reside, focusing on supporting educational initiatives. It extends grant invitations exclusively to applications with an educational aim, scrutinizing each based on criteria such as educational focus, the need of beneficiaries, impact, sustainability, and connection to communities near company locations. Eligible recipients are required to be IRS-recognized tax-exempt entities. Funding is available in the Twin Cities and several U.S. locations where Donaldson has significant operations, with grants reaching up to $20,000. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Cycle 2 deadline: January 15th

The City of South Bend, Indiana is inviting applications for the South Bend Alive Grant program, aimed at funding community organizations that work towards reducing violence and positively impacting the lives of young people through mentorship, employment training, and community outreach activities.

United Way in Carroll County, Indiana, is offering grants ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 to 501(c)(3) Health and Human Services Nonprofit Organizations that align with the Cradle to Career Commitment and Basic Foundational Needs, and are located in or serve Carroll County residents, with applications due by 09/30/2024.

The Forecast Public Art’s Midwest Memory Grant, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, is open to non-profit organizations in rural Midwest communities, aiming to elevate and preserve the stories of BIPOC communities through monuments, with a focus on addressing systemic inequities and advancing racial justice.

The Indy Arts Council offers Art for Awareness Grants to support projects that use arts based activities to prevent or create awareness of substance use disorder or addiction in Marion County, Indiana. The program promotes collaborations between artists and subject matter experts and encourages the use of evidence based techniques. Grants range from 5,000 to 65,000 dollars with no match requirement. Priority is given to youth oriented programming and projects that center racial equity. Funds may support artist fees, program delivery, and project costs associated with prevention and awareness efforts rooted in artistic practice and community engagement. Eligible artists must be at least 18 years old, reside in or work predominantly in Marion County, and be able to provide required identification numbers. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status, be Indianapolis based and physically headquartered in Marion County, include artists in their programs, and provide equitable compensation for artistic work. Applications are due May 3, 2024. Additional information is available from the Indy Arts Council.

This fellowship provides $5,000 to support research on anti-Black racial injustice and structural racism in Indiana, encouraging scholars to explore the historical and contemporary experiences of Black Hoosiers and their responses to systemic racism.

This program provides funding to Indiana's local governments to assist low-income homeowners with essential repairs that improve safety, comfort, and accessibility in their residences.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and neighborhood associations in Marion County, Indiana, to create and maintain accessible public art, particularly in underserved areas, while promoting equity for diverse artists.

This funding opportunity supports charitable organizations and government entities in Huntington County to address local needs through community collaboration, educational initiatives, and cultural development.

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 Indiana Office of Energy Development seeks proposals for Empowering Energy Partnerships in Indiana Communities to address energy needs at a community or regional scale. The program supports comprehensive solutions aligned with the state’s pillars of reliability, resiliency, stability, affordability, and environmental sustainability, and encourages partnerships with measurable public benefits. Eligible project topics include energy efficiency such as building upgrades and energy management technologies, alternative fueling and charging infrastructure that is publicly accessible, energy security and reliability including backup generation, microgrids, and cybersecurity, and clean energy resources such as solar, storage, geothermal, wind, and biomass. Vehicle purchases and certain high speed charging are not allowable under program rules. Projects should also demonstrate connections to state priorities such as economic development, workforce development, education, and public safety. Eligible entities include local units of government, nonprofit organizations, for profit entities, and institutions of higher education that are Indiana based and registered federally and with the state. Approximately 2,500,000 dollars is available, with anticipated awards averaging 300,000 to 500,000 dollars for project periods of up to three years. One proposal per eligible entity is allowed; applicants may coordinate regional submissions but cannot make tiered subawards. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the state’s process. Additional information is available from the Indiana Office of Energy Development.

The Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) is offering the Elevation Grant Program to support community-based efforts in Marion County, Indiana. This program aligns with CICF's mission to foster a thriving community by focusing on areas critical to well-being and equitable opportunity. The grant aims to empower residents and organizations to address systemic challenges through targeted interventions, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and resilient Central Indiana. The grant targets a diverse range of beneficiaries, including residents in specific neighborhoods, youth and young adults facing unique challenges, individuals currently interacting with the criminal legal system, and a priority population of Black/Latinx males aged 18-35 who are at high risk of violent victimization or perpetration. The impact goals are broad, encompassing increased resident safety, strengthened social networks, reduced crime, improved educational and employment outcomes for youth, enhanced social-emotional development, reduced recidivism, and comprehensive crisis response services for vulnerable populations. The Elevation Grant Program prioritizes five key areas: Thriving Neighborhoods, Empowered Youth / Young Adult, Restoration & Resilience, Justice-Involved Supports, and Intervention. Thriving Neighborhoods focuses on place-based efforts to promote safety and reduce crime, emphasizing resident engagement and community partnerships. Empowered Youth / Young Adult programs provide supportive services like employment, education, and mentoring to youth and young adults facing disengagement. Restoration & Resilience aims to offer social-emotional development, mental health support, and substance use reduction programs. Justice-Involved Supports focuses on services for individuals interacting with the criminal legal system to promote productive citizenship and reduce recidivism. Intervention programs implement integrated 24/7 crisis response services for the priority population, including housing, food, childcare, and mental health support. Expected outcomes and measurable results are integral to the grant program. For Thriving Neighborhoods, organizations must demonstrate increased resident safety and awareness through surveys, crime reporting, or statistics. Empowered Youth/Young Adult programs should show improved conditions for participants through measurable impacts of services and formal mentorship components. Justice-Involved Supports require demonstration of an individual's ability to gain skills, obtain work, secure housing, and prevent future interactions with the criminal legal system. The overall theory of change for CICF's Elevation Grant Program is to invest in strategic, community-led initiatives that address root causes of inequity and disengagement, thereby fostering a stronger, safer, and more equitable community for all residents of Marion County. The grant size ranges from $100,000 to $500,000 for an initial grant, with funding for the priority population ranging from $20,000 to $250,000. The grant duration is one year, with the grant period beginning October 1, 2024, and ending September 30, 2025. Eligibility criteria include being a 501(c)(3) public charity or having a fiscal sponsor, being located in and serving residents of Marion County, Indiana. Organizations may apply to multiple interest areas.

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 award recognizes individuals, businesses, and advocacy groups in Monroe County for their significant contributions to improving race relations, justice, and human rights.