By Morgan Riley, Charitable Advisors
Fundraising right now feels a bit like learning a new map while the landscape keeps shifting. Fortunately, to find their footing, organizations don’t necessarily need the biggest budgets. Resilient fundraisers are building a funding ecosystem and weaving together multiple sources of support instead of relying on a single lifeline.
Federal funding uncertainty, increased competition for grants, and growing community needs have created a difficult environment—particularly for small and midsized organizations that are being asked to do more with limited time, staff, and resources.
If you’re part of a team where grant writing is just one responsibility among many, there is still hope.
In times of uncertainty, diversification becomes a way to build resilience, and collaboration matters. Smaller grants can sometimes create meaningful momentum. Funders are looking for organizations that are building partnerships, sharing ideas, and working together to solve challenges that no single organization can address alone.
With that in mind, we’ve gathered 10 grant opportunities Indiana nonprofits may want to explore this summer. Some are designed specifically for smaller organizations, some support experimentation and capacity building, and others reward strong community partnerships.
Our hope isn’t to create another overwhelming to-do list. It’s to provide a starting point and a light in the tunnel.
- Hamilton County Community Foundation Competitive Grants
Apply: https://hamiltoncountycf.org/grants/hamilton-county-community-foundation-competitive-grants/
Deadline: July 31, 2026
Why it’s noteworthy: One of the strongest examples of trust-based philanthropy in Indiana, this funding opportunity emphasizes unrestricted operating support, allowing organizations to invest in both programs and the infrastructure that sustains them.
Who it’s for: Nonprofits serving Hamilton County working in childcare, housing, workforce development, education, and social services.
Takeaway: Funders are increasingly recognizing that strong operations are essential to strong outcomes.
- Indiana Humanities Mini Grants
Apply: https://indianahumanities.org/grants/
Deadline: Rolling monthly deadlines
Why it’s noteworthy: These small but flexible grants are designed for experimentation—supporting storytelling, public dialogue, and community engagement projects that may not require large budgets but can have meaningful local impact.
Who it’s for: Nearly any Indiana nonprofit engaging the public through education, storytelling, cultural programming, or civic conversation.
Takeaway: Small grants can be strategic investments in innovation and pilot programming.
- CreatINg Places (IHCDA)
Apply: https://www.patronicity.com/creatingplaces
Deadline: Rolling through December 31, 2026
Why it’s noteworthy: This program pairs community-led crowdfunding with state matching funds, rewarding projects that demonstrate strong local buy-in before public investment is made.
Who it’s for: Indiana nonprofits and local governments working on placemaking, community spaces, neighborhood revitalization, and public gathering projects.
Takeaway: Successful fundraising is increasingly tied to visible community engagement and support.
- Ball Brothers Foundation Grants
Apply: https://www.ballfdn.org/grants
Deadline: Open year-round
Why it’s noteworthy: While many foundations focus on program expansion, Ball Brothers Foundation places significant emphasis on capacity building, including strategic planning, communications, leadership development, and collaboration.
Who it’s for: Indiana nonprofits (with strongest consideration in East Central Indiana) seeking support for both program and organizational strengthening efforts.
Takeaway: Building stronger systems is not overhead; it’s mission-critical work.
- Pacers Foundation General Grants
Apply: https://pacersfoundation.org/grants/
Deadline: Quarterly cycle (next interest form deadlines: Sept. 15, Dec. 15, March 17, June 16)
Why it’s noteworthy: This funding prioritizes youth-serving work in education, health, and safety, with a strong preference for collaborative approaches involving multiple community partners.
Who it’s for: Indiana nonprofits serving youth through education, wellness, safety, or community development initiatives.
Takeaway: Partnerships can significantly strengthen competitiveness in youth-focused funding.
- USDA Rural Business Development Grants
Apply: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/rural-business-development-grants
Deadline: June 30, 2026
Why it’s noteworthy: This federal program supports rural communities through workforce development, technical assistance, equipment, and economic development projects.
Who it’s for: Nonprofits serving rural areas focused on economic mobility, workforce readiness, or community infrastructure.
Takeaway: Eligibility is broader than many organizations assume—don’t rule yourself out too quickly.
- Hendricks County Community Foundation Open Grants
Apply: https://hendrickscountycf.org/for-nonprofits/apply-for-a-grant/
Deadline: September 15, 2026
Why it’s noteworthy: Designed for flexibility, this grant supports projects that do not fit neatly into traditional funding categories, allowing organizations to present community-driven solutions.
Who it’s for: Nonprofits serving Hendricks County with projects that fall outside standard funding priorities.
Takeaway: Some of the best opportunities allow room for creativity and local responsiveness.
- Indiana Climate and Democracy Catalyst Fund (CICF Collaborative / Indianapolis Foundation)
Apply: https://indianapolisfoundation.org/climate-fund/
Deadline: Rolling applications with quarterly reviews (through Nov. 20, 2026)
Why it’s noteworthy: This collaborative fund supports community-led solutions that strengthen environmental resilience, civic participation, and local leadership—often prioritizing grassroots and emerging organizations.
Who it’s for: Indiana nonprofits working in community engagement, coalition-building, environmental equity, civic participation, or place-based community development.
Takeaway: Funders are increasingly investing in networks and relationships—not just standalone programs.
- Indiana Arts Commission Arts Project Support Grants
Apply: https://www.in.gov/arts/grants/
Deadline: September 3, 2026
Why it’s noteworthy: These grants support arts-based projects across Indiana and are open to organizations that integrate creative approaches into broader community work—not just traditional arts organizations.
Who it’s for: Nonprofits incorporating arts, creativity, or cultural engagement into their programming, regardless of sector.
Takeaway: Cross-sector strategies can open doors to unexpected funding opportunities.
- Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) Funding Programs
Apply: https://www.in.gov/ocra/
Deadline: Varies by program throughout summer and fall cycles
Why it’s noteworthy: OCRA offers multiple competitive programs supporting housing, infrastructure, downtown revitalization, and community development—many of which require or encourage local government partnerships.
Who it’s for: Nonprofits working in collaboration with municipalities, counties, or regional partners on community development initiatives.
Takeaway: Collaboration with local government is increasingly a key pathway to funding eligibility.
The most important takeaway isn’t any individual grant on this list, it’s the reminder that you don’t have to have a large development department, a full-time grant writer, or a decades-long history with a funder to build a sustainable funding strategy.
Some of the strongest organizations are successful because they’ve learned to diversify their support over time. They’ve pursued smaller opportunities, invested in relationships, and said yes to partnerships that expanded their impact.
If this season feels particularly challenging, know that many organizations across Indiana are navigating the same questions. The work doesn’t happen overnight; You’re not behind; And you’re certainly not alone.
May you have space to test a new idea, strengthen a partnership, or just create enough breathing room to continue serving your community well.
We hope this list serves as a useful place to begin.
Your work is important and worth investing in.
