Funding for Projects Focused on Infrastructure Improvements in Indiana (USA)

This grant opportunity offers targeted support for organizations seeking to strengthen their core infrastructure, leadership capacity, and long-term sustainability in a defined service area. It is designed to help eligible institutions build stronger internal systems, enhance operational effectiveness, and better position themselves for future impact. While the opportunity is modest in scale, it can catalyze meaningful transformation for those who are ready to invest inwardly.

Grant Purpose & Focus
The fund is intended to support capacity building rather than programmatic expansion. It prioritizes investments in internal health—such as improving governance, operations, technology, evaluation, and strategic planning—rather than direct service delivery. The underlying goal is to help organizations become more resilient, agile, and sustainable, especially in changing funding climates. The grant encourages applicants to think about their institutional architecture, leadership pipelines, systems for measurement and learning, and structures that support longevity.

Eligible Entities & Geographies
This grant is available to nonprofit organizations or charitable projects (often tied to a nonprofit sponsor) operating within a specific region or county cluster in one or more states. The opportunity is typically restricted to organizations whose primary service footprint is within those defined boundaries. Small businesses or individuals are generally not eligible, since the focus is on charitable institutional development. In some cases, fiscally sponsored projects may qualify if the sponsoring nonprofit meets all legal and governance criteria. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a strong local presence or track record in the designated counties or regions.

Use of Funds / Allowable Activities
Proposals are encouraged to request resources toward internal strengthening rather than external growth. Examples of allowable use include:

• Organizational assessments or audits (financial, operational, governance)

• Strategic planning and visioning retreats

• Board development, leadership training, and coaching

• Technology upgrades, software, or data systems

• Developing evaluation frameworks or measurement systems

• Succession planning and transition support

• Strengthening internal communications, process design, or infrastructure

Funds should not be used to subsidize basic operating deficits, routine staffing costs, or new program expansion (outside the purview of capacity building). Rather, allocative choices should be rooted in enhancing the organization’s foundation so it can deliver mission-driven work more effectively in the future.

Expected Benefits & Outcomes
Recipients of this grant can expect to emerge with stronger organizational frameworks, improved leadership capacity, more robust internal systems, and better tools for tracking impact. These improvements may lead to reduced inefficiencies, greater flexibility in responding to challenges, and a clearer strategic direction. Over time, stronger governance and infrastructure can also help attract additional support and partnerships. The emphasis is on change that “sticks,” not superficial upgrades that fade after the grant period ends.

Priority Interests & Themes
While the grant is broadly applicable, funders tend to favor proposals that reflect themes of sustainability, equity, responsiveness to local needs, and organizational maturity. They look more favorably on applicants who demonstrate thinking about long-term viability, adaptive leadership, data-driven decision making, and a vision for institutional growth rooted in mission integrity. Top proposals often articulate how capacity building now will enable future impact—even in volatile environments.

Key Considerations

• Only nonprofit entities or fiscally sponsored nonprofit projects (not businesses or individuals) are eligible.

• The geographic scope is narrow and regionally defined applicants must clearly fall within that service area.

• Funding is for capacity building and internal development, not new programs or routine operations.

• The grant size is moderate, intended for change within, not grand expansion.

Organizations that invest in their foundations are in a stronger position to deliver mission impact for the long haul.