Major Nonprofit Organizations in Indiana
Indianapolis Nonprofit Organizations
- United Way of Central Indiana: Focuses on education, financial stability, health, and basic needs across central Indiana. Website: www.uwci.org
- Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana: Provides food assistance to those in need across central and southeast Indiana, serving over 21 counties. Website: www.gleaners.org
- Second Helpings: Addresses hunger and promotes culinary job training through food rescue and meal distribution. Website: www.secondhelpings.org
- Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana: Provides education, health, and employment services to disadvantaged populations. Website: www.goodwillindy.org
- Wheeler Mission: Serves the homeless and those in need with shelter, meals, and recovery programs. Website: www.wheelermission.org
- Horizon House: Provides comprehensive services for homeless individuals. Website: www.horizonhouse.cc
- Indy Humane: Animal welfare organization providing shelter, adoption, and veterinary services. Website: www.indyhumane.org
- Dayspring Center: Emergency shelter for homeless families with children. Website: www.dayspringindy.org
- Indianapolis Urban League: Empowers African Americans through economic and social equality initiatives. Website: www.indplsul.org
- Children’s Bureau, Inc.: Focuses on child abuse prevention and family support services. Website: www.childrensbureau.org
Fort Wayne Nonprofit Organizations
- United Way of Allen County: Focuses on community needs in Allen County and surrounding areas. Website: www.unitedwayallencounty.org
- Community Harvest Food Bank: Provides hunger relief in northeast Indiana across nine counties. Website: www.communityharvest.org
- The Rescue Mission: Provides services to homeless individuals including shelter, meals, and recovery programs. Website: www.therescuemission.net
- Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo: Educational wildlife conservation organization. Website: www.kidszoo.org
- Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana: Provides assistance to cancer patients and their families. Website: www.cancer-services.org
- Mad Anthonys Children’s Hope House: Provides lodging for families with children receiving medical care. Website: www.childrenshopehouse.org
- Early Childhood Alliance: Focuses on early childhood education and care. Website: www.ecalliance.org
South Bend Nonprofit Organizations
- United Way of St. Joseph County: Addresses community needs through collaborative programs. Website: www.uwsjc.org
- Food Bank of Northern Indiana: Provides food assistance across six counties. Website: www.feedindiana.org
- Center for the Homeless: Offers comprehensive services to those experiencing homelessness. Website: www.cfh.net
- LOGAN Community Resources: Serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Website: www.logancenter.org
- Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County: Youth development programs. Website: www.bgcsjc.org
- Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County: Builds affordable housing. Website: www.hfhsjc.org
Evansville Nonprofit Organizations
- United Way of Southwestern Indiana: Serves Vanderburgh, Warrick, and Spencer counties. Website: www.unitedwayswi.org
- Tri-State Food Bank: Provides food assistance across 33 counties in Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky. Website: www.tristatefoodbank.org
- ECHO Housing Corporation: Addresses homelessness through housing and support services. Website: www.echohousinginc.org
- Evansville Christian Life Center: Provides food, clothing, and support services. Website: www.restoringpeople.com
- Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center: Serves children and adults with disabilities. Website: www.eastersealsrehabcenter.com
Lafayette and West Lafayette Nonprofit Organizations
- Food Finders Food Bank: Serves 16 counties in north central Indiana. Website: www.food-finders.org
- Lafayette Urban Ministry: Provides support services to low-income families. Website: www.lumserve.org
- YWCA Greater Lafayette: Empowers women and eliminates racism. Website: www.ywcalafayette.org
- Almost Home Humane Society: Animal welfare organization. Website: www.almosthomehumane.org
- Habitat for Humanity of Lafayette: Builds affordable housing. Website: www.lafayettehabitat.org
Terre Haute Nonprofit Organizations
- Catholic Charities Terre Haute: Provides food, shelter, and emergency assistance. Website: www.ccthin.org
- United Way of the Wabash Valley: Serves six counties in Indiana and Illinois. Website: www.uwwv.org
- Terre Haute Humane Society: Animal welfare and adoption services. Website: www.thhs.org
- Wabash Valley Food Rescue: Focuses on food recovery and distribution. Website: www.wvfoodrescue.org
Kokomo Nonprofit Organizations
- Kokomo Rescue Mission: Provides shelter, meals, and recovery programs. Website: www.kokomorescuemission.org
- Salvation Army of Kokomo: Offers emergency assistance and youth programs. Website: www.sakokomoin.org
- United Way of Howard County: Addresses community needs. Website: www.unitedwayhoco.org
- Bona Vista Programs: Serves children and adults with disabilities. Website: www.bonavista.org
Indiana Nonprofit Resources and Associations
Indiana Nonprofit Association (INA)
The Indiana Nonprofit Association is a membership organization that serves as the state association for nonprofits. It provides:
- Advocacy for the nonprofit sector
- Professional development opportunities
- Resources and best practices
- Networking opportunities for nonprofit professionals
- Consulting services for organizational effectiveness
Website: www.inphilanthropy.org
Indiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations
Offers training, advocacy, and resources for nonprofit capacity building.
Website: www.indiananonprofits.org
Indiana United Ways
Serves as the state association for local United Way organizations, coordinating statewide initiatives. Website: www.iuw.org
Indiana Grantmakers Alliance
Network of foundations and corporate giving programs.
Website: www.inphilanthropy.org
Nonprofit Job Opportunities in Indiana
Job Boards Specifically for Indiana Nonprofits
- Indiana Nonprofit Job Board: Comprehensive listing of nonprofit positions.
Website: www.inphilanthropy.org/jobs - Charitable Advisors Job Board: Indianapolis-focused nonprofit positions.
Website: www.charitableadvisors.com/jobs - Indiana Not for Profit Jobs: Statewide nonprofit job listings.
Website: www.indiananonprofitjobs.org
Central Indiana Non Profit Jobs
- United Way of Central Indiana Careers:
Website: www.uwci.org/careers - Indy Chamber Nonprofit Jobs:
Website: www.indychamber.com/jobs - CICF Employment Opportunities:
Website: www.cicf.org/about-cicf/employment
General Job Platforms with Nonprofit Filters
- Indeed.com: Search for “nonprofit” + specific Indiana city for local opportunities
- LinkedIn: Filter jobs by “nonprofit” sector and Indiana location
- Idealist.org: Website: www.idealist.org – Search for Indiana locations
- NonprofitJobs.org: National listings with Indiana filters
- USAJobs.gov: Federal government jobs in nonprofit sector
Finding Nonprofit Organizations in Indiana
Directories and Databases for Indiana Nonprofits
- Great Nonprofits: Search by location and cause.
Website: www.greatnonprofits.org/state/Indiana - Indiana Nonprofit Directory: Comprehensive database of state nonprofits.
Website: www.indiananonprofitdirectory.org - GuideStar: Search for Indiana nonprofits with detailed profiles.
Website: www.guidestar.org - Charity Navigator: Evaluates nonprofits in Indiana for financial health.
Website: www.charitynavigator.org - IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search: Search for 501(c)(3) organizations in Indiana. Website: www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/tax-exempt-organization-search
List of Indiana Nonprofit Organizations by Category
Social Services
- Feeding Indiana’s Hungry: Coalition of food banks.
Website: www.feedingindianashungry.org - Indiana Association of Community Action Agencies: Network of poverty-fighting organizations.
Website: www.incap.org - Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Statewide network.
Website: www.icadvinc.org
Healthcare
- Indiana Primary Health Care Association: Represents community health centers. Website: www.indianapca.org
- Mental Health America of Indiana: Mental health advocacy. Website: www.mhai.net
- Indiana Rural Health Association: Healthcare access in rural areas. Website: www.indianaruralhealth.org
Education
- Indiana Association of Public Education Foundations: Network of school foundations. Website: www.inapef.org
- Indiana Youth Institute: Focuses on child well-being. Website: www.iyi.org
- Indiana Afterschool Network: Promotes out-of-school learning. Website: www.indianaafterschool.org
Arts and Culture
- Indiana Arts Commission: State agency supporting arts. Website: www.in.gov/arts
- Arts Council of Indianapolis: Supports arts organizations. Website: www.indyarts.org
- Indiana Humanities: Promotes humanities programs. Website: www.indianahumanities.org
Types of Nonprofits Operating in Indiana
By Sector
- Human Services: Food banks, homeless shelters, family services, crisis intervention
- Education: Charter schools, educational foundations, literacy programs, STEM initiatives
- Healthcare: Free clinics, hospitals, mental health services, disability support
- Arts & Culture: Museums, theaters, cultural centers, historical societies
- Environment: Conservation groups, sustainability organizations, parks foundations
- Animal Welfare: Animal shelters, rescue organizations, wildlife rehabilitation
- Community Development: Housing initiatives, neighborhood revitalization, economic development
- Faith-Based: Religious organizations providing community services
- Civil Rights & Advocacy: Organizations promoting equality and justice
By Legal Structure
- 501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary organizations
- 501(c)(4): Social welfare organizations and civic leagues
- 501(c)(6): Business leagues and chambers of commerce
- 501(c)(7): Social and recreational clubs
- 501(c)(8): Fraternal beneficiary societies
- 501(c)(19): Veterans organizations
Starting and Managing a Nonprofit in Indiana
Registration and Compliance for Indiana Nonprofits
- Register with the Indiana Secretary of State: Required for incorporation. Website: www.in.gov/sos/business
- Register with the Indiana Department of Revenue: Required for state tax exemptions. Website: www.in.gov/dor
- Apply for property tax exemptions: Contact your local assessor’s office for requirements
- Indiana Not for Profit Registration: Annual filing requirements
Federal Requirements for Indiana Not for Profit Organizations
- Apply for 501(c)(3) status with the IRS: File Form 1023 or 1023-EZ. Website: www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits
- File annual Form 990: Required for tax-exempt organizations based on size
- Employment tax requirements: If the organization has employees
Charitable Organizations Indianapolis Registration
- Office of the Indiana Attorney General: Registration for organizations soliciting donations. Website: www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/consumer/charitable-organizations
- Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services: Local permits if applicable
Resources and Support for Indiana Nonprofits
Capacity Building Resources
- Indiana Nonprofit Resource Network: Training and consulting. Website: www.inrn.org
- Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy: Research and education. Website: www.philanthropy.iupui.edu
- Indiana Business Research Center: Nonprofit data and research. Website: www.ibrc.indiana.edu/nonprofit
Funding Sources for Nonprofit Org. Based in Indianapolis
- Central Indiana Community Foundation: Grants for Indianapolis area. Website: www.cicf.org
- Lilly Endowment Inc.: Major foundation funder. Website: www.lillyendowment.org
- Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust: Supports environment, education, and human services. Website: www.ninapulliamtrust.org
- The Indianapolis Foundation: Community foundation for Marion County. Website: www.cicf.org/the-indianapolis-foundation
Regional Funding Sources
- Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne: Website: www.cfgfw.org
- Community Foundation of Southern Indiana: Website: www.cfsouthernindiana.com
- Heritage Fund – The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County: Website: www.heritagefundbc.org
- Porter County Community Foundation: Website: www.pccf.net
Volunteer Opportunities with Indiana Nonprofits
Statewide Volunteer Databases
- Serve Indiana: State commission on volunteerism. Website: www.in.gov/serveindiana
- VolunteerMatch: Search for opportunities in Indiana. Website: www.volunteermatch.org
- United Way Volunteer Connection: Platform for finding local volunteer opportunities. Website: www.uwci.org/volunteer
Regional Volunteer Centers
- Volunteer Center of Bloomington: Website: www.bloomingtonvolunteernetwork.org
- Volunteer Center of Fort Wayne: Website: www.volunteerfortwayne.org
- Volunteer Northwest Indiana: Website: www.volunteerswi.org
Impact and Success Stories of Indiana Nonprofit Organizations
Transformative Programs
- The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation: Literacy and educational programs reaching over 100,000 children annually
- Outreach Inc. (Indianapolis): Serving homeless youth with comprehensive support services
- Shepherd Community Center: Breaking the cycle of poverty on Indianapolis’ east side
- Riley Children’s Foundation: Supporting world-class pediatric healthcare and research
Innovation in Nonprofit Sector
- Second Helpings’ Culinary Job Training: Model program for skills development and food rescue
- School on Wheels: Tutoring program for children experiencing homelessness
- Crossroads Education: STEM education and collaborative learning environments
- RecycleForce: Employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals
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