Grant Application

What We Fund

The Ladybug Foundation of Indiana is a non-operating 501(c)(3) foundation whose grantmaking supports mission-driven organizations across the state of Indiana. We approach every grant with clarity and intentionality, investing in work that creates lasting community impact.

The foundation concentrates its resources on organizations and projects that directly serve their communities, with a preference for initiatives that demonstrate measurable outcomes and a sustainable path forward. We seek partners whose work reflects a deep commitment to the people and places they serve.

The foundation considers grants in areas including:

Poverty Alleviation
Education
Addiction Recovery
Emergency Services
Family Welfare
Spiritual Health

Eligibility Requirements

Before beginning your application, please confirm that your organization meets the foundation's eligibility criteria below. Taking a moment to self-qualify respects your time and ours.

Organization must hold current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status recognized by the IRS.
Proposed project or program must align with at least one of the foundation's stated funding priority areas.
Organization must not be a private foundation (non-operating foundations and public charities are eligible; private foundations are not).
Organization must be in good standing with no outstanding compliance issues with the IRS or the Indiana Secretary of State.
Prior grantees must have submitted all required reporting before applying for additional funding.

If you are unsure whether your organization qualifies, please reach out before submitting your application. We are happy to help clarify.

Email Us a Question

How to Apply

The foundation uses a straightforward, staged review process designed to be transparent and respectful of applicants' time. The full cycle from submission to notification typically takes 8 to 12 weeks.

Step 1 — Review Eligibility

Confirm that your organization meets all criteria listed above before beginning the application. This ensures your submission is complete and ready for review.

Step 2 — Prepare Your Materials

Gather your IRS determination letter, most recent financials (balance sheet and income statement), a brief project narrative (500 words or fewer), and a project budget before you begin.

Step 3 — Submit Your Application

Complete and submit the online application form found below on this page. All submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Step 4 — Foundation Review

The foundation's review committee evaluates each submission for alignment with funding priorities, organizational capacity, and projected impact. Applicants may be contacted for follow-up questions during this stage.

Step 5 — Decision & Notification

All applicants receive written notification of the foundation's decision. Grant recipients will be contacted with next steps regarding award agreements and disbursement timelines.

Ready to apply? The application form is below.

Go to Application Form

Thank you for your application. We have received your submission and will be in touch within 8 to 12 weeks. Please check your email for a confirmation.

Please complete all fields below and submit your application. Incomplete submissions may delay the review process. We recommend having your IRS determination letter and project budget ready before you begin.

Organization Name This is required

Primary Contact Name This is required

Contact Title / Role This is required

Email Address Enter an email Use an address with (@) and (.)

Phone Number Enter your phone number Enter a valid number like +1555-123-4567

Organization Website This is required

EIN / Tax ID Number This is required

Organization Type This is required

State of Incorporation This is required

Funding Priority Area This is required

Project / Program Name This is required

Project Start Date This is required rt.advancedFormInput.date.formatMessage

Project End Date This is required rt.advancedFormInput.date.formatMessage

Amount Requested This is required Enter a phone number

Project Narrative (500 words or fewer) — describe the project, its goals, and expected outcomes This is required

Project Budget Summary This is required

How did you hear about the Ladybug Foundation? This is required

I certify that the information provided in this application is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.

This is required

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Something went wrong with your submission. Please review your entries and try again. If the problem persists, contact us directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we hear most often from prospective applicants.

What grant amounts does the foundation typically award?

The foundation does not publish a fixed grant range, as award amounts are determined by project scope, budget, and available resources. Applicants are encouraged to request what their project genuinely requires and to provide a clear, itemized budget to support that figure.

Can my organization apply for more than one grant in a year?

The foundation generally considers one application per organization per grant cycle. Organizations with multiple programs of interest should identify the highest-priority project for their submission.

How long does the review process take?

The full cycle from submission to written notification typically takes 8 to 12 weeks. Applicants are notified by email regardless of the outcome.

Are there reporting requirements for grant recipients?

Yes. Grant recipients are required to submit a brief progress or final report documenting how funds were used and what outcomes were achieved. Specific reporting timelines and formats are outlined in the grant award agreement.

Can an organization reapply if it was not funded in a previous cycle?

Yes. Organizations that were not selected are welcome to reapply in a future cycle. The foundation encourages reapplicants to review their project narrative and budget carefully before resubmitting.

Who can I contact if I have questions before submitting?

For pre-application questions, use the email contact link above in the Eligibility section, or reach out via the foundation's contact information. The foundation aims to respond within 3 to 5 business days.

We look forward to learning about your work and the communities you serve. If your organization is ready, the application form is just above.

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