Interested in applying for an AWS Foundation Grant? Start here and then follow these steps…
Grant Types
We have three grant types. Traditional grants are the largest grants we award. Mighty Money can give you a quick boost. And specialty grants help you meet specific goals.
Learn more about each grant type below.
Traditional Grants
Traditional grants are in the name. These are primary grants that follow a specific schedule and require a comprehensive application.
Programs and projects large and small, operating support and capital campaigns are all eligible for this grant, but they must align with at least one of our priority initiatives:
- Education & Employment
- Early Diagnosis & System Navigation
- Transportation
- Housing
- Promoting Social Enrichment
About this Grant
Focus:
Organizations and projects in Northeast Indiana that help children and adults with enduring intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities live as independently as possible, be included in the community and function at their highest potential.
Amount:
Varies
Frequency:
Awarded on a quarterly basis
New Applicants
If this is your first time seeking a grant from us, take a look at the eligibility requirements on the Resources for New Applicants page.
Returning Grantees
If youve already received a grant from us, take a look at the Resources for Returning Grantees page next.
Mighty Money Grants
These mini grants provide funding to nonprofits who need a little help for their big idea.
The application is simple, and it is always open.
About this Grant
Focus: Organizations in Northeast Indiana who need a boost for their big idea that aligns with our mission and initiatives, serving individuals with disabilities.
Amount: $5,000 or less
Frequency: Applications accepted any time throughout the year. Approval within 30 days.
Limits: Limit of one application per year, per organization.
How to Apply
- Email Andie Mosley, Grants & Outreach Coordinator, with any questions.
- Review the application questions and prepare your responses.
- Fill out your application on our online grant portal. You’ll need to create an account or log into an existing account.
Specialty Grants
We award these grants for projects that meet specific goals. Each opportunity will vary according to our current funding focus.
Gilmore Inclusive Arts Grant
This grant supports special projects focused on including and engaging individuals with disabilities in the local arts communities of Northeast Indiana.
About this Grant
Focus: Special projects focused on including and engaging individuals with disabilities in the local arts communities of Northeast Indiana.
Amount: Up to $25,000
Frequency: Annually. Application opens the first Friday of May and closes the last Friday of September each year. Announcement of recipient will go along with our Fall grantmaking cycle in mid-November.
Requirements
- Applications should be for a new program or project inclusive of those with disabilities (as defined under focus).
- Must be located in Northeast Indiana.
- An organization can only receive a Gilmore Grant as a primary applicant once.
- Funding is for programming and capital only.
- If the project is ongoing, applicants will be asked for a plan of sustainability.
- Priority will be given to submissions with the greatest impact, but projects affecting a small group are welcome to apply.
- Collaborations are welcomed and encouraged.
- Applicants need to be part of a 501(c)(3). If an individual would like to apply, they should find a 501(c)(3) partner.
Previous Recipients
YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne: 2019 Recipient
Gigis Playhouse: 2020 Recipient
How to Apply
- Look at the requirements (above) to see if you qualify.
- Contact Andie Mosley to get the application deadline.
- Fill out your application on our online grant portal. You’ll need to create an account or log into an existing account.
Scholarships
There are currently more than 2,300 open teaching positions in Indiana for the 2022-23 school year, with a significant number of those being in areas of special education. Though there are many things we cannot impact for educators, together with our community partners, AWS Foundation has created 3 scholarship opportunities to support the field of special education.
Additional Licensing
Managed by the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, this scholarship opportunity is for up to $2,500 per year for any Special Educator seeking additional licensing.
To qualify, you must:
- Currently teach in a Northeast Indiana public school, defined as the following counties: Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Grant, Huntington, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells or Whitley.
- Attend an accredited college or university for the purpose of obtaining additional special education certification or master’s degree in Special Education.
- Maintain a minimum of a 2.5 GPA.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. To learn more on how to apply, visit the Community Foundation website or call 260-969-3304.
Questa Foundation Scholarships
Undergraduate Special Education Licensing
Questa Education Foundation manages this fully forgivable loan program aimed at students pursuing their first licensure, certification, or degree in Special Education. Applicants are eligible to receive up to $5,000 per year.
To qualify, you must:
- Be from one of the 11 counties in Northeast Indiana, defined as: Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells or Whitley.
- Plan on living and working as a Special Educator in a public school in the region for 5 years upon graduation (if you move out of the region before the 5 years is complete, the loan is no longer forgivable).
- Have an identified gap in college funding (cost of attendance, less other scholarships and grants).
- Be currently earning a degree or planning on pursuing a license, or degree in Special Education.
To learn more, visit the Questa Foundation website.
Speech-Language Pathology
Another partnership with Questa, this program offers fully forgivable loans for students pursuing a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. Applicants are eligible to receive up to $10,000 per year.
To qualify, you must:
- Be from one of the 11 counties in Northeast Indiana, defined as: Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells or Whitley.
- Plan on living and working as a speech-language pathologist in a public school in the region for 5 years upon graduation (if you move out of the region before the 5 years is complete, the loan is no longer forgivable).
- Have an identified gap in college funding (cost of attendance, less other scholarships and grants).
- Be currently accepted or enrolled in Master of Science program in Speech-Language Pathology.
To learn more, visit the Questa Foundation website.