Developing Talent
Strengthening Pathways to Careers
In Northeast Indiana
A strong talent development system is intentionally built through vision, collaboration, and commitment. Across our region, educators and industry leaders are partnering to create clear pathways for learners, deliver high-quality instruction, and provide meaningful opportunities to apply learning in real-world settings.
The Don Wood Foundation invests in programs that prepare students in grades 9-16+ and incumbent workers to succeed in today’s workforce and to adapt to the careers of the future. Through our grants, we support initiatives that cultivate technical expertise, foster leadership skills, expand entrepreneurial mindsets, and provide hands-on, real-world experiences.
We are interested in efforts that:
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Increase access to experiential, work-based, and project-based learning through innovative models created collaboratively by educational institutions and industry partners.
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Strengthen CTE and postsecondary programs that enable more learners to earn industry-recognized degrees and credentials.
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Ensure the quality and consistency of instruction and employer-connected experiences by supporting instructors and developing industry-relevant curriculum.
Together, we can build stronger, more responsive talent systems—empowering learners to truly learn by doing while earning credentials and degrees that open doors to next-gen manufacturing careers.
Grant Opportunities
Don Wood believed in the power of education. In honor of Don’s vision, the Don Wood Foundation is proud to invest in enhancing partnerships between Career and Technical Education (CTE) Districts, K-12 institutions, nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, and employers to plan and implement programs that provide opportunities for high school students in northeast Indiana.
DWF will invest up to $5 million in the Career Ready Grant Program over a five-year period in initiatives that support:
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Discovery of new solutions and innovative practices to advance student outcomes in a rapidly changing environment
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Discovery of new approaches to retool and sustain highly effective programs with a demonstrated record of strong student outcomes
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Foster a spirit of collaboration among educators and industry partners to achieve shared, mutually beneficial outcomes
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Promote peer learning and engagement among participating organizations and practitioners
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Regional representation and impact across northeast Indiana
When Are Applications Accepted?
The Don Wood Foundation accepts grant applications by invitation only.Helpful Links:
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Grant Guidelines: Please carefully review the Grant Guidelines to determine if your proposal aligns with the Don Wood Foundation’s grantmaking priorities. You can access the guidelines here.
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Don Wood envisioned the Foundation’s role as a vehicle for student achievement. In alignment with Don’s vision, the Don Wood Foundation is proud to partner with community foundations and other organizations in northeast Indiana to award scholarships and grants that help learners earn credentials, certifications, and degrees in fields that align with the Don Wood Foundation’s grantmaking priorities:
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Advanced manufacturing, including industrial technology, engineering, and computer science;
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Technology education;
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Sales or marketing;
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Organizational leadership;
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Entrepreneurship.
Scholarships And Support Available Through Community Partners
The Don Wood Foundation builds partnerships to offer scholarships and other support to postsecondary learners in all 12 counties of northeast Indiana. In partnership with Questa Education Foundation, we convene community partners twice a year to share best practices, test and exchange new ideas, review and respond to research, and explore opportunities for collaboration. Our current partners include:
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Community Foundation DeKalb County
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Community Foundation of Grant County
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Community Foundation of Noble County
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Community Foundation of Wabash County
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Huntington County Community Foundation
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LaGrange County Community Foundation
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Wells Community Foundation
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Whitley County Community Foundation
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Adams County Community Foundation
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OrthoWorx and KEDCO (Kosciusko County)
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Steuben County Economic Development Alliance
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The Literacy Alliance (Allen County)
When Are Applications Accepted?
Participation in this program is by invitation only. Please note: The Don Wood Foundation does not award scholarships or grants to individuals directly.-
Through the Developing Talent Grant Program, the Don Wood Foundation supports programs and initiatives that:
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Align education and industry to create high-quality education-to-career pathways
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Strengthen Career and Technical Education (CTE) and postsecondary programs that lead to industry-recognized credentials and degrees
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Expand access to experiential, work-based, and project-based learning, developed collaboratively with employers
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Ensure quality and consistency of instruction and employer-connected experiences by supporting instructors, curriculum, and program design
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Prepare learners to persist, complete, and transition successfully into employment or further education
We are particularly interested in efforts that demonstrate strong partnerships among educators, employers, and community organizations—and that reduce barriers to participation so more learners can access opportunity.
When Are Applications Accepted?
Effective in 2026
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Application deadlines: July 15, September 15, and November 15, 2026
Beginning in 2027
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Application deadlines: May 15 and November 15
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an Ideas Form and connect with a Program Officer 2–3 months before the application deadline.
Helpful Links:
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Grant Guidelines: Please carefully review the Grant Guidelines to determine if your proposal aligns with the Don Wood Foundation’s grantmaking priorities. You can access the guidelines here.
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Have an idea? We’d love to learn more! Submit an Eligibility Quiz and Ideas Form via our online Grant Portal here.
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If you represent a career and technical education (CTE) program, higher education institution, or adult learning center that is expanding experiential learning opportunities or strengthening the Next-Gen Manufacturing workforce, we want to hear from you.
