Prom season is here, and many high school students throughout Indiana are preparing to party.
But participating in the celebration can be expensive and unattainable for some, due to the costs for clothes, hair, makeup, shoes, etc.
Here are some Indiana-based nonprofit organizations with a mission to offer assistance to dress-seekers who are trying to find free or low-cost prom attire.
(Note: Not all of these organizations are still taking appointments for the 2026 prom season, but each one listed is available to accept dress donations.)
Where to find a gown for the 2026 prom season on a limited budget
Re-Prom — (Aurora, IN)
Housed in the Dearborn County Recycling Center’s Creation Station, Re-Prom offers students the chance to receive a prom dress in exchange for another. Should the student be unable to provide a dress for the swap, they will be asked to make a donation instead.
Participants must be present to receive the dress, and they will be limited to one per person. Appointments available 1-6 p.m. Wednesdays.
Outfitters Clothes — (Pendleton, IN)
As an extension of their mission to provide all children in need with safe and comfortable clothing, Outfitters Clothes opened a free “Prom Shop” on April 6, and it will remain open until all of the gowns have been claimed. The dresses are free.
The shop is open 4-6 p.m. Monday to Wednesday. No appointment is required.
The Gifted Gown — (Speedway, IN)
The Gifted Gown has 2,900 gowns in stock and wants to make sure nobody ever has to miss a celebratory moment on the sole basis of finances.
In addition to free dresses, the Gifted Gown offers prom-goers assistance with accessories as well. Only one other person is allowed to accompany incoming shoppers. Appointments are 60 minutes long and are required.
Places to donate formal dresses or gowns
Once Upon A Prom — (Greenfield, IN)
New and gently used long, formal dresses can be dropped at the Jane Pauley Community Health Center during normal business hours, or Wilkinson Insurance in Wilkinson. Shoes can be donated to Once Upon a Prom partner organization Changing Footprints.
Prom Genie II – (Hammond, IN)
Drop off your barely worn formal wear (gowns, shoes, accessories, etc.) at the Jean Shepherd Community Center in Hammond. Every donation is offered to guests and clients for free.
“We need donations in all sizes. We are often limited with the larger sizes, so anybody with quality dresses that are within five years of age, we could use more of those,” President and Founder of Prom Genie II, Inc., Shannon Morris-Smith, said. “And monetary donations are always welcome to help pay for storage, dry cleaning, and web services, just to keep us going.”
Missed the chance to grab a free gown this year? Try these events in 2027
Cinderella Dress Day — (Fort Wayne, IN)
This one-day event happens every March, and has recently moved to the War Memorial Coliseum. The event gives students access to dresses, accessories, on-site alterations and make-up sessions.
Project Fairy Godmother — (Lapel, IN)
Hosted by the Anderson Public Library, all attendees are welcome with no appointment and no pre-registration. They have clothing, shoes and jewelry available, all for free.
Project Prom — (Whiteland, IN)
A multi-day event hosted by the Johnson County Public Library in March and April, where prom-goers can stock up on all their formal wear needs. You do not have to live in Johnson County or have a library card to participate.
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Ashley Ford is a Free Press Indiana reporter focused on issues affecting women and girls across Indiana. You can reach her at ashley.ford@freepressindiana.org.
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