Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.

Orville Peterson Health Care Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund provides scholarships to residents of the area served by Copley Memorial Hospital in Aurora to further their post graduate education in medicine, health administration or dentistry. The scholarship was established at the time of Orville Peterson’s retirement in 1976. Mr. Peterson (1910-1984) was president of Copley Memorial Hospital from 1946 until 1976.  During that time, the hospital undertook three major building projects. Mr. Peterson also guided the remodeling of the Pediatric Department and the renovation of the 1888 building which later became the Kidney Dialysis Center. He often recalled and was deeply touched by the extraordinary commitment of the hospital’s physical therapy staff during the polio epidemic. “The staff just never left during that time.” Mr. Peterson passed away in 1984 in Long Beach, California. In the 1990’s, Copley Memorial Hospital (renamed Rush-Copley Medical Center) moved from its original location on Lincoln Avenue in Aurora to Ogden Avenue in Aurora.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.

Random Acts Matter Scholarship Fund

The purpose of the Random Acts Matter Scholarship Fund is to recognize one exceptional graduating senior from each of the St. Charles high schools (St. Charles North and St. Charles East) who are committed to making their community a better and kinder place to live through random acts of kindness and support. Random Acts Matter was founded on the idea that the power of care, compassion and kindness can change our community and the world.  The scholarship was created to recognize high school students who see the world through the lens of kindness and then ACT in big ways and small.  We feel that when students model this behavior it creates a ripple of kindness which impacts their families, other students, faculty, and the entire community. Random Acts Matter (RAM) is a non-profit organization dedicated to sharing care and compassion in our community.  We accept nominations for individual acts of kindness and participate in ongoing community outreach. Our mission is to inspire and connect people within the community, create awareness and advocate for our neighbors in need of care and compassion and create a community inspired to provide random acts of kindness and support.

Robert Couche Scholarship

The scholarship was established in 1988 by Robert Couche to give scholarships to deserving Black high school graduates living in the Gainesville-Hall County area seeking higher education.

To complete this scholarship, applicants must answer the following essay question: Please describe what you believe are the three most important qualities of a good leader. How have you displayed these qualities in your own life?

In 2026, one scholarship award of $1,500 will be offered.

Daviess County Community Foundation

The Community Foundation is a charitable resource devoted to our local community. We help people make meaningful gifts that improve life in Daviess County, Indiana today and for generations to come.

The Community Foundation can help you...

• Make a difference where it matters
• Invest in the future of the community you love
• Create greater good together

Fraternal Order of Police Washington Lodge 101 Scholarship

Annual scholarship created by Lodge 101 of the Washington Indiana Fraternal Order of Police.

Award Amount

• $1,140 (multiple scholarships may be awarded from this amount).
• Award will be paid upon completion of two semesters of college with a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average (4.0 scale) and documentation showing recipient’s continued studies in law enforcement or a related field.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Barbara Jean Dyer Scholarship

Applicant must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours, major in art and maintain a 2.0 GPA.

Ken Cicerale Memorial Music Scholarship

Award:

• One time award of $1,000. 

Keisha M. Michael Memorial Scholarship

Essay: Topic:

• “How a college education will help me make an impact on the community and affect my life.”

Award:

• One time award of $1,500. Awardees can re-apply.

Daviess County Community Foundation

The Community Foundation is a charitable resource devoted to our local community. We help people make meaningful gifts that improve life in Daviess County, Indiana today and for generations to come.

The Community Foundation can help you...

• Make a difference where it matters
• Invest in the future of the community you love
• Create greater good together

McKinley Vance Agri-Business Scholarship

Annual scholarship established by Lucile Vance in memory of her husband.

Award Amount

• $20,910 (multiple scholarship may be awarded from this amount)

The Wilmington Country Club Centennial Scholarship, managed by the Delaware Community Foundation, offers a one-time award of $2,000. This scholarship is aimed at current or former employees of SoDel Concepts in Sussex County who are pursuing a degree at an accredited institution. In 2024-2025, the DCF awarded a record $850,000 in scholarships to support students' educational pursuits, promoting equity and opportunity in Delaware.

The MG Eugene C. Renzi, USA (Ret.) STEM Teachers Scholarship, funded by AFCEA and ManTech International, offers $2,500 annually to support U.S. citizens or permanent residents pursuing graduate-level education in STEM teaching for grades K-12. This scholarship honors the legacy of Maj. Gen. Renzi and is aimed at candidates with a minimum GPA of 3.5 who are enrolled in accredited programs. It covers tuition and course-related expenses, fostering future educators in critical STEM fields.

The Elevance Health Foundation's Behavioral Health Grant aims to address significant challenges in mental health and substance use disorders. With a commitment of up to $90 million over three years, the Foundation seeks partnerships with nonprofits to enhance treatment access, promote prevention strategies, and alleviate loneliness among affected individuals. This initiative emphasizes innovative solutions and measurable outcomes, targeting both national and local programs, particularly in states with pressing health disparities.

Delaware Fine Arts Scholarship

Awards:

• One time award of $5,000. Students may reapply each year. 

The Community Foundation of Grant County offers over 120 scholarship opportunities for U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens pursuing higher education at accredited institutions. With more than $1 million awarded annually, the foundation supports students of all backgrounds and academic abilities. Scholarships are competitive and aimed at covering qualified educational expenses, including tuition and fees. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate on proposals, enhancing community impact through education and development.

The Future of Work program by the Russell Sage Foundation investigates the decline in quality of low-wage jobs in the U.S. It explores factors such as outsourcing, immigration, union decline, and technological changes. Current research focuses on minimum wage impacts, offshoring effects, and job search behaviors influencing employment outcomes, particularly for women and minorities in the post-recession labor market. This grant aims to enhance understanding of these critical issues affecting low-education workers.

Mission Statement

Beckley Area Foundation exists to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving that advances our community.

The Beckley Area Foundation is committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities across Southern West Virginia.

Scholarship

Supporting Student Success

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Willa Spangler Grosse Scholarship

Eligibility

One or more scholarships for Raleigh County high school graduates with a satisfactory academic record; Pursuing a nursing career.

Drew Bilinski Memorial Scholarship

Award:

• One time award of $500.

The Betsy & Ryan Colwell Mentorship Scholarships for Women in Thoracic Surgery support early-career female cardiothoracic surgeons by facilitating mentor relationships and networking opportunities at the WTS Annual Conference. Each scholarship, valued at $2,500, covers conference registration, lodging, and travel expenses. Two scholarships will be awarded annually starting in 2025, aiming to empower women in a specialty where they are underrepresented and help them navigate their challenging career path.

RedRover Relief Safe Housing Grants provide vital support for domestic violence survivors by enabling them to keep their pets safe during challenging times. With grants up to $60,000, nonprofit organizations can create or enhance programs that offer shelter for pets, foster care, and veterinary services. This initiative fosters collaboration between domestic violence and animal organizations, ensuring comprehensive community support. By addressing the unique needs of families, these grants promote safety and well-being for both humans and their beloved pets.

The Georgetown-Millsboro Rotary Scholarship, administered by the Delaware Community Foundation, offers a one-time award of $500 to graduating high school seniors residing in specific Delaware zip codes. Applicants must demonstrate good academic performance and financial need. This scholarship is part of a broader initiative where DCF awarded $850,000 to 245 students for the 2024-2025 school year, aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and equity within the community.

The Generation III Scholarship, offered by the Delaware Community Foundation, provides a one-time award of $1,000 to Delaware residents graduating from high school or current post-secondary students. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and intend to study a Construction or Skilled Trade at an accredited institution, which may be located outside Delaware. This scholarship supports the Foundation's mission to enhance community equity and opportunity through education.

The Cullen Brown Scholarship, offered by the Delaware Community Foundation, provides a one-time award of $2,000 to graduating seniors from Delaware high schools pursuing a certification or associate degree at any community college or trade school. As part of a record-breaking funding initiative, the Foundation aims to support students in financial need, fostering educational opportunities and equity within Delaware's communities.

The Gerald & Sybil Cohen Family Foundation Scholarship aims to ease the financial burden of college costs for students pursuing education in STEM fields. Open to U.S. citizens aged 18 and older with a minimum GPA of 3.5, the scholarship is available for public colleges and universities. Preference is given to dependents of former employees of Information Builders, Inc. Awards are not guaranteed and may vary in amount.

The Lentz Trades Scholarship, offered by the Delaware Community Foundation, provides a one-time award of $500 to Delaware residents or graduates pursuing skilled trade or technical education. With a total of $850,000 awarded to 245 students for the 2024-2025 school year, this scholarship supports those demonstrating financial need. Applicants can apply through the DCF's online general application for trades degrees or certifications, making it a valuable opportunity for aspiring tradespeople.

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

Jesus Romero Scholarship Fund

The Jesus Romero Scholarship Fund supports students of Hispanic or Latino heritage who are enrolled at Kishwaukee College.

Established in 2012, this endowed scholarship honors Jesus Romero, a proud Kishwaukee College alumnus who has raised tens of thousands of dollars through his annual Cinco de Mayo celebrations to help Hispanic students pursue college degrees.

Now held at DeKalb County Community Foundation, the Fund continues his legacy by helping students overcome financial barriers and achieve their educational dreams for years to come.

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

Ed and Kim Kapper Physical Therapy Scholarship Fund

Created in memory of Ed Kapper, this Fund provides scholarship support for a high school graduate of a DeKalb County school who is attending an accredited physical therapy program at an accredited college or university.

The Advancing Research Careers (ARC) Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Transition Award (F99/K00) supports late-stage graduate students from diverse backgrounds in transitioning to postdoctoral positions. This phased award aims to facilitate doctoral dissertation completion and subsequent career development in biomedical research. Participants will engage in mentoring, networking, and professional development activities, preparing them for impactful careers that often require postdoctoral training. Key deadlines for applications span from February 2025 to January 2028.

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

Cindy Graves Nursing Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is intended for students who are pursuing an additional degree or certification in nursing to grow professionally and better serve their patients. Students may attend any accredited educational institution, college, or university.

This Fund honors Cindy Graves, a DeKalb County public health nurse who had a tremendous impact on the community. Cindy was a registered nurse at Kishwaukee Hospital for 30 years – working as a pediatric nurse and emergency room RN, house supervisor, ER charge nurse, EMS educator, EMS coordinator, and ER director (2005 – 2012). From 2012 until the time of her passing Cindy worked at the DeKalb County Health Department as the director of community health and prevention, health promotion and emergency preparedness. Cindy was very active in the community and with her church.