Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

PLTW Launch offers a rolling grant for schools across the U.S. to implement the PLTW Launch program for the upcoming academic year. All schools, especially those serving low-income and minority populations, are encouraged to apply. The grant covers participation and training fees, with requirements to implement multiple PLTW modules over time. This initiative aims to enhance STEM education, ensuring diverse access to innovative learning opportunities.

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, Van Til/Bellamy Salute to Education

Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.

The Latin Americans United for Progress Dream Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area, supports Hispanic students pursuing post-secondary education. Applicants must be graduating seniors or early college students, demonstrate financial need, and submit a personal statement. With over $1 million awarded annually in scholarships, this program aims to empower the next generation of leaders from the Hispanic community, promoting educational advancement and cultural appreciation.

The 3M Skilled Trades Scholarship, funded by the SkillPointe Foundation, supports students pursuing careers in high-demand fields such as carpentry, construction management, and welding. It aims to address the skills gap by providing funding for vocational education, helping individuals gain essential skills for the workforce. Eligible applicants include those enrolled in postsecondary training programs, with scholarships to be used within a year of acceptance. This initiative seeks to empower workers and meet the needs of employers.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Native Forward Student Relief Funding

Native Forward Scholars Fund established the Student Relief Funding to assist Native students who are facing financial hardships and challenges by providing them with a one-time relief award. The fund will be utilized to help support students in emergency situations that includes, but is not limited to, food insecurity, emergency travel costs, emergency housing costs, educational technology or technology-related resources, or other educational expenses.

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

Kaminski Family Scholarship

• Graduating senior who attends public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation
• Enrolling in a 2 or 4-year degree program at an accredited post-secondary school (including vocational/technical school) within the United States
• Financial need (must submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)

The AVID: Orange County Centennial Scholarship Fund offers financial assistance between $2,000 and $5,000 to eligible high school seniors in Orange County, CA, who are enrolled in the AVID elective. This scholarship program, administered by Scholarship America, encourages community involvement and leadership among applicants. To qualify, students must demonstrate academic excellence with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and show financial need. This one-time award supports those planning to pursue full-time undergraduate studies at accredited institutions.

The AVID: Orange County Centennial Scholarship Fund (Art Awards) supports high school seniors enrolled in the AVID elective, aiming to pursue a four-year college education. Funded by Scholarship America, this program offers awards ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 for undergraduate studies. Eligible applicants must demonstrate community involvement, leadership, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship is intended for students from Orange County, CA, pursuing degrees in various art disciplines.

The AVID: Charles H. & Ethel E. Wolfe Scholarship Endowment, managed by Scholarship America, supports high school seniors from Orange County, CA, enrolled in the AVID program. Eligible students must have strong academic records, community involvement, and plan to attend a four-year college. The scholarship awards between $1,500 and $2,500 for undergraduate studies, helping to ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education.

The AVID: Beatrice Levin Scholarship Fund, managed by Scholarship America, supports high school seniors in Orange County, CA, who have participated in the AVID program for three years. This scholarship is for students who demonstrate community commitment, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and show financial need. One common application is used for all AVID scholarships, with awards granted for undergraduate studies only. This program encourages continued education at accredited four-year institutions.

The ASTR Thomas Marshall Graduate Student Awards aim to support graduate students researching theatre or performance by assisting with the costs of attending the annual ASTR conference. This grant offers up to three honorariums of $800 each, along with complimentary conference registration. Eligibility is open to any graduate student in relevant fields, with selection based on the applicant’s interest and academic achievements.

This funding opportunity aims to support research investigating the long-term impacts of disasters on healthcare systems in U.S. populations facing health disparities. The focus is on both natural and human-made disasters, encouraging collaborative approaches to enhance understanding and response strategies. Key deadlines for applications range from June 2024 to February 2027, with specific dates for standard, renewal, and AIDS-related grant applications outlined.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) plans to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aimed at advancing precision aging and cognitive health. This initiative seeks innovative study designs using machine learning and adaptive methods, focusing on personalized prevention strategies for older adults. While applications are not currently solicited, this NOFO encourages researchers to collaborate and develop impactful projects in aging research. The R01 activity code will be utilized for funding.

The Elliott Antokoletz Fund supports doctoral and post-doctoral research in twentieth-century music, honoring the legacy of esteemed scholar Elliott Antokoletz. It is open to Ph.D. students and recent graduates from North American universities, with an award range of $500 to $5000. Preference is given to applicants from institutions lacking financial support for musicological research. This initiative promotes creativity through music-centered research, ensuring equity and inclusion in the academic study of music.

The FINRA Investor Education Foundation's General Grant Program funds educational and research projects aimed at enhancing financial literacy among underserved populations. Grants ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 support initiatives that promote financial inclusion and address systemic inequities. The foundation prioritizes projects that utilize existing data to improve understanding of financial capability and well-being. Applications are accepted anytime, with a focus on sustainability beyond the grant period.

The Learning Tree Scholarship, established by The Learning Tree, Inc. through the Central Alabama Community Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from select counties with a minimum ACT score of 20. This renewable scholarship offers up to $2,000 annually for students pursuing degrees in education, healthcare, and related fields. The foundation, active since 1987, aims to enhance local nonprofit initiatives and educational opportunities in the River Region, serving counties including Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery.

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program

Program Overview:

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian (LB21) projects build a library and archival workforce that can meet the information needs of communities and increase the institutional capacity of libraries, archives, and library and information science graduate programs across the country.  

The program supports projects that:  

• provide training and professional development to library and archives professionals;  
• develop faculty and information leaders; and 
• recruit, educate, and retain the next generation of library and archives professionals. 

Projects can support the recruitment, education, training, and retention of pre-professionals, students, faculty, and the current library and archives workforce. 

Project Type

Applied Research

The PCORI Engagement Award: Capacity Building aims to enhance the capacity of patients and stakeholders in patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER). Projects can last up to two years with funding up to $300,000. Successful proposals will demonstrate understanding of CER, community engagement, and commitment from stakeholders. The initiative encourages the use of existing tools and resources to foster patient involvement in research processes, aligning with national health priorities and addressing pressing healthcare issues.

The NIH Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23) is designed to support the career development of individuals with clinical doctoral degrees committed to patient-oriented research. Key deadlines for standard applications include June 12, October 12, and February 12 from 2024 to 2027. Renewal and AIDS-related grant applications also have specific deadlines. This initiative aims to enhance research focused on improving patient care.

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program

Program Overview:

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian (LB21) projects build a library and archival workforce that can meet the information needs of communities and increase the institutional capacity of libraries, archives, and library and information science graduate programs across the country.  

The program supports projects that:  

• provide training and professional development to library and archives professionals;  
• develop faculty and information leaders; and 
• recruit, educate, and retain the next generation of library and archives professionals. 

Projects can support the recruitment, education, training, and retention of pre-professionals, students, faculty, and the current library and archives workforce. 

Project Type

Early Career Research

What We Fund

The Dunham Foundation is committed to providing positive, multi-generational support to all individuals and families in our service area.

We believe that this support lays the groundwork for successful generations to come and builds an infrastructure for a community where all can thrive. The Dunham Foundation invests in the following three areas:

• Education
• Economic Growth
• Community 

General Requests that are $50,000 or less

We accept grant requests through online submissions on a rolling basis during the calendar year.

At the Dunham Foundation, we strive to honor John C. Dunham's vision for building a healthy, thriving community with our grantmaking.

Through these efforts, we support projects and programs in Education, Economic Growth, and Community that create measurable and lasting impact in the Dunham Foundation Service Area.

Organizations outside our service area are eligible if their programs directly impact residents within the Dunham Foundation Service Area.

Funded organizations are expected to submit a financial and program report at the conclusion of the grant. Reporting requirements will be outlined in the approval process and grant agreements. The reporting form will be available through the grant portal.

The Batten Disease Clinical Research Consortium (BDCRC) Early Career Investigator Grant aims to enhance the training of emerging clinician-scientists in rare disease research, particularly neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL). This grant supports two post-graduate clinician investigators in conducting innovative research to improve care for individuals with NCLs. The program emphasizes the importance of community partnership, operational efficiency, and high-quality data to advance the development of new therapies and improve existing care standards.

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation

Vision: We envision a vibrant, prosperous northern Chautauqua community, rich in opportunity today and tomorrow.

Our Mission

To realize our vision we focus on:

• strategic and responsive grant making
• encouraging local philanthropy and building permanent endowments for the future
• actively serving as a community leader and partner for the benefit and enrichment in our community.

Scholarships

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation proudly manages over 200 individual scholarship funds,

David J Lewandowski Memorial Award

The David J Lewandowski Memorial Award is presented to a graduating senior from Dunkirk, Forestville, or Fredonia who is entering a career in the trades, agriculture, conservation, forestry, or emergency services.

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation

Vision: We envision a vibrant, prosperous northern Chautauqua community, rich in opportunity today and tomorrow.

Our Mission

To realize our vision we focus on:

• strategic and responsive grant making
• encouraging local philanthropy and building permanent endowments for the future
• actively serving as a community leader and partner for the benefit and enrichment in our community.

Scholarships

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation proudly manages over 200 individual scholarship funds,

Dunkirk Area Labor Council Scholarship

The Dunkirk Area Labor Council Scholarship supports graduating students who are furthering their education in the trades or manufacturing technology.

The Shenoy Undergraduate Research Fellowship in Neuroscience (SURFiN) by the Simons Foundation aims to engage undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds in neuroscience research. The program offers paid research assistantships at various labs across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Selected fellows will gain hands-on experience and mentorship during the 2024-2025 academic year, fostering diversity and innovation in scientific research. This initiative supports students in their academic journey while promoting inclusivity in the scientific community.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

Richard James & William Alfred Wulff Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was established by William Alfred “Bill” Wulff (1943-2021) in honor of his twin brother, Richard James “Dick” Wulff. Scholarships will be awarded to students pursuing a career in the medical field, such as nursing. At the age of 19, Dick passed away following complications from heart surgery; he had recently graduated from Marmion Academy and was attending Parsons School of Design. Bill was a cancer survivor, as is his sister; their mother also had cancer and their father underwent heart surgery. Along with honoring Dick’s memory, this fund is intended to honor and encourage the nursing profession that made such an impact on the Wulff family.

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program

Program Overview:

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian (LB21) projects build a library and archival workforce that can meet the information needs of communities and increase the institutional capacity of libraries, archives, and library and information science graduate programs across the country.  

The program supports projects that:  

• provide training and professional development to library and archives professionals;  
• develop faculty and information leaders; and 
• recruit, educate, and retain the next generation of library and archives professionals. 

Projects can support the recruitment, education, training, and retention of pre-professionals, students, faculty, and the current library and archives workforce. 

Project Type

National Implementation