Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

Community Foundation of New Jersey

Over our 46-year history, the Community Foundation of New Jersey has collaborated with individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to design charitable funds and implement the philanthropic solutions they want to see in their communities. We leverage $1.17 billion in assets and 1,200 funds to help our partners think boldly and creatively about ways to give.

Scholarship Fund Overview

Beyond a shared commitment to educational opportunity, families establish scholarship funds with a variety of goals and purposes in mind. They may offer traditional scholarships or customize fund awards for alternative scholarships.

Currently, CFNJ administers more than 135 scholarship funds. Our scholarship opportunities run the gamut, from those exclusive to a local high school or geographic region to those supporting specific majors or career pursuits. Last year, we awarded over $2 million in scholarship assistance to 271 scholars.

Applicants may be evaluated on academic performance; extracurricular activities; community involvement; paid or unpaid work; and a statement of their personal aspirations, educational goals, and demonstrated unmet financial need in our scholarship review process.

Alfred J. Speak Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a college-bound, graduating high school senior from the greater Newark area. Preference will be given to students who are affiliated with the Boys and Girls Club of Newark or the First Presbyterian Church (located on Broad Street in Newark). Applicants will be evaluated on academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, work (paid or unpaid), and unmet financial need.

Through the generosity of fundholders and donors, NCCF has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to assist students in Northwest Connecticut with the cost of higher education.

NCCF awards more than $530,000 in scholarships a year. 

SVNA Educational Enrichment Program Scholarship 

Academic Focus:

• Health care professionals pursuing continued education in a health care field, except pre-med

Award Average:

• $10, 000 renewable up to 4 years

Consistent with the SVNA’s mission to provide the best home health, hospice and preventative care, this scholarship supports health care professionals pursuing continued education in a health care field who reside in Canaan, Cornwall, Goshen, Kent, Norfolk, North Canaan, Salisbury, Sharon or Warren. 

Community Foundation of New Jersey

Over our 46-year history, the Community Foundation of New Jersey has collaborated with individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to design charitable funds and implement the philanthropic solutions they want to see in their communities. We leverage $1.17 billion in assets and 1,200 funds to help our partners think boldly and creatively about ways to give.

Scholarship Fund Overview

Beyond a shared commitment to educational opportunity, families establish scholarship funds with a variety of goals and purposes in mind. They may offer traditional scholarships or customize fund awards for alternative scholarships.

Currently, CFNJ administers more than 135 scholarship funds. Our scholarship opportunities run the gamut, from those exclusive to a local high school or geographic region to those supporting specific majors or career pursuits. Last year, we awarded over $2 million in scholarship assistance to 271 scholars.

Applicants may be evaluated on academic performance; extracurricular activities; community involvement; paid or unpaid work; and a statement of their personal aspirations, educational goals, and demonstrated unmet financial need in our scholarship review process.

Bego Scholarship

Preference for this scholarship will be given to students who are from recently immigrated families and are U.S. residents, naturalized citizens, or first-generation U.S. citizens. The candidate must be a resident from New Jersey, New York, or Pennsylvania. They also must have been accepted to, have applied for, or plan to attend an accredited four-year college. Applicants will be evaluated based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, work (paid or unpaid), and unmet financial need.

Who We Are

Founded in 1996, the Community Foundation of South Georgia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to making South Georgia a better place to live through effective philanthropy. We help individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and businesses establish and manage charitable funds that carry out their philanthropic interests. Serving a geographic area of 35 counties in South Georgia, we facilitate our donors’ charitable plans and goals by creating custom designed funds that meet their specific interests and ensure solid financial management and administration for each fund. 

Thomas B. McDowell Memorial Scholarship

For a college student who has either graduated from a high school located in Early County, Georgia, or who is a current resident of Early County, Georgia. Applicants must have completed at least two years in a post-secondary college or university in the United States and have attained at least a 2.5 GPA in the post-secondary college or university. The award is based on academic achievement, financial need, extracurricular school activities or employment, community service, and leadership qualities.

The Charles Warren Center at Harvard University offers the Summer Travel Grant for Dissertation Research, aimed at supporting Ph.D. candidates in American history. Grants, which can reach up to $3,000, assist with necessary summer travel for dissertation work. Eligible applicants must have passed their general exams and require a letter of support from their dissertation adviser. This program emphasizes historical methodology and is competitive, with limited funding available.

Community Foundation of New Jersey

Over our 46-year history, the Community Foundation of New Jersey has collaborated with individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to design charitable funds and implement the philanthropic solutions they want to see in their communities. We leverage $1.17 billion in assets and 1,200 funds to help our partners think boldly and creatively about ways to give.

Scholarship Fund Overview

Beyond a shared commitment to educational opportunity, families establish scholarship funds with a variety of goals and purposes in mind. They may offer traditional scholarships or customize fund awards for alternative scholarships.

Currently, CFNJ administers more than 135 scholarship funds. Our scholarship opportunities run the gamut, from those exclusive to a local high school or geographic region to those supporting specific majors or career pursuits. Last year, we awarded over $2 million in scholarship assistance to 271 scholars.

Applicants may be evaluated on academic performance; extracurricular activities; community involvement; paid or unpaid work; and a statement of their personal aspirations, educational goals, and demonstrated unmet financial need in our scholarship review process.

Dominique Lisa Pandolfo Scholarship

Applicants for this scholarship must be a female senior who is graduating from a New Jersey high school and a resident of Bergen or Hudson counties. The student must demonstrate outstanding personal character and leadership qualities and have been accepted to an accredited four-year college or university within the United States. Applicants are not necessarily required to be the top in the class, but must show outstanding potential, merit, and/or improvement. Scholarships are based on merit and unmet financial need.

The Marlène F. Johnson Fund for Scholarly Research on Christian Science offers grants up to $20,000 for scholarly projects focusing on Christian Science history, teaching, and practice. Open to all individuals, the fund seeks to promote serious research, encouraging engagement from both scholars and the public. The initiative reflects a commitment to insightful scholarship rather than mere religious apologetics, ensuring a respectful approach to the study of this faith tradition.

Through the generosity of fundholders and donors, NCCF has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to assist students in Northwest Connecticut with the cost of higher education.

NCCF awards more than $530,000 in scholarships a year. 

Eugene F. Zordan and Erminia Zordan Scholarship Fund

Academic Focus:

Unspecified

Average Award:

• $4,300

Established by Marie Zordan, this scholarship is awarded to undergraduate or graduate students who lives in NCCF’s *20-town service area.

Through the generosity of fundholders and donors, NCCF has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to assist students in Northwest Connecticut with the cost of higher education.

NCCF awards more than $530,000 in scholarships a year. 

Douglas and Janet Roberts Scholarship

Academic Focus:

• Unspecified

Award Average:

• $4,000-$8,000

Community Foundation of New Jersey

Over our 46-year history, the Community Foundation of New Jersey has collaborated with individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to design charitable funds and implement the philanthropic solutions they want to see in their communities. We leverage $1.17 billion in assets and 1,200 funds to help our partners think boldly and creatively about ways to give.

Scholarship Fund Overview

Beyond a shared commitment to educational opportunity, families establish scholarship funds with a variety of goals and purposes in mind. They may offer traditional scholarships or customize fund awards for alternative scholarships.

Currently, CFNJ administers more than 135 scholarship funds. Our scholarship opportunities run the gamut, from those exclusive to a local high school or geographic region to those supporting specific majors or career pursuits. Last year, we awarded over $2 million in scholarship assistance to 271 scholars.

Applicants may be evaluated on academic performance; extracurricular activities; community involvement; paid or unpaid work; and a statement of their personal aspirations, educational goals, and demonstrated unmet financial need in our scholarship review process.

Dr. Crosby Copeland, Jr. Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a college-bound Black/African male who is a graduating high school senior from Trenton Public Schools. Students will have achieved a cumulative 2.7 GPA or better, as well as demonstrated community involvement and unmet financial need.

The OREF Resident Clinician Scientist Training Grant aims to prepare residents for research-intensive careers in orthopaedic surgery. Grants up to $20,000 are available for one year, covering research expenses without salary. Projects must demonstrate clinical relevance and be feasible for residents as independent studies. Both laboratory and clinical research are encouraged, with potential for publication. Progress reports and annual reviews are required to ensure funding compliance.

The CAA Professional Development Fellowship in Visual Arts offers a $10,000 grant to support MFA students and artists from underrepresented groups. This fellowship aids in job-search expenses or purchasing materials for their studio practice. Recipients also receive a one-year CAA membership and free registration to the Annual Conference. Honorable Mentions will also receive membership and conference registration. This initiative promotes diversity and provides crucial support to emerging artists in their professional journey.

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Diane Bava Memorial Scholarship

Sponsored by Amador Family Scholarship Fund, this scholarship is open to current or former Modesto City School District students.

Award Amount:

• $1,000

Unless noted otherwise in the scholarship description and criteria statement, applicants can attend accredited schools of their choice within the United States.

CFNJ scholarships awards vary. On average, awards range from $500 to $2,500. However, the award could be larger based on the number of qualified applicants and the parameters set by donors who have established the funds. 

Kids In Business Merit Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to individuals who are or have been associated with the Kids In Business program (Newark) who wish to further their education at an accredited educational institution.

Unless noted otherwise in the scholarship description and criteria statement, applicants can attend accredited schools of their choice within the United States.

CFNJ scholarships awards vary. On average, awards range from $500 to $2,500. However, the award could be larger based on the number of qualified applicants and the parameters set by donors who have established the funds. 

Peter Eisen Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior who has experienced the loss of a biological parent before the age of 18. Students must have achieved a cumulative 3.0 GPA or better. Applicants will be evaluated on academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, work (paid or unpaid), and unmet financial need

The NEA Big Read Grant, managed by Arts Midwest, aims to foster community engagement through shared reading experiences. This initiative funds nonprofit organizations to host diverse reading programs, encouraging cross-cultural understanding and creativity. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, organizations can conduct book discussions, workshops, and creative events to strengthen community ties and promote civic engagement. The program highlights local voices and invites participation from various audiences, creating a vibrant literary culture.

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Earl Pride Scholarship

Open to Stanislaus County employees and their children/step-children. Employee must work 24+ hours per week on a regular basis. 

Award amount:

• $1,000

Unless noted otherwise in the scholarship description and criteria statement, applicants can attend accredited schools of their choice within the United States.

CFNJ scholarships awards vary. On average, awards range from $500 to $2,500. However, the award could be larger based on the number of qualified applicants and the parameters set by donors who have established the funds. 

Keith Hightower Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a college-bound, graduating high school senior from Warren, Morris, Sussex, or Somerset counties. Applicants must have participated in a science or math competition or in independent scientific research during high school. 

Unless noted otherwise in the scholarship description and criteria statement, applicants can attend accredited schools of their choice within the United States.

CFNJ scholarships awards vary. On average, awards range from $500 to $2,500. However, the award could be larger based on the number of qualified applicants and the parameters set by donors who have established the funds. 

J. Oscar and Susan Florence Hunt Scholarship

This scholarship will be awarded to a college-bound, graduating senior from Gloucester or Salem counties. Preference is given to the residents of Swedesboro, Auburn, Pedricktown, and Penns Grove, in the order of priority stated. Scholarships will be awarded based on need and merit.

The Mobile County Education Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of South Alabama, provides scholarships to Mobile County School students with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and financial need. This initiative supports students pursuing professional certificates, undergraduate, and graduate degrees, ensuring that local talent can thrive. The scholarship rotates among Mobile County Public High Schools, empowering students to achieve their educational goals and contribute positively to the community.

Unless noted otherwise in the scholarship description and criteria statement, applicants can attend accredited schools of their choice within the United States.

CFNJ scholarships awards vary. On average, awards range from $500 to $2,500. However, the award could be larger based on the number of qualified applicants and the parameters set by donors who have established the funds. 

Siegel Family Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior or recent graduate (1-2 years out of high school) from the greater Newark area. Preference will be given to students who have been actively involved with GlassRoots, Inc., or Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties. Students will be evaluated on academic performance (2.5 GPA or better), extracurricular activities, community service, work (paid or unpaid), and unmet financial need.

The Justin J. Watt Foundation Grant supports after-school athletic opportunities for middle school children, focusing on programs that promote teamwork, leadership, and perseverance. Applications are accepted at specific times throughout the year, depending on the sport. Funding is available for essential uniforms and equipment but excludes non-essential items. Organizations must meet specific eligibility criteria, ensuring they serve students in need and provide safe environments for athletic activities.

The Mentored Clinician Scientist Grant, funded by the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation, supports the career development of clinician scientists by providing dedicated research time for up to five years. Eligible applicants must have a proven track record in research, evidenced by receiving NIH K08 or K23 funding. This grant is renewable annually based on scientific progress and available funding, fostering a strong future in academic surgery.

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus.

First Tee of Central Valley

Open to current/active members of The First Tee program with a minimum 3.0 GPA. 

Award Amount:

• $2,000 

Unless noted otherwise in the scholarship description and criteria statement, applicants can attend accredited schools of their choice within the United States.

CFNJ scholarships awards vary. On average, awards range from $500 to $2,500. However, the award could be larger based on the number of qualified applicants and the parameters set by donors who have established the funds. 

Harry H. Loudenslager Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a college-bound, male graduating high school senior who is a resident of Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, or Cape May counties. Scholarships are based on need and merit.

The New Foundation for Art History (NFAH) offers innovative non-residential fellowships for mid-career scholars, emphasizing excellence in research across various art eras and cultures. Established in 2019, NFAH aims to support scholars from U.S. institutions, particularly those at smaller schools, with grants up to $50,000 to aid in their research endeavors. The initiative promotes diversity and equity within the field, ensuring that scholars receive the resources they need to thrive.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. Scholarship award amounts range from $1,000 - $5,000 for a single year.

Otto A. Huth Scholarship Fund

Aging out of foster care or child welfare custody in Nevada?

The Otto A. Huth Scholarship Fund is established to provide support for youth who are about to age out of foster care or have already aged out of foster care in the state of Nevada who are seeking support for post-high school education (university, community college, business school, and trade school) at institutions located within the United States. Applicants must apply before their 21st birthday.

Applicants may apply for a scholarship for a maximum of 5 years for up to $40,000 in total. Annual scholarship awards are not to exceed $10,000. Scholarship awards may cover tuition, on-campus room & board, books, student health insurance, on-campus meal plans, and other education-related expenses.