Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

The Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission is inviting research proposals aimed at apple crop protection, emphasizing organic practices and pollinator protection. Key areas of focus include the management of pests like Codling Moth and Fire Blight, testing new crop protection products, enhancing soil health, and developing efficient monitoring techniques. Collaboration among institutions is encouraged, and projects should aim for practical industry applications to ensure sustainable and profitable tree fruit production.

The grant mechanism will focus on furthering the development of strategies towards improving the outcomes of Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) patients through patient advocacy. Work supported through this mechanism will address important areas of need across the entire care continuum and have the immediate potential to increase research efforts, quality of life and survivorship. The overarching theme of the proposals should be centered around using patient advocacy as a tool to develop strategies toward improving outcomes for patients with SCLC. We will encourage applications on a wide variety of topics related to SCLC, including but not limited to the following:

• Patient-Centric Care Models
  • Develop and implement care models that prioritize patient needs and preferences, integrating innovative approaches from diagnosis through survivorship
• Advanced Screening and Diagnostic Technologies
  • Create comprehensive survivorship care plans addressing long-term healthcare needs, focusing on follow-up care, monitoring for recurrence, and managing chronic side effects

• Access and Equity
  • Investigate barriers to accessing quality care, clinical trials, screening and biomarker testing for SCLC patients and purpose solutions to ensure equitable healthcare delivery for diverse populations

• Technology Integration
  • Explore the use of digital health tools and technologies to facilitate better patient-provider interactions, personalized care, and continuous monitoring during the care continuum
• Patient Feedback Mechanisms
  • Establish robust feedback systems to gather patient insights and experiences and use this data to inform continuous improvements in care delivery, diagnostic technologies, treatment approaches, clinical protocols and accessible repositories to facilitate broad research collaboration

The 2026 Strategies Using Patient Advocacy to Improve Outcomes in Small Cell Lung Cancer will grant a minimum of one award of $250,000 for a period two years ($125,000 per year).

William Elliott Frye Memorial Scholarship

Funding Amount:

• $1000
• Active

This scholarship is to assist a student seeking a higher education at an accredited community college or technical school. Students must be a resident of Western North Carolina that include, but not limited to, graduating seniors, current college students, and returning adult education students who are focused on a career and technical education field. Students may be either full-time or seeking a certification to advance their education. Students must demonstrate financial need and meet all requirements of the attending education institution.

Thomas E. and Marian L. Overby Scholarship

Amount

• $1000
• Active
• Renewable

This scholarship is to provide financial support for an individual pursuing a degree in the field of nursing. The scholarship recipient shall be under the age of 50 seeking education beyond the high school level to become a nurse or certified nursing assistant.

Oncology Nursing Foundation

The mission of the Oncology Nursing Foundation is to support cancer nursing excellence.

Since 1981, the Oncology Nursing Foundation(ONF), through generous contributions from individuals and institutions, has provided more than $33 million in funding to support oncology nursing education, research and leadership development. This funding has translated to career development awards, academic scholarships, research grants, a myriad of specialized educational initiatives, as well as nurse resiliency support. The Foundation’s activities have played a critical role in improving patient care and advancing the oncology nursing profession.

Radiation Oncology Certified Nurse (ROCN™) Exam Scholarship

Recipients receive funding to cover the ONCC ROCN™ Certification exam fee.

Purpose

To support registered oncology nurses who specialize in providing care for adult or pediatric patients with cancer undergoing radiation therapy by providing funding support to cover the ROCN™ Certification exam fee. 

The NASPGHAN Foundation/APGNN Susan Moyer Research Grant supports impactful research and quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing nursing care for children with gastrointestinal and nutritional disorders. Grants ranging from $500 to $5000 are available for eligible Registered Nurses who are APGNN members. Awardees must present their findings at the NASPGHAN Annual Meeting and adhere to specific funding guidelines, including IRB approval and acknowledgment of support in publications.

Cook County Community Fund 

Mission

The Cook County Community Fund supports initiatives that strengthen community connections and respond to local needs across six key areas: arts, education, community development, the environment, human services, and youth.

Funding Priorities

• We prioritize projects that build collaboration, address the root causes of challenges, and bring people together across Cook County.
• Grants often support new or emerging ideas, especially those that can make a meaningful difference with modest funding.
• Applicants are encouraged to seek matching funds, and proposals that leverage additional support are given strong consideration.

‍Other Considersations

While the Fund does not typically support capital projects or ongoing program costs, we may offer short-term or multi-year funding to help launch promising new efforts—so long as there’s a plan for sustaining the work after our grant ends.

Award Range

• $1,000 to $5,000

Grant Cycle

• Spring

The Medical Student Mentored Summer Research Program offers medical students in the U.S. and Canada a unique opportunity to engage in a 10-week research experience under expert mentorship in pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, or nutrition. With a stipend of $4000 paid in installments, this program is designed for students who have completed at least their first year of medical training. Preference is given to those seeking research experience between their first and second years.

The Radiology Resident Research Grant, funded by The Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation, aims to promote research among residents in accredited clinical radiology training programs in the U.S. and Canada. With a budget of up to $20,000 for 12 months, this grant encourages innovative research projects that advance interventional radiology and improve patient care. Eligible applicants must designate a project advisor and secure a three-month commitment from their residency program, fostering a supportive research environment.

The Pilot Research Grant, offered by the Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation, supports innovative research in interventional radiology to improve patient care. Grants of up to $35,000 are available for full-time faculty and post-doctorates with relevant degrees in the U.S. and Canada. Applicants must be current SIR members and can submit proposals for preliminary data generation, enhancing their chances for future funding opportunities.

The Incubator Grant, offered by the Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation, supports projects that enhance interventional radiology through clinical research. Eligible applicants must be SIR members and hold relevant degrees. The grant provides funding up to $25,000 for one year, specifically for developing clinical study protocols and proposals. This initiative emphasizes inclusivity and encourages innovative approaches in patient care, aligning with the foundation's mission to advance the specialty and improve patient outcomes.

The William H. Scheide Prize, established in 1990 by the American Bach Society, honors exceptional publications on Bach or related figures by early-career scholars in North America. Awarded biennially with a prize of $1,000, it recognizes works published within the last two years. Nominations are open to all Society members, and self-nominations are encouraged. Each winner also receives a two-year membership in the American Bach Society.

The William H. Scheide Research Grants, established by the American Bach Society in 1990, support research on Johann Sebastian Bach and his contemporaries. With stipends ranging from $500 to $4,000, these grants are awarded annually and may cover travel and primary source reproduction costs. Preference is given to Ph.D. candidates and junior faculty, but senior faculty are also encouraged to apply. Each recipient receives a one-year membership in the Society, fostering further engagement with Bach's music.

The Lymphoma Scientific Research Mentoring Program (LSRMP), offered by the Lymphoma Research Foundation, provides essential mentorship and education for clinical fellows and junior faculty focusing on lymphoma research. With two tracks, one clinical and one laboratory/translational, the program aims to cultivate research skills and foster collaborations. Participants will receive guidance on project development, statistical analysis, and grant submission, ensuring they are well-equipped for future research endeavors in lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

The Lymphoma Research Foundation's Postdoctoral Fellowship Grants support early career researchers dedicated to lymphoma research. Awarding a total of $195,000 over three years, the grant focuses on hypothesis-driven studies relevant to Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Eligible projects include laboratory and clinical research, with a strong emphasis on significant contributions to understanding lymphoma's etiology, immunology, and treatment. Grantees are expected to dedicate 80% of their time to research, ensuring impactful advancements in the field.

The Clinical Investigator Career Development Award offered by the Lymphoma Research Foundation aims to support early-career physician researchers in developing new lymphoma therapies. With a total funding of $375,000 over three years, the program provides salary support and incidental funds for research supplies and professional development. Eligible candidates must have no more than six years of experience post-training, focusing on clinical research design and implementation to enhance their skills and career trajectory.

The Stephen Schwartz Musical Theatre Teacher of the Year Award, presented by The ASCAP Foundation and the Educational Theatre Association, recognizes outstanding middle and high school musical theatre teachers. Awarded annually, the recipient, selected by a panel of experts, will receive a $5,000 prize and be honored at the EdTA Theatre Education Conference in Minneapolis, MN. This prestigious award highlights the significant impact of dedicated educators in shaping the future of musical theatre.

The Morton Gould Young Composer Awards, presented by The ASCAP Foundation, support emerging composers under 30 by recognizing their original concert music. This prestigious award honors Morton Gould's legacy and offers monetary prizes to recipients. Eligible entrants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, aged at least 13, and can submit one original work. Previous winners of three or more awards are ineligible, ensuring a fair opportunity for new talents.

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Community Foundation of Henderson County was incorporated in 1982 by a group of fourteen dedicated and compassionate local leaders with the immediate need to manage two funds - the William C. Armstrong Scholarship Fund and the Charlie Renfrow Scholarship Fund, in addition to providing a permanent vehicle for citizens to give back to their community.

Our Mission is to help people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter. The Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

Bryce A. Malsbary (BAM) Scholarship

The purpose of the Fund is to provide a scholarship for a person seeking higher education at an accredited institution, including but not limited to: vocational, technical, trade, college, or university levels of education. Assistance is for a resident of Henderson County or Polk County, North Carolina, leading to a degree. Candidate must show financial need, GPA 3.0 or higher, and have community service, work, or school activities. Student must be a legal resident of North Carolina.

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Community Foundation of Henderson County was incorporated in 1982 by a group of fourteen dedicated and compassionate local leaders with the immediate need to manage two funds - the William C. Armstrong Scholarship Fund and the Charlie Renfrow Scholarship Fund, in addition to providing a permanent vehicle for citizens to give back to their community.

Our Mission is to help people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter. The Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

Arthur and Lois Jean Stuenkel Scholarship

This scholarship provides financial support to a graduating senior seeking to further his or her education beyond high school. The recipient must be in the top 25% of his or her graduating class and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship is for a worthy student who has participated in sports or extracurricular activities. 

The scholarship is renewable.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation offers Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Awards to support research training in cystic fibrosis. The program provides up to $66,000 in salary support for the first year and $67,000 for the second year, along with $9,000 for research and travel expenses. Applicants focusing on CFTR protein function restoration or gene correction strategies are encouraged to apply. Open to U.S. citizens and residents, preference is given to recent graduates beginning their research careers.

The Gina M. Finzi Memorial Student Summer Fellowship Program, funded by the Lupus Foundation of America, aims to engage students in lupus research across various disciplines. Six awards of $4,000 each will be granted for projects spanning 10 weeks between May and September 2026. Eligible applicants include undergraduate and graduate/medical students, with specific allocation preferences. This initiative promotes valuable research experiences under the guidance of established faculty at accredited institutions.

The David Nason Journalism Scholarship, established by the Nason family and the American Australian Association, supports Australian journalism students and journalists. It offers up to $20,000 for graduate studies or investigative projects in the US. Eligible applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, and either pursuing graduate studies or have a media project agreement in the US. This scholarship promotes the advancement of journalism through international education and experience.

The Graduate Education Indigenous Scholarships, including the Aurora Indigenous Education Scholarship, support Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders to pursue full-time graduate studies in the US. Offering up to $40,000 for living and educational expenses, this initiative encourages Indigenous individuals to engage in Masters, Ph.D., or Postdoctoral Research. Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, actively seeking placement in accredited institutions, and plan to study for at least one year.

Anne K. Petry Scholarship Fund

Established by Summit Education Partnership Foundation to provide scholarships for Akron Public Schools students studying special education.

Amount:

• $1,000

Number of awards:

• 1

Renewal:

• No

The APRA AMCOS Global Professional Development Award, offered by the American Australian Association, provides US$10,000 to an emerging or mid-career Australian artist for career development in the United States. This includes opportunities for recording, collaboration, and travel. Applicants must be APRA AMCOS members and demonstrate how their project enhances cross-cultural exchange. The scholarship supports artistic growth in various fields, fostering connections between Australia and the USA.

Medina County Women's Scholarship FundOriginally established by the American Association of University Women of Medina County to award scholarships to nontraditional female students. A nontraditional student is a woman whose undergraduate education has been interrupted or delayed.Amount:

• Varies

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• Must reapply annually by submission of a new application; however, any applicant cannot be selected more than twice for this scholarship.