Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

The Springfield Women’s Club Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, aims to support women over 19 from Hampden County pursuing two- or four-year degrees. Eligible students can apply through a single online application that matches them with various scholarships, providing up to $3,000 in financial assistance. This initiative encourages women to further their education while addressing the unique needs of the community.

The Eugene and Nell Petrucci Fund #1, established in 1945 by The Pittsburgh Foundation, offers scholarships to graduating seniors from specific local schools. It aims to support students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions, with a focus on those demonstrating financial need. Managed by one of the oldest community foundations in the U.S., this fund reflects a commitment to enhance educational opportunities and improve the quality of life in the region.

The Freda Gray Charitable Fund, established by The Pittsburgh Foundation, offers scholarships for undergraduate students majoring in foreign languages. This initiative supports students from Allegheny County, PA, who have demonstrated academic excellence with a minimum GPA of 3.0. By providing financial assistance, the fund aims to empower future generations in their pursuit of education, fostering a diverse and skilled workforce in the field of languages. The Pittsburgh Foundation has been a leader in community support since 1945.

The Irene S. and Harry Louik College Scholarship Fund, established in 2001 by The Pittsburgh Foundation, supports students pursuing careers in the performing arts. Eligible applicants must be full-time juniors or seniors at a four-year college, have graduated from an Allegheny County high school, show financial need, and demonstrate a commitment to building audiences for the arts. Preference is given to those who appreciate broader cultural experiences beyond the performing arts.

The Springfield Teachers Club Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, supports graduates of Springfield public high schools residing in Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties. The fund offers scholarships up to $3,000 to eligible students enrolling in accredited post-secondary schools. Applicants are advised to consult with their financial aid offices, as scholarship awards may affect financial aid packages. This initiative aims to promote educational opportunities for local students.

The James L. Shriver Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, provides financial assistance to students from western Massachusetts pursuing technical careers. Eligible applicants include undergraduate or graduate students attending accredited post-secondary institutions in the U.S. Scholarships can reach up to $3,000 and may impact financial aid offers, so students should consult their college financial aid offices for guidance. This initiative supports diverse students aiming for technical fields.

Handweavers Guild of America

HGA is an international membership association created to encourage excellence, inspire creativity, and preserve fiber arts traditions through education and community. Our mission is to educate, support and inspire the fiber art community.

Founded in 1969 to inspire creativity and encourage excellence in the fiber arts, the Handweavers Guild of America, Inc., brings together weavers, spinners, dyers, basketmakers, fiber artists, and educators. HGA provides educational programs, conferences, and an award-winning quarterly publication, Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot, to its members as it seeks to increase awareness of and appreciation for the fiber arts.

Dendel Scholarship

Description

The Handweavers Guild of America, Inc. (HGA) offers the Dendel scholarship for students enrolled in accredited academic programs in the United States and Canada. The scholarship funds students furthering their education in the field of fiber arts, including textile research, history, and conservation. Rather than financial need, scholarship funds are awarded based on artistic and technical excellence and/or on demonstrated excellence in research of textiles, textile history, and textile conservation.

The Dendel Scholarship is made possible by a generous donation in honor of the late Gerald and Esther Dendel to foster studies in handweaving.

Dendel Scholarship funds can be used for tuition as well as materials or travel determined on a case-by-case basis. Applicants will be judged on their skill and dedication to handweaving.

About Us

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Our Promise

To help you help others through the most effective philanthropy possible.

Richard P. Seiter Scholarship

Richard P. Seiter was a career correctional professional who served as Director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC) for several years. He began working in corrections after receiving his Ph.D. from The Ohio State University. Dr. Seiter established this scholarship for children of current DRC employees to recognize the commitment of these employees and their service to the State of Ohio. Dr. Seiter established the scholarship with the belief that education (just like in his own life) can set a person’s course for life and put them on the past for success. He values the dedication of people who give their careers to public service, and especially those who work in the difficult jobs of corrections. He believes that if a scholarship can help them with their children, it is an investment in the future of our country and state that is a legacy he wants to leave.

About Us

Leadership. Collaboration. Impact.

The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley helps philanthropists support the causes closest to their heart while connecting local residents to the resources they need for a better quality of life.

Our Mission

To serve as a leader and advocate for strategic philanthropy, partnering with donors to anchor a permanent and growing endowment and making investments in the Mahoning Valley that improve the quality of life for all residents.

Scholarship Opportunities

Your Community, Your Support System

Our community members support hundreds of local students every year through various scholarships facilitated by the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

Awarded to Mahoning Valley college students pursuing nursing degrees.

About Us

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Our Promise

To help you help others through the most effective philanthropy possible.

Mary M. Yost Journalism Scholarship

As a journalist, Mary M. Yost proudly served her hometown community for more than 25 years with her thoughtful, balanced and thorough reporting and writing. She was the epitome of a talented journalist, with a keen interest in the community she covered. Her sense of fairness and her compassion and caring for others and for the issues she covered came through clearly in her interactions with the public and in her reporting and writing. As one of few women in the newsroom when she started out, she was a pioneer who gladly offered advice and mentorship to those who followed. She served the community as a long-time journalist and editor on The Columbus Dispatch and as a senior member of the Ohio Hospital Association and on a variety of community boards and commissions.

About Us

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Our Promise

To help you help others through the most effective philanthropy possible.

Kiwanis Club of Columbus - Speakers' Scholarship

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time. There are more than 8,000 clubs worldwide, in 80+ countries. Kiwanis Club of Columbus was founded in 1916, and is the fifth oldest club. We are an engaging, vibrant group of volunteers involved in hands-on projects right here in downtown Columbus. Our Kiwanis Club encourages camaraderie and fellowship through weekly luncheon meetings, featuring world-class speakers tackling timely topics. In addition, the Kiwanis Club of Columbus provides a wide range of opportunities to volunteer time and talent to make a difference in our community.

The National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship offers U.S. citizens and nationals the opportunity to pursue doctoral degrees in science and engineering fields critical to the Department of Defense. Awardees receive full tuition coverage, a monthly stipend of $3,600, and health insurance support. With over 4,400 fellowships awarded since its inception, the program aims to foster the next generation of scientists and engineers, encouraging diverse applicants to align their research with DoD priorities.

About Us

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Our Promise

To help you help others through the most effective philanthropy possible.

William Ammer Memorial Educational Trust Fund of the Pickaway County Community Foundation

Judge Ammer was born in Circleville on May 21, 1919, son of the late Moses S. and Mary Ammer. As a graduate of Circleville High School, he continued his education at The Ohio State University (OSU), where he received his bachelor’s degree in business administration. Following three and one-half years of service in the Army during World War II, he came back to OSU and completed a Juris Doctor degree. He served as Ohio Attorney General; Examiner, Industrial commission of Ohio; Assistant Attorney General of Ohio; Prosecuting Attorney in Pickaway County; and was later appointed by Ohio Governor William O’Neill as Common Pleas Judge, Pickaway County. Serving six terms, he handled more than 30,000 cases. After serving 37 years on the bench, Judge Ammer retired, but continued to support and provide service to his community. He was noted for his generous nature by belonging to nearly every civic and service organization in the community.

About Us

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Our Promise

To help you help others through the most effective philanthropy possible.

Dorothy Cage Memorial Scholarship

Dorothy Cage's dream was to ensure underserved and economically challenged youth in our community had the tools they needed to succeed in life. Dorothy and her family awarded hundreds of scholarships and invested in laptops, books, and school-related expenses for youth in need. She had a gift for revealing to young people their own potential. By demonstrating her genuine care and affection for them, Dorothy instilled pride and self-confidence and inspired students to achieve greatness. Her legacy will be seen in the successful lives of the students for whom she committed her time, resources, and love. This scholarship fund honors Dorothy’s memory as a shining example of a life well lived.

Team Endowment Grants

Teams with a MidwayUSA Foundation endowment balance may apply to receive 5% of their endowment balance once per year, in either June or December. Grant funds can be used for team expenses, such as ammunition, travel, uniforms, range and entry fees, and more.

Range Development Grants

These competitive range development cash grants will provide funds to allow existing ranges to make improvements and expansions.

A fundamental need of a shooting team is a place to shoot. These competitive funds will provide the opportunity for existing ranges to make improvements and expansions to allow for more youth-oriented shooting activities. Team and Agency endowment holders are encouraged to work with their respective shooting range(s) to identify needs and complete grant application requirements. Currently, MidwayUSA Foundation Donor Designated endowment holders are not eligible to apply.

We accept Range Development grant applications via our online grant application process once per year. The applications are reviewed and awarded by the MidwayUSA Foundation. These competitive cash grants are awarded to grant recipients in June. Awarded projects are subject to a visit by Foundation staff and may be audited to ensure use as directed in the application.

While the Range Development grants are meant for MidwayUSA Foundation Team and Agency endowment holders, certain non-endowment holding organizations, primarily conservation groups and universities, may apply if they are directly benefiting local youth shooting teams and their associated range development grant will enable more youth to become involved in the youth shooting sports.

Many conservation groups and state wildlife agencies build and operate public target shooting facilities using federal excise tax monies as a key source of funds for these projects. In some occurrences, it is possible these non-endowment holders may prove eligible for a Range Development grant. In most cases these groups will pursue R3 (Recruitment, Retention, Reactivation) conservation grants funded by the Pittman-Robertson/Wildlife Restoration Act to acquire 90% of their range expansion funding, while seeking the remaining 10% through other sources. It is possible that the Range Development grant can provide the remaining 10% if certain requirements are met.

Colleges and universities that do not operate their own shooting range may utilize public target shooting facilities for their team’s practice. In some occurrences, it is possible these non-endowment holders may prove eligible for a Range Development grant. In these instances, the non-grant portion of the range development budget can be met with funds acquired by the college/university, shooting range, or a combination of the two. If your conservation, wildlife agency, college, or university is interested in a Range Development Grant, contact us.

Coach Training Grants

These competitive cash grants will fund the certification of youth shooting sports coach candidates.

Qualified coaches are an integral piece to the expansion of youth shooting sports. To continue providing more opportunities for our youth in shooting sports, we will offer competitive grants to fund the certification of more coaches. MidwayUSA Foundation Agency and Donor-Designated Endowment holders will be eligible for Coach Training grants. Teams or individuals interested in our Coach Training grant program should reach out to a state or national organization.

The intent of the Coach Training Grant Program is to develop coaches that can assist youth shooters behind and on the firing line. Grant funds must be utilized to provide coaches with basic or advanced-level certifications. This can include skills training, shooting clinics, train-the-trainer, or other coach training. Prospective coach candidates must be affiliated with an endowment holding team or organization.

City Barbeque Scholarship Fund-Employees/Dependents

The City Barbeque Employee and Dependent Scholarship Fund is intended to promote educational opportunities for employees, and/or dependents of City Barbeque employees, in their chosen field of study.

Award Amount:

• Five scholarships at $3,000 each

James L. Allen Scholarship Fund

The scholarship was established by James L. Allen, a dedicated community leader who served with the Columbus Urban League (1938–1954) and later with the UNCF (1960–1995), raising millions to support higher education for African-American students. He worked for many years in public accounting and real estate, and was an active member of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church and various other organizations. His contributions to the Columbus community and beyond have earned him numerous awards for his professional and community service.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $1,000

The Simon Greenstone Panatier Scholarship, offered by the Communities Foundation of Texas, provides annual scholarships totaling $50,000 for students affected by cancer. Eligible applicants include high school seniors from Dallas County or previous SGP recipients, who have a personal or familial cancer diagnosis. With a minimum GPA of 3.0 and SAT/ACT score requirements, this scholarship aims to support educational pursuits at accredited institutions across the U.S.

The Elizabeth Anne Ala Scholarship, established by Communities Foundation of Texas, offers a $2,000 scholarship to a graduating senior from any Garland ISD high school who has excelled in a bilingual studies/ESL program. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 overall and a 3.5 in bilingual/ESL classes, and must be U.S. citizens or documented residents. This initiative aims to support students in pursuing higher education.

Roberta Jones Booth Scholarship Fund

Family and friends established this scholarship in memory of Roberta Jones Booth for her love and support of her community. This scholarship will support students from the community of the Marion Franklin Civic Association boundaries.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $500

The John and Rheba Myers Scholarship, established by the Communities Foundation of Texas, offers financial assistance for up to full tuition and fees to graduating high school seniors or residents from Kaufman, Van Zandt, Wood, and Smith Counties. Eligible candidates must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and meet SAT or ACT score requirements. This scholarship supports academic pursuits at any accredited institution in the U.S., with no restrictions on fields of study.

The James R. and Joanne K. Burgoon Endowment, established by a bequest from James R. Burgoon, honors the couple's legacy of service and education in Westerville, Ohio. With a focus on supporting students pursuing accounting or law, this endowment reflects their commitment to community betterment. Managed by The Columbus Foundation, one of the largest community foundations in the nation, it aims to foster educational opportunities for deserving candidates, particularly those with ties to Westerville.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Scholarships

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

Grand Rapids Combined Theatre Scholarships

Open to full-time theatre arts majors at an accredited college/university in the U.S., who also have current or previous involvement in Grand Rapids community theater (Civic, Circle, Actors, Jewish, Heritage, Master Arts theaters), or with the theater program at Aquinas, Calvin, GRCC, or GVSU. Four scholarships are awarded annually, three of those are in honor of Norma Brinks, David and Emma Nicollette and Paul Dreher.

Who We Are

The Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF) is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization committed to improving patients’ lives by funding musculoskeletal research that advances clinical practice. OREF was founded in 1955 by orthopaedic surgeons to help their colleagues investigate research questions important to the field, independent of commercial concerns. Since 1955, OREF has awarded more than 4,700 grants, providing nearly $150 million in support of musculoskeletal research.

OREF/Georgetown Medical Student Research Grant

Provides funding to medical students who are interested in orthopaedic and/or musculoskeletal research. The medical student will learn to write a competitive research proposal and will develop a relationship with a mentor who has research experience. The mentor may be an orthopaedic resident.

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

Paul Collins Scholarship

Open to undergraduate students who are residents of Kent County who will study visual or performing arts and have a minimum 2.5 GPA.