Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

The Elizabeth Abrams Memorial Scholarship, established by the Communities Foundation of Texas, offers a one-time award of $3,000 to graduating seniors from specific Plano high schools who were part of their swim teams. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and meet SAT and ACT score requirements. This scholarship honors Elizabeth "Lizzie" Abrams and supports students pursuing their educational goals.

The Carol D. Garling Scholarship, established by Carol D. Garling, provides financial assistance to students pursuing a post-secondary education who have completed at least 30 credit hours at an accredited institution. Offered by the Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, this scholarship is part of a larger initiative to support local students and promote educational advancement within the community. Applications are accepted annually from January to April 1st, encouraging both high school graduates and non-traditional students.

The Giana Foundation Scholarship offers one-year scholarships of up to $5,000 for graduating high school seniors from public schools in Dallas, Collin, or Denton counties. Eligible students must pursue a degree in Visual and/or Performing Arts and maintain a GPA of at least 2.5. The scholarship can be used for tuition, books, and fees at any accredited college or university in the U.S. Up to four scholarships are awarded annually, promoting educational opportunities in the arts.

The Bill Dorsey Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, offers scholarships to students at the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts (BISFA). Designed for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors, this fund helps cover costs related to their arts discipline. Applications are available in the Fall, supporting the foundation's mission to enhance educational opportunities for local students and nurture their artistic talents.

The Mr. & Mrs. W.L. Boyd Schooling Scholarship, established in 1953, provides up to $8,000 in scholarships for graduating seniors from Collin County, Texas high schools. Eligible students must maintain a minimum 3.2 GPA and complete the FAFSA before applying. This initiative, supported by the Communities Foundation of Texas, aims to empower students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions within Texas, fostering community growth and development.

The Van London Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 1953 by Communities Foundation of Texas, offers a one-year scholarship up to $15,000 for students who are blind. This scholarship supports tuition, fees, books, and on-campus housing for those pursuing college or trade school certifications, ensuring that education is accessible to all. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents and in good standing as students.

The Charter Fund: Scale Funding supports nonprofit organizations that operate high-performing public charter schools. It seeks leaders dedicated to expanding their impact, aiming to serve an additional 1,000+ students over the next 3-5 years. The fund offers grants and low-interest loans starting from $750,000, alongside strategic partnerships and community-building initiatives to help schools navigate growth challenges, enhance educational quality, and foster collaboration among charter leaders.

The Black Voices Nomination aims to elevate Black leaders advocating for racial justice by providing financial awards of $20,000 or $50,000. This initiative connects established and emerging Black leaders and supports their efforts to combat systemic inequalities exacerbated by police brutality and the pandemic. Awardees receive not only funding but also additional resources and support to strengthen their impact in building an equitable and anti-racist society.

The Charter Fund: Seed Funding program supports nonprofit organizations operating high-performing public charter schools that aim to expand their reach by serving 250 to 1,000 additional students within two years. Eligible applicants must demonstrate proven leadership, strong academic performance, and a commitment to underserved communities. The fund offers general operating grants ranging from $250,000 to $600,000 to assist leaders in opening new schools, providing vital resources and cohort-based learning opportunities to foster growth and innovation.

The BJA FY 2026 Capital Case Litigation Initiative aims to enhance legal representation in state capital cases. By providing essential funding, this initiative supports both prosecutors and defense attorneys to ensure equitable legal processes for indigent defendants. The U.S. Department of Justice emphasizes the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens' rights. Applications are due by November 5, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. ET, marking a critical opportunity for improvement in capital case litigation.

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 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.

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 Texas DPS Scholarship, offered by the Communities Foundation of Texas, provides financial assistance to current or retired Texas Department of Public Safety employees and their immediate family members. Eligible applicants must be Texas high school graduates or foreign nationals residing in Texas for a year, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and standardized test scores. Scholarships can be applied at accredited colleges or universities in the U.S., fostering educational opportunities for those who serve the community.

About Us

Wisconsin Sea Grant is a statewide program of basic and applied research, education, outreach and technology transfer dedicated to the stewardship and sustainable use of the nation’s Great Lakes and ocean resources.

Headquartered at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the institute is housed in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research’s Aquatic Sciences Center. (See our Water and Land Acknowledgement.) Wisconsin Sea Grant is part of a national network of 34 university-based programs funded through the National Sea Grant College Program, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce and through matching contributions from participating states and the private sector. 

John A. Knauss Marine (and Great Lakes) Policy Fellowship

The University of Wisconsin Sea Grant College Program is accepting applications from graduate students statewide for the National Sea Grant College Program’s John A. Knauss Marine (and Great Lakes) Policy Fellowship Program. The program, established in 1979, provides a unique educational experience to applicants who have an interest in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources. The program matches highly qualified graduate students with “hosts” in the legislative and executive branch of government located in the Washington, D.C. area, for a one year paid internship. Placement opportunities are numerous and very diverse and have typically included offices within Congress, the Executive Office of the President, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Departments of State, Treasury, Transportation, and Energy, in addition to others. Applicants from a variety of backgrounds including natural and social sciences, law, engineering, and communications can be competitive for this fellowship. Fellowships begin June 1, 2027.

The Northwood Woman’s Club Scholarship offers one-year scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 for female students pursuing education at accredited institutions in the U.S. Established in 1953, the scholarship aims to support women in their academic endeavors without restrictions on the field of study. Eligible applicants must be female residents of Dallas or Collin County, Texas, with a minimum GPA of 2.5. This initiative fosters educational growth and community development.

The Horticulture Printers Scholarship, established in memory of Harold & Beky Vanberg, offers up to $5,000 for dependents of Veritiv employees. This one-year scholarship can be applied at any accredited U.S. college or university. Selection criteria include academic achievement, SAT/ACT scores, civic involvement, and financial need. Since 1953, Communities Foundation of Texas has partnered with donors to support educational opportunities, fostering thriving communities through accessible scholarship programs.

The WGPF: National Register Signage Grant Program, administered by the William G Pomeroy Foundation, aims to support public properties and historic districts in the U.S. that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. By providing grants for signage, the program helps these sites commemorate their historic significance and share their achievements with the community, fostering awareness and appreciation for the nation's heritage.

The "Repurposing Research for Chicago - Track 2" grant supports early-stage investigators conducting clinical repurposing trials for unsolved diseases. Researchers must be within 10 years of completing an advanced degree or residency, and trials can utilize telehealth. Funded institutions must be located in the Chicagoland area, with budgets up to $100,000 available. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life through efficient medical repurposing, connecting various stakeholders to expedite treatment delivery.

The CareQuest Emergent & Relief Fund aims to address the unique challenges faced by historically underserved communities in the healthcare system, particularly in oral health. This fund supports innovative approaches, urgent clinical responses, and immediate relief efforts for community crises. Grants are targeted at organizations demonstrating commitment to equity in health services, ensuring that aid reaches those most in need. With a focus on transformative change, this initiative seeks to enhance access and improve health outcomes across diverse populations.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is launching a funding opportunity to establish a research network focused on rapid-acting psychotropic interventional drugs (RAPIDs), including ketamine and psilocybin. This initiative seeks to generate real-world evidence on the effectiveness and safety of these treatments for serious mental illnesses. By addressing critical questions around their implementation in clinical practice, the NIMH aims to facilitate the safe integration of RAPIDs into healthcare, ultimately improving mental health outcomes.

The Child Protection Compact Annual Program Statement invites proposals aimed at combating child trafficking through collaborative efforts between the United States and other countries. This initiative focuses on enhancing the capacity to prosecute traffickers, providing care for victims, and implementing preventive measures. Organizations interested in applying must align with the objectives of the CPC to ensure comprehensive support and effective intervention against all forms of child trafficking.

The Om & Shanti Scholarship, funded by the Communities Foundation of Texas, offers four-year awards of up to $6,000 annually for graduating high school seniors from public high schools in Dallas or Collin Counties. Applicants are required to have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and preference is given to those pursuing a degree at an accredited Texas institution. This initiative aims to support local students in their educational aspirations.

The APA Foundation's Helping Hands Grants provide up to $5,000 to medical schools for projects aimed at improving mental health education and assistance in under-served communities. Initiated in 2005, this program empowers medical students to lead initiatives that promote awareness of mental illness and encourage community service, particularly among minority populations. By partnering with community agencies, these projects foster a deeper interest in psychiatry while addressing critical mental health needs.

The George C. Decas Scholarship, managed by the SouthCoast Community Foundation, offers financial support to graduating high school seniors from Wareham, Massachusetts. Established to assist local students, the scholarship awards recipients over four years contingent upon their academic progress. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster community development, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to philanthropy and regional improvement since 1995.

The George Earl and Katherine Hartley Church Scholarship, managed by the SouthCoast Community Foundation, offers annual scholarships to graduating seniors from Acushnet, Rochester, Marion, and Mattapoisett, MA, as well as students from Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School. This scholarship is aimed at those pursuing nursing degrees (LPN, RN, or BSN) at accredited two- or four-year colleges. It aims to support local students in achieving their educational goals.

The Georgia and Constantine Decas Family Scholarship, established by the SouthCoast Community Foundation, aims to support graduating high school seniors from Wareham, Massachusetts. This scholarship is awarded annually and provides funding for up to four years of education, contingent on the recipient's academic progress. With a commitment to enhancing community well-being, this scholarship reflects the Foundation's dedication to philanthropy and the support of local students in achieving their educational goals.