Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Knowles Future Teacher Scholarship Fund

The Knowles family has a history of being in the education field, and greatly values the teaching profession. The Knowles Future teacher Scholarship was established by the Knowles family and friends to encourage the next generation of teachers to continue their education past high school. Selection is based on acceptance to a college or university with a major in Education and a 3.0 GPA minimum. Evidence of good character, volunteer service, and demonstrated commitment to youth in a school setting area also selection considerations.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Little Red Schoolhouse Scholarship Fund 

To support residents of Hampshire or Franklin County studying education with a preference for those studying Early Childhood Education, elementary or special education.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) orchestrates the basic research program for the Air Force Research Laboratory, aligning with technical guidance and Air Force needs. It promotes collaboration among Air Force, universities, and industry, ensuring that research effectively transitions to support military capabilities. AFOSR's focus encompasses significant areas of research organized under two scientific departments, enhancing national defense and peacekeeping operations.

The Community Foundation of Marquette County distributes over $130,000 annually in scholarships to benefit aspiring students in Marquette County.

Meggan Eiben Memorial Scholarship Fund

Provides financial assistance to students of Marquette Area Public Schools entering a college educational program in the field of teaching. 

Distribution Process

• CFMC scholarship recipients will be contacted in June requesting student enrollment verification
• Scholarships can only be distributed once student’s information is received
• Scholarships will be distributed to the college/school/university indicated by student
• The scholarship must be used for tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of the student at a qualifying educational institution; fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at such an educational institution; and room and board, within the first semester of first year of students enrollment
• That year’s recipient must claim the scholarship within that fiscal year to be distributed (by 12/31/xx)

About Us

Some say natural is the new normal – but at Sprouts, there’s nothing new about natural foods! Back in 2002, we opened our first store in an effort to make natural foods accessible to everyone. Up until then, grocers offering fresh, organic choices were either too expensive to shop or too hard to find. We wanted to be different! No more weaving through a maze of narrow aisles without anyone offering to help. No more ingredient lists featuring 40 unpronounceable chemicals. And most of all, no more spending an entire paycheck for food from the honest effort of a farmer – not a factory.

To us, being different is good!

People thought we were crazy when we wouldn’t sell the country’s top-selling sodas, snacks and candy. But we believed that eating clean and living healthy was more than just a trend. At Sprouts, it’s our passion. And we knew that by focusing on farm-fresh produce and other healthy, affordable items, we could create a grocery experience where you didn’t have to be wealthy to eat healthy!

So think of Sprouts as all of the very best parts of a real farmers market under one roof, open every day of the week. With our commitment to value in every department, and knowledgeable and friendly team members, we’re confident that once you shop Sprouts you’ll think different is good too.

Today we have grown to more than 380 stores with approximately 31,000 team members. It’s these individuals who are the key to our success. They’re the ones who put good at the heart of everything we do at Sprouts … every day, in every community, with every guest.

Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation: Event Sponsorship

Thank you for considering Sprouts to support your organization. We value the opportunity to partner with local nonprofit organizations in the communities where our stores operate and are happy to lend a hand when we can.

Request Guidelines

Every day, Sprouts receives numerous donation and sponsorship requests. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we regret we cannot approve every request.

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is inviting applications for its Coordinating Center within the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM). Established in 1965, the NNLM enhances public access to health information through collaboration with libraries and community organizations. The NCC will oversee network administration and evaluation, fostering partnerships and supporting local clinical research. This initiative aims to expand NIH engagement and improve public understanding of health resources and information available through the NNLM.

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is seeking applications for a Training Center under the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM). This initiative aims to enhance professional development for librarians, community engagement, and access to health information. By fostering partnerships and disseminating NIH resources, the NNLM will broaden its impact and improve public understanding of health data and information. The NTC will develop innovative training curricula and materials to meet diverse audience needs.

The Stanley C. Israel Regional Award for Advancing Diversity in the Chemical Sciences recognizes individuals or institutions promoting inclusiveness in the chemical sciences. This award includes a medal, a $1,250 grant, and reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,500 for attending the ACS regional meeting where the award is presented. Eligible nominees must foster programs that increase participation from diverse groups in the chemical enterprise.

The Chapman Prize, established by the Daniel and Barbara Chapman Trust, honors individuals and organizations making significant contributions to American society. Each year, the award focuses on a theme; in 2025, it will spotlight Economic Prosperity. Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens and nonprofits with three years of charitable work demonstrating impact in the chosen field. Approximately $100,000 will be awarded annually to support endeavors that enhance economic prosperity through various initiatives.

The O. H. Ammann Research Fellowship in Structural Engineering, awarded by the American Society of Civil Engineers, supports innovative research in structural design and construction. This prestigious fellowship is aimed at members in good standing and encourages original contributions to the field. Recipients must demonstrate the ability to explore new ideas and may not engage in other research during the fellowship term. This initiative strengthens the expertise within the civil engineering profession globally.

The IEEE Computer Society Grant, offered by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, provides funding up to $10,000 to support STEM outreach efforts. This program encourages IEEE members to engage pre-university students in engineering and computing through various initiatives. With multiple funding levels, it aims to inspire the next generation of technology innovators and promote awareness of the engineering profession, ensuring that engineering is accessible and exciting for all.

The Bergel Institute Fellowship - FS1: Cutting Edge or Pseudoscience? invites individuals to explore the intersection of science and human potential. This immersive program seeks to rigorously analyze over a century of scientific advancement, examining theories from quantum mechanics to consciousness. Through intensive research and mentorship, fellows will develop a comprehensive study that aims to redefine the applications of validated scientific theories, fostering public understanding and contributing to the evolution of human knowledge.

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is seeking applications to establish Regional Medical Libraries within the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM). Since 1965, the NNLM has enhanced public health information access through partnerships with libraries and health organizations. The initiative aims to improve community engagement, disseminate NIH research findings, and foster collaborations to promote health literacy and access to biomedical data, thereby supporting local clinical research efforts.

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation and KidsGardening offer the GroMoreGood Grassroots Grant to enhance community gardens across the U.S. This initiative supports programs that engage under-resourced communities, focusing on youth participation. In 2026, 120 grants of $750 will be awarded, with additional funding opportunities available through specialty awards for programs addressing specific needs, including those serving LGBTQ+ youth and communities of color.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Leland, Dorothea, & Barbara McLain Scholarship Fund

The Leland, Dorothea, & Barbara McLain Scholarship was established by Barbara in honor of her parents who provided a good home and strong upbringing for her. The fund provides a scholarship to graduates and graduating seniors of Battle Creek area public high schools who are pursuing a career in education.

Since 1977, MAHF has provided grants to help fund almost 50 research and educational projects through individuals and institutions to improve the health and welfare of all animals. These grants have improved veterinary care, animal housing and medical techniques for all species for animals.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

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

Brenda and Charles Muller Scholarship

Brenda Muller was an avid reader. The last seven years of her career with the State of Ohio were in the Department of Education. Charles Muller was the recipient of a scholarship that made an otherwise unobtainable college education possible. His studies of America’s material culture could not have been without the assistance of many libraries. Libraries are the keepers of history, the preservers of culture and the gateway to the pursuit of intellectual curiosity.

About the Foundation

Mission

The Hoover Presidential Foundation strengthens the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum and Herbert Hoover National Historic Site by inspiring leadership, service, and civic responsibility grounded in the Hoovers’ life and values.

Vision

A future where Herbert Hoover’s uncommon legacy inspires generations to live with purpose, serve with compassion, and create lasting civic impact.

Herbert Hoover Presentation Travel Grant

The Herbert Hoover Presentation Travel Grant Program helps scholars share new research and insights about Herbert Hoover and his enduring impact on American public life, humanitarian service, and global affairs. By supporting presentations at scholarly conferences and professional gatherings, the program encourages broader understanding and appreciation of the ideas, values, and legacy of Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover.

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to establish a fund with us. 

St Joseph School District Foundation Wright, Gary C Scholarship

This fund was established in memory of Gary C Wright by his family to provide academic scholarships to graduating seniors of the St. Joseph School District intending to major in education with preference given to those in math and/or science.

Guidelines:

• Scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis and disbursed in August.
• Awards are non-renewable.

Amount:

• $250 - $500

The Vanguard

Remuseum announces The Vanguard, an award and accelerator for innovative leaders in the visual and performing arts, in partnership with the Doris Duke Foundation. The Vanguard’s $100,000 annual award will recognize up to ten leaders who are exploring new ways to strengthen arts institutions, and a year-long accelerator will help them refine, implement, and evaluate their ideas. The first award and accelerator of its kind, The Vanguard celebrates leaders who are ready to center the public in their work in new ways, building models for increased relevance and sustainability in the arts.

The Program

The $100,000 grant that accompanies each award will go to that leader’s institution, to support ideas developed in The Vanguard’s 12-month accelerator program. That program begins with a week-long retreat at Shangri La, the Doris Duke Foundation’s global center for culture and ideas in Honolulu, Hawaii, followed by a year of monthly coaching sessions, regional peer gatherings, and collaborative workshops, culminating in a public presentation of their work and findings to the broader arts community. The accelerator and its curriculum, tailored specifically for cultural leaders, has been designed by Jenny Larios Berlin, entrepreneur in the creative and tech sectors and Lecturer at MIT Sloan School of Management, and will be co-taught with Gregory Bunch, entrepreneur and Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and will be advised by Ethernet Inventors Professor of Entrepreneurship Bill Aulet, Managing Director of the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship.

By year’s end, members of The Vanguard will have built an intellectual kinship with each other while modeling a spirit of innovative leadership for the field. Remuseum will continue evaluating and sharing their work as case studies for cultural organizations broadly, and future classes will continue expanding a Vanguard of leaders (10, then 20, and on) who build models of success for cultural organizations in the 21st Century, allowing arts & cultural institutions not just to survive but to support a stronger and more pluralistic civil society.

John A. & Louise V. Maslin Scholarship

Essay:

• On the topic “The Importance of Art, Science or Math in Society.”

Award:

• One time award of $1,000.

The Beveridge Family Prize in American History, awarded annually by the American Historical Association since 1945, recognizes exceptional historical writing. Eligible works include biographies, monographs, and interpretations published in 2024. This prestigious award honors Senator Albert J. Beveridge and aims to promote outstanding scholarship on American, Latin American, and Canadian history. Recipients will be announced in October 2025 and celebrated at the 2026 AHA annual meeting in Chicago.

Burns and McDonnell, a 100% employee-owned firm, partners with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to enhance access to STEM education. By expanding PLTW Computer Science programs in local schools, they aim to engage students in real-world challenges and equip them with essential skills. Eligible schools must be located in specific counties and serve a majority of students from low-income backgrounds. This initiative supports the growth of STEM education, fostering a brighter future for communities through enhanced learning opportunities.

The Zimmer Biomet Foundation offers educational grants to support organizations that focus on scientific, clinical, or healthcare education. These grants promote educational programs, independent conferences, and resident education, ensuring that the content remains unbiased and free from influence. Eligible applicants include educational institutions, training hospitals, and medical associations, while requests from individuals or private practices are not supported. By fostering education in healthcare, the foundation aims to improve community well-being and advance medical knowledge.

Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) 

Founded in 1967, the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) is a national community of academic leaders committed to developing an accomplished family medicine workforce, prepared to serve as the foundation of America’s health care system. Our members include physicians, PAs, nurse practitioners, behavioral health specialists, researchers, pharmacists, nurses and other health care professionals, health system executives, administrators, coordinators, fellows, residents, students, and others involved in the education of family physicians. 

STFM Advocate Award

This award honors STFM member(s) for outstanding work in political advocacy at the local, state, or national level. The recipient's efforts are not restricted to legislative work but cannot be solely individual patient advocacy.

The recipient(s) of this award are honored during the STFM Annual Spring Conference. The award winner will receive a commemorative award and a complimentary registration to the conference. 

The JGE Outstanding Reviewer Award, presented by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, recognizes exceptional reviewers for their quality and quantity of contributions to the Journal of Geoscience Education. Eligible nominators include JGE authors and Editorial Board members, who must describe the nominee's outstanding peer-review contributions. This prestigious award aims to honor those who enhance the journal's integrity and effectiveness in geoscience education.

The Edmond M. Dewan Young Scientist Scholarship for Atmospheric Sciences and Space Physics supports graduate students tackling challenges in atmospheric science and space physics. Funded by the Edmond M. Dewan Young Scientist Scholarship Fund, this scholarship encourages innovative research. Eligible applicants are active AGU student members pursuing graduate studies with a minimum GPA of 3.4. While scholarship recipients do not automatically receive travel grants for AGU’s Annual Meeting, they are encouraged to apply for them separately.