Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

The JetBlue Foundation is dedicated to enhancing aviation-related education and STEM initiatives, aiming to inspire future aviation leaders. Offering grants up to $50,000, it supports educational organizations that focus on aviation technology, engineering, operations, and maintenance. The foundation prioritizes programs benefiting under-represented communities in aviation, including veterans, women, and diverse groups, ensuring a broader range of voices in the industry.

Communities Foundation of Oklahoma

The Communities Foundation of Oklahoma stems from the vision of Tom McCasland Jr., and Gene Rainbolt. Two decades ago, these gentlemen formed a shared vision to create a single philanthropic organization to serve the charitable needs to rural communities across the great state of Oklahoma. Today, CFO has grown to assist hundreds of efforts in more than 45 counties.

Scholarship Opportunities

CFO offers over 100 diverse scholarship opportunities, empowering students across the state to pursue their educational goals. Each scholarship is tailored to meet unique needs, making higher education more accessible for all.

Tulsa Engineering Scholarship

Provides a $24,000 ($3,000/semester) scholarship to graduating seniors in the Tulsa-area pursuing an engineering degree with a minimum GPA of 3.2 and overall ACT score of 24 or higher, with a minimum math sub-score of 24.

The Convention Inclusion Travel Grant, provided by the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (ASEEES), aims to promote diversity in the field of Slavic and East European studies. It supports BA, MA, and PhD students from diverse backgrounds to attend the ASEEES Annual Convention, fostering understanding of racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ community members, and individuals with disabilities in Eastern Europe and Eurasia.

The Professional Formation of Engineers (PFE) initiative aims to enhance the engineering workforce through integrated research and education. It focuses on developing ethical engineers who can adapt to a changing technical landscape. PFE supports diverse training contexts, including formal education, internships, and community experiences, ensuring clear pathways into the profession. This initiative fosters collaboration among engineers, technical workers, and communities, enhancing the skills needed for global competition and technological advancement.

The American College of Bankruptcy Foundation offers a Pro Bono Grant aimed at supporting legal services organizations that align with its mission. Grants typically do not exceed $15,000, with some exceptions for innovative projects up to $20,000. Eligible initiatives focus on bankruptcy law and pro bono assistance, while ineligible projects include lobbying, fundraising, and those not directly related to debtor-creditor education. The Foundation encourages efforts that promote legal aid for disadvantaged communities.

The AIAA Rising Stars program empowers underrepresented undergraduate students interested in aerospace by providing scholarships to attend key AIAA events like the AVIATION Forum or ASCEND. Participants receive support for travel, conference registration, and unique networking opportunities with industry leaders. This initiative not only fosters professional growth but also helps build lasting relationships in the aerospace community, celebrating the achievements and potential of future innovators in the field.

The Organizational Change in the Professional Formation of Engineers (ENGINEER:OC) initiative promotes innovative research and activities aimed at transforming engineering education and workforce development. Supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), it seeks to enhance access to quality engineering programs across diverse institutions. Projects may involve implementing new curricular innovations or adapting existing models to different contexts, ultimately advancing the professional formation of engineers and fostering inclusive educational pathways.

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. 

Italian-American Republican Club Scholarship

Academic Focus:

• Political science, government, history or pre-law

Award Average:

• $350

For Torrington residents of Italian descent who are entering their junior or senior year at a college or university and are majoring in political science, government, history or pre-law

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Judge and Mrs. Robert D. Horowitz Legal Scholarship Fund

The Judge and Mrs. Robert D. Horowitz Legal Scholarship Fund was established to assist high school graduates in Stark, Columbiana, Carroll, Tuscarawas, Wayne or Holmes County, Ohio. 

This scholarship is renewable.

The Como Charitable Foundation Grants support various programs in human services and education, prioritizing organizations with proven community service records. Funding is available for projects that demonstrate genuine need and a solid fundraising plan. While operating support is a lower priority, proposals are reviewed year-round. The Foundation particularly favors projects benefiting Franklin Parish and surrounding areas, with a focus on capital projects and human resource improvements that promise broad public benefits.

Gulf Coast Community Foundation

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation (GCCF) is dedicated to fostering charitable giving, empowering donors, and enhancing our community by facilitating investments in a diverse array of charitable causes. We serve a pivotal role in attracting, managing and distributing substantial charitable funds to enrich the lives of residents across George, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River, and Stone counties.

Established in 1989 as a 501(c)(3) organization, GCCF has invested more than $110 million into South Mississippi, providing administrative services to more than 120 funds that support local grassroots organizations in achieving their charitable objectives.

Jack A. Wilson Engineering Scholarship Fund

The Jack A. Wilson Engineering Scholarship Fund was established in December 2001 by Ms. Gertrude A. Wilson through the Gulf Coast Community Foundation to honor Mr. Wilson. The purpose of the fund is to award a scholarship for a college, junior college, or graduate school student entering their third or more years of engineering education. Applicants must be residents of Jackson, Harrison or Hancock County. Students meeting the criteria will be awarded a scholarship to be used toward the following, in order of priority: tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies.

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois offers Opportunity Grants of up to $1,000 to support nonprofit organizations facing unforeseen events that disrupt essential services. Applications are accepted anytime, with a response provided within 2-3 weeks. Eligible organizations must serve individuals within a 50-mile radius of Peoria, IL, and be in good standing with the IRS. These grants aim to help organizations like shelters, which may temporarily close due to issues such as infestations.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

St. Ignace Area Community Foundation

The St. Ignace Area Community Foundation (SIACF) was established in 1995 by a group of concerned citizens who recognized a need and found access to some matching grant funds to enhance the initial contributions to the SIACF. Organized as a member of the Community Foundations of the Upper Peninsula (CFUP), Jack Swope, Fred Stearns, and Dr. A.D. (Don) McKinnon secured an anonymous contribution establishing the Education Enhancement Fund and a contribution from the local American Legion Post establishing the American Legion Fund as the initial Funds within SIACF.

Community Service Scholarship

The St. Ignace Community Fund annually awards scholarships assisting students with higher education based largely on acknowledgement of student responsibility, community service, and civic involvement. These Scholarships are made possible through the generosity of donors to the various accounts within the St. Ignace Area Community Fund. Some accounts specifically are awarded to recognize higher education in the areas of special education, teaching, law enforcement, and health care.  

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

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 may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• 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.

Edward and Joan Noonan Scholarship Fund

To support students from Hampden County, studying engineering with a preference for students studying aerospace engineering or fly as an extracurricular activity.”

The BHW Women in STEM Academic Scholarship is a new initiative by The BHW Group, aimed at supporting women pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in undergraduate or master's programs at universities in the United States. This scholarship emphasizes the importance of female representation in STEM fields and provides financial assistance directly to the winner's educational institution.

The AWS Imagine Grant Program aims to empower U.S.-based nonprofit organizations by prioritizing technology in their projects. This initiative offers three award categories: The Pathfinder Award for innovative generative AI projects, the Go Further, Faster Award for cloud-based solutions, and the Momentum to Modernize Award for foundational tech projects. Each category provides significant financial support, AWS promotional credits, and implementation guidance to help nonprofits achieve their mission-driven goals.

The Mary J. Mullarkey Scholarship, funded by The Denver Foundation, supports students of color, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals pursuing law degrees at accredited U.S. law schools. Eligible candidates must be graduating with an undergraduate degree from an accredited Colorado college or St. Norbert College, demonstrate financial need, and show academic excellence along with community contributions. One scholarship of up to $10,000 is awarded annually based on these criteria, promoting diversity in legal education.

The Borchard Foundation Fellowship in Law and Aging offers two-year fellowships for law school graduates pursuing careers in law and aging. The fellowship provides $62,000 annually, with support for professional development and networking opportunities. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or residents and have a host agency to supervise their projects. The fellowship begins around July 1 or September 1, depending on Bar admission status, allowing flexibility in work location within the U.S.

The Willson Center Faculty Research Fellowship at the University of Georgia supports tenured and tenure-track faculty in their arts and humanities research. This fellowship, awarded every five years, encourages interdisciplinary work and provides course release from two assigned courses. It aims to foster excellence in creative practice and scholarly activities, ensuring a conducive environment for faculty to pursue their research goals effectively.

The Fujieki Family Foundation Scholarship Fund supports graduates of Hawaii public high schools, established in 2018. Eligible applicants must be Hawaii residents with financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7, and plan to attend an accredited college or university in the U.S. Preference is given to those pursuing an AAS degree. This scholarship empowers local youth by providing essential financial support for their higher education.

The Junior and Senior Faculty Research Grants in Humanities and Arts Program at the University of Georgia supports tenured or tenure-track faculty in developing impactful research or creative projects. These grants serve as seed funding, fostering growth towards external awards and significant recognition through various forms of creative output. Proposals are welcomed annually, with eligibility limited to one submission per individual per year, ensuring focused and meaningful contributions to the humanities and arts.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Ken and Mary Beth Monnier Engineering Scholarship

Shelby County high school senior with a GPA of no less than 3.0, who is pursuing an ABET accredited Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering.

Selection based upon (in order of priority):

• Demonstrated community and school service, academic ability, financial need, and recommendations.

Awards

• Two $2,000 scholarships

The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) aims to cultivate skilled clinician-scientist leaders to meet the nation's biomedical research demands. It supports domestic organizations in developing dual-degree training that integrates clinical and research education, leading to both a clinical degree (e.g., M.D., D.O.) and a Ph.D. Through comprehensive mentoring and career development, MSTP prepares trainees for impactful careers in health-related research, ensuring a robust pipeline of qualified scientists.

Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund

The American Bar Association (ABA) awards an annual Legal Opportunity Scholarship to first-year law students. The program's mission is committed to enhancing the diversity, equity, and inclusion of the legal profession. The ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship grants $15,000 of financial aid to 20 - 25 incoming law students over their three years in law school. Since its inception, the ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship has benefitted more than 400 students from across the country.

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.

The Waltman - Howard Scholarship Fund

The Waltman – Howard Scholarship Fund was established by Kevin Howard, a 2015 graduate of Harper Creek, in honor of Sharon Waltman’s distinguished teaching career at Harper Creek Community Schools. Mrs. Waltman was Kevin’s 4th-grade teacher at Beadle Lake Elementary. She has made a tremendous impact on his life as she has done for countless other students in our community. Since finishing a successful 4th-grade year, Kevin and Mrs. Waltman have maintained a friendship to this day. Mrs. Waltman’s class helped inspire Kevin’s career in social impact. Mrs. Waltman is within a few years of retirement and is excited to see where the next chapter takes her. This scholarship is intended to recognize and support a Harper Creek student who embodies Mrs. Waltman’s dedication to education and her commitment to making a positive impact in one’s community.

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.

Urban League of Battle Creek Scholarship Fund

The Southwestern Michigan Urban League is an affiliate of the National Urban League, a historic civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment in order to elevate the standard of living in historically underserved urban communities. The NUL was founded in 1910 and is headquartered in New York City. The Southwestern Michigan Urban League, founded in 1966, is proud to support minority students from the Battle Creek Area who are actively involved in the community and pursuing their academic goals. This is one way in which the Urban League is working to support the dreams of our youth.