Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

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.

Ronald A. Copes Scholarship Fund

Supporting graduating high school seniors from Springfield, MA or Hartford, CT who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and who indicate participation in extracurricular activities.

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.

Ruth L. Brocklebank Memorial Scholarship Fund

Supporting African American graduates of Springfield high schools.

The Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation, established in 2001 by Mark and Jim Wahlberg, aims to support youth service programs that eliminate barriers to success for inner city youth. By providing financial and community support, the foundation empowers young individuals to achieve their potential and dreams, fostering a nurturing environment reminiscent of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, where Mark spent his formative years.

AMA Foundation

Founded in 1950, the AMA Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the American Medical Association. Its mission is to bring together physicians and communities to improve the nation's health. The AMA Foundation is dedicated to fostering leadership, providing crucial grant funding, offering valuable medical school tips and much more. It provides charitable grants to financially support innovative partnerships of physician-led, community-based agencies, including free clinics. It also recognizes and fosters the development of the next generation of physician leaders through scholarships, mentorship and ongoing training. At the heart of the AMA Foundation lies a commitment to forging connections between physicians and the communities they serve.

The AMA Foundation Leadership Development Institute

Program Overview

The Leadership Development Institute is dedicated to cultivating an aspiring cohort of physician leaders who are committed to their patients, their communities, and the future of health care.

Designed for medical students, this competitive, yearlong program provides participants with professional development opportunities and individualized mentorship from experienced physician leaders. Through the LDI, participants gain the tools, confidence, and perspective needed to navigate medical school, explore leadership pathways, and contribute to organized medicine throughout their careers.

What to Expect

• Monthly virtual webinars
• An in-person convening during the 2026 AMA House of Delegates Interim Meeting
• A June culmination weekend during the 2027 AMA House of Delegates Annual Meeting
• One-to-one mentorship with an experienced physician leader
• Opportunities to build relationships with leaders across organized medicine

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.

Elaine Laughlin Scholarship

Selection based upon (in order of priority):

Financial need, academic ability, demonstrated community and school service, and recommendations.

Awards

• Two $1,000 scholarships

The National Center for Construction Safety and Health Research and Translation (U54) aims to enhance worker safety in the construction industry through innovative research and intervention strategies. By fostering partnerships and focusing on evidence-based solutions, the Center will address critical safety and health challenges faced by construction workers. The initiative aligns with NIOSH's strategic objectives, promoting collaboration among academic institutions and organizations to improve health outcomes and reduce the occupational health burden in this vital sector.

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Shasta Health Rock Stars Scholarship Fund

The Shasta Health Rock Stars Scholarship Fund benefits and supports students who are actively pursuing a career in health and are currently enrolled in college or graduate programs. Health is broadly interpreted as the fields of medical, dental, behavioral health, addiction treatment services or public health. An ideal applicant will have an interest in staying in or returning to Shasta County after program completion to work in a health career supporting the medically underserved.

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.

Adam E. Huelskamp Scholarship

A college student who resides in school districts in Shelby, Auglaize or Mercer County, Ohio.

Selection based upon:

Demonstrated community and school service, financial need, employment history, and an additional essay of no less than 100 words and no more than 200 words on a designated topic.

Awards

• One $1,000 scholarship

The PEN America: Phyllis Naylor Grant for Children’s and Young Adult Novelists awards $5,000 annually to authors of children's or young adult fiction. This grant supports writers at critical stages in their careers, specifically for a novel-in-progress. Candidates must have published works that received positive critical reception but limited sales. Self-published works and collaborative manuscripts are ineligible, ensuring that the grant focuses on authors with established literary merit.

The Joan K. Hunt and Rachel M. Hunt Summer Scholarship in Field Botany aims to promote the study of field botany among students in the U.S. by providing a $3500 annual grant for summer study opportunities. Eligible students include undergraduates and graduate students up to the master's degree level, who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The scholarship encourages hands-on experience in various botanical projects, enhancing the understanding and appreciation of botany in horticulture.

The Garden Club of America Fellowship in Tropical Botany aims to enhance the preservation of tropical forests by increasing the number of botanists with practical field experience. Established in 1983, the fellowship provides two grants of $5,500 annually for doctoral candidates pursuing research in tropical plant systematics and forest ecology. Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in U.S. institutions, who are expected to complete their Ph.D. in Botany within two years.

The NDEP STEM Open NFO invites innovative proposals for research and implementation of effective STEM education and outreach programs. This continuously open announcement from the Department of Defense encourages submissions that align with key initiatives, including support for community colleges and strategic partnerships. As funding becomes available, amendments detailing specific topics and submission guidelines will be released. Applicants must submit white papers to express interest in full applications for potential funding consideration.

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Top of the State Scholarship Endowment Fund

Two different application opportunities available to 1) college or university bound Shasta & Tehama county high school students who have played golf in high school or junior golf programs and 2) previous award recipients from this fund.

The mission of the Top of the State Board of Directors is to provide educational scholarships for Shasta & Tehama county high school students who have played golf in high school or junior golf programs, and are planning to pursue degrees at two or four year universities and colleges. The Top of the State Scholarship Endowment Fund is made possible primarily from the proceeds of the SJ Denham Scholarship Golf Classic in August of each year.

The ICRG Seed Grant supports innovative research aimed at understanding and treating gambling disorders. With a focus on pilot studies, secondary data analysis, and developing new methodologies, it encourages both established and early-career researchers to apply for funding up to $40,000. The grant emphasizes the importance of addressing critical issues in gambling research while ensuring the inclusion of diverse participant groups. This initiative aims to enhance public education and promote responsible gaming practices.

The FY 2025 EDA Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs aim to enhance economic growth and resilience in distressed communities. EDA invites ongoing applications for funding, focusing on innovative approaches that leverage regional strengths. The updated NOFO emphasizes timely reviews and outlines submission procedures for core programs under the Public Works and Economic Development Act. Grantees are encouraged to develop unique initiatives that foster lasting economic prosperity.

Rotary Club of Portsmouth

For more than a century, the Rotary Club of Portsmouth, NH has improved homes, shelters and parks, fed and provided medical aid to those in need, and funded student education — locally and abroad.

Scholarships

Each year the Rotary Club of Portsmouth seeks scholarship applications from high school seniors scheduled to graduate this spring and will be beginning study at a post-secondary institution (either a 2 or 4 year program) in the fall.  

The scholarships are one-time non-recurring awards and are made on a non-discriminatory basis to individuals demonstrating excellence in scholastic, extracurricular, and/or community service activities. A family’s financial need may also be taken into consideration by the reviewing committee. Individuals with special learning circumstances, who have worked to overcome these circumstances, are encouraged to apply for the scholarship.

Once all applications have been received, the Portsmouth Rotary Scholarship Committee will select a pool of finalists to be interviewed individually in April. The scholarships are awarded to the students during a Rotary meeting in May or June.

The Abbey Mural Prize, established in 1932, supports the creation and restoration of public murals across the United States. This prestigious award, administered by the National Academy of Design since 1940, emphasizes projects that enhance community engagement and social activism through art. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $40,000, with a total annual funding cap of $125,000. Eligible applicants include artists, architects, and nonprofit organizations committed to impactful mural projects.

Methodist Foundation of Mississippi 

The Methodist Foundation of Mississippi was founded in 1967 to provide financial resources and expertise to Wesleyan churches and missions. Since then, we have served nearly 1,110 organizations and 3,500 accounts, while growing the collective investment portfolio to $180 million. This benchmark means more than financial success. It opens the door to a level of opportunity and security not usually available to individual churches and charities.

Thanks to this position, the Foundation is able to offer both short and long-term investment products for churches to maximize returns with greater freedom and lower fees (or no fees) than typical banks or investment firms.

Scholarships We Offer

The Foundation seeks to provide Mississippi Methodist/Wesleyan Heritage students a financial boost to further their educational goals. Our scholarship committee awards scholarships from generous donors and endowments. Eligible students must be Mississippi residents, active in a United Methodist/Wesleyan Heritage congregation or Wesley Foundation in Mississippi. Non-seminary graduate & undergraduate students are eligible for up to four(4) scholarship awards.

College Scholarship 

To be considered for a scholarship through the Methodist Foundation of Mississippi, applicants must meet at least one of the eligibility criteria listed below and submit all required documentation.

All college applicants must submit a Pastor Certification Form signed by a pastor from one of the eligible churches or ministries listed below.

We are about helping children, right here in Marietta!

Kiwanis Club of Marietta members participate in service projects, hold fundraisers, and change children’s lives in our community. In addition, club members contribute to Kiwanis International initiatives helping clubs around the world assist children with education, basic needs, and medical care.

The Kiwanis Club of Marietta was chartered March 3, 1930 - Marietta, GA.

The Kiwanis Club of Marietta has proudly established and contributed to several scholarship endowments over the years to support deserving college students in our community. These scholarships are made possible through our club's Flag Project, which places over 1,300 American flags in front of homes and businesses five times each year.

Turner-Howard Scholarship

This is a memorial scholarship established in 1988 by Mr. and Mrs. James L. Howard in memory of their late mothers, Mary Miller Turner and Ellie Morris Howard. 

This undergraduate or graduate scholarship is available to a student who is entering or attending an accredited college or university AND who is either a staff member of the Cobb County Schools or the Marietta City Schools or who is a dependent of such a staff member. Selection emphasis will be placed on academic achievement and character.

The NCRG Large Grant, provided by the International Center for Responsible Gaming, supports high-quality research on gambling disorders and responsible gambling. Eligible applicants can request up to $75,000 annually for a maximum of 24 months, totaling $187,500. The grant emphasizes scientific rigor through its advisory board, ensuring only the best proposals receive funding. This initiative aims to advance understanding and treatment of gambling-related issues through peer-reviewed research.

The Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) Grant, sponsored by the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation, empowers high school students from four counties to allocate $11,680 to youth-focused initiatives. With a commitment to community impact, YEP prioritizes grant applications involving youth participation. Nonprofit organizations must be 501(c)(3) registered, serve one of the four counties, and report on project success within 60 days. This initiative fosters youth engagement in philanthropy while addressing local needs.

DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation

Mission – The Foundation’s mission is to broaden awareness and understanding of agriculture through outreach and education.

Scholarships

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is proud to offer numerous scholarships for high school seniors and college students. Preference will be given to applicants of Farm Bureau members or their children with certain eligibility requirements.

College Students Scholarships 

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation endeavors to recognize students for their academic, school and community performance while in college. The recognition is in the form of a scholarship to the student’s school of choice. The scholarship award will be sent directly to the recipient’s school to be applied toward college costs. 

Arden & Dorothy Baie Scholarship

This scholarship was established in memory of Arden and Dorothy Baie. The Baie Scholarship is available to college sophomores, juniors and seniors pursuing any field of study. One, $2,400 will be awarded to a deserving student.

The Adolph Coors Public Policy Grant Programs support organizations that embody western values like self-reliance and personal responsibility. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that promote youth prosperity, economic opportunities for adults, and public policies reflecting America’s founding principles. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, with a focus on rural Colorado nonprofits. The Foundation does not fund projects in areas such as arts, health, or international components, ensuring a clear alignment with its mission.

The Garman Builders Phil Shatto Legacy Scholarship, established by the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg, supports local youth pursuing education in construction-related fields. Annually, 5-10 scholarships of up to $2000 are awarded based on academic performance and career aspirations, with a focus on students entering the Building/Construction Industry. This initiative, active since 1987, encourages future workforce development in essential sectors like Architecture and Engineering.

The Howard C. Gale Excellence Scholarship, offered by the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg, awards 5-10 scholarships of up to $2000 each to high-achieving students. Eligible candidates must graduate from a career or technology center in Dauphin, Cumberland, or Perry county, possess a minimum GPA of 3.5, and intend to pursue a career in the construction industry or related fields, such as Architecture or Engineering.

The Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) program, funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to strengthen research capabilities at Minority-serving institutions (MSIs). It encourages the integration of STEM research and education, promoting diversity within the workforce. Successful proposals are expected to demonstrate innovative strategies for broadening participation and achieving national competitiveness in research. CREST Centers will also foster partnerships that advance significant research themes, ensuring sustained support and development for underrepresented groups in STEM.

Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi 

The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi manages 314 donor-established funds and has disbursed over $48 million to support more than 1,000 charitable organizations and activities recommended by its donors, as well as charitable programs established by the foundation. Established in 2002 with a generous grant from the Maddox Foundation, the Community Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 charitable organization. The Foundation serves Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Leflore, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica and Yalobusha counties. 

Sr. Cora Lee Middleton Scholarship

Sr. Cora Lee Middleton Scholarship is to assist the recipient in the next step of their education. This scholarship is established in her name to assist high school graduates of Tallahatchie or Coahoma County high schools in their next education step.