Best Grants for Charities in Illinois

The Christine A. Loetel Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, aims to support students with cerebral palsy or similar disabilities. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and demonstrate financial need through FAFSA-SAI. This renewable scholarship requires an essay and may involve an interview. By providing financial assistance, the scholarship fosters educational opportunities and enhances the quality of life for deserving students in the region.

The Health and Health Care Disparities grant aims to support innovative research that addresses the health challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, particularly in communities experiencing health disparities. Key application deadlines span from February 2024 to October 2026. This funding opportunity invites research proposals that explore the underlying factors affecting the health and well-being of these populations, promoting interventions that can lead to significant improvements in health equity.

The Mercyhealth Community Scholarship offers seven $2,000 scholarships for graduating seniors and current college students in Wisconsin and Illinois. Designed to support those pursuing careers in healthcare, five scholarships are available for general health care fields and two specifically for nursing. This initiative reflects Mercyhealth's commitment to enhancing healthcare access and quality in the community, ensuring that aspiring healthcare professionals receive the financial support they need to succeed.

The Toward An Inclusive Architecture Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, aims to empower Tennesseans of color by providing financial support for architectural education. This initiative not only covers educational expenses at accredited architecture schools but also enhances professional growth through internship placements at partner firms. By fostering diversity in architecture, the scholarship seeks to create a more inclusive and thriving community in Tennessee.

The Bryan C. Niedert Memorial Scholarship Fund, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors, college students, and adult learners from Crown Point and Lowell High Schools. Applicants must meet specific GPA requirements and pursue education in trades or business fields. This scholarship aims to enhance the community's quality of life by providing financial assistance tailored to meet diverse educational needs, ensuring that the next generation can thrive.

The Mary Lou and Dwight Pitman Scholarship supports area public high school students in Sangamon County, excluding Springfield and Chatham districts, who have siblings planning to attend college. Established through the Sangamon County Foundation in 1924, this scholarship honors the legacy of community leaders and aims to empower the next generation by aiding students' educational pursuits. Eligible applicants include graduating high school seniors and current college students who are direct descendants of U.S. Service Members.

Columbus Matrix Foundation Scholarship

Since the early days of print journalism, The Association for Women in Communications has evolved to become the overarching professional organization to unite communicators across a vast spectrum of disciplines-from print and broadcast journalism, to graphic design, photography, public relations, advertising, marketing, new media, and much more.

Award Amount:

• Up to four scholarships of $10,000 payable over four years at $2,500 per academic year.

The Cytokinetics Communications Grant Program provides five grants of $20,000 each annually to patient advocacy organizations focused on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and heart failure. This initiative aims to enhance communication and outreach efforts, helping organizations expand their community engagement and awareness. By supporting crucial marketing initiatives, Cytokinetics fosters improved resources for advocacy groups, ensuring they can effectively address the needs of patients facing muscle performance challenges.

The LUNGevity VA Research Scholar Award supports innovative lung cancer research within the Department of Veterans Affairs, with a focus on early detection and treatment methods relevant to veterans. The maximum award is $100,000, distributed over two years, contingent upon satisfactory progress. Applications are now open for the 2025 cycle, with funding aimed at improving outcomes and developing individualized treatment strategies, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies.

The Comprehensive Housing Counseling (CHC) and Housing Counseling Training (HCT) NOFO (FY2026) aims to support HUD-approved housing counseling agencies. These agencies provide essential guidance to tenants and homeowners regarding property maintenance, financial management, and literacy. This initiative plays a crucial role in helping individuals secure sustainable homeownership or affordable rentals, while also serving as a safeguard against housing scams and discrimination, connecting clients to various housing resources.

Jean Griswold Foundation 

The Jean Griswold Foundation (JGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Caregivers through educational opportunities and scholarships. 

Mission

The mission of the Jean Griswold Foundation is to support Caregivers by providing educational scholarships* to enable them to further their training, enhance their careers, and better assist the clients they serve.

By offering educational scholarships, our Foundation will not only make a positive impact on the Caregivers themselves, but also the clients they assist and the home healthcare agencies where they are employed, as well as help advance the overarching home-care industry.

The Jean Griswold Foundation is proud to continue the service created by Dr. Jean Griswold, through spearheading this strategic journey of growth and professional development.

Scholarships

The Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving Caregivers who wish to further their education in a care-related field. Applicants do not have to be associated with Griswold in any way, and the funds will be paid directly to the institution where the caregiver will be receiving education.  

Summer Scholarship Program

The Jean Griswold Foundation has awarded over $150,000 in scholarships to exceptional Caregivers nationwide since 2022. 

The Charles Hall & Beatrice Joy Kolar Scholarship Fund, managed by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports local students pursuing education in the trade industry. This fund provides financial assistance to graduating high school seniors, college students, and adult learners, focusing on those with greater financial need. Scholarships are non-renewable and are awarded based on specific criteria set by donors to enhance educational opportunities in South Lake County.

The NIA Postdoctoral Fellowship Award aims to enhance diversity in the translational research workforce for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD). This fellowship supports promising candidates from diverse backgrounds in developing essential translational research skills. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to treatment, prevention, and early detection of AD/ADRD while providing research experience under the guidance of mentors in clinical trials, fostering a diverse and effective research community.

The NIA Predoctoral Fellowship Award aims to enhance diversity in the translational research workforce focusing on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. This funding opportunity supports promising predoctoral candidates from underrepresented backgrounds, fostering their research training and skills in various aspects of AD/ADRD. By encouraging interdisciplinary teamwork, the program seeks to develop a diverse workforce capable of contributing significantly to the prevention, treatment, and management of these conditions.

The Linda S. Culver Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, offers financial support to graduating high school seniors and current college students who are registered Girl Scouts in Central Illinois. Eligible applicants must be direct descendants of U.S. Service Members and reside in designated counties. This scholarship honors Linda S. Culver's legacy by empowering young women to pursue higher education.

The CDC is providing supplemental funding to 34 American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and organizations through the Strengthening Public Health Systems and Services initiative. Eligible recipients can apply for new project plans for FY 2027. This funding aims to align measurable outcomes with the Healthy People 2030 goals, enhancing public health services and systems in Indian Country.

The AOA/AOSA Opportunities in Optometry Grant program aims to promote inclusion within the optometric profession. This program offers $1,500 grants to under-represented minority students who are applying to optometry school. Eligible candidates include U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients who meet specific academic criteria. The initiative seeks to enhance diversity in the field and expand access to primary eye care, supporting the next generation of optometrists.

The Next Generation Undergraduate Scholarship, established by the Architects Foundation, aims to support diverse students pursuing architecture degrees. With a total award of up to $20,000, the scholarship is available to US citizens or permanent residents who are seniors in high school or second-year college students enrolled in NAAB-accredited programs. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering inclusivity and excellence in the architectural profession, empowering future leaders to shape the built environment.

The Jim Muller Build a Better Future Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, supports recent graduates from Athens, PORTA, or Greenview high schools who aspire to pursue careers in building trades. Eligible applicants must be descendants of U.S. Service Members and reside in specific Illinois counties. This scholarship aims to empower students by providing financial assistance for their post-secondary education in various vocational programs.

The James Hantak Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Columbus City Schools, Upper Arlington High School, or volunteers and athletes from Lancaster Special Olympics with special needs. The scholarship offers $5,000 annually for educational pursuits, with an additional $10,000 scholarship awarded based on financial need. Preference is given to athletes and volunteers from Special Olympics. This initiative aims to enhance opportunities for students in central Ohio, promoting inclusivity and community engagement.

The Craig Zadan Pathway for Equity in the Arts Grant aims to enhance high school theatre programs in underserved communities. By providing $10,000 grants, this initiative fosters collaboration between students and industry professionals, while promoting performances that address diverse perspectives. The grant encourages schools to select plays that spark important conversations, ensuring inclusivity and representation in the arts. Ultimately, it seeks to inspire students and open doors to future careers in theatre.

The Intervention Research to Improve Native American Health initiative aims to enhance health outcomes in Native American communities through innovative research. This program supports studies focused on health promotion, disease prevention, and culturally informed treatment strategies. Key deadlines for grant applications are October 21, 2025, and January 7, 2026. By addressing health disparities and leveraging community strengths, the initiative fosters sustainable interventions tailored to specific cultural contexts.

The Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission (JUSFC) is a federal agency established in 1975 to enhance U.S.-Japan relations through educational and cultural exchanges. JUSFC supports various initiatives in arts, education, and global challenges, focusing on fostering partnerships between U.S. and Japanese organizations. The Commission aims to facilitate dynamic people-to-people exchanges, ensuring a robust understanding between the nations and promoting collaborative projects that enrich both societies.

The Summit Credit Union Grant emphasizes charitable giving through partnerships that support equity, financial wellbeing, and women's empowerment. Committed to reducing inequities, the credit union seeks nonprofit organizations that align with these pillars to foster community growth. Eligibility criteria include being a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving specific areas and submitting an online application. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious or political organizations, or any entities that discriminate based on various identities.

The Preventing Violence Affecting Young Lives (PREVAYL 2.0) initiative aims to provide multiyear funding for state and local health departments to implement violence prevention strategies for adolescents and young adults. Key focuses include enhancing data-driven decision-making, building capacity for evidence-based strategies, integrating youth mental health support, fostering multisector collaborations, and prioritizing the prevention of various forms of violence, ensuring comprehensive support for youth development.

About the Emporia Community Foundation

Our Mission

To connect caring people with causes that build stronger communities within the Emporia area which includes Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Lyon, Morris, Osage and Wabaunsee counties.

Pink Gravel Fund

The purpose of the Pink Gravel Fund is to provide funds to qualified individuals to cover expenses related to the treatment and recovery of breast cancer. 

The RFA-FD-23-001 funding opportunity aims to support clinical trials for orphan products targeting rare diseases. It focuses on evaluating the efficacy and safety of treatments to address unmet medical needs. By promoting innovative and collaborative trial designs, the FDA seeks to enhance the approval rates of effective therapies for rare conditions, ultimately benefiting patients and advancing drug development in this critical area.