Best Grants for Charities in Illinois

The CAPTRUST Scholarship offers five $2,000 awards to undergraduate students with a GPA of 3.7 or higher, supporting their educational journey. Applications are open for the Spring 2025 semester, and only the first 2,500 eligible submissions will be considered. To apply, students must submit essays for four specified categories, each not exceeding 200 words, totaling a maximum of 800 words. This initiative reinforces CAPTRUST's commitment to empowering future professionals.

The Richard M. Fisher Memorial Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, supports students pursuing careers in construction trades and vocational fields. Established in memory of Richard Fisher, a dedicated public works inspector, this scholarship is open to high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students. By providing vital financial assistance, the scholarship aims to empower local students to achieve their educational and career aspirations, fostering a brighter future for the community.

The Dr. and Mrs. W.C. Culp Student Research Grant supports medical students conducting summer research projects in interventional radiology. With funding of up to $6,000, the grant aims to inspire innovative research ideas and foster advancements in patient care. Eligible applicants include undergraduates and medical students in MD, DO, or PhD programs, including DACA recipients. A designated project advisor is required to guide the student throughout the research process.

Mary Jo DeVleeschower Scholarship

Mary Jo DeVleeschower was a native of South Bend, Indiana, born January 14th, 1941. She graduated in 1968 from Andrew Jackson High School in South Bend, and graduated from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana in 1972 with a degree in “special education.” Mary Jo taught at the Alexander Graham Bell School beginning in 1972 working with students who were hearing impaired. She attended the University of Southern California (John Tracy Clinic) and received her Master’s degree in 1978 from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. As a teacher at the Alexander Graham Bell School, Mary Jo worked through a grant with Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. for the Wole Language Program for the hearing impaired, publishing a related article in a national magazine. Mary Jo DeVleeschower loved the children with whom she worked, and poured her whole heart into her work. She had a special relationship with her students, demonstrated on the day of her memorial when some shared a tribute to her in American Sign Language. She further demonstrated her love and support for her students through the creation of the scholarship through her will.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $500

The African-American Community Foundation - Yokley-Gamblin Family Scholarship, established in 2019, aims to support underrepresented ethnic minority students from Montgomery County in their educational journeys. This scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need, excel in community involvement, and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or below. Recipients can use the funds for tuition at accredited institutions, including technical schools and colleges, fostering educational opportunities for deserving candidates.

The Joseph S. Onisko, Jr. Environmental Sciences Scholarship, established in 2020 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, supports high school seniors from southern Beaufort County pursuing a degree in Environmental Sciences. This scholarship honors Joseph S. Onisko, Jr. and aims to assist students with outstanding achievements, a minimum GPA of 3.2, and a focus on marine sciences. The foundation has invested over $125 million to enhance the Lowcountry community.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.

Lydia B. Raymond Scholarship Endowment Fund

A bequest from the estate of Lydia B. Raymond was received in 1980 to provide scholarships for public high school graduates in Aurora. In 2002, the Foundation reestablished the fund as an endowment to ensure ongoing recognition of her generosity. Lydia Raymond (1893-1979) lived most of her life in Aurora and attended the West Aurora Public Schools. She was a graduate of the University of Chicago and received certificates from the University of Paris, the Sorbonne and the University of Mexico. She taught language, social studies and French at West Aurora High School from 1918 until her retirement in 1958. Upon her retirement, she received a tribute from her students in the West Aurora EOS Yearbook. “This tribute is the voice of all students who under her tutelage learned from her much more than academic information. Raymond possessed that great quality of all truly dedicated teachers who inspire students to extend themselves, to persevere and to expand.

The Marc Chary Scholarship Program, established in 2025 by Mr. Marc Chary, aims to support African American high school seniors from Southern Beaufort and Jasper Counties in South Carolina. This scholarship is focused on those with financial need pursuing post-secondary education. With a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities, the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry continues to empower students to achieve their academic goals, fostering a thriving community through dedicated philanthropic efforts.

The Richard H. and Ann M. Gerken Scholarship, established in 2013 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, aims to support qualified students pursuing post-secondary education in nursing or medicine. Eligible applicants must be residents of Hilton Head Island, graduating from a local high school with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to enriching the lives of Lowcountry citizens through education and healthcare.

About

Mission, Vision & Values

To enhance our community through philanthropy.

We aspire to co-create diverse, meaningful and innovative charitable giving that yields an exponential positive impact within local communities and beyond.

Masonic Lodge Scholarship

About the fund

These funds are focused on providing scholarships to students and historically underserved youth in Benton County, thereby encouraging them to complete their education at a public institution.

Hope Grant Program

Direct support for individuals and families.

The Hope Grant program offers one-time, expedited financial assistance to individuals and families impacted by a heinous or violent crime within the last 12–18 months. Hope Grants are designed to meet urgent and emergency needs, helping victims begin to rebuild their lives after unimaginable loss.

• Grants provide practical, immediate financial relief in the wake of tragedy.
• Available for victims of crimes such as homicide, rape, trafficking, and violent crimes against children.

The BRAIN Initiative aims to foster innovation in the development of next-generation devices for recording and modulating the human central nervous system. This funding opportunity encourages clinical studies and translational research to create advanced therapeutic and diagnostic devices for neurological disorders. Applicants are advised to submit Letters of Intent 60 days before the proposal deadline. This initiative emphasizes milestones and collaboration with NIH staff throughout the project.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.

Aurora Neighbors Uniting Scholarship Endowment Fund

Aurora Neighbors Uniting was organized in 1974 to promote neighborhood improvement in Aurora through the encouragement of neighborhood groups which work for safe, clean housing and public facilities. The organization also is an advocate for public improvements and community services throughout the City of Aurora. Scholarships from this fund are reserved for students graduating from Aurora Central, East Aurora, West Aurora or Rosary High School for attendance at Waubonsee Community College. The fund was created in 1989 and established as an endowment in 1992.

The USA Swimming Foundation's HBCU Grant program is a $1 million initiative aimed at enhancing swimming opportunities in communities served by Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Launched in 2021, the program provides annual grants of $100,000 over ten years, supporting youth water safety lessons and university swim clubs. This initiative is designed to empower HBCUs to expand their aquatic programming, fostering inclusivity and safety in swimming across diverse communities nationwide.

We administer a number of scholarships, which range from the traditional academic and athletic awards to corporate and special circumstances offerings. Applying for a scholarship is free, so we invite you to spend some time finding opportunities for which you are a good fit.

Ounce of Prevention Scholarship Fund

The purpose of the fund is to provide one or more annual scholarships to graduates of an accredited high school located in Marshall County, Indiana.  

Recipients must be a survivor of cancer, have an immediate family member or friend who experienced cancer, or have demonstrated active participation in community service related to the prevention or cure of cancer.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Ralph & Alice Kramp Scholarship Endowment Fund in Memory of Randy Kramp

The Ralph and Alice Kramp Scholarship Endowment Fund in Memory of Randy Kramp was created in 2010.

Randy Kramp, a lifelong Auroran, was forty years old when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. After a three-year battle, he died in June of 2010 of complications from the treatment. Mr. Kramp joined Cub Scouts as soon as he reached the age of eligibility and that began a lifelong enjoyment and commitment to the values of scouting. After he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, he assumed the role of adult leadership as a Wood Badger. He remained active in scouting his entire life.

Scholarships from this fund are available to current or former Boy Scouts in the Fox Valley who are pursuing a higher education toward a career in the field of fire service or emergency medical service.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

The Dan Fouquette Scholarship, established by CommunityGiving, honors the legacy of Dan Fouquette, a founder of St. Cloud National Bank. This scholarship aims to support high school graduates pursuing careers in finance or business. Eligible applicants must apply online and have an account with the Scholarship Management System. The scholarship, valued at approximately $500, is available to students from select local high schools, fostering financial literacy and community engagement.

About Us

Children’s Cancer Research Fund is a national nonprofit dedicated to ending childhood cancer. Our main focus is to support the research of bright scientists across the country whose ideas can make the greatest impact for children fighting cancer. We also fund resources and programs that help kids and families as they navigate the difficult experience of cancer treatment and survivorship.

Since 1981, we’ve contributed over $235 million to research, support programs for children and families, and awareness and education outreach. In 2024, over 81 percent of funds raised went directly to these program services areas.

Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) is a national nonprofit committed to finding safer, more effective therapies for kids battling cancer. Thanks to donors and partners around the country, we have contributed over $235 million to research, education and awareness, and quality-of-life programs for childhood cancer families. We believe kids deserve safer, less toxic treatments, and we’re committed to funding groundbreaking research and services that enhance healing and care.

In 2026, Children’s Cancer Research Fund will focus our research funding efforts on three main areas:

• Hard-to-Treat Cancers
• Survivorship
• Health Disparities

Accelerating Hope: Clinical Trials for Hard-to-Treat Cancers Award

This funding opportunity is limited to support for clinical trials focused on hard-to-treat cancers, prioritizing Phase 0 – Phase 2 studies. Learn more about eligibility criteria and other key details below.

The Varghese Summersett Autism Scholarship aims to support children diagnosed with autism who require financial assistance for educational or recreational opportunities. Offered by Varghese Summersett, this scholarship reflects the commitment to enhancing the quality of life for autistic children. It can be utilized for camps, tutoring, or educational tools to help them thrive. This initiative is particularly meaningful, as several members of the legal team have personal connections to autism, underscoring their dedication to this cause.

The Brown County Farm Bureau, Inc. Scholarship aims to provide one-year tuition assistance to two residents of Brown County pursuing a four-year academic degree or a multi-year vocational degree at a trade school or community college. Eligible applicants must be graduates of an accredited high school or G.E.D. program and be members of the Brown County Farm Bureau. The scholarship emphasizes community service, GPA, and personal circumstances.

We administer a number of scholarships, which range from the traditional academic and athletic awards to corporate and special circumstances offerings. These scholarships are open to all residents of Marshall County, as long as other requirements are met.

Applying for a scholarship is free, so we invite you to spend some time finding opportunities for which you are a good fit.

Marshall County Farm Bureau Agriculture Scholarship

The purpose of this fund is to provide one or more annual scholarships to any graduating senior or any non-high school senior residing in Marshall County, Indiana entering at least a full-time freshman year of undergraduate studies in an agricultural program or in agricultural classes.

The scholarship recipient must submit proof to the Community Foundation of successful completion of the first semester/trimester in order to receive the scholarship.

This scholarship may be renewable to previous recipients.

About Us

Marshfield Area Community Foundation, Inc. is a public, 501-C-3 charity. There are 30 community foundations in Wisconsin and more than 750 in the nation. The purpose of all community foundations is to accumulate charitable dollars that impact a specific geographic region in areas such as education, the arts, economic development, recreation, environmental protection, health care, and social services. They may be relatively small, as we are (assets of $14 million), or very large, as is the Greater Milwaukee Foundation (assets over $400 million).

Most people are familiar with private foundations, established by individuals, families, or corporations. Typically, in order to establish a private foundation, one has to have considerable wealth. You could say Community Foundations are much more democratic. We are, in a sense, an umbrella foundation containing many small foundations. We call those small foundations “funds.”

Marshfield Area Community Foundation Scholarships

The mission of the Marshfield Area Community Foundation is “Connecting people who care with causes that matter to enrich the quality of life in the Marshfield area”. Education is a valuable tool and a cause that matters to all of us. Through assisting students with financial support to receive an education, not only do students and the families of those students benefit, but also our community benefits, which further allows us to achieve our mission of enriching the quality of life in the Marshfield area.

Kenneth and Ardyce Heiting Scholarship (2025)

The NLN Edmund J. Y. Pajarillo Health Informatics and Innovation Scholarship offers up to $5,000 annually to support graduate students in health informatics. This scholarship focuses on advancing nursing education through innovative data analysis and technology. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in accredited programs and have completed at least one year of study. Special consideration is given to nurses of color and those from marginalized communities transitioning to full-time teaching roles.

The Ohio Green Beret Support Group Scholarship, administered by The Columbus Foundation, aims to support Green Berets and their families in Ohio. This scholarship provides financial assistance for postsecondary education and training, including degrees and certifications, to those facing hardships due to military service. By honoring the service and sacrifice of these elite soldiers, the scholarship fosters educational opportunities and long-term support for deserving military families.

The Home Depot Foundation's Veteran Housing Grants Program aims to enhance the lives of U.S. veterans by funding the construction or rehabilitation of supportive housing. Grants, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, are awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with experience in veteran housing. Since 2011, the Foundation has committed over $550 million to veteran causes and seeks to invest an additional $750 million by 2030, focusing on projects in major cities across the U.S.

The Helen and Howard Smith Nursing Scholarship, established by The Dayton Foundation in 2002, supports students pursuing LPN or BSN degrees. Eligible applicants must be sophomores or above enrolled in nursing programs within Montgomery or Greene counties and demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to non-traditional students. The Dayton Foundation, a key philanthropic entity since 1921, aims to enhance community welfare through charitable initiatives, focusing on education, health services, and cultural advancement.

The NIA Academic Leadership Career Award (K07) provides funding for established investigators to strengthen research capacity in aging and Alzheimer's Disease. The program supports the development of educational infrastructure, mentorship, and career development activities. Key deadlines for applications include February 12, June 12, and October 12 from 2025 to 2027. This award is specifically for research not involving independent clinical trials, allowing applicants to gain experience in trials led by others.