Best Grants for Charities in Illinois

Romero Family Scholarship Fund

Fund was established to provide scholarship assistance to further the education of able and deserving young men and women in their post high school education in the fields of either technical, vocational, academic or professional education, with preference given to students from Henry and Franklin Counties and the City of Martinsville.

Amount

• $2,500+

The Future Energy Leaders Scholarship, offered by the Delaware Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Sussex County high schools pursuing two or four-year degrees. Awardees receive $2,500 annually for four years, contingent on maintaining enrollment and demonstrating financial need. With a record $850,000 awarded to 245 students for the 2024-2025 school year, this scholarship aims to expand educational opportunities and equity within the community.

The Leukemia Exploration and Prevention Grant Program (LEAP) aims to advance cancer interception and prevention strategies for patients with RUNX1 familial platelet disorder. This initiative, supported by the American Cancer Society, focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind leukemia development and fostering innovative research leading to effective treatment options. Grants of up to $215,000 per year for four years are available, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted therapies in high-risk populations.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Molly Gill Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Molly Gill Memorial Scholarship is awarded to any area graduating high school senior who has excelled with a physical disability.

This scholarship was established in memory of Molly Gill, who was a quadriplegic as the result of an accident. Molly faced her daily challenges with courage, and a determination to further her education and become independent. Molly Gill embraced the goodness of each day and her spirit is best summarized by the following quote: “I can always say, ‘what if?’ But, I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere with that."

Rangeley Educational Fund

Fund provides scholarships to further the education of young men and women pursuing study in technical, vocational, academic, or professional fields.

Amount

$1,000+

The Leukemia Exploration and Prevention Grant Program (LEAP) aims to advance cancer interception and prevention for patients with RUNX1 familial platelet disorder (RUNX1-FPD). This program supports interdisciplinary research teams investigating the mechanisms of leukemogenesis and innovative treatment strategies. With funding of up to $430,000 per year, LEAP encourages projects focused on both understanding clonal evolution and developing novel therapeutic approaches. The initiative seeks to bridge critical knowledge gaps and provide urgent interventions for high-risk populations.

The Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Centers aim to enhance TBI rehabilitation through evidence-based research. These centers focus on generating knowledge to improve health, community participation, and employment outcomes for TBI individuals. Funded by the US HHS Administration for Community Living, the grants support site-specific and collaborative research, contributing to a longitudinal database. Each center can receive varying funding amounts, depending on eligible database participants, with a project timeline of 60 months comprising five 12-month budget periods.

Anne K. Petry Scholarship Fund

Established by Summit Education Partnership Foundation to provide scholarships for Akron Public Schools students studying special education.

Amount:

• $1,000

Number of awards:

• 1

Renewal:

• No

The Jefferies-Park Scholarship, established in 1988 by Evelyn Jefferies-Park, honors her commitment to education. It supports graduating seniors from Ord High School, Nebraska, who are in the top 15% of their class and plan to pursue a four-year degree. This scholarship reflects the legacy of generosity fostered by the Lincoln Community Foundation, which has provided over $606,000 in scholarships to local students in 2025 alone.

The Carver, We’ll Find a Way Scholarship Fund, established by the Carver Family, offers scholarships to local students passionate about helping others. This fund is part of the Community Foundation of Washington County, Maryland, which manages over 100 scholarships aimed at supporting both high school graduates and non-traditional students pursuing further education. The foundation seeks to enhance the quality of life in Washington County through educational support and community engagement.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Martha S. Daltan Scholarship Fund

The Martha S. Daltan Scholarship Fund was established by Martha’s husband, Gerry, and children, Ashley and Michael. 

Samuel “Bo” Terry Scholarship Fund

Fund provides higher education scholarship assistance to needy and deserving students graduating from Roanoke City Public Schools.

Amount

• $500+

Nebraska Community Foundation

Nebraska Community Foundation was established in 1994 by a group of visionaries determined to empower communities throughout the state to grow and prosper. They believed that with the right tools and resources, people could build the hometowns of their dreams.

Through philanthropy, our team helps communities develop strong local economies, high quality of life, and abundant leadership and volunteer opportunities. We empower local leaders to identify community assets, invest in their own resources, and bring about their own positive change. 

BCAFF Scholarships

The Butler County Area Foundation Fund is offering three scholarships to graduating seniors who meet individual scholarship criteria. These scholarships are the Butler County Clinic Scholarship (medical field major); Charles O. & Grace M. Stoops Scholarship in Agricultural or Environmental Studies; and Butler County Area Foundation Fund Scholarship.

Charles O. & Grace M. Stoops Scholarship in Agricultural or Environmental Studies

• Funding for this scholarship through the Butler County Area Foundation Fund has been provided by a gift of Grace M. Stoops and the late Charles O. Stoops of Montecito, California. Scholarship funds are available for students whose major field of study is agricultural or environmental studies.

• Two $1000 scholarships will be awarded annually to resident graduates of David City High School, Aquinas High School, or East Butler High School. Additionally, a student who is a resident of Butler County who attends a school outside of Butler County, is also eligible. Each applicant may be an entering freshman or an upperclassman enrolled for post-secondary education at an accredited school of higher education in the general areas of agriculture or environmental studies.

• Each scholarship must be used at a post-secondary accredited school of higher education.

• Scholarship funds will be paid directly to the school after the student has successfully completed the first semester.

The Gene Robb Journalism Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, recognizes the significant contributions of former Times Union publisher Gene Robb to journalism. It is designed for students with a demonstrated interest in journalism, requiring them to submit samples of their work. This scholarship supports both high school and college students aiming to excel in the field, empowering them to pursue their educational goals.

The FSR Early Career Fellowship Grant supports early-stage researchers in sarcoidosis, fostering skills and knowledge advancement. With $150,000 over two years, this grant aims to enhance medical care and scientific understanding of the disease. Eligible applicants, including international candidates, must present innovative study proposals and demonstrate a commitment to sarcoidosis research. FSR encourages transitions from fellowships to faculty positions, thereby strengthening academic credentials and promoting impactful research contributions.

Our History

In late 1993, a group of Cobb business leaders recognized the community’s need for a vehicle to invest in its future. The group was led by Jim Rhoden, owner of Futren Corporation (now Futren Hospitality) and included the late Otis Brumby Jr., Bobbi Burruss, Murray Homan, Judge Conley Ingram, Senator Johnny Isakson, Bob Prillaman, Bob Russell, the late Lanie Shipp Hoover, the late Roy Simmons, Deborah Wallace, the late John Williams, Jack Wilson and Diane Woods. Their solution was the creation of the Cobb Community Fund at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta.

Fourteen years later, we obtained our own 501(c)(3) designation. Now, we are Cobb Community Foundation. In 2017 alone, we made $1.4 million in grants, $900,000 of which were distributed to charitable organizations right here in Cobb County.

Our Mission

Be a catalyst for a thriving community—mobilizing people, ideas, and resources to improve quality of life in and around Cobb.

Apply for a Scholarship

Each Cobb Community Foundation Scholarship Fund was created by a donor or group of donors with a specific objective in mind. In some cases, scholarships were created to honor someone’s memory, and in others, they were created to ensure opportunities would be available to certain groups of people. In all cases, they were established by individuals who want to help you pursue your dream.

Metro Marietta Kiwanis Morgan Thomas Scholarship Fund

The Morgan Thomas Scholarship was established by the Metro Marietta Kiwanis Club as an appropriate way to perpetuate the name and ideals of Mr. Morgan Thomas, a founding member. Mr. Thomas was a man who devoted his life to helping others through Kiwanis, his church and his profession. The scholarship will help others in the tradition of Mr. Thomas by providing financial assistance to deserving Cobb County students.

The estimated scholarship award will be $1,000-$2,500 with an estimated number of 3-4 scholarships available.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is advancing organ transplantation outcomes through the Clinical Trials in Organ Transplantation in Children and Adults (CTOT-CA) program. This initiative supports multicenter clinical trials and mechanistic studies related to heart, lung, kidney, liver, and intestinal transplants, as well as non-hematopoietic cellular transplantation. By exploring immune mechanisms and innovative therapies, the program aims to enhance the success and efficacy of organ transplantation.

The Dorothy Dillman Max Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports adult learners in Lake County, Indiana. Eligible applicants must be at least 25 years old, enrolled in an undergraduate program at Indiana University Northwest, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 while taking at least two courses per semester. This scholarship prioritizes students demonstrating financial need, fostering educational opportunities to enhance community enrichment.

The Arnold Fields Community Endowed Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, provides a $1,000 award to a deserving high school senior from Hampton County. Eligible applicants must be graduating from one of the specified high schools with a minimum GPA of 2.25 and plan to pursue further education at a college or university. This scholarship aims to support local students in achieving their educational goals.

Upward Mobility Grants

The Upward Mobility Grant Program supports new and creative ideas that help people and families thrive in DeKalb County. Replacing the Promise Grants Program, this pilot initiative provides funding for projects that improve quality of life and help people build better lives in DeKalb County, IL.

The Foundation created this pilot program to support good ideas from the community and help turn those ideas into action.

Focus Areas

Projects should address one or more of the following areas:

Education & Youth

• Programs and resources that help children and teens learn and succeed.

Health & Well-Being

• Making it easier for people to get physical and mental health care.

Housing & Transportation

• Supporting safe places to live and reliable ways to get around.

Income & Employment

• Helping people find good jobs, build skills, and increase their income.

Applicants may request up to $5,000. Bilingual workshops and application support will be available throughout the process.

The Fostering Education Scholarship Fund, established by Village Connection and Innovative Fitness, provides scholarships of $2,000-$3,000 to eligible students who have aged out of Georgia's foster care system. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents, high school seniors or recent graduates, and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. This initiative aims to empower these students with the financial support they need to pursue higher education, fostering a brighter future for the community.

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.

Layton Family Foundation Scholarship

Selection based upon (in order of priority):

• Academic ability and an additional essay on a designated topic, and recommendations.

Awards

• One $1,200 scholarship

The Manhart/Gibbons Family Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, offers financial support for one graduating high school senior pursuing education in Music or Arts. Renewable for up to four years, this scholarship aims to enrich the quality of life in South Lake County by addressing community needs and supporting local talent. Preference is given to residents of Crown Point, ensuring that the funds directly benefit the local community.

Oncology Nursing Foundation

The mission of the Oncology Nursing Foundation is to support cancer nursing excellence.

Since 1981, the Oncology Nursing Foundation(ONF), through generous contributions from individuals and institutions, has provided more than $33 million in funding to support oncology nursing education, research and leadership development. This funding has translated to career development awards, academic scholarships, research grants, a myriad of specialized educational initiatives, as well as nurse resiliency support. The Foundation’s activities have played a critical role in improving patient care and advancing the oncology nursing profession.

Radiation Oncology Certified Nurse (ROCN™) Exam Scholarship

Recipients receive funding to cover the ONCC ROCN™ Certification exam fee.

Purpose

To support registered oncology nurses who specialize in providing care for adult or pediatric patients with cancer undergoing radiation therapy by providing funding support to cover the ROCN™ Certification exam fee. 

The AE Foundation Community Grants aim to support US and Canadian non-profit organizations focused on enhancing the mental health and well-being of young people. By funding local programs, the AE Foundation empowers teens and young adults to embrace authenticity and build a brighter future. Eligible organizations must be certified 501(c)3 non-profits or registered charities, and grant funding should be utilized within 365 days of receipt. This initiative reinforces the importance of mental health in today's society.

Cub Foods Charitable Giving is dedicated to supporting local communities through hunger relief, nutrition education, and access to healthy food. They focus on partnering with 501(c)(3) organizations within 25 miles of their stores that align with these missions. Eligible organizations can receive funding, while Cub Foods does not support third-party requests, travel fees, or individual fundraising efforts. Their commitment to enriching lives reinforces their belief in being a good neighbor.

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.

Schmiesing Homeschool Scholarship

Selection based, in order of priority:

• Demonstrated church participation, employment history, recommendations, academic ability, and financial need.

Awards

• One $1,000 scholarship