Best Grants for Charities in Illinois

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.

Community Foundation Alumni Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Community Foundation has administered a scholarship program since 1949.  Since that time, millions of dollars have been distributed to Fox River Valley area students in support of their educational futures. In 1986, the Community Foundation Alumni Scholarship Endowment Fund was established in honor of all students who have received a scholarship through the Community Foundation Scholarship Program.  This fund is supported primarily through gifts received from those students.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

MPS/Dietz Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Muskegon Public Schools, who established the MPS/Dietz Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. For many years Muskegon Public Schools has administered several scholarship s for the benefit of Muskegon County high school students. Following a review of these scholarships and recognizing the Foundation's considerable expertise not only in scholarship programming but also in investment management, the Board of Education approved a recommendation to transfer all scholarships held by Muskegon Public Schools to the Muskegon County Community Foundation. The Foundation is proud to receive this honor and looks forward to working with Muskegon Public Schools administrators to award scholarships to Muskegon-area high school seniors for many years to come.

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.

Coronado Dental Scholarship Fund

The Coronado Dental Scholarship Fund was created by Dr. Narda J. Coronado. Dr. Coronado was born and raised in Aurora. She attended Bardwell Elementary School and Waldo Junior High School. She is a graduate of East Aurora High School and the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. In 1990, she began her career in several different offices in Chicago’s suburbs before starting her own practice.  She returned to Aurora in 1996, where she continues to practice today. Dr. Coronado donated time to St. Basil’s Free Clinic in Chicago for over ten years, providing dental services to needy adults and children. She also has served on the Community Foundation Scholarship Committee for the past several years. Dr. Coronado created a scholarship fund within the Community Foundation to support local students entering the field of dentistry and medicine. As she stated, “I enjoy the field of dentistry so much and hope that this scholarship fund will encourage future students to pursue dentistry as a profession.”

Chautauqua Region Community Foundation

Mission: In partnership with our community, we ignite positive change and create a legacy of impact.

Scholarships

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation annually awards more than $2 million in scholarships to students pursuing higher education, job training and certification. The Foundation hosts several different scholarship opportunities throughout the year. 

Music Scholarships

Open to Chautauqua County students (K-11) to assist with the cost of music instruction, or high school seniors and college students from Chautauqua County majoring in music. 

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Louis S. and Nancy L. Rubinsky Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Nancy L. Rubinsky, who established the Louis S. and Nancy L. Rubinsky Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County in honor of Louis. Lifelong residents of Muskegon, Nancy and Louis Rubinsky, had been active members of the Muskegon community. Louis was a fixture on Western Avenue as a salesman at Vets Clothing. Nancy was active at the Muskegon Community College, first, as an instructor of nursing, and, then, as a Board Trustee. Grants from the fund will mirror the Rubinsky's individual passions. In honor of Louis, the fund will support community education projects in the visual and performing arts and Nancy's interests will be expressed by supporting adult/returning students pursuing nursing degrees.

ASPCA PRO

ASPCApro.org provides tools and resources for animal welfare professionals, veterinary personnel and volunteers. We take a progressive approach to helping the country's at-risk animals, promoting cutting edge research to advance the field.

ASPCA Research Grants

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) research grants fund high-quality research with a clear potential to benefit animals, either directly or through effecting systems-level change. Proposals to extend existing studies, focused on other disciplines, will also be considered if they can clearly demonstrate substantial potential benefit to animal welfare.

This year we are soliciting proposals in the following six research areas:

• Access to Veterinary Care (AVC) Research
• Applied Behavior Research
• Cruelty Research
• Farm Animal Welfare Research
• Psychological Trauma Research
• Shelter Research

Proposals focused on evaluating the effectiveness of a program or service must demonstrate methodological rigor and a clear plan to produce generalizable scientific knowledge. Please view eligibility information for specific projects from the research area you are interested in. 

Farm Animal Welfare Research

Proposals exploring how farmers’ use of healthier, non-conventional broiler chicken breeds, intersects with the birds’ use of pasture, environmental outcomes, and/or chicken product nutritional content. Research may be conducted by farms or other businesses in addition to academic or research institutions. However, field studies must include an academic partner or follow established field trial protocols for design and data collection.

National PTA® is the oldest and largest child advocacy association in America. For 125 years, PTA has worked with school communities and decision makers to solve the toughest problems in our nation’s history.

PTA is a network of millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools.

PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education.

The Middle Ground Program Grant

National PTA, in collaboration with the New York Life Foundation, is offering grants of up to $3,500 to support middle school PTAs in creating The Middle Ground—a dedicated, supportive space for students experiencing grief and loss with opportunities for peer connection, creative expression, storytelling and support.

The Established Clinician Investigator Award to Support Mentoring (KS1) is designed to provide established clinician investigators with dedicated time for mentoring early-career clinician research scientists. This initiative by the US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH) aims to enhance the quality of mentorship, fostering the development of future leaders in clinical research. It supports a sustained commitment to training and guidance, ensuring a robust pipeline of skilled professionals.

The Mentored Career Transition Award (KT1/R00) offers a biphasic funding opportunity for up to 5 years, supporting the transition of postdoctoral researchers to independent faculty positions. The first phase provides 1-2 years of mentored career development, while the second phase grants up to 3 years of independent research support, contingent upon satisfactory progress and faculty appointment. This grant aims to enhance the capacity of early-career researchers in achieving research-intensive roles.

The Mentored Clinician Research Scientist Career Development Award (KC1) from the NIH supports clinician research scientists for up to five years, providing dedicated time for intensive research career development. This award aims to guide candidates with clinical doctoral degrees towards achieving research independence by pairing them with experienced mentors who can help navigate their career paths.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Trimble Scholarship for Martin County Fund

• Must participate in extracurricular activities.
• Based on financial need.

Terrance Lavell Winters Memorial Scholarship

The Terrance Lavell Winters Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the life and legacy of a loving son, father, brother and uncle – Terrance Lavell Winters. He was born October 7, 1983 to his parents Barbara Ezell and Ray Henderson. Terrance had one son, Trevontae Lavell Winters, whom he considered his true love.

Sometimes shy, Terrance was loved by his smile. He enjoyed buying cars, repairing them and then selling the vehicles. He was known by his family as “Mr. R.P.M.”

Since Terrance’s passing on April 26, 2005, his mother Barbara has promised to keep his memory alive. To honor her son, Barbara created the Grandma Barb’s World-Class Students program. She bought and filled book bags for nearly 300 students for nine years. Barbara also organized a successful rally, prayer vigil and march to remember and honor her son in April 2015. By establishing this scholarship, Barbara hopes to keep the memories of Terrance alive.

The Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award (KR1) offers crucial support for researchers aiming for independence. Funded by the US Dept. of Health & Human Services through the NIH, this award allows candidates to engage in intensive research training under a mentor's guidance for up to five years. It is designed for those with research doctoral degrees, facilitating their transition into independent research roles and enhancing their contributions to the scientific community.

The Rural Health Network Development Planning Program aims to enhance rural health care by fostering integrated health care networks. It focuses on collaboration among entities to bolster local capacity and improve care coordination in underserved areas. By achieving efficiencies and expanding access to essential services, the program seeks to strengthen the overall rural health system while promoting the use of health information technology and exploring innovative care delivery models.

The Rural Health Network Development Program aims to enhance health care access in rural areas by supporting integrated health care networks. It offers two funding tracts: the Network Advancement Tract for established networks to overcome operational barriers and the Network Development Tract for early-stage networks to plan and expand services. Both tracts focus on improving care coordination, health outcomes, and operational efficiency, thereby strengthening the rural health care system.

ASPCA PRO

ASPCApro.org provides tools and resources for animal welfare professionals, veterinary personnel and volunteers. We take a progressive approach to helping the country's at-risk animals, promoting cutting edge research to advance the field.

ASPCA Research Grants

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) research grants fund high-quality research with a clear potential to benefit animals, either directly or through effecting systems-level change. Proposals to extend existing studies, focused on other disciplines, will also be considered if they can clearly demonstrate substantial potential benefit to animal welfare.

This year we are soliciting proposals in the following six research areas:

• Access to Veterinary Care (AVC) Research
• Applied Behavior Research
• Cruelty Research
• Farm Animal Welfare Research
• Psychological Trauma Research
• Shelter Research

Proposals focused on evaluating the effectiveness of a program or service must demonstrate methodological rigor and a clear plan to produce generalizable scientific knowledge. Please view eligibility information for specific projects from the research area you are interested in. 

Applied Behavior Research

Proposals that inform the development, refinement, or validation of evidence-based shelter behavior protocols, or validation of applied shelter behavior research methodology. Proposed research must assess the impact of interventions for common behavior concerns in shelter populations that frequently lead to euthanasia of otherwise adoptable dogs and cats, such as excessive arousal, or validate methodologies to reliably assess behavior and/or welfare in the shelter environment. 

Proposals that include a shelter-researcher partnership aspect are especially encouraged. Examples include, but are not limited to, inclusion of both shelter and academic staff on the study team, the creation of a shelter-facing deliverable, an implementation prospectus that includes a feasibility assessment and identified partner shelter. 

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Louise M. Cryderman Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Louise M. Cryderman, who established the Louise M. Cryderman Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Louise Cryderman was Muskegon's first legal assistant and active in many women's groups during her career. She worked for Stephen H. Clink, founder of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County and Landman, Latimer, Clink, and Robb law firm. She realized the importance and effectiveness of making a charitable gift that keeps on giving. Since she had no children and was a widow when she died in 1977, she left the bulk of her estate, including her house, to the Community Foundation. According to her wishes, this scholarship is to help worthy students with the cost of higher education.

Epps Scholarship

The Epps Scholarship Fund was established at the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation by attorneys Willie and Mischa Epps to support the aspirations of college-bound high school seniors with an expressed interest in pursuing a legal education. This fund honors Dr. Willie James Epps, Sr. and Dr. Barbara Bacon Epps, both born and raised in rural, poor and segregated Mississippi, but excelled in school and became a part of the first generation in their respective families to attend college. Both went on to earn Ph.D.’s in the field of education and to teach at various schools, colleges and universities across the country. They instilled in their two children that faith and education are the keys to success. Their children became licensed attorneys who regularly attend church. Willie and his wife Mischa chose a non-traditional path to promote the scholarship opportunity by working in partnership with churches that disseminate the application and deadline information throughout their congregations.

The Epps Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to college-bound high school seniors based on demonstrated academic achievement, financial need, and an express interest in pursuing a legal education.

Scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis and disbursed in equal payments in August and January. Each scholarship awarded will be a minimum of $2,000 annually to be paid in two equal installments.

This scholarship is not renewable.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Leonard and Edna K. Blomdahl Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Edna Blomdahl, who established the Leonard and Edna K. Blomdahl Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Through all their years together, both Leonard and Edna were known for their countless acts of hospitality, citizenship and service. Late in 1998, she established the fund, designating that it be used for scholarships to graduating seniors from the White Lake area of Muskegon County.

Robin V. Jensen Memorial Scholarship Fund

Robin Virginia Jensen was born on January 9, 1986, in Corvallis, Oregon to Ronald and Deborah Jensen. She was an honor roll student at Crescent Valley High School, where she excelled in volleyball, track and field, and swimming. Robin worked as a lifeguard at Osborn Aquatic center, and in her free-time enjoyed riding her bike. Robin started taking classes at Oregon State University the summer after she graduated from Crescent Valley and was enrolled to begin full-time studies at OSU in the fall. She planned to pursue a degree in forensic science and dreamed of a career in criminal justice. She had been a cadet for three years at the Corvallis Police Department.

On the evening of August 10, 2004, Robin was riding her bicycle home from work and was struck by a car. She died the next day at age 18.

Robin’s mother, Debbie Jensen, helped organize the annual Ride of Silence in Robin’s memory. The event is a silent bike ride through Corvallis meant to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured by motorists. In 2006, Robin’s parents created this scholarship fund to further honor the memory of their daughter. The scholarship provides tuition for a Benton County high school student pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree at an institution of higher education with an emphasis in Forensic Science or Criminal Justice. It also benefits the City of Corvallis Police Cadet program and supports bicycle safety programs in Benton County.

This scholarship is renewable.

Zavala Scholarship

The Zavala Scholarship Fund was opened at WFACF in 2014 to support students of the Hispanic community to pursue higher education. It has since transformed to consider any graduates of high schools in Wichita, Archer, Clay, Wilbarger, or Young County who have great financial need and a minimum 2.75 GPA, including current college students. There are multiple $1,000 scholarships available to be used for any field of study at any college or university in the U.S.

The Pilot Projects to Enhance the Human Virome Program (R03) aims to support small-scale research projects that enhance the understanding of the human virome. This initiative encourages innovative approaches to study virome interactions and improve tools developed under the Human Virome Program. By leveraging human and animal specimens, projects should foster collaboration and expand existing research efforts, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of the virome's role in health and disease.

David & Priscilla Morris Scholarship

The David and Priscilla Morris Scholarship was established to provide tuition support for Black or African American students attending Western Michigan University.

KZCF scholarships may be applied to any items under your school’s cost of attendance (COA). Each school has a different COA that may include items such as tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, etc. Scholarship payments are sent directly to your institution.

This scholarship is a one-time award, meaning that it will not repeat in subsequent years. The money awarded can be applied to your education costs alongside other scholarships or funding that you may receive, and there are no necessary steps once funds are sent.

Kalamazoo Community Foundation

Fueling Equity & Racial Justice Since 1925

KZCF is dedicated to our mission to create a thriving community where people, resources and expertise are mobilized to advance racial, social and economic justice in Kalamazoo County.

Scholarships & Education Grants

For All Levels of Education After High School

Kalamazoo Community Foundation is dedicated to creating pathways to higher education so students can thrive in their academic pursuits and for a lifetime. We oversee more than 60 scholarships and education grants (many of which are multiyear awards) for college, graduate school, career training and more.

Dominic & Barbara Court Family Arts Scholarship Fund

This fund was established from the estate of Barbara Court to provide scholarships for students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program that would lead to a career in the arts.

Multiyear Award; Renews Annually

Rochester Area Community Foundation

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission: We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision: We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Barnard-Kuichling-Acorn Society Scholarship

In 1932, $10,000 was bequeathed by the family of Ella Barnard to establish a scholarship fund for worthy young men and women to complete their education in college. Later, Sara Kuichling provided funds in memory of her husband, Emil, to provide education and training to students under age 24. More money was added later from the Acorn Society, founded in 1896 by Caroline Butts Stoddard. The combined funds were moved to the Community Foundation and now provide awards known as Barnard-Kuichling-Acorn Society Scholarships.

Purpose of Scholarship

• To provide scholarships for high school graduates living in Monroe County who are in the top 10 percent of their class and have financial need.

Award Details

• Number of recipients and award amounts vary.
• Award paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.
• Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

Rochester Area Community Foundation

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission: We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision: We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Bullis Family Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 1982 through the estate of Nettie A. Bullis, a fourth-generation resident of Macedon who was vitally interested in the area’s young residents.

Purpose of Scholarship

• To promote post-secondary education among residents who attended school in the Palmyra-Macedon School District for at least four years.

Award Details

• Number of recipients varies.
• Awards are renewable for a total of four awards paid over four years.
• Award paid in the Fall and sent with a request to be divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.
• Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

Mission & Vision

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Greece Community Partners Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

To recognize and provide financial support to graduating high school students who are residents of Greece.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $1,000; paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Donor Information

This scholarship was established by the Greece Summerfest ’99 Committee, now known as Greece Community Partners, Inc.