Best Grants for Charities in Illinois

The Community Foundation proudly supports students in Portage and Waushara counties with over $325,000 in scholarships annually, thanks to the generosity of local individuals and families. Award amounts range from $500 to $40,000, opening doors to educational opportunities.

The Community Foundation provides scholarships for a wide range of students, including high school seniors, college students, non-traditional learners, and those pursuing specific fields of study.

Angie Sheldon Memorial Scholarship

Criteria for Selection:

• Seeking a degree from a four-year college or university and demonstrate financial need.

The Leonard-Litz Foundation's LGBTQ+ Advocacy Fund Grant aims to empower LGBTQ+ individuals by funding organizations that advocate for their rights and well-being. With a focus on health, wellness, and racial justice, the fund supports projects that require significant investment for impactful change. Prioritizing partnerships that serve vulnerable communities, including people of color and transgender individuals, this grant fosters equality and addresses systemic inequalities faced by LGBTQ+ people, especially in the northeast U.S.

The Rotary Club of Milwaukee Scholarship provides financial support and mentorship to high school seniors in Milwaukee pursuing higher education. This program, which has been active for over 110 years, aims to invest in the next generation of community leaders. Recipients not only receive financial aid but also engage in educational programming and are paired with mentors for guidance throughout their college journey, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed.

The John Deere FIRST LEGO League Discover program aims to support equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM fields by providing grants to teams that meet specific eligibility criteria. Teams must be associated with an educational institution or nonprofit and demonstrate a commitment to recruiting underserved and underrepresented students. The initiative is part of John Deere’s goal to empower one million youth by 2030, fostering innovation and better decision-making in local communities.

The Leonard Litz Foundation supports LGBTQ+ organizations through grants that promote health, wellness, crisis intervention, racial justice, advocacy, and social assistance. Priority is given to organizations in the northeast U.S. and those serving communities of color and transgender individuals. Applications that clearly link funding requests to specific needs will receive stronger consideration. The foundation aims to foster a supportive environment for the LGBTQ+ community to thrive.

The Public Policy & International Affairs (PPIA) Scholarship at Harvard Kennedy School is designed for alumni of the PPIA Junior Summer Institute. This scholarship aims to support both U.S. and international students by considering merit and financial need. Harvard Kennedy School is committed to fostering leadership and public policy expertise, making a significant impact on global societal issues. Recipients must have participated in the PPIA program to be eligible for this limited funding.

The LaRue Ottaway Scholarship, offered by the Union City Community Foundation, provides financial support to 15-20 graduating seniors each year pursuing degrees in the medical field. With an average funding of $20,000 annually, this scholarship emphasizes academic excellence, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.0. Recipients are chosen based on criteria set by the donor, ensuring a fair selection process that highlights deserving candidates from the Union City Area.

The Paul & Barbara Bond College Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Erie City’s Public schools. Eligible students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in any field. In 2023, the foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to more than 500 deserving students, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the community.

About Decatur County Community Foundation

Decatur County Community Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter. 

Our Mission

To inspire the generosity of our community to create a lasting impact.

​We help visionary donors practice highly effective charitable giving; award grants to not-for-profits doing good in the community; award scholarships to ease the financial burden of education for students; provide leadership to make Decatur County a better community.

Online Scholarships

The following scholarships are managed by the Decatur County Community Foundation. Complete details for each scholarship are available on the individual online scholarship application.

Colleen Bray Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is for students seeking certification in dog grooming, vet tech, or any secondary education in animal sciences. 

We are an independent foundation which has been serving Seventh-day Adventist ministries and a select few other humanitarian efforts with financial grants since 1990. We are a self-funded lay organization, and our board is comprised of both lay Adventists and present and former Adventist church employees, all committed to furthering the Kingdom of God and to restoring the “image of God” in those in need. 

Mission

It is the purpose of Versacare Foundation to serve humanity by engaging in activities that will further the kingdom of God and restore the Image of God in man. We believe that this fidelity to the Gospel of Jesus urges us to emphasize human health and dignity and the search for knowledge.

Journalism for Adventist Solutions (JAS) 

Journalism for Adventist Solutions (JAS) grants aim to promote ethical reporting and diverse storytelling by encouraging integrity, creativity, and journalistic excellence in Adventist communication through targeted grant funding. 

The JAS grant application is open year-round, with funds awarded annually each March and September.

Project Priorities

• Systemic issues in Adventism that demand investigation and fresh thinking
• Journalists and media organizations producing major stories on vital issues related to Adventism
• New ways to communicate the diverse Adventist-related stories of what God is doing
• Awards and recognition to celebrate journalistic achievements and foster a culture of excellence in ethical storytelling
• Evaluation methods to maintain accountability and ethics in Adventist communication
• Courses, workshops, and mentorship programs to enhance journalist skills, ethics, and innovative practices in Adventist communication
• Travel, technology, stipends and honoraria as relevant to the project request
• Other projects similar to the above

Applicants must agree to provide a post-grant report, including a full financial accounting of how JAS monies were used and agree to be audited if requested.

Community Foundation of the Quincy Area

My Community Foundation (also known as The Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri) is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving quality of life in the communities it serves by connecting compassionate donors with meaningful causes. The foundation works with individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit partners to gather charitable contributions, grow those funds through professional investment strategies, and grant the earnings in ways that address local needs now and into the future. It builds and manages permanent endowments tailored to donors’ goals, ensuring their philanthropic visions—whether honoring a loved one, establishing a legacy, or supporting community needs—are realized. Serving a 12-county region across West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri, the foundation acts as a steward of charitable assets, helping donors make a lasting impact through customized giving opportunities, community grants, and strategic support for nonprofit organizations.

AgForward Program for Agricultural Education

AgForward Program for Agricultural Education provides grant funding to support education, innovation, and workforce development in the field of production agriculture. Grants from the fund will promote and benefit education relating to production agriculture at any educational level throughout the Community Foundation’s service area. Funded programs must directly involve and/or impact students. Grants must be for project or program support. Grants may not be used for scholarships or general operating support.

Priority will be given to applicants whose proposals demonstrate one or more of the following:

• Educational projects and programs that seek to advance the field of production agriculture in the Community Foundation’s service area.
• Programs to encourage or inspire agricultural careers and/or to develop a skilled agricultural workforce at any education level.
• The development of and training in technologies and techniques that will enable agriculture to be more productive, efficient, and safe.

The John G. Blakesley Mathematical Excellence Scholarship is awarded annually to an exceptional eighth-grade student in Elkhart County. This four-year scholarship, totaling $5,000, supports higher education expenses and is funded by local businessman John Blakesley, who aims to empower future generations. Candidates are nominated by their schools and must demonstrate outstanding character, leadership, and a commitment to learning, reflecting the values cherished by Mr. Blakesley.

The Kris Campbell “Any Dream Will Do” Scholarship Fund offers a one-time $500 award to a Prairie Heights High School senior. Eligible students should have participated in the school drama club for at least two years or excelled in English, pursuing a related major in college. The scholarship supports students aiming for a Bachelor’s degree at any accredited institution, awarded upon proof of enrollment.

The Jack and Edna May Yost Scholarship, managed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, supports graduating seniors from Dauphin or Cumberland counties pursuing higher education at accredited colleges. Priority is given to children of postal employees and those majoring in nursing or education. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5, demonstrate community service, and show financial need. This scholarship aims to empower students and promote educational equity in the community.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship.

SAFE FCU Scholarship Fund

Your journey to success starts here.

SAFE is proud to offer eleven deserving high school seniors a $2,500 college scholarship to start their journey to higher education. 

The Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages LLC Scholarship, offered by Communities Foundation of Texas, awards up to $5,000 to dependents of full-time Coca-Cola employees pursuing higher education in the U.S. Eligible applicants include high school seniors, college students, and graduate students with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Scholarships can be renewed annually for up to four years, providing ongoing support for education. Note that dependents of Executive Leadership Team members are not eligible.

The Inspire the Future Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, aims to support graduating high school seniors from Calumet County who have experienced foster care. Eligible students must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrate a commitment to personal growth and academic success. This scholarship not only alleviates financial burdens for college or vocational training but also fosters a supportive community environment for those in need.

The Central PA Architects Foundation Fund Architecture Scholarship, offered by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, supports students from select counties in Pennsylvania who are enrolled in architecture degree programs. This scholarship aims to foster educational opportunities for individuals demonstrating financial need and commitment to the field of architecture, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of local communities.

The Dr. Anson L. Clark Scholarship, established by Communities Foundation of Texas, provides financial support of up to $20,000 for graduating seniors from Dallas Independent School District. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2 and achieve either a SAT score of 1190 or an ACT score of 24. This initiative aims to empower students to pursue higher education in Texas, fostering academic achievement and community growth.

The Bruce Mangione Fund, established by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, honors Bruce Mangione's legacy through scholarships for students in Harrisburg. This fund supports those attending local schools or dependents of Clearway Energy or Harrisburg Hilton employees. It emphasizes community involvement, work ethic, academic performance, and financial need, thus advancing educational opportunities and fostering local talent in South Central Pennsylvania.

The C.V.M. Scholarship Fund, established by Communities Foundation of Texas, offers up to $10,000 to graduates of Mildred Independent School District pursuing further education. Since 1953, CFT has collaborated with donors and nonprofits to uplift communities. Eligible candidates must have a GPA of 4.0 (out of 7.0) and meet SAT or ACT score requirements. This initiative aims to empower local students in their educational journeys.

The ACES Foundation Fund, managed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, offers scholarships to high school seniors from Cumberland, Dauphin, or Perry County. Eligible students must pursue business-related studies or trades, demonstrate academic achievement with a minimum GPA of 2.5, and show commitment to community service. This initiative aims to support future entrepreneurs and enhance community development through educational funding.

The National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship offers U.S. citizens and nationals the opportunity to pursue doctoral degrees in science and engineering fields critical to the Department of Defense. Awardees receive full tuition coverage, a monthly stipend of $3,600, and health insurance support. With over 4,400 fellowships awarded since its inception, the program aims to foster the next generation of scientists and engineers, encouraging diverse applicants to align their research with DoD priorities.

The Beistle Company Scholarship, managed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, provides financial support for legal dependents of full-time Beistle Company employees. If no eligible dependents apply, it extends to Shippensburg High School graduates and other local students. Applicants must demonstrate academic promise, financial need, and be accepted into an accredited institution. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities for deserving students in the community.

The Conrad Siegel “Numbers Matter” Community Scholarship Fund, established by Conrad M. Siegel, Inc., supports underserved students in Central PA pursuing degrees in math, finance, and related fields. This initiative aims to enhance diversity in financial professions by alleviating the financial burden of higher education for students from minority backgrounds. The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, dedicated to strengthening local communities, manages this scholarship to empower the next generation of leaders in these disciplines.

The McLaughlin-Wilson Scholarship Fund, established in 1994 by Edith Wilson, supports residents of Monterey, MA, in accessing post-secondary education. Created in memory of Marjorie McLaughlin, this fund reflects Wilson's commitment to aiding the educational pursuits of local youth. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing intelligent minds in the community, ensuring that high school graduates from Monterey can achieve their academic goals. This scholarship is a testament to the enduring friendship and shared values of its founders.

The Sol Shulman Jewish Education and Life Grants support programs that enhance Jewish education and cultural enrichment in McLean County. Funded by the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation, these grants prioritize projects that benefit the community broadly, including educational materials and artistic endeavors. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt organizations and serve local residents, fostering collaboration and sustainability in their initiatives. Proposals should focus on measurable outcomes and potential for ongoing impact beyond initial funding.