Best Grants for Charities in Illinois

The Peace Officers and Firefighters Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports students pursuing education at any accredited institution in the U.S. Eligible applicants are graduating seniors or graduates from public, private high schools, or homeschoolers residing in ETCF counties. While financial need is not a consideration, applicants must demonstrate a commitment to education. This scholarship reflects the foundation's belief in empowering youth through educational opportunities.

The Cpt. Wm. Barron Chapter Texas Society of the Sons of American Revolution Scholarship, managed by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors from select East Texas counties pursuing higher education in any field. The scholarship does not consider financial need and provides support for one year. Applicants must demonstrate their understanding of the American Revolutionary War through an essay, showcasing their appreciation of this pivotal period in history.

The Citizens 1st Bank/Perkins Family Foundation State Employees' Children's Scholarship, managed by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports students from Cherokee, Nacogdoches, or Smith County. Eligible candidates must be graduating seniors or current college students and are required to demonstrate financial need through FASFA. This scholarship reflects a commitment to education, enabling young Texans to pursue their academic dreams at any college in the United States.

The Barbara Bass Community College Scholarship, offered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors who are first-generation college students living in Tyler, Texas. This renewable scholarship aims to assist students attending any community college in the United States while considering financial need through FASFA. Founded in 1989, the Foundation promotes educational opportunities, reflecting the belief in education's transformative power for young individuals.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

Bee a Rae of Sunshine Foundation – MaKenzi Rae Cash Memorial Nursing Scholarship

To support future nurses who exemplify kindness, compassion, and a commitment to caring for others, honoring MaKenzi Rae Cash’s legacy of empathy and her dedication to standing up against bullying in our community.

Next Jazz Legacy is a mentorship program that supports emerging jazz artists through intergenerational mentorship, performance opportunities, and professional networking. Funded by the Mellon Foundation and led by renowned artist Terri Lyne Carrington, the initiative aims to provide a comprehensive support package to seven artists annually from 2025 to 2027. Awardees will receive financial investment, mentorship, and learning opportunities to help them thrive in their careers and contribute to a vibrant jazz future.

The Wenatchee Valley Medical Group and Confluence Health Employee Scholarship supports employees and their families pursuing higher education in healthcare. Offered by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, this scholarship is available for various educational paths, including trade schools, community colleges, and four-year universities. Preference is given to employees, their children, and first-degree relatives, emphasizing those aiming for healthcare-related training. This initiative fosters educational advancement within the community.

The Gil and Kay Sparks Scholarship, established in 2020 by friends of the couple, honors their contributions to the Wenatchee Valley community. This scholarship supports graduating seniors from Westside High School or similar non-traditional schools in Chelan, Douglas, or Okanogan counties, aiming to aid students pursuing further education. Recipients should demonstrate resilience in overcoming life challenges, reflecting the legacy of Gil and Kay, who exemplified community building with humility.

The Junior Hamilton Memorial Mariachi Scholarship is designed to support graduating seniors from Wenatchee, Eastmont, or Westside High School who have shown dedication to the Mariachi Program. This scholarship honors Junior Hamilton's vibrant spirit and enables students to pursue higher education. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.85 and demonstrate continued involvement in the mariachi program. Renewal is possible through reapplication, ensuring ongoing support for deserving students in North Central Washington.

Seattle Foundation is an agent of change, igniting powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

At Seattle Foundation, we believe that community is more than a place. It’s the shared understanding that our joy and well-being are tied to one another. Every day we work with nonprofits, philanthropists, and partners like you to strengthen community by igniting powerful philanthropy and advancing long-term solutions. Because it takes all of us to create a joyful region where every person can thrive.

Greater Seattle (WA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated Scholarship

The Greater Seattle (WA) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated was established in 1955 with a commitment to enriching, sustaining, and ensuring the identities, culture, and economic survival of African-Americans and persons of African descent. Scholarships will be awarded to qualified high school seniors who reside in King, Snohomish, Kitsap, Clallum and Jefferson counties; are U.S. citizens, preference given to students of African American descent; and demonstrate exemplary leadership in their family, school, and the African American Community. Scholarship awards up to $15,000.

The ASHP Foundation offers Professional Advancement Scholarships for up to 13 graduating pharmacy students to attend the 2025 ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting. Each recipient will receive full meeting registration and $1,000 for travel expenses. This initiative aims to enhance professional development and networking opportunities for future pharmacists, facilitating their engagement with the pharmacy community and furthering their education in patient care.

Seattle Foundation is an agent of change, igniting powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

At Seattle Foundation, we believe that community is more than a place. It’s the shared understanding that our joy and well-being are tied to one another. Every day we work with nonprofits, philanthropists, and partners like you to strengthen community by igniting powerful philanthropy and advancing long-term solutions. Because it takes all of us to create a joyful region where every person can thrive.

Greater Seattle (WA) Chapter of The Links, Supplemental Scholarship

The Greater Seattle (WA) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated was established in 1955 with a commitment to enriching, sustaining, and ensuring the identities, culture, and economic survival of African-Americans and persons of African descent. The Supplemental Support Scholarship is for college students in need of tuition assistance or who have basic or urgent need for financial support.

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative is calling for innovative research proposals that leverage synthetic biology principles to advance immunology. This funding opportunity supports projects aimed at enhancing immune cell functionality, developing synthetic bio-circuits, and creating artificial immune systems. The initiative seeks transformative research that can lead to significant breakthroughs in understanding and treating immune-related diseases, ultimately impacting public health on a large scale.

The Cohen Family and L. and V., Inc. Family Scholarship aims to alleviate financial barriers for students pursuing nursing or related fields. Offered by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, this scholarship is designed for adults, including non-traditional and vocational students. With a focus on broadening access to education, the foundation provides support to those seeking further education, ensuring that help is available throughout the application process.

The NIDDK Disorders of Gastrointestinal Interoception Consortium Clinical Centers (DGIC) aims to enhance understanding of gastrointestinal disorders by expanding the previous Gastroparesis Consortium's research scope. This initiative will include adult and pediatric conditions linked to impaired interoceptive processing, utilizing multidisciplinary approaches to uncover mechanisms connecting GI function to symptoms, identify biomarkers for treatment efficacy, and explore new therapeutic targets for future clinical trials.

The PEN Prison Writing Awards, initiated after the 1971 Attica Prison Riots, invites incarcerated writers in the U.S. to submit unpublished works across various genres including Poetry, Fiction, and Memoir. Winners receive cash prizes and their works are published in an annual anthology. This program not only recognizes talent within carceral facilities but also supports writers through mentorship, fostering creativity and expression in challenging circumstances.

The American Association of University Women Scholarship supports women who are resuming their education after interruptions, specifically targeting adult students aiming to complete a 4-year degree. Applications open on November 1 and close on February 1. This scholarship encourages women, particularly sophomores at Corning Community College planning to transfer to a 4-year institution, to pursue their academic goals without financial barriers, thereby enhancing educational opportunities in the community.

The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation Scholarships provide financial support for high school seniors in Macon, Moultrie, and Piatt County. Annually, over 70 students benefit from these awards, ranging from $500 to $10,000, to pursue higher education. Funded by generous donors, the program aims to enhance educational outcomes in the community. Eligibility includes being a graduating senior or an existing college student previously awarded a multi-year scholarship. Various criteria may apply to each scholarship.

Who We Are

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois will make a sustainable philanthropic impact in our community through visible leadership in connecting people who care with causes that matter.

Vernon “Butch” Gudat Scholarship Fund

The Vernon “Butch” Gudat Scholarship Fund was established to create a living legacy in memory of Peoria Fire Captain Vernon “Butch” Gudat. College scholarships are provided to qualifying children and grandchildren of career and volunteer firefighters in Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford counties.

Deputy Wayne and Carol Krieger Scholarship

Established in memory of sheriff's deputy Wayne Krieger by his family, this scholarship benefits graduating seniors of Cattaraugus County and Allegany County high schools intending to study criminal justice, with a preference for a student who is a BOCES criminal justice student. 

Dresser-Rand Employees Scholarship

This Scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors who are the children of employees of Dresser-Rand/Siemens Energy. Employees must have been Olean-based employees as of February 2, 2020 with at least 12 months of service.

The Craig H. Neilsen Foundation offers Community Support Grants aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with spinal cord injuries (SCI). With a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, these grants support community-driven programs that promote independence and participation. Funding ranges from $25,000 to $200,000 annually for up to two years, addressing regional needs and removing barriers to access. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to empowering all individuals affected by SCI.

Northern New York Community Foundation

Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.

Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.

JP North Country Music Scholarship

 Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence county students in the Class of 2026 who plan to pursue studies in music are encouraged to apply.

The Engineering Environmental Resiliency (EER) program, funded by the National Science Foundation, promotes innovative research focused on resource and energy conservation while enhancing environmental protection. By advancing technologies in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and sustainable manufacturing, EER aims to create resilient U.S. manufacturing systems. Key areas of interest include waste reduction, life cycle assessments, and the interaction of nanomaterials with biological systems, all contributing to a sustainable future.

The Riley Burnell Criminal Justice Memorial Scholarship Fund provides financial support to a Koochiching County resident pursuing a career in criminal justice. Established in memory of Riley Burnell, this scholarship awards $2,500 for one year to students demonstrating financial need and maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Eligible applicants must show good citizenship and community involvement while aiming for fields such as law enforcement, conservation, or border patrol.

The Northwoods Educational Opportunities Fund offers financial aid to high school seniors and graduates from Mercer and Chequamegon (Park Falls) schools, as well as residents of the Town of Sherman. Awards can reach up to $20,000 over four years. Eligible applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and demonstrate financial need, community service, and leadership engagement. This initiative aims to support students in pursuing vocational or post-secondary educational programs.

The Lawrence E. and Mabel Jackson Rudberg Scholarship Fund supports graduating seniors from Two Harbors Senior High School and Duluth area high schools. This scholarship, established by educators Lawrence and Mabel Rudberg, aims to promote access to higher education. Eligible students must demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Awards can reach up to $20,000 over four years, helping students achieve their college aspirations.