Best Grants for Charities in Illinois

The Frances M. Culbertson Travel Grant provides essential funding for women from developing countries at the beginning of their psychology careers. This grant helps address the challenges posed by limited resources, allowing recipients to attend international and regional conferences. Eligible applicants must hold a doctoral degree and be within ten years postdoctoral, promoting diversity in the field. Preference is given to those attending key psychology conferences, fostering professional growth and networking opportunities.

The AUA Boston Scientific Medical Student Innovation Fellowship, funded by the American Urological Association, aims to nurture future urologic researchers. This fellowship offers a $20,000 stipend for a 12-month research project, engaging medical students in innovative urology research under expert mentorship. The initiative addresses the pressing need for skilled professionals in the urologic research field, ensuring a robust pipeline of talent dedicated to advancing patient care and scientific discovery in urology.

The FWW Fellowship Award supports emerging physicians and scientists dedicated to advancing women’s health research. Awardees, pursuing MD or PhD programs at U.S. institutions, explore critical health topics such as cardiovascular disease, leading female cancers, and the role of hormones. This initiative encourages diverse applicants and promotes innovative proposals that address health concerns disproportionately affecting women. With a commitment to fostering research excellence, the FWW Fellowship Award empowers the next generation of health leaders.

The Speech Science Research Grant, offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, supports new investigators conducting research in speech science. A $10,000 grant will be awarded to eligible researchers, who must have completed their PhD within the last five years. The funding can be utilized for various research-related expenses, fostering innovative studies and honoring the legacy of researcher Dennis Klatt. The next application cycle will be in 2026.

The FWW Research Awards support short-term studies focused on critical women’s health issues such as cardiovascular disease, female cancers, and hormonal influences on health. Eligible applicants include MDs or PhDs affiliated with accredited institutions. Research proposals must align with FWW's priority areas, and financial support must be confirmed to ensure project completion. Note that sociological studies are not funded, and only one application per Principal Investigator is allowed.

The National Film Preservation Foundation offers Basic Preservation Grants to nonprofit and public institutions for preserving culturally significant American films. Since 1998, they have provided resources to 337 organizations across the U.S. Grants range from $1,000 to $20,000, facilitating the creation of new film preservation elements and public access copies. With an annual award of 30 to 40 grants, this initiative plays a crucial role in ensuring the survival of films that are at risk of being lost.

The National Film Preservation Foundation (NFPF) offers Matching Grants to support the preservation of significant American films. Nonprofit and public institutions can apply for projects involving complex preservation efforts, with cash stipends ranging from $20,001 to $75,000. Grants require a matching contribution of one-fifth of the project costs. Since its inception, the NFPF has aided numerous organizations in preserving culturally important films, ensuring their accessibility for future generations.

The FY26 Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health Research Program (TBIPHRP) aims to support impactful health services research that connects research, practice, and policy. It emphasizes building real-world evidence for interventions and clinical guidelines tailored to specific populations. Key features include requirements for clinical trials, preliminary data, and community-based participatory research approaches. The program also offers an Early-Career Investigator Partnering Option to foster collaboration between seasoned and emerging researchers.

The Charles L. Brewer Distinguished Teaching of Psychology Award honors psychologists with outstanding teaching records. Awardees receive a plaque, a $2,000 monetary prize, and a $1,000 travel stipend, along with the opportunity to present at the APA Annual Convention. This prestigious award encourages nominations from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing achievements in teaching, curriculum development, and research in psychology education. Note that self-nominations are not permitted, and international applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria.

The ASTR Teacher-Researchers Grant supports faculty with heavy teaching loads and limited research resources in theatre studies. This grant fosters scholarly exchange by providing an honorarium of up to $1000, complimentary conference registration, and a one-year ASTR membership. Applications are evaluated based on project feasibility and significance, with additional consideration for those facing institutional research support challenges. This initiative aims to enhance diversity and facilitate meaningful contributions to the field.

The Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship was established in 2010, in memory of Freeland resident and business owner Bernie Smillie. Bernie passed away in 2000, due to complications from a lung transplant he had received in 1994. In 2005, family and friends of Bernie established the Bernie Smillie Memorial Golf Outing. Proceeds of this outing has helped to promote organ donor support and awareness and establish this scholarship fund.

Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship - Medical

Evaluation Criteria

• Leadership ability
• Financial need
• Academic performance
• Standardized test scores
• Special skills
• Awards and honors
• Community service
• Work experience
• Extracurricular school activities
• Overall involvement
• Career goals as demonstrated in essay
• Letter of recommendation.

The Career Development Grants in American Music, offered by the American Musicological Society, provide $800 and free registration to the Annual Meeting for students and educators interested in American music. This initiative aims to enhance knowledge and professional connections through participation in activities at the AMS Annual Meeting in Minneapolis. Applicants must be legal U.S. residents and provide information about their educational status and relevant research interests.

The Gerald Kahan Scholar's Prize, awarded by the American Society for Theatre Research, honors the best essay published in English in a refereed scholarly journal or edited collection within the field of theater research. Eligible authors must be untenured and within seven years of their doctorate or enrolled in a doctoral program. The prize includes a $500 honorarium and complimentary registration for the ASTR annual meeting, acknowledging the editor's contribution to scholarship.

Dissertation Grants

With support from the National Science Foundation, the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Grants Program seeks proposals for Dissertation Grants. The AERA Grants Program provides advanced graduate students with research funding and professional development and training. The program supports highly competitive dissertation research using rigorous quantitative methods to examine large-scale, education-related data. The aim of the program is to advance fundamental knowledge of relevance to STEM education policy, foster significant science using education data, promote equity in STEM, and build research capacity in education and learning. Since 1991, this AERA Program has been vital to both research and training at early career stages.

The Grants Program encourages the use of major data sets from multiple and diverse sources. It emphasizes the advanced statistical analysis of data sets from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and other federal agencies. The program also supports studies using large-scale international data systems (e.g., PISA, PIRLS, or TIMMS) that benefit from U.S. federal government support. In addition, statewide longitudinal administrative data systems (SLDS) enhanced through federal grants are also eligible for consideration. The inclusion of federal or state administrative information that further expands the analytic capacity of the research is permissible. The thrust of the analysis needs to be generalizable to a national, state, or population or a subgroup within the sample that the dataset represents.

The Grants Program is open to field-initiated research and welcomes proposals that:

• develop or benefit from advanced statistical or innovative quantitative methods or measures;
• analyze more than one large-scale national or international federally funded data set, or more than one statewide longitudinal data system (SLDS) or incorporate other data enhancements;
• integrate, link, or blend multiple large-scale data sources; or
• undertake replication research of major findings or major studies using large-scale, federally supported or enhanced data.

The Grants Program encourages proposals across the life span and contexts of education and learning of relevance to STEM policy and practice. The research may focus on a wide range of topics, including but not limited to such issues as student achievement in STEM, analysis of STEM education policies, contextual factors in education, educational participation and persistence (pre-kindergarten through graduate school), early childhood education and development, postsecondary education, and the STEM workforce and transitions. Studies that examine issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion across STEM topics and/or for specific racial and ethnic groups, social classes, genders, or persons with disabilities are encouraged.

Award

• Award Component 1 - $27,500 Stipend
• Award Component 2 - AERA Research and Training Conference
• Award Component 3- AERA Annual Meeting Capstone Research Institute

The budget must include funds to attend the AERA Annual Meeting. The funds can be used for research-related expenses such as tuition, living expenses, travel to secure data enclaves or scholarly conferences, books, computer equipment, and other expenses directly related to conducting this research. AERA encourages cost sharing from universities in the form of tuition assistance, office space, university fees, and other expenses.

The William S. Pollitzer Student Travel Awards, named after a prominent Human Biologist, support AABA student members in attending annual meetings. This initiative not only alleviates financial burdens but also encourages participation from underrepresented groups. By engaging in biological anthropology discussions, students can showcase the relevance of their research amidst shifting political landscapes, emphasizing how bioanthropological insights contribute to societal well-being and warrant continued funding.

Tiderington Family Scholarship

The Tiderington Family Scholarship was established in 1996 by Dr. Robert H. and Charlotte Hughes Tiderington and their three sons, Robert III, James and Thomas, to provide funding for students pursuing a vocational career. Neither Dr. Tiderington nor his wife Charlotte graduated from college. Dr. Tiderington remarked: “It was important to us that our boys went to college. We always stressed education. When you give a gift of education, you give a gift for life.”

Saginaw Country Club Golf Scholarship

The Saginaw Country Club has been one of the premier private clubs in Michigan for over 116 years. In honor of its centennial year in 1998, the Club’s Board of Governors established the Saginaw Country Club Golf Scholarship.

The scholarship is offered to promote and reward golf playing among Saginaw County’s youth.

The ASTR Theater and Performance Art Studies Research Fellowships provide funding for scholars conducting significant research in theatre and performance studies. With awards up to $3000, these fellowships support academic projects, allowing recipients to cover various research expenses. Eligible applicants include anyone holding a terminal degree and a member of ASTR, with the selection based on project merit. However, applicants cannot seek a Targeted Research Area Grant for the same project in the same year.

LaFrancine Stallings Math & Science College Scholars

The LaFrancine Stallings Math & Science College Scholarship will provide renewable need-based scholarships of up to $6,375 to undergraduate juniors enrolled full-time pursuing a Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) major at any four-year accredited HBCU in the 2026-2027 school year.

This funding opportunity aims to support research investigating the long-term impacts of disasters on healthcare systems in U.S. populations facing health disparities. The focus is on both natural and human-made disasters, encouraging collaborative approaches to enhance understanding and response strategies. Key deadlines for applications range from June 2024 to February 2027, with specific dates for standard, renewal, and AIDS-related grant applications outlined.

ASEEES Internship Grant Program

Funded by an external grant, ASEEES’s Internship Grant Program provides incoming, current, and recent (i.e. those who have graduated no more than two years prior to the competition deadline) MA, PhD, and professional school students with grants that make it possible for them to accept unpaid or underpaid internships in areas broadly related to Russia, including Russia’s relations with other regions/countries.

The grant offers $2,000 a month, to be paid directly to the grantee (intern) during their internship. In the case of underpaid internships, ASEEES will work with the host institutions and the grantees to make sure the grantee receives a combined stipend of $2,000 per month or has an extended duration for the internship.

The Elliott Antokoletz Fund supports doctoral and post-doctoral research in twentieth-century music, honoring the legacy of esteemed scholar Elliott Antokoletz. It is open to Ph.D. students and recent graduates from North American universities, with an award range of $500 to $5000. Preference is given to applicants from institutions lacking financial support for musicological research. This initiative promotes creativity through music-centered research, ensuring equity and inclusion in the academic study of music.

The Howard Vincent Kurtz Student Engagement Grant, funded by USITT, supports emerging theater artists with financial assistance up to $1,200 for academic costs. Grants cover research, travel, and project completion, along with a complimentary conference registration. Eligible applicants include undergraduate and graduate students in theatrical design and technology, nominated by a USITT member. Winners receive mentorship for six months, fostering professional growth and development in the entertainment industry.

The R3PEATS Rigor Scholar Cohort Awards (K12) are designed to empower early-career researchers by enhancing their skills in rigorous scientific practices. This initiative promotes collaboration across institutions to develop best practices in research methodologies, including preregistration and randomization. Participants will gain essential training to ensure excellence and transparency in scientific research, aligning with the NIH's commitment to improve replicability and reproducibility in the field.

About Us

Driving Positive Change in Noble County!

At the Community Foundation of Noble County we are passionate about making Noble County an even better place to call home. Since 1991, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Noble County to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible, as we see it as our mission to serve as a catalyst for positive change. The Community Foundation of Noble County is a public charity 501 (c) 3 entity.

As a group of invested community members, we identify local current and emerging issues and stimulate resources to address those needs, helping our region prepare for the future. We then leverage gifts and bequests from generous donors like you to drive positive change through grants in such areas as arts and culture, education, health and human services, civic affairs and other charitable areas of interest.

Our Mission

To improve the quality of life in Noble County by serving as catalyst for positive change, enabling donors to carry out charitable intent, and making grants.

Donor Story – Robinson, John E. and Joan E. Scholarship Fund

Ever since John E. (Jack) and Joan E. Robinson established a scholarship fund with the community foundation in 1997 in memory of their deceased son, William, they have been building it the way some resourceful birds incorporate bits of just about anything into their nests.

The proceeds of catered dinners have gone into the fund, as have earnings from tutoring done by Joan, a retired teacher. The Robinsons have given many donations to the fund as memorials or honorariums and had others do the same, with honorariums in recognition of such things as birthdays and dedicated service to church.

In 2001 the Robinsons celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and asked that any gifts be to the scholarship fund. Several dozen donations were received.

Jack, a retired law enforcement officer (now deceased), and Joan have also talked up the fund at every opportunity and taken advantage of matches made available by the foundation and through the Lilly Endowment, Inc.

Several scholarships are made available each year.

Robinson, John E. and Joan E. Scholarship Fund

In memory of their son, Bill Robinson.

A one time scholarship for residents of Noble County who are high school seniors (in particular students at Central Noble, Churubusco, East Noble and West Noble schools) pursuing any sort of post high school education. CFNC

The Lawrence M. Brass, MD Clinical Research Training Scholarship in Stroke supports early career investigators focused on stroke and neurocritical care research. This award offers $65,000 annually for two years and an additional $10,000 yearly for educational costs, totaling $150,000. Eligibility requires applicants to be AAN members with MD, PhD, or equivalent degrees, and research must be conducted in accredited non-profit institutions in the U.S. Applications are assessed on research quality, innovation, and significance.

About Us

Driving Positive Change in Noble County!

At the Community Foundation of Noble County we are passionate about making Noble County an even better place to call home. Since 1991, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Noble County to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible, as we see it as our mission to serve as a catalyst for positive change. The Community Foundation of Noble County is a public charity 501 (c) 3 entity.

As a group of invested community members, we identify local current and emerging issues and stimulate resources to address those needs, helping our region prepare for the future. We then leverage gifts and bequests from generous donors like you to drive positive change through grants in such areas as arts and culture, education, health and human services, civic affairs and other charitable areas of interest.

Our Mission

To improve the quality of life in Noble County by serving as catalyst for positive change, enabling donors to carry out charitable intent, and making grants.

Donor Story - Stahl, Josh Scholarship Fund

The Joshua Stahl Scholarship Fund was established in December 1999 by Michael Yoder. Mr. Yoder started this fund as a tribute to Josh Stahl, a friend of his son, Phillip. Joshua Stahl was a student at East Noble High School who died from a tragic car accident in 1999, but his love for running and his life is still remembered with the Josh Stahl Memorial Scholarship. Phillip Yoder dedicated his track season to his fallen friend and won the 1999 State Track Meet in the 3200 meters with a time of 9:06.

Pays $500 one-time. Extra essay: How has involvement in cross country and/or track affected your decisions and goals for your future? (cfnc)