Best Grants for Charities in Illinois

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The Veronica Zerrer and Michelle Dungan Scholarship Fund

The Veronica Zerrer and Michelle Dungan Scholarship Fund applicants should:

• Have resided in San Diego County for at least one year
• Plan to enroll full-time at a four-year university, graduate school, community college, or career/technical school in the United States
• Have an unweighted GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Have a demonstrated financial need
• Open to all San Diego County applicants, with an effort to reduce educational disparities for those who have faced barriers related to sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The SD2 Scholarship

The SD2 Scholarship applicants should:

• Be graduating high school seniors or current community college students
• Plan to enroll or transfer to an accredited four-year university in the US in fall
• Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale (with rare exceptions for extenuating circumstances)
• Plan to major in science, technology, engineering or mathematics
• Demonstrate an interest in the advancement of historically underrepresented populations in the sciences and related fields
• Students from underserved and underrepresented backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply
• Have a demonstrated financial need
• Open to those applicants above with a focus on reducing historical educational disparities for those furthest from opportunity

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The Randy Williams Scholarship

The Randy Williams Scholarship applicants should:

• Have resided in San Diego County for at least one year
• Be graduating high school seniors who have participated in high school and/or club competitive swimming programs and plan to attend an accredited four-year university, community college or licensed career/technical school in the United States in fall
• Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The John C. Berray Foundation - Celebrating a Passion Scholarship

The John C. Berray Foundation - Celebrating a Passion Scholarship applicants should:

• Have resided in San Diego County for at least one year
• Be graduating high school seniors from Grossmont Union High School District
• Plan to enroll in an accredited community college, four-year university or trade/vocational school in the United States in fall
• Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The Eleanor and Simon Weissberger Scholarship

The Eleanor and Simon Weissberger Scholarship applicants should:

• Reside within the 92113 zip code
• Be graduating high school seniors
• Plan to enroll full-time at a four-year college or university, community college, or licensed career/technical school in the United States in fall
• Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Have parents who did not attend college
• Show a strong commitment to their community as demonstrated by their involvement in extra-curricular activities and/or community or faith-based service
• Not major in political, social, ethnic studies, and advocacy work

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The Bumble Bee Seafood Company Foundation Scholarship 

The Bumble Bee Seafood Company Foundation Scholarship applicants should:

• Have resided in San Diego County for at least one year
• Be graduating high school seniors, current four-year, community college or trade/vocational school students
• Plan to enroll or are currently enrolled in an accredited four-year undergraduate university, community college or trade/vocational school in the United States in fall
• Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Have a demonstrated financial need
• This opportunity is open to all applicants, with a focus on those furthest from opportunity and having a demonstrated financial need.

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four–year universities, graduate schools, and career/technical schools.

Robert R. Heaton Scholarship Fund

The Robert R. Heaton Scholarship Fund was created by Bob Heaton to provide scholarships for students who are current residents of Butler County or graduates of a Butler County high school, who currently attend or plan to attend vocational or technical trade school OR a 2-or 4-year college or university.

• Award varies
• Award Type: Renewable award.

The Wallace E. Pavlick Scholarship Fund, established by The Pittsburgh Foundation, supports members of the Parish of Triumph of the Holy Cross in Pleasant Hills, Pennsylvania, who are pursuing higher education. This fund aims to alleviate financial barriers for students attending various educational institutions, including community colleges and universities. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain full-time enrollment in their chosen programs. The scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities within the community.

The NIH HEAL Initiative PainCare Clinician Training Program (PCTP) offers Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Awards (K08) aimed at nurturing a new generation of independent investigators. This program provides essential NIH research funding during the early-career phase, enabling awardees to establish their independent research programs focused on pain management. Key application deadlines span from October 2024 to June 2027, ensuring ample opportunities for interested candidates to apply.

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four–year universities, graduate schools, and career/technical schools.

Robert Bulger Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Robert Bulger Memorial Scholarship Fund was established at The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County by a community member and long-time supporter of Jeannette District Memorial Hospital in honor of its former CEO and President, Robert J. Bulger. Scholarships are to benefit graduating high school senior from Jeannette High School, Hempfield High School and Penn Trafford High School who wish to earn credits within the healthcare field that lead to an associate degree, diploma, certificate or a baccalaureate degree program at a two or four-year institution.

• Average Award: $1,000
• Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four–year universities, graduate schools, and career/technical schools.

Kennametal Scholarship Fund

The Kennametal Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to support students in Southwestern Pennsylvania with financial need pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) related degrees. The purpose of the scholarship is to broaden the awareness of opportunities in STEM by supporting students who have been disproportionately affected by systemic barriers to educational achievement.

• Average Award: Varies
• Award Type: Multi-Year (up to 4 years).

The Pittsburgh Young Professionals Scholarship Fund, established by The Pittsburgh Foundation, supports local students in their educational pursuits. It offers scholarships for high school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students attending various educational institutions in the Greater Pittsburgh region. Eligible applicants must demonstrate volunteer experience, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be members of the Pittsburgh Young Professionals network. This initiative aims to foster professional and civic development among young individuals in the community.

The Jan and Frank Cicero Fellowship supports artists in the visual and performing arts for one month, providing a stipend of $3,000. Applications are due by January 3, 2025, with a grace period for recommendation letters until January 13, 2025. This fellowship is an opportunity to enhance artistic practice using the Newberry collection, open to scholars at the ABD stage and beyond. Eligible applicants include artists and performers from various disciplines.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Vocational Education Merit Award Fund

The Vocational Education Merit Scholarship was created to provide scholarships to two graduating high school seniors who have excelled academically and is a nomination based award.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

John-Elizabeth Blaho Miller Fund

The John-Elizabeth Blaho Miller Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation was created to provide scholarship assistance for students, with a preference for students who have an awareness and appreciation of Hungarian culture, including its history, customs, and traditions, and who are undertaking a theological education in preparation for a ministry that draws upon Lutheran teachings in its worldview. John C. Miller was born in Budapest October 1910. In 1921 he immigrated to the United States with his parents (John Miller and Elizabeth Blaho Miller) where they resided in Ambridge, PA. For several years John was the manager of five motion picture houses owned by the Chateau Amusement Company. In 1955 he became a program supervisor at Buhl Planetarium where he retired at the age of 67 in 1977. In December 2001 John established this scholarship in memory of his parents.

Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

The RIPS Regions IPS Trainers program, initiated by the Illinois Department of Human Services, aims to support agencies in implementing Individual Placement and Support (IPS) programs across the state. Through the recruitment of full-time IPS Trainers, the program ensures comprehensive training and technical assistance, enhancing the sustainability of IPS initiatives. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of equity and diversity in service provision, striving to create an inclusive environment that benefits all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds.

The Ottawa County Community Foundation manages the Steve and Patricia Baccus Scholarship Fund, aimed at supporting students graduating from high schools in Minneapolis or Bennington, KS. This scholarship is designed for those pursuing further education at accredited institutions and is funded by local donors. While the foundation promotes community philanthropy, it does not offer renewal options for this scholarship, encouraging students to seek ongoing educational opportunities.

The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region

Who We Are

Empowering generous people with meaningful giving opportunities.

Since 1968, The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region (CFGCR) has been dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Capital Region. We work with — and for — all our neighbors across the community because together, we are stronger.

Eric Minkiewicz Presidential Scholarship Award

This scholarship is available to eligible employees of Renewal by Andersen of Eastern NY and their immediate family members who plan to pursue a two or four year college degree or a trade/technical certification program.

We support students who live our values: who do what they say they will, act with urgency, respect others, work as a team and commit to continuous improvement.

This scholarship reflects our belief that everyone leads, and our commitment to fostering a winning environment for our employees, customers, and community.

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Scholarship Program

The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help you take the next step in your education.

Marcella Dowling Oakes Art Scholarship

For students qualifying for graduation from a high school within the service area of GSCF or its affiliates with an intended major in an art field, including, but not limited to, visual arts, fine arts education, digital/graphic arts, architecture, or design.

 Applicants must submit a personal statement about how they will utilize their drawing skills to accomplish their future career goals.

Renewals

• This award is not renewable.

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Scholarship Program

The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help you take the next step in your education.

Linda K. Freeland Early Childhood Education Scholarship

For High school senior from Saline County, KS, with an intended major of early childhood education.

Applicant must submit an essay that states why they have chosen to major in early childhood education.

Renewals

• This award is not renewable.

Rare Organic Acidemias Research (ROAR) Consortium Early Career Fellowship

The overall mission of the ROAR career enhancement core is to recruit and retain a cohort of physicians, physician-researchers, and other researchers with clinical research expertise in rare metabolic disorders, specifically organic acidemias.

 Annual funding of $50,000 (total cost, including indirect costs) is available to support a postdoctoral trainee or early career faculty member (within 5 years of residency or fellowship training as of proposed start date of either June 1, 2026 or October 1, 2026) for a one-year period. The ROAR Consortium intends to fund 1-2 awards this cycle with one award starting by June 1, 2026 and another starting by October 1, 2026. 

Trainees are expected to complete the following:

• Design and complete a clinical research project focusing on organic acidemias. This project can leverage existing projects within the ROAR consortium or can be a new project unrelated to existing projects in the consortium. Of note, funds cannot be used to support research projects involving animal models. 
• Meet monthly with their project mentor and periodically with the ROAR Career Enhancement Core leadership to discuss progress.
• Provide a progress report within 30 days of completing the program.
• Attend ROAR consortium activities including the monthly ROAR team calls and annual ROAR consortium in-person meeting.
• Present their project at the annual ROAR consortium in-person meeting or monthly ROAR team call.
• Acknowledge the ROAR consortium support on manuscripts published upon completion of the project.
• Trainees are expected to participate in the RDCRN Rare Disease Research Training Program.
• Trainees are encouraged to budget funds for travel to one conference relevant to the organic acidemia and/or rare disease community to present their work. 

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Scholarship Program

The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help you take the next step in your education.

Gayle & Evelyn Richmond Scholarship

For graduating high school seniors from a high school in Plainville, Stockton, Natoma, or Palco, KS.

Renewals

Scholarship recipients are eligible to apply for renewal by meeting the following criteria:

• Recipients must maintain a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA.
• Recipients may receive this scholarship for a total of 4 years.

The Connie Celeste Sherman Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by family, supports students from Hampden County. Managed by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, the fund assists those enrolling in accredited U.S. post-secondary schools. Eligible applicants include undergraduates and graduates, with awards up to $3,000. Students should verify the potential impact on financial aid and can use scholarships for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses, while considering tax implications.

The Dan Trant Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, supports Westfield residents who are student athletes. This fund is part of a broader initiative, offering over 160 scholarships to assist students pursuing diverse fields of study. Eligible applicants include undergraduate and graduate students attending accredited institutions. Awards can reach up to $3,000, with students advised to consult financial aid offices regarding any potential impacts on their aid packages.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Spenser Flowers Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Spenser Flowers Memorial Scholarship Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for traditional and non-traditional students to assist with expenses for college, university or trade school to any youth member or youth who participates in church senior high youth activities (or has participated within the past 7 years) of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Allison Park, Pennsylvania.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

Excellence in Medicine Awards

The AMA Foundation’s Excellence in Medicine Awards honor physicians and medical advocates who exemplify the highest values of the profession—volunteerism, community engagement, leadership, and service to underserved populations. Each recipient is recognized at a ceremony during the AMA Annual Meeting in Chicago and receives a $2,500 grant honorarium directed to a nonprofit health organization of their choice. Since 2005, more than 100 honorees have been celebrated through this program, with over $250,000 awarded to strengthen community health and advance equitable care nationwide. 

Jack B. McConnell, MD, Award for Excellence in Volunteerism

Honors senior physicians (55+ years old) who are committed to providing medical care to those without access to health care in the U.S.

The 14th Quartermaster/Operation Desert Storm Scholarship Fund, established by The Pittsburgh Foundation, supports Westmoreland County High School students pursuing military careers or whose parents are veterans. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and articulate the impact of military service on their family dynamics. This scholarship does not consider financial need, but applicants are encouraged to provide financial information. It aims to foster academic growth and honor military service within the community.