Best Grants for Charities in Illinois

The Loye and Alden Miller Research Award, presented by the American Ornithological Society, recognizes lifetime achievements in ornithological research. It honors the legacy of Loye Holmes Miller and his son Alden Holmes Miller, who significantly contributed to the field and mentored numerous students. This prestigious award aims to uphold high ethical standards in ornithology and is open to current AOS members, promoting a diverse and supportive community in bird conservation.

The William Brewster Memorial Award, awarded by the American Ornithological Society, recognizes exemplary contributions to ornithological science through a significant body of work on Western Hemisphere birds published in the last decade. This prestigious award honors the legacy of William Brewster, a founding member of the American Ornithologists' Union, and includes a medal and honorarium funded by the William Brewster Memorial Fund. Nominations are open to all, fostering diversity in ornithology.

The Live Más Scholarship, offered by the Taco Bell Foundation, supports students aged 16-26 pursuing higher education and workforce readiness. Emphasizing passion and impact, applicants showcase how their interests drive positive change in their communities. The foundation is dedicated to breaking down educational barriers, fostering creativity across various fields including arts, technology, and entrepreneurship. This initiative empowers young dreamers to turn their aspirations into actionable goals, creating meaningful contributions to society.

The National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2026, funded by NOAA, aims to enhance research and education by supporting land acquisition and construction projects. With approximately $8.5 million available, the program prioritizes strategic expansions of Reserve boundaries and facility enhancements, ensuring sustainable design standards. Funding will support 5-20 projects over 12-36 months, with potential extensions for complex projects, contingent on available funds and negotiations.

The Affirm Cares Employee Foundation Grant, established by Affirm, aims to support non-profit organizations making a significant impact in financial literacy, community enrichment, and technology education. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, focusing on sustainable initiatives that empower communities and alleviate housing insecurity. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) designated non-profits operating within the U.S. The foundation prioritizes measurable outcomes in its funding efforts, fostering civic engagement and vibrant communities.

The NIHCM Foundation is seeking innovative research proposals that address critical issues in U.S. health care, particularly focusing on drug pricing, provider consolidation, health care delivery, chronic disease management, and the role of artificial intelligence. Projects should aim to improve affordability and quality of care. We welcome submissions from a variety of researchers and organizations, with a preference for studies that can be completed within one year.

The See, Test & Treat Grants, offered by the College of American Pathologists Foundation, aim to enhance community health by providing free breast and cervical cancer screenings. Since 2011, nearly 9,000 women have benefited from these programs, which will expand in 2026 to reach more underserved populations. This initiative empowers pathologists to reduce healthcare disparities through accessible screenings and follow-up care, ensuring prompt results and comprehensive health education for participants.

The Catalyze Challenge Grant, managed by Catalyze, is an opportunity for organizations to receive funding for innovative solutions that enhance career-connected learning for youth aged 11-22. With over $4 million available in Round 5, finalists can secure up to $300,000 to implement their ideas. The grant seeks proposals that empower underserved learners through hands-on experiences and meaningful employer partnerships, ultimately impacting over 65,000 young people across the U.S.

Greater Toledo Community Foundation

Greater Toledo Community Foundation transforms generosity into lasting impact. With over $510 million in assets across 1,000+ funds, we've granted more than $370 million to strengthen education, health, arts, and social services throughout our region.

We connect donors with causes they care about while bringing together leaders, organizations, and resources to tackle our community's biggest challenges. What began with Walter E. Terhune's vision in the 1920s continues today as we help individuals, families, and businesses create positive change that will benefit our region for generations.

Ottawa County Community Foundation Grants

The Ottawa County Community Foundation, Inc. (OCCF) is a public charitable organization created by the citizens of Ottawa County to enrich the quality of life for individuals and families in Ottawa County. Grants from unrestricted funds support a variety of programs in the fields of education, health and social services, economic development, natural resources and the arts.

The Ralph W. Schreiber Conservation Award, presented by the American Ornithological Society (AOS), honors individuals or small teams for exceptional contributions to bird conservation. Recognizing efforts in applied research, habitat preservation, and educational initiatives, this award aims to encourage the scientific study of birds and promote ethical practices in ornithology. Nominees must be AOS members, ensuring a commitment to the society's mission of fostering a diverse and engaged ornithological community.

The See, Test & Treat Grant offers funding for a pathologist-led cancer screening program aimed at underserved communities. With a focus on health education, the program provides vital cervical and breast cancer screenings, ensuring same-day results and follow-up care. Eligible institutions can apply for funding up to $20,000 for single-year projects or up to $50,000 over three years. This initiative addresses health disparities, empowers communities, and enhances the visibility of pathology in healthcare.

The BJA FY 2026 Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Site-Based Program aims to combat the rising crisis of substance use and overdose deaths. This funding opportunity supports state, local, territorial, and tribal governments in implementing comprehensive responses, including law enforcement initiatives, prevention programs, and recovery services. Applications are due by October 1, 2026, providing a crucial chance to enhance community safety and health through targeted interventions.

The Arthritis National Research Foundation supports early career researchers in their quest to advance understanding and treatment of arthritis and related autoimmune diseases. Annually, the foundation grants 10 to 20 awards of $125,000 each for two years. Focus areas include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and more. Eligible investigators must hold an M.D. or Ph.D., be affiliated with a U.S. nonprofit research institution, and commit significant research time. Applications from prior grant recipients or those with certain NIH grants are ineligible.

The James G. Cooper Early Professional Award, presented by the American Ornithological Society, celebrates the achievements of early-career ornithologists. Awardees receive a certificate, a $1,500 honorarium, and free registration to the annual meeting, where they can present their research. Candidates are evaluated based on their CV and a mini-paper. This award aims to promote ethical research practices and leadership in ornithology, fostering a diverse and dynamic community of scientists dedicated to bird conservation.

The Kalamazoo Valley Chapter's George L. Disborough TU Research Grant Fund, established in 1990, aims to support graduate-level research on trout habitat and conservation projects aligned with Trout Unlimited's mission. This fund seeks innovative studies on coldwater salmonids and their environments, with a preference for projects conducted in Michigan. It is open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in accredited institutions, promoting efforts that enhance the quality of aquatic resources.

The Dell Scholars Program, established by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, provides scholarships and support to empower students in their journey towards college graduation. It offers flexible funding for tuition, housing, and essential expenses, ensuring students can focus on their education. Alongside financial aid, scholars receive academic coaching, career guidance, and mental health resources, fostering resilience and success. Since 2004, it has helped over 6,000 scholars, including 4,500 graduates, achieve their academic goals.

The AISES Stellantis Scholarship aims to enhance the representation of Indigenous peoples in STEM fields. Funded by Stellantis, this scholarship offers $20,000 for full-time students enrolled in colleges with Mopar Career Automotive Programs. Eligible candidates must be current AISES members and either enrolled citizens or descendants of recognized Indigenous groups. The program not only supports education but also fosters a diverse and inclusive workforce within the automotive industry.

The Eastern Bank Foundation (EBF) is dedicated to empowering communities through its Neighborhood Donations initiative. By investing over $16 million in local organizations, EBF aims to support vital services and promote equity in Eastern Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. This program allows contributions to non-501(c)(3) organizations, reinforcing EBF's commitment to partnership and community-driven solutions, with donations typically ranging from $100 to $1,000.

The Elliott Coues Award, presented by the American Ornithological Society, honors exceptional contributions to ornithological research without geographic or disciplinary restrictions. This prestigious award includes a medal and an honorarium and is named after Elliott Coues, a pioneering ornithologist. The award emphasizes the importance of diverse nominations and aims to recognize individuals who have made significant impacts in the field of ornithology, thus fostering a vibrant ornithological community.

The Ned K. Johnson Early Investigator Award, presented by the American Ornithological Society, recognizes exceptional early-career researchers in ornithology. Awardees receive a certificate, a $1,500 honorarium, and complimentary registration for the annual meeting, where they can present a plenary. Candidates must have received their doctorate between 2019 and 2022, and demonstrate ethical standards aligned with the AOS Code of Conduct. This award fosters leadership and innovation in bird conservation and research.

This funding opportunity encourages applications for clinical observational studies focused on musculoskeletal, rheumatic, and skin diseases. It aims to gather essential data for designing future clinical studies, enhancing understanding of disease symptoms, progression, and patient outcomes. Observational studies supported by this initiative will contribute to the development of objective biomarkers and effective outcome measures. Applicants are invited to address key challenges in clinical project design, ensuring a robust foundation for subsequent clinical trials.

The Richard and Mary Myerly Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, supports low-income students pursuing careers in photography or fine arts at accredited institutions. Established in memory of Richard and Mary Myerly, this scholarship invites applications from students in Washington County and surrounding areas, promoting educational opportunities and honoring community values. With over 100 scholarships available, this initiative aims to empower the next generation of artists and photographers.

The Mayer and Morris Kaplan Foundation Environment Grant aims to support initiatives that combat climate change, prioritizing efforts to reduce fossil fuel consumption and enhance climate education for young adults. The foundation emphasizes innovative solutions and partnerships to address both immediate and long-term environmental challenges. Areas of focus include climate and clean energy policy, as well as providing scientifically accurate climate change education. By leveraging data and research, the foundation seeks to empower organizations dedicated to creating impactful change.

The Mike & Sofia Segal Foundation Grant provides vital funding to nonprofit organizations focused on intellectual freedom, medical research for rare diseases, Jewish heritage preservation, elder care, and climate change initiatives. By supporting innovative projects that align with their mission, the foundation aims to uplift communities and foster meaningful societal contributions. Organizations must be 501c-3 compliant and demonstrate a clear plan for engagement with beneficiaries and measurable objectives to be eligible for funding.

The Marion Jenkinson Service Award, presented by the American Ornithological Society, honors early- and mid-career ornithologists for their extensive volunteer contributions and service to the society. This award includes a framed certificate and recognizes individuals who exemplify high ethical standards aligned with the AOS Code of Conduct. The award aims to foster a diverse and supportive ornithological community while promoting bird conservation and scientific study.

The Robert and Joan Dircks Foundation Grant Program supports non-profit organizations in New Jersey that provide opportunities for disadvantaged individuals. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, the foundation focuses on innovative programs that solve critical issues rather than operational needs. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The foundation does not fund political activities, cultural projects, or operating budgets, ensuring resources directly benefit those in need.

The Peter R. Stettenheim Service Award, established by the American Ornithological Society in 2018, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to ornithology and the society. This award recognizes those who have served in various capacities, highlighting volunteer work, mentorship, and committee involvement. It is named after Peter Stettenheim, a notable leader in ornithology, who was dedicated to advancing the field and supporting fellow ornithologists throughout his career.