Best Grants for Global Health in Illinois

The Plant Genome Research Program (PGRP) focuses on genome-scale research to tackle vital biological, societal, and economic challenges. It promotes innovative tools and resources for the plant research community to explore significant scientific questions. The program emphasizes high-impact data accessibility and integration while supporting training and career development. PGRP offers two funding tracks: the Research-PGR Track for fundamental biological inquiries and the TRTech-PGR Track for advancements in functional plant genomics.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Flood Mitigation Assistance program aims to enhance flood mitigation funding delivery, focusing on the needs of disaster survivors. This federal initiative, managed by FEMA, provides essential funds to states, territories, and local governments to mitigate flood risks and reduce repetitive damage to properties insured under the National Flood Insurance Program. The program supports various activities designed to lower the financial exposure of the NFIP while promoting community resilience against flooding.

The FY26 Military Burn Research Program (MBRP) Discovery Award aims to support groundbreaking research in combat-relevant burn care. This award encourages innovative and exploratory studies that provide new insights and foundational data for future clinical research. The focus is on novel approaches that lay the groundwork for scientific advancements and product development in burn care, ensuring robust preliminary data generation for subsequent research initiatives.

About the Awards

The late Dr. James F. Fries, formerly professor emeritus of medicine at Stanford University, came up with the idea for the James and Sarah Fries Prize for Improving Health in a 1987 ascent of Nepal’s Makalu—one of the world’s highest peaks—when his party became trapped in a severe snowstorm and was ultimately unable to scale the mountain.

Following that experience, Dr. Fries returned to sea level and set about establishing a foundation to support a Nobel-like prize for health that now annually awards a $100,000 prize to an an outstanding leader judged by an expert panel to have done the greatest good for the greatest number of people in the field of health.

In 1992 the Elizabeth Fries Health Education Award was established in honor of Elizabeth Fries, daughter of James and Sarah Fries. The $50,000 prize is awarded annually to an individual judged to have made substantial contributions to their area of health education and health promotion. Sarah Fries remained active in the Fries Awards for Health program until her death in May 2017, and Jim Fries remained active in the awards until his death in November 2021.

The CDC Foundation is honored to partner with the James F. and Sarah T. Fries Foundation, which established and funds the award. As of 2016, the CDC Foundation manages and administers the Fries Awards for Health program, which include the James and Sarah Fries Prize for Improving Health and the Elizabeth Fries Health Education Award.

The Amit Gosalia Scholarship in Private Practice Audiology, funded by the American Academy of Audiology, offers two $1,500 scholarships to full-time audiology students (AuD, PhD) who demonstrate exceptional promise and have completed their first year of studies. Eligible candidates must be enrolled at a U.S. university for the Fall 2025 semester and cannot graduate in Spring/Summer 2025. This initiative aims to support future audiologists pursuing careers in private practice.

Emand Hamad, M.D. Healthcare Career Scholarship

Provides scholarships to students planning on majoring in a healthcare major.

The Future Energy Leaders Scholarship, offered by the Delaware Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Sussex County high schools pursuing two or four-year degrees. Awardees receive $2,500 annually for four years, contingent on maintaining enrollment and demonstrating financial need. With a record $850,000 awarded to 245 students for the 2024-2025 school year, this scholarship aims to expand educational opportunities and equity within the community.

The Continued Achievement Scholarship, offered by the American Academy of Audiology Foundation, provides $2,000 to two promising audiology graduate students in the U.S. It recognizes students for their potential as clinical audiologists based on their resumes and personal statements. This scholarship aims to support full-time graduate students (AuD, PhD) in good standing, fostering their professional development and commitment to the audiology field.

The Judith Blumsack Scholarship, offered by the American Academy of Audiology Foundation, awards $500 to a full-time graduate student in audiology who demonstrates exceptional clinical skills and commitment to clinical research and community service. Established in honor of Dr. Judith Blumsack upon her retirement, this scholarship acknowledges her significant contributions to the field and aims to inspire future audiologists to excel in their professional journey.

The NEI Postbaccalaureate Opportunities in Vision Science (POVS) Research Education Program aims to enhance the training of a diverse workforce in biomedical research. This NIH-funded initiative focuses on providing intensive, hands-on research experiences for recent college graduates from various backgrounds, preparing them for doctoral programs in biomedical fields. The program encourages participation from individuals without prior research opportunities in vision sciences, fostering a nationally recruited cohort for substantial impact in the field.

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

Guinn B. Burton Medical Scholarship

Guinn B. Burton established this scholarship fund in her estate trust to provide medical scholarships for disadvantaged students. 

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society offers Career Transition Fellowships aimed at fostering young scientists in MS research. This program supports postdoctoral trainees with a doctoral degree and exceptional potential, providing funding for advanced training and faculty support over five years. Applicants must demonstrate relevance to high-priority research questions outlined in the Society's Pathways to Cures Roadmap, which focuses on stopping MS, restoring function, and ending the disease through prevention.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society offers Postdoctoral Fellowships to support innovative research aimed at advancing the understanding and treatment of multiple sclerosis. These fellowships are designed for promising researchers holding advanced degrees, providing funding for training that enhances their ability to conduct impactful studies. The Society prioritizes applications that align with high-priority research questions outlined in its Pathways to Cures Roadmap, emphasizing the importance of diverse methodologies and engagement with underserved populations.

The Davey Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, supports graduating high school seniors from Christian, Morgan, or Sangamon counties in Illinois who are enrolling as full-time students. This initiative is rooted in a rich history of community support since 1924, promoting educational opportunities for local youth. Scholarships are available for both new high school graduates and current college students, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to fostering academic success and community growth.

The COUNTRY Financial Community Scholarship supports high school seniors and current college students from Sangamon, Macoupin, Menard, and Montgomery counties who demonstrate outstanding community service. Established by the Sangamon County Foundation in 1924, this scholarship reflects a commitment to enhancing the educational opportunities for local students. It aims to empower future leaders by providing financial assistance to those dedicated to giving back to their communities.

History

Our Roots

In 1924, three of the banks in Springfield created the Sangamon County Foundation to provide financial resources to local charitable causes. Those banks were the First State Trust and Savings Bank (now US Bank), the Ridgley-Farmers State Bank (which no longer exists) and the Marine Bank of Springfield (now J.P. Morgan). The founders of the foundation included some of our community’s most prominent citizens:

• Jacob Bunn R.C. Lanphier
• George W. Bunn William E. Lehne
• Joseph F. Bunn John G. Oglesby
• Thomas Condell George Pasfield, Jr.
• Alonzo Hoff George F. Reisch
• J.H. Holbrook

The original Foundation had been a leading supporter of organizations throughout Central Illinois for nearly 80 years. However, as the charitable landscape grew and diversified it became apparent that the organization had to evolve in order to better serve the common good.

American Legion Post 32 Scholarship

To assist graduating high school seniors or first-time college students who have been in the workforce with obtaining a post-secondary education. 

The NCAA Jim McKay Graduate Scholarship honors the legacy of journalist Jim McKay by awarding a one-time $10,000 scholarship to one male and one female student-athlete annually. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.5, demonstrate integrity, and show interest in sports communication. There is no limit to the number of nominations from institutions, highlighting the NCAA's commitment to supporting student-athletes in their academic and professional pursuits.

The Towsley Foundation Grants support initiatives that enhance community welfare and sustainability, focusing on diverse fields such as education, health, and the arts within Michigan. With a commitment to effective philanthropy, the foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate creativity and strategic impact. Eligible organizations must operate in Michigan and adhere to specific funding guidelines, fostering financial sustainability. Grants are allocated based on project merit and organizational capacity, reinforcing the foundation's mission to improve lives through thoughtful partnerships.

The NCCIH Natural Product Early Phase Clinical Trial Phased Innovation Award (R61/R33) invites research proposals for early phase clinical trials of natural products, including botanicals and dietary supplements, emphasizing scientific validity for further testing. Applicants may receive up to three years of funding for pharmacokinetics and bioavailability studies, with potential for an additional three years to evaluate clinical outcomes. This initiative aims to optimize natural product delivery through innovative study designs.

The Small Business Transition Grant for New Entrepreneurs aims to support early-career scientists transitioning into entrepreneurship. Funded by the NIH and CDC, this initiative encourages small business concerns to apply for SBIR Phase I and Fast-Track grants. Key components include research funding, entrepreneurial training, and mentorship. Potential applicants are urged to prepare their projects and identify mentors, ensuring the inclusion of experienced personnel committed to the project. This opportunity is tailored for first-time Principal Investigators.

The NCCIH Natural Product Early Phase Clinical Trial Award supports innovative clinical trials of natural products, such as botanicals and dietary supplements, with a strong scientific basis. Applications are encouraged to explore optimal delivery methods and combinations with other treatments. Funding is available for up to three years to assess the impact on target engagement and clinical outcomes, aiming to translate basic science findings into practical clinical applications.

The Small Business Transition Grant for New Entrepreneurs, funded by the NIH, aims to support early-career scientists as they transition into entrepreneurship. This program invites eligible small business concerns to apply for STTR Phase I and Fast-Track grant applications, which include funding for research and development, as well as essential entrepreneurial training and mentorship. It is designed for first-time Principal Investigators, emphasizing the importance of industry mentorship in project development.

The Lawrence A. Taylor Research Fund in Petrology and Geochemistry offers financial support to two PhD students demonstrating outstanding research in Petrology and/or Geochemistry. Funded by Dong-Hwa Shin (Dawn) Taylor, this grant aims to alleviate some financial burdens associated with their doctoral studies, fostering excellence in these critical fields. Eligible candidates must be AGU student members currently enrolled in relevant doctoral programs and engaged in applicable research.

The NCCIH Natural Product Mid Phase Clinical Trial (R01 Clinical Trial Required) grant invites applications for mid-phase clinical trials focusing on natural products such as botanicals and dietary supplements. It aims to advance scientific knowledge by determining optimal dosing and patient responses. Applicants must provide preliminary data demonstrating bioavailability and measurable impacts on target engagement. This initiative will not support efficacy trials for cancer treatments and encourages early contact with NCCIH scientific contacts.

The MultiState Conservation Grant Program provides vital funding for wildlife and sport fish restoration projects, as well as initiatives aimed at recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of outdoor enthusiasts. These grants address priority needs identified by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, supporting collaborative efforts among states to enhance conservation efforts. Eligible projects may include research, education, and public outreach, promoting sustainable use of natural resources and fostering community engagement in conservation.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Bill Rabbit Legacy Art Scholarship

Applicant must be enrolled in an accredited, four-year, higher education institution pursuing a degree in fine arts or art education with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Accepted focuses include drawing, painting, sculpture, pottery, traditional beadwork and textiles. Three pictures of artwork must be included with application for consideration. This is a one-year scholarship reserved for Cherokee Nation and United Keetoowah Band citizens residing within the Cherokee Nation jurisdictional area.

The Minnesota STEM and Youth Leadership Grants, offered by the H.B. Fuller Company Foundation, focus on empowering young individuals through STEM education and leadership development. These grants are intended for tax-exempt organizations that serve communities near H.B. Fuller facilities, aiming to address racial inequities in education and employment. The initiative underscores the company's commitment to community support and creating opportunities for youth to thrive in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.