Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Illinois

About Samaritan Health Services

We’re a nonprofit network of hospitals, clinics and health services caring for more than 290,000 residents in the mid-Willamette Valley and central Oregon Coast and portions of Marion and Polk counties. We work together to provide highly reliable and innovative medicine with world-class quality in a way that supports the values of the communities we serve. That includes caring for all people, regardless of their ability to pay.

Health Education Scholarships

One of the many keys to maintaining a healthy, prosperous community is ensuring a sustainable supply of excellent health care providers. To achieve this, Samaritan Health Services offers numerous scholarships to local students pursuing careers as doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, as well continuing education or specialty training for current medical providers.

Each year, Samaritan awards more than $25,000 in scholarships for health care education to ensure the communities we serve receive the best care possible well into the future.

Nursing Excellence Scholarship

The Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center Nursing Excellence Scholarship was established in 2013 in honor/memory of outstanding Registered Nurses (RNs) at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis, Oregon.

The Nursing Excellence Scholarship is available to eligible students pursuing RN, BSN or MSN degrees who show leadership and clinical expertise and excellence. At least one scholarship is awarded for tuition, books and school fees.

The H. D. Segur and Friends Scholarship, established by the Connecticut Community Foundation, provides a one-time award for graduating high school students entering college. As one of the largest scholarship providers in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills region, this initiative aims to support students in achieving their educational dreams. With a rich history dating back to 1923, the Foundation is dedicated to addressing community issues and fostering equitable outcomes for local residents.

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Regional Scholarships

We believe that post-secondary education is key to healthy, resilient, and thriving communities and are pleased to partner with generous community donors to create and offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for local students across the region.

Robert S. “Robbie” Detwiler Memorial Scholarship Endowment (Regional)

Available for graduating high school seniors and enrolled college students from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, or Leelanau County that are pursuing a degree in architecture or the building trades.

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.

Barbara Jean Dyer Scholarship

Applicant must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours, major in art and maintain a 2.0 GPA.

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.

Anna Belle Mitchell Memorial Scholarship

Applicant must be an undergraduate, graduate student or community member currently pursuing pottery. Three pictures of artwork must be included with application for consideration. This is a one-year scholarship reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens.

The Preserving Black Churches Grant Program, managed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, aims to support the preservation of historic Black churches. Grants range from $50,000 to $500,000 and fund various projects, including restoration, capacity building, and community engagement. The program encourages applications from active and non-active congregations, nonprofits, and public agencies, emphasizing the importance of these churches in their communities. This initiative seeks to strengthen heritage and foster cultural connections.

The Pride in the Hills Scholarship, established by the Connecticut Community Foundation, offers a one-time award to graduating high school students who identify as LGBTQ+ or as allies of the LGBTQ+ community. This initiative, part of the Foundation's commitment to support local students, reflects over a century of dedication to enhancing educational opportunities in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills region. With generous donor support, this scholarship aims to help students achieve their college dreams.

Thomas A. & Mary Jo Russo Scholarship

Award:

• 4-year award of $5,000 per year. Students may be eligible to renew their scholarship for up to three additional years, provided they continue in the same degree program. 

The Amazing Grace Sulak Scholarship, established in 2017 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, honors Grace Sulak and aims to support high school seniors from Bluffton, May River, or Hilton Head Island High Schools. To be eligible, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate involvement in athletics and community service. This scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to empowering local youth through educational opportunities.

The NIH invites applications for research projects focusing on developing and enhancing models for studying human health and diseases. Projects must demonstrate broad applicability across multiple NIH Institutes, addressing diseases that impact various organ systems. Successful proposals will outline the need for resources and their potential impact on diverse scientific disciplines. Applications targeting specific diseases or with limited NIH relevance will not be accepted. Deadline for submission is 5:00 PM local time.

Thurman G. Adams and Hilda McCabe Adams Family Scholarship

Award:

• One-time award of $1,000.

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.Joe Brisson Memorial Scholarship Endowment (Regional)Available to a graduating senior from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, or Leelanau County. Applicants must demonstrate adventurous spirit, a passion and zest for life, and will have played in a soccer league, whether school or community related.

The Dunkirk Community Funds: Dr. H. L. Shroyer Christian Love Scholarship, established in 1970, provides scholarships to high school graduates from Jay County and nearby areas who exemplify Christ’s love in their daily lives. The scholarship aims to support students who demonstrate strong moral character and faith through an essay on the significance of Christ’s love. This fund was transferred to the Portland Foundation in 2023, enhancing its mission to foster community growth and opportunity.

The Dunkirk Community Funds: Ella & Irene Cunningham Scholarship, established in 1995, provides financial support to students residing within Dunkirk, IN, particularly those pursuing higher education in business or education. Preference is given to female applicants. The fund transitioned to The Portland Foundation in 2023, following the merger with The Dunkirk Foundation, continuing its mission to empower local students through educational opportunities and promote community growth.

Grand Traverse Regional Community FoundationThe Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.Jack Edward Allen Memorial Scholarship Endowment (Grand Traverse County)Available to graduating seniors from a Traverse City area high school and who have attained the Eagle Scout ranking from the Boy Scouts of America.

The Adam Broock Scholarship, established by The Dayton Foundation, honors the memory of Adam Broock, a compassionate Oakwood High School graduate. This scholarship supports college students from Montgomery County, Ohio, who demonstrate financial need and academic success. The Dayton Foundation, founded in 1921, is dedicated to enhancing community welfare through philanthropic services and strategic grantmaking, focusing on workforce development and equitable opportunities.

Connecting Passion to Purpose

Marshall County Community Foundation is a public charity where local roots help great ideas take flight. We are community-minded partners and trusted investors. We help shape the vision for Marshall County. Our passion is to connect caring people with opportunities to make an impact.

Our mission is to serve all of Marshall county — its people and its future — by growing and managing endowment funding and fostering philanthropy.

Investing in the Scholars of 
Marshall County

Marshall County Community Foundation administers a number of scholarships, from traditional awards for graduating seniors to those geared towards current students, professionals, and other special circumstances.

Each scholarship has its own application guidelines, deadlines, and application process, so please be sure to read the instructions of the scholarship you’re applying for carefully.

All Marshall County Scholarships

We administer a number of scholarships, which range from the traditional academic and athletic awards to corporate and special circumstances offerings. These scholarships are open to all residents of Marshall County, as long as other requirements are met.

Applying for a scholarship is free, so we invite you to spend some time finding opportunities for which you are a good fit. You can learn more about each scholarship by clicking on each of the below scholarship titles.

This scholarship will be awarded annually to one or more graduating seniors in Marshall County or St. Joseph County who are planning to pursue a course of study in the production of performing arts.

The Freda B. Kirby Scholarship, established by The Dayton Foundation, provides financial support for graduating high school students from the Miami Valley to pursue higher education at community colleges or universities. This renewable scholarship emphasizes the importance of academic achievement, requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA. The Dayton Foundation, a leading philanthropic organization since 1921, is dedicated to enhancing the community's social and economic well-being through strategic grantmaking and support for education, workforce development, and other vital initiatives.

Unless noted otherwise in the scholarship description and criteria statement, applicants can attend accredited schools of their choice within the United States.

CFNJ scholarships awards vary. On average, awards range from $500 to $2,500. However, the award could be larger based on the number of qualified applicants and the parameters set by donors who have established the funds. 

Jack and Dee Wickens Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship will be awarded to a college-bound, graduating senior from Seton Hall Prep (West Orange), St. Benedict’s Prep (Newark), or St. Vincent’s Academy (Newark) who has achieved a cumulative 2.5 GPA or better. Applicants must have been accepted into a two-year or four-year college/university of their choice within the United States.

The UPMC Microvascular Reconstructive Fellowship offers a one-year clinical program designed for qualified surgeons, focusing on mentorship in microsurgical techniques and comprehensive patient care. Participants will gain hands-on experience in reconstructive surgeries, including extremity trauma and facial reanimation, while also engaging in multidisciplinary cancer treatment. The fellowship emphasizes both clinical and didactic learning, with opportunities for research in renowned laboratories, ensuring fellows acquire a deep understanding of the field.

The John and Charlotte Michael Family Memorial Scholarship, established in 1995 by The Dayton Foundation, honors the legacy of the Michael family by providing scholarships to students from Germantown, Farmersville, and Jefferson Township. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to philanthropy, community development, and educational support, ensuring that deserving students have access to opportunities that foster their academic and personal growth.

The Jonathan Dewberry Porter Memorial Scholarship, established by the family of Jonathan Porter, a dedicated veteran and Central State University Upward Bound graduate, supports graduating seniors from the program. This scholarship aims to assist students who demonstrate financial need and have a minimum GPA of 2.0, helping them pursue further education at colleges or technical schools, thereby continuing Jonathan's legacy of aiding others in achieving their dreams.

The Julie Clare Bergman Scholarship, established in 1995 by family and friends, honors Julie's legacy by supporting students in graphic arts. It is aimed at high school seniors and current college students from Montgomery County, Ohio, who pursue a degree in graphic arts at accredited institutions. This scholarship prioritizes talent over academic performance and is geared towards those demonstrating financial need, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the community.

The Justin McCurdy Memorial Scholarship, established by The Dayton Foundation, honors the legacy of Justin McCurdy, an aerospace engineer passionate about learning and sports. This scholarship supports graduating seniors from Springboro, Centerville, or Clearcreek Township with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who demonstrate a strong work ethic and financial need. It aims to empower students to continue their education at four-year colleges, fostering both academic and athletic excellence.

About the Esther Katz Rosen Fund

The Esther Katz Rosen Fund derives from a bequest to support “…activities related to the advancement and application of knowledge about gifted children.” 

About the Pre College Psychology Grant Program

The Esther Katz Rosen Pre College Psychology Grant Program provides financial support for efforts aimed at improving the quality of education in psychological science and its application in the secondary schools for high ability students. Proposals must focus on supplying education for gifted and talented high school students. 

Program Goals:

• improves the quality of high school education in psychology
• encourages high ability high school students to pursue careers in psychology

Amount:

• 1 grant of $13,000

The Charles and Jayne Black Scholarship, funded by The Dayton Foundation, supports high school seniors and current college students from the Miami Valley region who demonstrate financial need. This scholarship aids individuals in pursuing higher education at accredited institutions, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their academic aspirations. With a focus on local students, it fosters educational growth and community development.

The Chuck Dickerson Memorial Scholarship, established in 2018, honors an optimistic entrepreneur dedicated to community service. This scholarship supports the children and grandchildren of current or former members of the Centerville Noon Optimists, encouraging high school seniors to pursue higher education. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to community service and be accepted into a college or university. This initiative reflects Chuck's values of resilience and positivity, fostering a brighter future for young scholars.