Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Illinois

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

Read-Veflin American Legion Post 180 Scholarship

To provide financial support to high school graduates with first preference to students who are residents of the original New Effington, SD school district.

The Siemer Milling Company Fund, established by the Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation, supports youth leadership development in Effingham County, Illinois, Christian County, Kentucky, and Dearborn County, Indiana. The fund emphasizes the importance of cultivating leadership skills among youth to prepare them for future roles in their communities. Organizations eligible for grants must be public charities with 501(c)(3) status and must focus on programs that enhance leadership skills for youth aged 19 and under.

Ann N. MacGregor Scholarship

This fund was established in 2007, through a gift from the estate of Ann N. MacGregor, to provide scholarship assistance for incoming freshmen, undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in a visual arts curriculum. Demonstrating financial need is not required, but preferred. Additional application materials are required for this scholarship.

Scholarship payments are sent directly to your institution. 

This scholarship is a one-time award, meaning that it will not repeat in subsequent years. The money awarded can be applied to your education costs alongside other scholarships or funding that you may receive, and there are no necessary steps once funds are sent.

Women's Education Coalition Grant

This multiyear grant helps women who are unemployed or struggling to support themselves and their families. This scholarship supports tuition, college expenses, and helps build a better future for you and your family. 

This education grant was established by a coalition of four member organizations: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, YWCA Kalamazoo and the former Kalamazoo Network.

KZCF scholarships may be applied to any items under your school’s cost of attendance (COA). Each school has a different COA that may include items such as tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, etc. Scholarship payments are sent directly to your institution.

This is a multiyear scholarship, meaning that it is eligible to repeat annually up to the degree/program completion.

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.

Samaritan Albany General Hospital Volunteer Services Scholarship

The Samaritan Albany General Hospital Volunteer Services is proud to offer scholarships each year for tuition, books and required program supplies to students pursuing higher education in a human medical field. Samaritan Albany General Hospital Gift Shop sales and miscellaneous special event proceeds are used to fund the scholarships.

Linn County students currently attending college and majoring in a medical field are invited to apply for the Samaritan Albany General Hospital Volunteer Services Scholarship. 

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.

Frank Girod, MD, Medical Scholarship

The Frank Girod, MD, Medical Scholarship was established by the Lebanon Community Hospital Development Council and was funded by numerous contributions made by the late Girod’s friends and family.

The Girod Medical Scholarship is awarded to medical students in honor of the lifetime contribution to health care made by Girod of Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital and to assist new students of medicine to make similar contributions. The scholarship is coordinated by the Lebanon Community Hospital Foundation and is designed to help residents of east Linn County who are attending medical school.

The Young Investigators Research Forum offers a unique opportunity for early career sleep scientists to enhance their research skills. Funded by the AASM Foundation, this program provides travel scholarships for participants to attend the 2025 forum in Bethesda, MD. Participants will engage with senior investigators, learn about funding mechanisms, and refine their research proposals. This forum is designed to build a supportive network, fostering collaborations and mentorship in the field of sleep and circadian research.

Tulsa Community Foundation

TCF is among the nation’s largest community foundations, managing over $6 billion in assets and distributing $300 million or more each year to charities across northeastern Oklahoma and the United States. Established in 1998, TCF assists nonprofit agencies, corporations, individuals and families with flexible charitable giving solutions. TCF delivers easy, low-cost solutions to benefit the community and region.   

Scholarships

Tulsa Community Foundation maintains more than forty scholarship funds, assisting students locally and nationally. The diversity of eligibility criteria for each fund reflects the variety of donor motivations to create or support scholarship funds.

Annually, TCF distributes funds to assist hundreds of students with educational expenses at colleges, universities, vocational-technical schools, and primary and secondary schools.

Invited Scholars Fund

The Invited Scholars Award supports students enrolled in undergraduate, trade or vocational programs at U.S. institutions. 

The National Cancer Institute's PAIRS program aims to explore innovative cancer therapies by leveraging synthetic vulnerabilities that interact with tumor responses to radiation therapy. This initiative supports the development of targeted drug-radiation combinations, focusing on precision medicine to optimize treatment efficacy while minimizing harm to normal tissues. By consolidating prior funding opportunities, PAIRS encourages research that addresses context-dependent vulnerabilities, enhancing therapeutic strategies and aligning with NIH's scientific goals.

The Rocky Talkie Search and Rescue Award, sponsored by the American Alpine Club, provides $75,000 annually to support underfunded Search and Rescue (SAR) teams in the U.S. and Canada. The initiative aims to enhance community awareness of the vital contributions made by volunteer SAR members. Grants include $10,000 for five selected teams and a special $25,000 award for the Featured Rescue of the Year, spotlighting exceptional volunteer-led rescue operations and their impact on mountain safety.

Kalamazoo Community Foundation

Fueling Equity & Racial Justice Since 1925

KZCF is dedicated to our mission to create a thriving community where people, resources and expertise are mobilized to advance racial, social and economic justice in Kalamazoo County.

Scholarships & Education Grants

For All Levels of Education After High School

Kalamazoo Community Foundation is dedicated to creating pathways to higher education so students can thrive in their academic pursuits and for a lifetime. We oversee more than 60 scholarships and education grants (many of which are multiyear awards) for college, graduate school, career training and more.

Glen C. Smith Jr./KCC Caddie Scholarship

The Glen C. Smith Jr./KCC Caddie Scholarship was established at the Kalamazoo Community Foundation in 1985 by the Kalamazoo Country Club Caddie Committee in honor of Glen Smith, Jr. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide scholarship assistance to young people in qualified caddie programs at member clubs of the Golf Association of Michigan and the Western Golf Association.

Multiyear Award; Renews Annually

Western Michigan University

Mission: We are an access-oriented institution that provides an impactful and inclusive education that integrates discovery and fosters holistic growth and well-being "so that all may learn."

Vision: We empower every person to grow, thrive and belong. We contribute to making the world a better place through creativity, research, innovation and compassion.

CEHD Scholarships

At the College of Education and Human Development, we are dedicated to supporting our students' academic and professional goals. On average, we award close to one million in scholarship dollars annually to help make education more affordable.

Whether you're a prospective student, a current undergraduate, or a graduate student, CEHD scholarships are here to help you succeed.

Scholarship America Essential Visionaries Fund

The Essential Visionaries Scholarship Fund offers renewable scholarships to undergraduate students pursuing degrees or certificates in education, counseling, psychology, or nursing through college or vocational school programs. This program is dedicated to empowering future professionals committed to making a meaningful impact, particularly within K-12 school systems and healthcare fields.

This program is administered by Scholarship America®, the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarships and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations, and individuals.

Kalamazoo Community Foundation

Fueling Equity & Racial Justice Since 1925

KZCF is dedicated to our mission to create a thriving community where people, resources and expertise are mobilized to advance racial, social and economic justice in Kalamazoo County.

Scholarships & Education Grants

For All Levels of Education After High School

Kalamazoo Community Foundation is dedicated to creating pathways to higher education so students can thrive in their academic pursuits and for a lifetime. We oversee more than 60 scholarships and education grants (many of which are multiyear awards) for college, graduate school, career training and more.

High on Heroes Scholarship

The High on Heroes Scholarship was established in 1993 by High on Heroes Inc. (a local air show) to provide scholarship assistance for post-high school education for family members of law enforcement, firefighters, public safety, and emergency personnel employed in Kalamazoo County. Special consideration will be given to applicants who are related to persons who died while employed by a qualifying agency. Even greater consideration may be given to applicants related to an employee who died in the line of duty. Additional application materials are required for this scholarship.

Multiyear Award; Renews Annually

Kalamazoo Community Foundation

Fueling Equity & Racial Justice Since 1925

KZCF is dedicated to our mission to create a thriving community where people, resources and expertise are mobilized to advance racial, social and economic justice in Kalamazoo County.

Scholarships & Education Grants

For All Levels of Education After High School

Kalamazoo Community Foundation is dedicated to creating pathways to higher education so students can thrive in their academic pursuits and for a lifetime. We oversee more than 60 scholarships and education grants (many of which are multiyear awards) for college, graduate school, career training and more.

Jerry A. & M. Christine Walker Scholarship

The Jerry A. and M. Christine Walker Scholarship was established in 2019 by Christine Walker. The purpose of the fund is to provide financial assistance for Kalamazoo County residents or persons who have graduated from a school within Kalamazoo County to help them reach their goals of increased financial independence through employment. Additional application materials are required for this scholarship.

Multiyear Award; Renews Annually

Wade & Clio Van Valkenburg Scholarship

The honorable Wade Van Valkenburg was a Circuit Court judge in Kalamazoo for six years. He was concerned about the youth in this community, especially those who have had to overcome circumstances or obstacles that may otherwise hinder them from seeking training or higher education. This scholarship fund was established in 2004 through the Wade Van Valkenburg Trust to provide educational scholarships for Kalamazoo County students facing financial hardship or challenges in their education due to past legal issues or accusations. Additional application materials are required for this scholarship.

KZCF scholarships may be applied to any items under your school’s cost of attendance (COA). Each school has a different COA that may include items such as tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, etc. Scholarship payments are sent directly to your institution. 

This scholarship is a one-time award, meaning that it will not repeat in subsequent years. The money awarded can be applied to your education costs alongside other scholarships or funding that you may receive, and there are no necessary steps once funds are sent.

Melissa Wroblewski Scholarship

The Melissa Wroblewski Memorial Scholarship was established in loving memory of Melissa Wroblewski, a graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School. This award is presented annually to a graduating senior from Kalamazoo Central or Loy Norrix High School who desires to pursue studies in the visual arts.

KZCF scholarships may be applied to any items under your school’s cost of attendance (COA). Each school has a different COA that may include items such as tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, etc. Scholarship payments are sent directly to your institution.

This scholarship is a one-time award, meaning that it will not repeat in subsequent years. The money awarded can be applied to your education costs alongside other scholarships or funding that you may receive, and there are no necessary steps once funds are sent.

Kreager Family Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2001 by the Kreager family to provide financial assistance to college-bound graduating high school seniors that have suffered the loss of a parent or parents through death or abandonment after infancy.

KZCF scholarships may be applied to any items under your school’s cost of attendance (COA). Each school has a different COA that may include items such as tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, etc. Scholarship payments are sent directly to your institution. 

This scholarship is a one-time award, meaning that it will not repeat in subsequent years. The money awarded can be applied to your education costs alongside other scholarships or funding that you may receive, and there are no necessary steps once funds are sent.

The Sleep Research Program for Advancing Careers, funded by the American Academy Of Sleep Medicine Foundation, aims to develop early-career sleep scientists through a structured grant writing curriculum. Participants receive mentorship and training to submit competitive federal career development grants, such as NIH K awards. The program includes lectures and grant review sessions, ensuring applicants complete their proposals successfully. Additionally, a travel scholarship is offered for in-person meetings, fostering collaboration and growth in sleep research.

George K. & Lois D. Stegman Scholarship Fund

The George K. and Lois D. Stegman Scholarship was established to invest in the higher education of residents of Kalamazoo County or students graduating from a high school within Kalamazoo County.

KZCF scholarships may be applied to any items under your school’s cost of attendance (COA). Each school has a different COA that may include items such as tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, etc. Scholarship payments are sent directly to your institution.

Jean Hunse Scholarship

Jean Hunse became a certified public accountant in 1943, started and later served as president of the American Association of Women CPA's, and opened her own accounting firm in Kalamazoo in 1977. This scholarship was established in her honor and provides financial assistance to students studying business at Western Michigan University.

KZCF scholarships may be applied to any items under your school’s cost of attendance (COA). Each school has a different COA that may include items such as tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, etc. Scholarship payments are sent directly to your institution. 

This scholarship is a one-time award, meaning that it will not repeat in subsequent years. The money awarded can be applied to your education costs alongside other scholarships or funding that you may receive, and there are no necessary steps once funds are sent.

The Truth Initiative Tobacco/Vape-Free College Program offers grants of up to $20,000 to U.S. colleges and universities aiming to implement 100% tobacco/vape-free policies. Additionally, grants of up to $10,000 are available for schools looking to enhance existing smoke-free policies to include e-cigarettes. This initiative seeks to engage students and create support from faculty and staff, ultimately fostering healthier campus environments.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of all communities in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas by investing and serving as a catalyst for ideas, partnerships, medical education, research and programs. The Foundation defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, spiritual and social well-being.

Beverly Joyce White Memorial Scholarship for Hospice Nursing Staff

The scholarship is awarded to hospice nursing staff who are pursuing a certification in hospice palliative care or other related education offerings.

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.

Community Foundation of New Jersey

Over our 46-year history, the Community Foundation of New Jersey has collaborated with individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to design charitable funds and implement the philanthropic solutions they want to see in their communities. We leverage $1.17 billion in assets and 1,200 funds to help our partners think boldly and creatively about ways to give.

Scholarship Fund Overview

Beyond a shared commitment to educational opportunity, families establish scholarship funds with a variety of goals and purposes in mind. They may offer traditional scholarships or customize fund awards for alternative scholarships.

Currently, CFNJ administers more than 135 scholarship funds. Our scholarship opportunities run the gamut, from those exclusive to a local high school or geographic region to those supporting specific majors or career pursuits. Last year, we awarded over $2 million in scholarship assistance to 271 scholars.

Applicants may be evaluated on academic performance; extracurricular activities; community involvement; paid or unpaid work; and a statement of their personal aspirations, educational goals, and demonstrated unmet financial need in our scholarship review process.

Clanseer and Anna Johnson Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a college-bound, Black/African-American graduating high school senior from the greater Newark area or Paterson who has pursued a rigorous course of study (with particular emphasis on math and science courses). Applicants will show evidence of readiness for and a commitment to pursue a STEM major. Students will be evaluated on academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, work (paid or unpaid), and unmet financial need.

Community Foundation of New Jersey

Over our 46-year history, the Community Foundation of New Jersey has collaborated with individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to design charitable funds and implement the philanthropic solutions they want to see in their communities. We leverage $1.17 billion in assets and 1,200 funds to help our partners think boldly and creatively about ways to give.

Scholarship Fund Overview

Beyond a shared commitment to educational opportunity, families establish scholarship funds with a variety of goals and purposes in mind. They may offer traditional scholarships or customize fund awards for alternative scholarships.

Currently, CFNJ administers more than 135 scholarship funds. Our scholarship opportunities run the gamut, from those exclusive to a local high school or geographic region to those supporting specific majors or career pursuits. Last year, we awarded over $2 million in scholarship assistance to 271 scholars.

Applicants may be evaluated on academic performance; extracurricular activities; community involvement; paid or unpaid work; and a statement of their personal aspirations, educational goals, and demonstrated unmet financial need in our scholarship review process.

Blossom Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a college-bound, Black/African-American graduating high school senior from the greater Newark area or Paterson who has pursued a rigorous course of study (with particular emphasis on math and science courses). Applicants will show evidence of readiness for and a commitment to pursue a STEM major. Students will be evaluated on academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, work (paid or unpaid), and unmet financial need.

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.

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.