Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Illinois

The Cyberinfrastructure for Sustained Scientific Innovation (CSSI) program by the National Science Foundation aims to provide flexible funding opportunities to address evolving needs in cyberinfrastructure. It supports various award classes, including Elements for small groups, Framework Implementations for larger interdisciplinary teams, and Transition to Sustainability for established CI projects. These initiatives focus on developing integrated CI services, ensuring sustainable impact, and promoting collaboration across scientific disciplines to enhance research and innovation.

Margaret Ford Smucker and Lloyd K. Smucker Scholarship Fund

The fund was established in memory of Margaret Ford and Lloyd K. Smucker by their son, John L. Smucker. Margaret and Lloyd Smucker lived most of their adult lives in Medina County, and Margaret Smucker taught in the Medina County public schools for many of those years. This fund provides scholarships annually to assist economically disadvantaged graduates of high schools in Medina County, Ohio to continue their education through college.

Kenneth B. Creasy Speech and Debate Scholarship

The scholarship was created to honor the late Kenneth B. Creasy, who died unexpectedly in June of 1992. Mr. Creasy was a former social studies teacher and speech and debate coach at Olentangy and Hayes high schools in Delaware County, Ohio.

Award Amount:

• One $5,000 scholarship for a graduating high school senior. 
• One $5,000 scholarship for a current college student.

Ingram-White Castle Team Member Scholarship 

The Ingram-White Castle Foundation established its scholarship in 1989 to honor founder Billy Ingram’s core belief in the importance of investment in learning and education. The scholarship may be used for any educational expenses for full-time or part-time study at any accredited public or independent college or university in the United States.

Award Amount:

• $2,500 to $3,500

Who We Are & What We Do

On November 26, 1997, a small group of citizens with an abundance of enthusiasm embarked on a mission to secure the quality of life in our region now and forever. By yearend, they had a modest $1,050. Through commitment and vision, the Quincy Area Community Foundation expanded and grew to become the Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri.

Serving 12 counties on both sides of the Mississippi River, we operate as a bridge between our donors’ charitable visions and the nonprofit organizations that bring those visions to life. 

Scholarship Opportunities

Community Foundation scholarships are offered annually for high school and college students throughout our region. Each scholarship has its own eligibility requirements.

John Petty Trade School Scholarship Fund

Grants Awarded

• Spring.
• $1,000 awarded, renewable for one additional year.

The Carl J. Niedzial Memorial Scholarship, established by the Connecticut Community Foundation in 1923, supports members of the CT State Police Credit Union and their immediate families, including grandchildren. As one of the largest scholarship providers in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills region, the foundation aims to help students achieve their college education dreams by addressing critical community issues and fostering equitable outcomes.

The Persbacker Family Fund Scholarship, established by the Connecticut Community Foundation, is dedicated to residents of Bridgewater who have volunteered significantly in their community for over six years. This scholarship aims to support local students in achieving their college education dreams. With awards starting at $2,500, the foundation continues its legacy of fostering educational opportunities for deserving students in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills region.

The Roxbury Volunteer Fire Department Memorial Scholarship, established by the Connecticut Community Foundation, supports college-bound students from Roxbury, offering a $2000 award. This scholarship prioritizes current or former members of the Roxbury Fire Department and their descendants, promoting educational opportunities for those committed to serving their community. With a legacy dating back to 1923, the Foundation plays a vital role in enhancing the educational landscape in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills region.

The Sergeant Felix M. DelGreco, Jr. Scholarship, established by the Connecticut Community Foundation, supports students who are children of current CT Army National Guard members. As one of the largest scholarship providers in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills region, the Foundation aims to help students achieve their educational dreams through generous donor contributions. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering educational opportunities and supporting military families within the community.

Parkview Health Foundation

The Parkview Health Foundation plays a vital role in supporting Parkview Health and its ability to provide expert, specialized healthcare to our entire region. As the area’s largest health system, Parkview Health serves a population of more than 1.3 million in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio.

Since 1878, charitable giving has been an important part of Parkview’s ability to deliver excellent care for every person, every day. The Parkview Health Foundation helps ensure philanthropic donations are used to support Parkview patients and the community at large by enhancing the patient experience through comfort and healing.

Scholarships

Helping train and educate the next generation of Parkview caregivers is an important part of our purpose. Through the generosity of donors, we are able to offer scholarships to Parkview co-workers and area students who are pursuing their nursing degrees or EMT certifications — helping ensure the excellence in care continues.

Parkview Huntington Spirit of Service Scholarship

The Parkview Huntington Spirit of Service Scholarship – This scholarship was initially funded by a portion of a legacy gift from the Parkview Huntington Hospital Guild, which ceased operations in 2018. Scholarships have been awarded annually since 2019. The scholarship is sustained by proceeds from operation of the Parkview Huntington Hospital gift shop.

Parkview Health Foundation

The Parkview Health Foundation plays a vital role in supporting Parkview Health and its ability to provide expert, specialized healthcare to our entire region. As the area’s largest health system, Parkview Health serves a population of more than 1.3 million in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio.

Since 1878, charitable giving has been an important part of Parkview’s ability to deliver excellent care for every person, every day. The Parkview Health Foundation helps ensure philanthropic donations are used to support Parkview patients and the community at large by enhancing the patient experience through comfort and healing.

Scholarships

Helping train and educate the next generation of Parkview caregivers is an important part of our purpose. Through the generosity of donors, we are able to offer scholarships to Parkview co-workers and area students who are pursuing their nursing degrees or EMT certifications — helping ensure the excellence in care continues.

Albright Gemlick Scholarship

Beginning in 2003, the Albright Gemlick Scholarship has honored remarkable senior high school student athletes. Dr. James E. Albright was a driving force behind the establishment of the SportONE Athletic Training program in 1990. He was committed to the safety and care of student athletes, serving as a team physician for several local high schools and colleges. Dr. Brett F. Gemlick continued Dr. Albright's commitment to serving area athletic teams throughout his time as an orthopedic surgeon in Northeast Indiana.

The Albright Gemlick Scholarship is made possible by the generosity of donors through the Parkview Foundation. Up to eight scholarships can be awarded to local high school athletes annually. Award winners of this scholarship will receive four years of funding support to pursue their undergraduate degree.

Each PSM high school may nominate up to two students from their high school. Club athletic trainers may nominate up to three students from their club.

Coral Gables Community Foundation

Led by community leaders, the Coral Gables Community Foundation provides the philanthropic conduit to connect individuals and corporations looking to positively impact the success of the community. Now in its 33rd year, the Foundation has been at the forefront of the evolving needs of Coral Gables while effectively bringing together beneficiaries and benefactors to fund programs with the greatest impact and benefit to “The City Beautiful.”

Coral Gables Community Foundation’s Scholarships Program

Coral Gables Community Foundation is honored to partner with our fundholders to administer generous scholarships as well as manage the Foundation’s own scholarship funds.

The Foundation and its fundholders have proudly awarded over $6.7 million in scholarships in just the last decade.

The Raymond Bravo Scholarship

The Raymond Bravo Foundation, established at the Coral Gables Community Foundation in 2025, honors the memory and generous spirit of Raymond Bravo, a proud Miami High alumnus and successful lawyer.

The Fund is dedicated to extending a helping hand to needful students from any high school in Miami Dade County Public Schools.

Rooted in Raymond’s belief that success requires hard work, natural ability, and help from others, the Fund seeks to ensure that financial difficulty does not prevent students from achieving their educational goals and professional dreams. Through scholarship awards, The Raymond Bravo Fund provides tuition support, empowering students to pursue higher education and realize their fullest potential.

Nebraska Community Foundation

Nebraska Community Foundation was established in 1994 by a group of visionaries determined to empower communities throughout the state to grow and prosper. They believed that with the right tools and resources, people could build the hometowns of their dreams.

Through philanthropy, our team helps communities develop strong local economies, high quality of life, and abundant leadership and volunteer opportunities. We empower local leaders to identify community assets, invest in their own resources, and bring about their own positive change. 

BCAFF Scholarships

The Butler County Area Foundation Fund is offering three scholarships to graduating seniors who meet individual scholarship criteria. These scholarships are the Butler County Clinic Scholarship (medical field major); Charles O. & Grace M. Stoops Scholarship in Agricultural or Environmental Studies; and Butler County Area Foundation Fund Scholarship.

Butler County Area Foundation Fund Scholarship

• Two $500 scholarships are available annually to graduating residents of Butler County.

• Applicants must be entering his or her first semester of post-secondary education at an accredited school of higher education, or an applicant may be a current year graduate or an earlier graduate resident of Butler County who may have delayed entrance into post-secondary education at an accredited school of higher education.

The Find Your Light Foundation is committed to providing every child with access to quality arts education. By focusing on direct support for exceptional programs, along with education, advocacy, and outreach, they aim to highlight the importance of arts in youth development. Grants are awarded to arts education initiatives in low-income areas across North America, typically ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, with awards issued in the Summer and Winter each year.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

A. Gordon and Betty H. Imhoff Scholarship

The scholarship supports students from Shelby High School. Gordon and Betty Imhoff were both graduates of Shelby High School and wanted to support students from the school as they further their education.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Amanda Rush Scholarship Fund for Future Leaders

This fund was established to celebrate the life of Amanda Rush who tragically died on October 23, 2020. Amanda worked at White Castle for 14 years, working her way up to manager. This scholarship will support central Ohio restaurant employees or students going to school for restaurant management or hospitality.

The Make a SPLASH! Grant Contest, co-hosted by Inside Edge Safety Surfaces, offers two all-expenses-paid awards for Life Floor safety surfaces, aimed at enhancing community splash pads. The Need-Based Award targets municipalities and non-profits demonstrating financial need, with design options including planks, bubbles, and geometric shapes. Grant values range from $50,000 to $65,000, depending on project size, ensuring safety and accessibility for all users.

The Amy Heryford Ousley and James Heryford Ousley Educational Fund, established in 2005, provides scholarships to Klamath and Lake County students attending nonprofit colleges in the U.S. The fund, initially valued at $6.5 million, has awarded over $2.5 million in scholarships. Eligible students must have attended a Klamath County high school for four years, maintain a minimum GPA, and enroll as full-time students. Scholarships can reach up to $3,000 annually for up to five years.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Junior Achievement - Sherry Hill Scholarship Fund

Sherry Hill spent 5 years with Operation G.R.A.D. where she served as Program Director for Junior Achievement, but her involvement with the students was much greater than her role with Junior Achievement. Sherry became a voice for many of the students and a sounding board for those students who needed a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on. This scholarship was established to honor her memory and her contributions to the Battle Creek Community on behalf of young people. 

This funding opportunity seeks to enhance awareness and education on viral hepatitis among high-risk populations and healthcare professionals. It focuses on two components: community education and professional training. By fostering coalitions and providing resources, the initiative aims to improve testing, treatment, and care for hepatitis B and C, ultimately reducing morbidity and mortality linked to these infections. The goal is to empower communities and healthcare providers with the knowledge and tools needed for effective prevention and intervention.

The Tobacco Centers of Regulatory Science (TCORS) program, supported by the NIH and FDA, aims to foster research centers that enhance the scientific understanding of tobacco regulation. These centers will conduct hypothesis-driven projects on critical topics such as addiction, health effects, and marketing. By providing a multidisciplinary approach, TCORS seeks to inform public health strategies and ensure effective implementation of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.

The Swantz Family Foundation Grant aims to support innovative nonprofit organizations that reconnect young people with nature. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt, and grants are typically awarded for one year, with some exceptions for multi-year funding. Recipients are required to submit a final report detailing project activities and the use of funds within 12 months. The foundation may recover funds if misused, ensuring accountability and effective use of resources.

The Alpha Delta Pi Foundation, a private funder, established the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Endowment to support local RMHC Chapters in the U.S. and Canada that lack adequate backing from Alpha Delta Pi collegiate or alumnae associations. Since 1979, over $22 million has been contributed to RMHC, with grants ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 available for houses, renovations, and family room expansions, fostering a strong philanthropic partnership.

Battle Creek Community Foundation

Our Mission: The Battle Creek Community Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to expand opportunity and create lasting community benefit for today and tomorrow.

Scholarships

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

David M. McDill Scholarship Fund

The David M. McDill Scholarship Fund was established for the purpose of providing scholarships to graduating seniors from Harper Creek Community Schools pursuing post-secondary educational opportunities.

Dave McDill was the first Harper Creek Men's and Women's swimming and diving coach, serving from 1977-1995. In 1964, he started his teaching career at Harper Creek and then in 1976, he started a youth swim program for children in 4th grade and higher. This led to him starting the swim program at Harper Creek High School in 1977. His men's teams won League Championships in 1980, 1985, 1987, and 1989. His women's teams won League Championships in 1979, 1981, and 1983. Coach McDill had 3 swimmers win State titles and 16 teams placed in the top 10 at State meets. In his 31 years of service at Harper Creek Community Schools, he was a teacher, coach, community school director, pool director, and athletic director. More importantly, he served the community as a mentor and father figure who guided youth in a steady, supportive, and encouring manner.

The Dr. Mathikere and Lily Rajachar Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 1998, supports Battle Creek area residents pursuing education and training. Founded by Lily Rajachar in memory of her husband, Dr. Mathikere Rajachar, this fund emphasizes leadership, ambition, and a commitment to education. It particularly encourages women interested in S.T.E.M. careers, ensuring they receive the necessary support to succeed. The Battle Creek Community Foundation manages this scholarship to create lasting community benefits.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Gerald D. Barnes Family Scholarship Fund

Gerald D. Barnes, a 1942 Colon High School graduate, was a standout four-year varsity first baseman. Following high school, he attended Argubright Business College for one year. He married Vera H. Kellogg in 1944, a 1942 graduate of Battle Creek Central - one of only two of 13 siblings to graduate high school. Vera played baseball during the time men where off at war and Gerald often kept score for her team. Their honeymoon was spent at a Detroit Tigers game and their love of baseball continued their entire lives. In 1945, Gerald was drafted into the U.S. Army and they put his business education to good use processing soldiers coming home from WWII. As a veteran he had been called a hero, but disagreed stating, "Those who fought overseas were the true heroes." Once discharged in 1946, he wore a flag pin every day, proudly displaying his love of Country and rests forever with his pin over his heart.

Following his service, Gerald worked at Post Cereals Carton and Container Division in Battle Creek for 40 years. Higher education was not common amongst Gerald's generation, but he and Vera understood their children and grandchild would need it to succeed and to this end, supported their education in every way they could. Their daughter received a certificate from Kellogg Community College and retired from Battle Creek Public Schools after 44 years. Their son earned a Bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University, and after serving our Country during the Vietnam conflict, earned his Master's from Utah State University. Their grand-daughter graduated from BCCHS 50 years to the day after Vera, and received her Bachelor's degree from Drury University. Through this scholarship, the Barnes family leaves a legacy that will support Battle Creek Public Schools graduates in obtaining higher education in a skilled trade field.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Ty Larson Fuller Scholarship Fund

The Ty Larson Fuller Scholarship Fund was established by the Fuller family and the Family Enrichment Center to honor the life of Ty Larson Fuller. Ty, was a young man with a determined spirit, who despite many challenges in his life, fought the odds to reach his goals. He also valued being a team player, building skills, and spending time with his family. This scholarship supports foster, adoptive, and kinship students under the age of 26 as they pursue higher education in the skilled trades.