Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Illinois

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.

Bishop Henry L. Barnwell Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee will award scholarships to students attending an accredited higher learning institution in financial need. Eligible students must show how they promoted the principles of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through their participation in school, community, and/or faith-based events within the last year.

Key Club Scholarship

An opportunity offered by Redding Kiwanis to graduating seniors from Enterprise and Shasta High schools who are dues paying members of their high school Key Club.

The Key Club Scholarship was established by the Redding Kiwanis to fund Key Club Scholarships for graduating seniors from Enterprise and Shasta High schools. Key Club International is the high school organization sponsored by Kiwanis International. Key Clubs assist Kiwanis in carrying out its mission to serve the children of the world. This scholarship is centered around active service to their school and community. Students must be an active, due paying member of their high school Key Club.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Edwin P. and Patricia A. Pedersen Scholarship Fund

Students from Jupiter, Florida and graduated (or are graduating) from Jupiter High School.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Irving R. and Carol Rutkin Scholarship Fund

• High school senior attending a public or private High school in the southern part of Palm Beach County (Delray Beach to Boca Raton).
• The student must exhibit integrity and initiative.
• This is a need based scholarship.

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.

John "Jack" and Jo Schils Scholarship Fund

The John "Jack" and Jo Schils Scholarship Fund was established by the Schils family in 2020 as a memorial tribute to John "Jack" Schils, a multi-sports coach, athletic director, teacher, principal, father, grandfather, husband and friend to many. This fund supports students from the Battle Creek Public Schools District where Jack was employed from 1958 until his retirement in 1986.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Ingebord Crede Memorial Scholarship Fund

• Student must major in secondary education, English literature or history
• Demonstrate financial need

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Ernest Frank Scholarship Fund Created in Memory of Arlene Fulton Hammond

The Ernest Frank Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Arlene Fulton Hammond, a beloved neighbor and dear friend whose life embodied kindness, warmth and unwavering grace. Created by Ernest Frank, who considered Arlene a surrogate mother, the fund honors her legacy by supporting educational opportunities — something she deeply valued.

The scholarship fund serves as a lasting expression of love, respect and friendship, ensuring that Arlene’s spirit lives on by helping students pursue brighter futures — just as she would have wanted.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Heather and Patrick Henry Scholarship Fund

• Must demonstrate academic achievement or academic potential.
• Must demonstrate financial need.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

H. David Faust Memorial Scholarship Fund

A native of Philadelphia, David made his home in West Palm Beach for more than 20 years. He was the administrative partner of Steel, Hector, Davis, Burns & Middleton (now Steel Hector & Davis), as well as attorney for the towns of Ocean Ridge and South Palm Beach. Additionally, he taught law courses at Palm Beach Community College. David was extremely active in his church, and served as a board member of the Community Foundation for six years. He was instrumental in starting the scholarship program.

Dave always said that he was content with his life, that it had been a good and satisfying one, and it surely seems to have been – a successful career, a prestigious and challenging practice, a prominence in the community, the bar, his church and his firm, blessed with a healthy and accomplished family, with a wife whose love, strength and enormous depth have been demonstrated so magnificently over this past year – all these were David’s. And perhaps, most important of all to him, was his deep and abiding faith in God. David’s life is an exemplar to all of us – the perfect partner, the great counselor, the outstanding lawyer, the effortlessly skilled leader, the caring father and husband. While he was here, he set a course for all of us in our daily lives which we will be proud to point to and should hope to emulate.”

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.

Lillian A. Jones Scholarship Fund

This fund was established in memory of Lillian A. Jones to support academic scholarships for graduate students who are Calhoun County residents. "Often times students finish their undergraduate degree and are in debt or just don't have the funds to continue on to higher degrees," said Lillian speaking about her fund, "There is a real need for these students too."

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Harry and Bertha Bronstein Memorial Scholarship Fund

For Students in Martin County.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

George and Arlene F. Lepeska Scholarship Fund

• Student should demonstrate strong extracurricular activities, academic excellence.
• Must show financial need.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Harrington Scholarship Fund for Martin County

For Students in Martin County.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Harman Family Scholarship Fund

Graduating high school senior residing in Palm Beach County or Martin County.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Section and District Named Scholarships

Many AWS Sections offer scholarships funded by local members, companies, and donors. These scholarships are designated for students within each section and range from $1,000 to $3,000+.

The AWS District Scholarships, offered by the American Welding Society, provide financial support for students pursuing welder training in certificate programs. Annually, up to 800 scholarships worth $1,000 each are available for those attending accredited trade schools or community colleges. Eligible applicants must reside within AWS District boundaries and plan to attend a qualifying institution. Funds can cover tuition, fees, and necessary supplies, promoting growth in the welding profession.

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.

Harry & Helen Davidson Family Scholarship Fund

The Davidson Family Scholarship was established to honor the commitment to education and service to the Battle Creek community of Harry and Helen Davidson. Harry, who served as superintendent of the Battle Creek Public Schools for a number of years, who upon his retirement from the education field, became the first executive director of the Battle Creek Community Foundation. Much of Harry and Helen's work in this community can be exemplified today through development of our fine educational system, the growth of our Community Foundation, and a strong community value for the education of our young people.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Fran Gay Memorial Scholarship Fund

When Fran died in 2000, she left behind not only her son, daughter, and other family members, but also her second “family” at JFK Medical Center. She worked at the hospital for 30 years in positions that included supervisor of Emergency Room, Intensive Care Unit, Coronary Care Unit and as Assistant Director of Nursing, and Risk Manager. Her family established this scholarship to help students pursue careers in the health profession.

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.

J. K. Stanford Memorial Award Fund

Rose "Rossie" Miller, a passionate advocate for the community, and her family established this scholarship in memory of their loved one, J. K. Stanford, who was a talented auto mechanic. According to Rose, "my brother J.K. was so good of a mechanic, it seemed like he could simply listen to a car run and tell you what was wrong. He was a compassionate, kind-hearted person, who had a love of cars from an early age." Rose stated, "having received scholarship funds myself, I feel blessed to finally be able to give back to the community." The Stanford family witnessed the realities of not having certification and made a commitment to removing that barrier for others. This scholarship will benefit individuals obtaining certification as an auto or heavy equipment mechanic, an opportunity J.K. never had due to lack of funds. Recipients shall prove to be passionate about and persevere towards their educational goals while maintaining high academic standards.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Muskegon County Medical Society Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the members of the Muskegon County Medical Society, who established the Muskegon County Medical Society Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. This scholarship provides assistance to individuals pursuing projects or programs relating to health, science education and/or service.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Margaret A. Wright Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Margaret Wright, who established the Margaret A. Wright Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Margaret worked as a secretary for the Norge Corporation, the County of Muskegon and Muskegon Construction. She enjoyed sewing, ice skating and exercising at the Y. When she passed, she left a gift through her estate to create a scholarship fund that will support will support Muskegon County graduates that are pursuing a specific trade or skill.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Muskegon Eagles / Monsignor Kehren Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Muskegon Eagles, Chapter 668, and Monsignor Kehren, who established the Muskegon Eagles Monsignor Kehren Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Monsignor Kehren served St. Mary's Church in downtown Muskegon for many years. When he died, Chapter 668 of the Muskegon Eagles established this in his honor. The award is supported through an annual bowling tournament held by the Eagles. Thanks to their generosity, the spirit of Monsignor Kehren endures as part of the Muskegon community, granting the lasting gift of education to the youth of Muskegon County.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Muskegon Surgical Associates Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Muskegon Surgical Associates, P.C., who established the Muskegon Surgical Associates Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. The doctors in this surgical group wanted to fulfill their corporate responsibility and contribute back to the community. This scholarship award is for medical school students.

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.

Desert Legacy Scholarship

This scholarship was created in order to help those who have encountered and overcome some sort of personal challenge or adversity.

This scholarship is renewable.

The National Art Education Foundation (NAEF) is currently on a strategic pause regarding grant proposals until fall 2025. NAEF is committed to enhancing visual arts education through innovative initiatives that support instructional practices, research, and leadership. By promoting professional development and advocating for the inclusion of visual arts in curricula, NAEF aims to enrich the educational landscape for art educators and students alike.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Nan Riekse Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Nan Riekse, who established the Nan Riekse Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Nan Riekse has a lofty dream; it is her desire to inspire. By establishing the Nan Riekse Scholarship and the Nan Riekse Donor Advised Funds, she has taken an important step toward realizing her dream. Her Scholarship will support non-traditional students attending Muskegon Community College who have financial need. Her scholarships will target adult women who may be attending school after raising their children or perhaps rebuilding their lives following a divorce. The Donor Advised Fund will be used to benefit local churches and a senior care center. Nan is an outstanding example of the "Power of One".

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Ravenna Community Educational Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of many people in the Ravenna Community, who established the Ravenna Community Educational Foundation Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Dolores E. (Dee) Swanson gave the initial gift to start this back in December 2006. At that time it was a Build A Fund, but a gift from Rudolph and Ruth Lonnee put it over the top late in 2007. The Ravenna Community Educational Foundation intends to use it to enhance the quality of education through educational opportunities by generating and distributing financial and other resources for the benefit of the students and staff of the Ravenna Community Schools.