Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Illinois

About

Mission, Vision & Values

To enhance our community through philanthropy.

We aspire to co-create diverse, meaningful and innovative charitable giving that yields an exponential positive impact within local communities and beyond.

David Bruce Belcher Fund

About the fund

The David Bruce Belcher Scholarship Fund was established for the training of professionals in nursing, special education, and therapy (physical, speech and occupational) as a legacy of David Bruce Belcher and the caregivers who comforted him. This fund reflects David’s rare spirit and bright love in its support of those who seek to advance their nurturing skills in nursing, therapy, and special education.

Mission

To empower worthy nonprofits by providing critically needed, unrestricted funding that helps them fulfill their missions with confidence and sustainability.

How We Serve Nonprofits

AmFund partners with nearly 800 organizations annually—supporting causes related to health, education, the arts, human services, animal welfare, and more. We’re known for our:

• Signature silent and live auctions featuring once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences.
• National reach with personalized service at events in all 50 states.
• Comprehensive marketing toolkits, onsite staff support, and beautifully displayed materials
• No-cost platform development for virtual and hybrid fundraising
• In-house travel specialists who provide custom planning, extensions, insurance, and 24/7 emergency support.
• Ongoing educational resources, grants, and consulting support for nonprofit development.

Request Support

Our model is built on relationship, trust, and results. Every trip sold, every service provided, and every donor interaction is designed to maximize your fundraising impact—without adding burden to your team.

The Sundance Collab's Cultural Impact Residency, honoring Michael Latt, is a six-month online program supporting early-career, underrepresented storytellers focused on social impact. Running from March to August 2026, it offers mentorship, feedback sessions, and resources to eight selected fellows in screenwriting, directing, and documentary filmmaking. This opportunity is designed for works-in-progress, fostering a supportive creative community to inspire and develop impactful narratives.

Herold and Retta Reuss Public Safety Scholarship

Applicants must demonstrate the drive and ability to be successful in pursuing a college education and/or a certification process in the fields aforementioned. Financial information is requested, but not necessarily a determining factor. Students who receive this scholarship may apply for further support in subsequent years.

The Teresa and David R. Schmidt, M.D. Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports high school seniors pursuing careers in the medical field. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain full-time enrollment at accredited institutions. This renewable scholarship assists with tuition, fees, and books for students from specific Texas counties, fostering community growth and educational opportunities in healthcare since 1964.

The James Ledwith Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 2011 by the Albuquerque Community Foundation, supports high school graduates from the Albuquerque Metro Area who have faced extraordinary challenges. This scholarship awards up to $2,000 to those pursuing post-secondary education while demonstrating hope, faith, and courage. Applicants must submit letters of reference and a personal essay outlining their life dreams and challenges. One to two scholarships are awarded annually, promoting resilience and personal growth in the face of adversity.

The Jonathan Sherman Spradling Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 2023, honors the legacy of Jonathan Sherman Spradling, a dedicated New Mexico resident committed to education and community service. This scholarship provides financial assistance to high school seniors who demonstrate a strong commitment to volunteerism. With a focus on applicants from Valencia County, NM, the fund aims to support students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions while encouraging continued involvement in community service.

The Black Men Building Resources Scholarship, offered by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, supports African-American undergraduates from Kent County. This scholarship aims to empower students pursuing college or career training by removing barriers to academic success. With awards ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, the program prioritizes applicants with high financial need, ensuring that opportunities are accessible to those who strive for educational advancement in West Michigan.

The David R. Woodling Memorial Scholarship, established by The Stocker Foundation in 2007, supports students pursuing certificates or degrees in metals technology, focusing on machine tool technology and welding. Open to legal residents of New Mexico, eligible applicants include high school seniors and nontraditional students. The scholarship aims to provide financial assistance for tuition, fees, books, and required materials, ensuring that recipients can achieve their educational and career goals in this vital field.

The Robert B. Taylor Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing higher education in vocational fields or those seeking associate degrees. Available to high school seniors, college students, and adult learners, it emphasizes financial need and academic performance, specifically a minimum GPA of 2.5. Preference is given to Black or African American students and those enrolled in Alamo Community Colleges. This fund aims to enhance educational opportunities and community growth.

The Whitaker Foundation, established in 1975, supports arts and parks initiatives in St. Louis, Missouri. By funding arts organizations and park projects, it enriches community life through creativity and shared spaces. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and provide free public programming. The foundation does not fund playgrounds, sports leagues, or individual grants, ensuring support is directed towards impactful community projects that promote relaxation, beauty, and celebration.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Connecting people, passion and resources

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Our Mission is to build and manage our community’s permanent endowment and lead the community to strengthen the lives of its people.

We envision a magnetic and interconnected West Michigan community.

Integrity, Excellence, Inclusion, Sustainability and Bold Aspirations

Give and Receive Openly, Build Trust with Each Other, Create Brave and Safe Space, Embrace Vulnerability, Accountability

Our North Star

For West Michigan to grow and prosper, we must make sure that everyone can apply their talents and creativity to fuel our future. It is only by connecting across perspectives and overcoming inequities that we can build and sustain an inclusive economy and thriving community.

Opportunities for students

Apply for scholarships to support your ambitions

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

Scholarship Fund Details

Support for West Michigan Students

Attending college or trade school increases opportunity and opens doors to careers. Donor partners who establish a scholarship fund give students a boost on their path to higher education. Students who complete the general scholarship application are considered for these scholarships.

Open to students who are current or former wards of the court in Kent County, Michigan pursuing an undergraduate college or vocational education, have financial need and a 2.5 minimum GPA.

Must provide a letter of recommendation from a caseworker.

The James Knott Memorial Scholarship, established by the New Mexico Manufactured Housing Association, supports graduating high school seniors residing in manufactured homes. Awards of up to $1,000 are given annually to students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who attend a nonprofit or public educational institution full-time. Applicants must provide proof of residency, a written statement of financial need, and a reference from a teacher or counselor. This scholarship aims to empower students to achieve their educational goals.

The Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials: Clinical Investigator Pathway Program (Winn CIPP) offers a 6-week summer externship aimed at medical students from underrepresented backgrounds. Funded by the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, this program focuses on enhancing clinical research participation and community engagement. Participants will receive mentorship, learn essential skills in clinical trials, and engage in community service projects while receiving a stipend to cover related expenses. This initiative aims to foster diversity in clinical research.

The Davis-Kozoll Scholarship, established in 2019 by the Sandia Foundation, supports students from northwest New Mexico pursuing higher education in science or human service disciplines. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000 and can be renewed annually based on academic progress. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0, demonstrate community ties, and may pursue various degrees or vocational certificates. Priority is given to students from specific local communities, enhancing educational opportunities in the region.

The DHQP Global NOFO aims to enhance the CDC's mission against antimicrobial resistance (AR) by integrating non-research implementation with focused research. This initiative addresses urgent global threats posed by various pathogens and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). By leveraging existing CDC networks, the NOFO seeks to improve detection, surveillance, and infection control measures, ultimately reducing illness and mortality while protecting healthcare workers and patients, especially in low and middle-income countries.

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

Llewellyn L. Cayvan String Instrument Scholarship

Open to students studying music with concentration in viola, violin, violincello, or bass viol.

Mission Statement

Beckley Area Foundation exists to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving that advances our community.

The Beckley Area Foundation is committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities across Southern West Virginia.

Scholarship

Supporting Student Success

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Surayria T. Hasan Scholarship

Eligibility

Both need and merit will be considered in selecting applicants; Must be a minority student from Raleigh County, West Virginia; Pursuing either a masters in nursing degree, a nurse practitioner degree, or physician’s assistant degree at a West Virginia school, preferably in Raleigh County.

The William F. Mann Scholarship, established in 2018, supports Albuquerque High School students pursuing full-time college education. It aims to assist students in achieving their educational goals while encouraging community service and good citizenship. Scholarships of up to $2,000 are awarded annually, with recipients expected to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 for renewal eligibility. Preference is given to those with a strong community service background, fostering mentorship among peers for future success.

The Public Health Nursing initiative aims to enhance the health and wellness of American Indian and Alaska Native men by implementing a culturally sensitive case management model. Through this program, Public Health Nurses will provide preventive health services, facilitate access to care, and encourage healthy lifestyle choices. By promoting early identification and management of health issues, the initiative strives to improve overall community health outcomes through targeted, collaborative interventions.

The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) offers grants to support Native farmers and ranchers through business assistance, agricultural education, technical support, and advocacy services. Established from the Keepseagle v. Vilsack settlement, NAAF is committed to providing essential resources to eligible organizations, including 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments. Special focuses include inflation assistance and market access, ensuring a holistic approach to agricultural support.

The Robert L. Johnson Memorial Research Grant, offered by the Midwest Aquatic Plant Management Society, supports graduate students in aquatic plant management with grants of up to $10,000. This initiative promotes research that advances the management of aquatic ecosystems and fosters educational opportunities. Recipients are required to present their findings at the annual conference, contributing to the society's mission of sustainable aquatic resource management and ecological preservation.

The Council of Independent Colleges

Founded in 1956, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils, and higher education affiliates that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society.

CIC is the major national organization that focuses on providing services to leaders of independent colleges and universities and state-based councils. CIC offers conferences, seminars, publications, and other programs and services that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, student outcomes, and institutional visibility.

NetVUE Vocation across the Academy Grants

​One major purpose of an undergraduate education in the liberal arts is to help students shape a philosophy of life. At the same time, undergraduates today are increasingly preoccupied with postgraduate employment. The purpose of this grant program is to help colleges and universities develop more effective ways to strengthen the link between these two purposes of undergraduate education. It is designed to support institutions in their efforts to expand vocational exploration and discernment programs across the curriculum and co-curricular programs, with the following goals:

• to help students develop more effective links between developing a philosophy of life and preparing for a career;
• to include more faculty and students in the work of vocational exploration and discernment; and, in some cases,
• to build connections with community partners, such as local businesses, nonprofits, and other community organizations.

Syndax Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

At Syndax, we are determined to realize a future in which people with cancer live longer and better than ever before. We believe that it takes a community to build a great medicine, and that is why we are working to set the new standard for developing medicines in the field of oncology – one that revolves around collaboration, shared learning, and excellence.

Syndax’s mission is to obtain regulatory approval and commercialize drugs that extend and improve the lives of cancer patients by drawing on the newest scientific research and advances, collaborating with determined problem solvers, and identifying value in overlooked aspects of science.

Educational Funding

At Syndax, we are committed to the goal of supporting objective, balanced and scientifically rigorous education that furthers improvements in science, medicine, and patient care. We accomplish this goal, in part, by providing grants for independent medical education (IME) programs. These can include live, online, and/or enduring programs that educate healthcare providers (HCPs), patients, or caregivers. Programs that are funded via Syndax medical education grants must be primarily dedicated, in both effort and time, to medical, health or scientific topics that are objective, balanced, unbiased, and scientifically rigorous. Medical education grants must never be made with the intent to directly or indirectly reward, influence or encourage the recipient to prescribe, purchase, sell or arrange for any Syndax product.

Danny Did Foundation

The Danny Did Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation organized in the state of Illinois and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501©(3) tax-exempt organization. 

Founded by Chicagoans Mike and Mariann Stanton in January 2010 after the death of their four-year-old son Danny, the Danny Did Foundation works toward its mission to prevent deaths caused by seizures with these main goals in mind: advancing public awareness of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), enhancing SUDEP education and disclosure between medical professionals and families afflicted by seizures, and the mainstreaming of seizure detection and prediction devices that may assist in preventing seizure-related deaths.

Danny Did Foundation Hardship Grant

The Danny Did Foundation (“Foundation”) strives to assist individuals and families living with seizures. With an approved Request for Funding, the Foundation will provide monetary funding to the Grantee so they may gain access to a particular device or technology (“Device”) that the Grantee, in collaboration with the Grantee’s medical providers and professionals, independently deem appropriate. This money shall be defined as “Funds” and the spending of any Funds shall be at the sole discretion of the Grantee. The Foundation does not direct, limit, participate, or manage the decision-making or purchase of any specific Device.

While no Device has been proven to prevent epilepsy-related mortality (including SUDEP), the Danny Did Foundation is devoted to seeking out resources that may assist families living with epilepsy.

Hardship Grant: I am unable to make a purchase for the epilepsy related resource I seek therefore I am requesting a hardship grant. If I am approved for funding, I agree to provide a receipt for the resource I purchase to the Danny Did Foundation within 14 days of receiving the grant check, or I will return the funds to the Danny Did Foundation. 

Danny Did Foundation

The Danny Did Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation organized in the state of Illinois and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501©(3) tax-exempt organization. 

Founded by Chicagoans Mike and Mariann Stanton in January 2010 after the death of their four-year-old son Danny, the Danny Did Foundation works toward its mission to prevent deaths caused by seizures with these main goals in mind: advancing public awareness of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), enhancing SUDEP education and disclosure between medical professionals and families afflicted by seizures, and the mainstreaming of seizure detection and prediction devices that may assist in preventing seizure-related deaths.

Danny Did Foundation Reimbursement Grant

The Danny Did Foundation (“Foundation”) strives to assist individuals and families living with seizures. With an approved Request for Funding, the Foundation will provide monetary funding to the Grantee so they may gain access to a particular device or technology (“Device”) that the Grantee, in collaboration with the Grantee’s medical providers and professionals, independently deem appropriate. This money shall be defined as “Funds” and the spending of any Funds shall be at the sole discretion of the Grantee. The Foundation does not direct, limit, participate, or manage the decision-making or purchase of any specific Device.

While no Device has been proven to prevent epilepsy-related mortality (including SUDEP), the Danny Did Foundation is devoted to seeking out resources that may assist families living with epilepsy.

Reimbursement Grant: Danny Did will consider partial reimbursement for device purchases made in the last 30 days. I have already purchased the epilepsy device. I am seeking reimbursement and will provide receipt of purchase to the Danny Did Foundation to be considered for funding.

About Us

The Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) is the premier international organization for professionals who practice and advance the science and art of natural resource conservation.

SWCS Emerging Leaders Program Alumni Award

The Emerging Leader Alumni Award recognizes outstanding alumni of the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) who have demonstrated a commitment to conservation leadership and active participation in the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS). Three $500 cash awards will be granted to support professional development, Society membership, conference fees, or other career-enhancing opportunities.