Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Illinois

The Chronic Care Telehealth Centers of Excellence Program, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, aims to enhance chronic care management through innovative telehealth technologies. This initiative will support academic medical centers in integrating comprehensive telehealth services for chronic disease prevention, management, and acute episode treatment. The centers will also contribute to research publications, establishing national benchmarks for effective telehealth integration in chronic care.

The NTSS Toshio Narahashi Neurotoxicology SS Trainee Conference Endowment Award offers a stipend of at least $250 to support deserving trainees in Neurotoxicology attending the SOT Annual Meeting. Selection is based on scientific merit and mentor support. This initiative, funded by the Toshio Narahashi Neurotoxicology Fellowship Award Fund, aims to enhance the professional development of trainees in toxicology.

Rico Memorial Scholarship

Provides a scholarship to graduating seniors in Lincoln County with a GPA between 2.5 and 2.99 and must participate in sports (preference will be given to football and or track/field)

The Undergraduate Development Program Student Travel Award offers undergraduate science majors a unique opportunity to attend the Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting from March 21–23, 2026. The program aims to inspire students pursuing research careers in toxicology and related biomedical sciences. Participants will engage with professionals, attend sessions, and explore various educational and career paths. SOT emphasizes inclusiveness, encouraging diverse perspectives to enhance innovation in the field.

The Joan M. Wismer Foundation, established in 2001, honors the legacy of Joan Marilynn Wismer, who was dedicated to charitable work and community service. The foundation focuses on improving lives through education, youth development, safety, humanitarian services, and medical research. It primarily supports IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and churches, while emphasizing the importance of sustainable funding and effective financial management in its grant-making process.

The John Wells Memorial Scholarship, established by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, honors the legacy of John Wells, a dedicated pitching coach. This one-time, non-renewable scholarship supports outstanding female softball players from a six-county area pursuing higher education. Candidates must demonstrate exceptional athletic involvement and commitment to academic success. The scholarship aims to provide financial assistance for tuition, room, and other educational expenses, continuing John's mission of empowering young athletes.

The Perry L. McCarty AEESP Founders' Award, presented by the AEESP Foundation, honors outstanding contributions to environmental engineering education and research. It recognizes a professor's excellence in these fields, offering a plaque, a $1500 cash prize, and a $750 travel allotment for the awards ceremony. Nominations are accepted annually, with past submissions considered for three years. Careful adherence to nomination guidelines is essential for eligibility.

The Steven K. Dentel AEESP Award for Global Outreach recognizes faculty excellence in environmental engineering outreach. This annual award honors individuals who significantly contribute to global community health through education, research, and mentorship. Recipients receive a $500 cash award and a plaque. Nominations from students are welcomed, and past nominations can be modified within three years. This award aims to highlight sustained leadership and service in the environmental engineering field.

Research Grant Program 

Providing research grants to support clinicians and scientists focused on primary immunodeficiency (PI).

Scope and eligibility

• The Immune Deficiency Foundation's Research Grant Program supports patient-centered research focused on improving the treatment, health, disease management, or diagnosis of people with primary immunodeficiency (PI), as well as research that contributes to the broader body of knowledge on PI.
• Awards range from $25,000-50,000. In addition, the Michael Blaese Research Grant Award is bestowed on the highest-scored application each cycle.
• One-year term.

The Frances Parker Rupert Memorial Fund for Music and the Performing Arts provides scholarships to talented students pursuing music or performing arts degrees. Established by the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, this fund aims to support high school seniors from specific counties, considering their potential and financial need. Applicants must demonstrate their artistic abilities and articulate how this scholarship will aid their educational goals in a two-page essay.

The Lam Research Core Values Scholarship, offered by the East Bay Community Foundation, supports high school seniors from specific districts in California and Oregon. Recipients are awarded $10,000 over four years, promoting educational success. Eligible students must exemplify Lam's Core Values, maintain a GPA of 2.7 or higher, and plan to attend a college or technical school. This scholarship aims to empower diverse youth in their educational pursuits and foster community development.

AMS Organology Study Group Travel Grants

The AMS Organology Study Group Travel Grants program provides travel grants to support AMS Annual Meeting attendance for students and recent graduates with research interests in organology and/or other intersections of music and material culture studies. In addition to supporting attendance at the annual meeting, this program also introduces recipients to a network of scholars working in the field of organology. In 2026, selected recipients will not receive travel grants because the 2026 AMS Annual Meeting is being held online, but will instead receive complimentary registration for the conference. The 2026 AMS Annual Meeting will be held 14–15 November and 19–20 November 2026.

The purpose of the program is to defray costs associated with attending the AMS Annual Meeting and participating in Organology Study Group (OSG) activities. Recipients will be required to attend the Organology Study Group's paper session at the 2026 AMS Annual Meeting.

The Organology Study Group Travel Grants program was established in 2024 with the generous support of the American Musical Instrument Society (AMIS). In addition to complimentary registration for the 2026 AMS Annual Meeting, recipients will receive one year of complimentary membership in the AMIS.

About the Bertin Family Foundation

Founders: Kim and Jennifer BertinAfter a successful career innovating orthopedic surgical techniques, devices, and implants, Kim and his wife Jennifer feel a deep sense of stewardship to dedicate their resources to helping others. They engage all three generations of the Bertin family in hands-on service and grantmaking decisions, fostering a shared commitment to giving back. Through the foundation’s work, the Bertin family seeks to strengthen communities, support meaningful causes, and inspire future generations to lead with compassion and purpose. 

NOW Grants

A limited number of grants are available for one time projects or programs that emerge outside of the standard review period. These grants are for $5000 or less.

The Huether/Gillan Scholarship, established by the Niskayuna Community Foundation, supports community-minded students from Niskayuna or its school district. This need-based scholarship aims to assist those pursuing higher education while emphasizing academic achievement and community service. Mr. Huether initiated this scholarship in honor of his parents, promoting values of dignity, diversity, impact, inclusion, innovation, and integrity. Interested applicants should contact Mr. Vince Bianchi for further details.

The Anne Gilbert Visual Arts Scholarship, offered by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, aims to support undergraduate college sophomores pursuing studies in fine arts, graphic design, art and design, or fashion design. Applicants must be residents of Muskingum County, have completed their freshman year, and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher. This scholarship encourages artistic development and community engagement, allowing students to further their education and creative pursuits.

The Lily Smith Memorial Scholarship, established by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, supports high school graduates from Nelson County pursuing a nursing degree. Founded in 1960, the foundation is committed to enhancing community well-being through philanthropy. This scholarship exemplifies their mission by providing financial assistance to future nurses, ensuring that local talent is nurtured and prepared to meet healthcare needs. The initiative reflects a deep commitment to education and community service.

The Leslie Reid Memorial Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, honors the memory of Leslie Reid and supports female graduating seniors from Henderson, Smith, or Van Zandt County who have been involved in horse show activities. The scholarship offers $1,250 and can be used for tuition, fees, or books. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to their education and meet specific eligibility criteria to qualify.

The MCTS Legacy Scholarship Program, established by the Mobile County Training School Alumni Association in collaboration with UNCF, offers ten $3,500 need-based scholarships for MCTS attendees or their descendants. This initiative aims to support educational pursuits among students connected to MCTS, enhancing access to higher education. Recipients will be notified within eight weeks after the application deadline, promoting academic success and community engagement. The program reflects UNCF's commitment to empowering minority students and fostering leadership.

The Michael Hurewitz Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, supports high school seniors in the region who have a passion for journalism and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship aims to empower students by providing them the necessary financial assistance to pursue their educational goals in journalism, fostering the next generation of storytellers and communicators in our community.

The Frontiers James Forstall Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, aims to support African American students in Sangamon County who demonstrate significant financial need. This scholarship is available to both graduating high school seniors and current college students. By continuing the legacy of local banks that founded the Sangamon County Foundation in 1924, this initiative seeks to empower deserving individuals and promote educational opportunities within the community.

The CFSI Education Fund Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana, awards multiple $2,000 non-renewable scholarships to students over 25 who have some college experience but no degree. This program aims to support those returning to complete their post-secondary education, including vocational training. By empowering individuals from Clark and Floyd counties, the scholarship fosters educational advancement and community growth, reflecting the foundation's commitment to enriching lives through learning.

The June G. Patton Memorial Graduate Scholarship, established by the Ashland University Rho Nu at Large chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, honors Dr. June G. Patton's legacy in nursing education. This scholarship supports graduate students with a BSN pursuing advanced degrees in nursing. Active members of Rho Nu at Large are eligible to apply, and past recipients may reapply. Most awards are designated for Ashland County residents, contributing to the community's educational advancement.

The Pediatric Oncology Student Training (POST) Program Grant, offered by Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, aims to foster the next generation of pediatric oncology researchers. This summer internship provides undergraduate, graduate, and medical students with hands-on research experience in a supportive environment, focusing on diversity and inclusion. Grants will specifically support students from underrepresented communities in the scientific workforce, enabling impactful research and mentorship opportunities to advance pediatric cancer care.

The Bright & Early DuPage Grant supports local early childhood collaborations, ensuring children from birth to age five receive essential educational resources. Funded by the DuPage Foundation, this initiative encourages community partnerships and family engagement to enhance access to quality early childhood education. Each year, grants of up to $50,000 are awarded to strengthen local efforts in promoting child development and navigating available resources, ultimately preparing young children for success in school and beyond.

The Eash-Potter Scholarship supports LGBTQ youth in central Pennsylvania, honoring Melinda Eash and Sharon Potter's legacy. It is available to graduating high school seniors from specific counties who demonstrate commitment to enhancing the community climate for LGBTQ+ individuals. Financial need is a consideration, and the scholarship is a one-time award. Students of color, transgender individuals, and children of LGBTQ+ parents are particularly encouraged to apply, promoting diversity and inclusion within the scholarship program.

The Douglas W. Pfautz Memorial Scholarship Fund honors a dedicated community servant and family man, Doug Pfautz. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Elizabethtown, this scholarship supports high school seniors from the Elizabethtown Area School District who demonstrate good moral character and a commitment to community service. Applicants must maintain good academic standing and plan to pursue further education. This one-time award encourages students to embody the Rotary motto of 'Service Above Self', continuing Doug's legacy of service.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Manzer-Keener-Wefler Scholarship Fund

The Manzer-Keener-Wefler Scholarship Fund assists applicants with a field of study in or related to photography, visual arts (including graphic design). 

This scholarship is renewable.