Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Illinois

We are living in a time of intensified state violence and mass criminalization. The current political climate has doubled down on surveillance, policing, incarceration, and the criminalization of protest, migration, and mutual aid. For directly impacted communities, the trauma is relentless — and those of us committed to resistance are feeling the weight of outrage fatigue.

But we know: the antidote to outrage fatigue is movement response. The expansion of state violence and mass incarceration often forces organizations to respond quickly to unanticipated events despite lacking the necessary resources or capacity.

The Strategic Opportunities Support (SOS) Fund-CJI’s rapid-response fund-is designed to support bold, strategic, and immediate actions by grassroots organizations on the front lines of resistance. The Fund awards grants up to $7,500 and enables organizations to move quickly and collaboratively in response to emerging threats and seize opportunities to advance justice, healing, and systemic transformation.

The Graduate Education Fund offers the South Australia Defence, Space & Cyber Scholarship for scholars from the USA and South Australia. This scholarship supports PhD and Post-Doctoral research in Defence, Space, and Cyber Security, ensuring candidates have affiliations with educational institutions. Awarded funds, up to US $40,000, can cover tuition, travel, and living expenses. Applications are due in March for USA to Australia and September for Australia to USA, promoting collaboration in research between the two nations.

The When Georgia Smiled Grant, established by the Robin McGraw Revelation and Dr. Phil Foundation, focuses on aiding victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. The foundation prioritizes programs that provide shelter, education, and mental health services to ensure safe and fulfilling lives for affected individuals. Additionally, it supports initiatives for children and disaster relief, fostering community resilience and family reunification efforts. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations operating in the U.S. with a commitment to inclusivity.

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

We the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians are the most diverse confederation of Tribes and Bands on a single reservation in the United States. Our ancestors spoke 10 completely different languages, each of which had multiple dialects. Our ancestors brought with them deep connections to more than 20 million acres of ancestral territory combined, including all of Western Oregon from the summit of the Cascade mountains to the Pacific and extending into what’s now SW Washington State and northern California. Our ancestors signed many treaties with the United States. We were promised the 1.1 million acres Siletz Reservation as our permanent home, but following massive reservation reductions Congress passed the Western Oregon Termination Act in 1954 (took effect in 1956), and our federally recognized status as a tribe was also taken. In 1977 our lobbying of Congress to repeal our Termination was successful, and we became the second formerly Terminated Tribe to regain federal recognition as a Tribe.

Education

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz seeks to provide opportunities for Tribal members to reach potential, establish independence and improve quality of life through lifelong learning and education.

NWIHA – Youth Scholarship Program

Scholarship applications will be reviewed to meet the following minimum eligibility before any further review of the application will be done.

• Applicant must either have an application pending or a letter of acceptance from a higher education institution such as a four (4) year college or a two (2) year community college prior to the funds being sent to the higher educational institution.
• Applicant must be less than twenty four (24) years old on the deadline submission date.
• Applicant must be an enrolled member from one of the NWIHA member Tribes.
• Payments are made directly to the school, organization, etc. and not to the Applicant or their families.
• All of these items must be postmarked on or before March 31st of each year, or the Application will be automatically rejected.
• Faxed applications will NOT be accepted.
• All Applications become the property of NWIHA. NWIHA reserves the right to publish essays.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

G. William & Freda S. Moore Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund provides scholarships to students pursuing studies in business or accounting.

G. William Moore grew up on a farm near Paducah, Kentucky. He graduated from Bowling Green College of Commerce with a degree in higher accounting.

Mr. Moore served in the United States Navy during World War II reaching the rank of lieutenant. He came to Aurora in 1946 to work as a CPA for a local accounting firm.

In 1949, he opened his own firm and continued in practice until 1977. He then joined his practice with a firm from Champaign, Illinois, predecessor to Sikich Gardner & Co.

Mr. Moore is a member of Wesley United Methodist Church and the Aurora Noon Kiwanis Club.

Freda S. Moore (1918-2004) was a native of Clarksburg, West Virginia. She graduated from Bowling Green College of Commerce with a degree in business administration.

After graduation, she taught business courses at the high school level. During World War II, she worked for the United States Air Force in Norfolk, Virginia.

Mrs. Moore was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church and was an accomplished musician, playing the piano, saxophone and clarinet.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Jerry J. Murphy MSW Scholarship Fund

The Jerry J. Murphy MSW Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to students pursuing a Master of Social Work degree.

Jerry Murphy is the retired Executive Director of the INC Board. He served residents of Kane County for over 28 years during his time with the organization.

INC Board, NFP, is an Illinois, not-for-profit corporation which was chartered as Mental Health and Mental Retardation Services on April 21, 1969, to promote the creation of local mental health boards authorized under 405 Illinois Compiled Statutes §20/3a.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Olsson Roofing Company, Inc. Scholarship Fund

In 1988, Olsson Roofing Company, Inc. of Aurora created a scholarship fund within the Community Foundation for area students.

Scholarships from this fund are awarded in recognition of high scholastic achievement, participation in school activities and leadership potential.

These awards are reserved for students whose parents are actively involved in the roofing trade or construction industry.

Through the generosity and commitment of this civic-minded company, many students have received needed assistance for their college educations.

The Kott Memorial Charitable Trust Grants provide essential funding to charitable organizations that enhance the lives of seniors through education, health services, and community engagement. Dedicated to supporting gerontology, these grants aim to improve the quality of life for older adults by funding innovative programs, internships, and professional training. By focusing on the needs of seniors, the Trust plays a vital role in fostering a supportive environment for this demographic, ensuring they receive the care and services they deserve.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Robert L. & Marjory J. Nelson Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund provides scholarships to students pursuing a career in the medical field of study with a preference to those students entering the field of nursing.

Marjory Nelson (1928-1998) received her bachelor of arts degree from Aurora University and her R.N. certification from the Copley Hospital School of Nursing.

She also undertook additional graduate studies at Northern Illinois University and the National College of Education.

She was employed by Copley Memorial Hospital and later served as a nurse for the East Aurora Schools.

This fund was created by Mrs. Nelson’s family and friends to provide recognition of her extraordinary dedication to the field of nursing.

Upon the passing of her husband Robert, the Nelson family added his name to the fund.

Robert Nelson (1924-2015) was a veteran of World War II. He served with the Navy in Europe and the Marines in the Pacific.

He worked in the field of education and was a retired principal in School District 44 in Lombard, Illinois.

Mr. and Mrs. Nelson were survived by two daughters and three grandchildren.

Created in 2004, the fund became an endowment in 2005.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Theodore Silseth Nelson Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund provides scholarships to students returning to school after a lapse of several years since high school graduation. The awards are given to students pursuing a two or four-year degree in health care, with a preference for both financial need and students seeking a registered nurse certification. Theodore Nelson (1937-2017) was employed as a large commercial account underwriter in the insurance industry. He created this fund out of respect for the competency of those in the healthcare profession and to encourage those who wish to improve themselves by returning to school after being in the workforce. 

The VCRC-VF Fellowship Program, a collaboration between the Vasculitis Clinical Research Consortium and the Vasculitis Foundation, offers a two-year mentored training opportunity for physician-investigators dedicated to vasculitis research. This tailored fellowship allows candidates to gain clinical and translational research experience at VCRC-affiliated sites in North America, focusing on patient-oriented investigation. Applicants must hold an MD, demonstrate a commitment to vasculitis care, and ideally possess relevant subspecialty training.

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.

National Collegiate Cancer Foundation

The National Collegiate Cancer Foundation (NCCF) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young adults diagnosed with or impacted by cancer. Its mission is to provide services, resources, and need-based financial assistance that empower survivors and their families to adopt a resilient “Will Win” mindset throughout treatment and beyond. NCCF is one of the few national organizations that provides direct financial support to young adult cancer survivors, primarily through its Survivor and Legacy Scholarships, which assist students pursuing higher education during or after treatment. The Foundation also promotes cancer awareness and prevention within the young adult community. Recognizing that adolescents and young adults (ages 15–39) face unique challenges—including delayed diagnoses, limited access to insurance and clinical trials, fertility concerns, employment disruption, and social isolation—NCCF prioritizes addressing the significant service gaps affecting this underserved population. Operated entirely by volunteers, NCCF remains committed to advancing educational access, financial relief, and hope for young adult cancer survivors nationwide.

NCCF: Legacy Scholarship Program

The National Collegiate Cancer Foundation (NCCF) offers $1,000 competitive scholarships to young adults pursuing higher education who have lost a parent or guardian to cancer. The award is designed to provide financial assistance and encouragement to students continuing their education despite personal loss. Applications are evaluated based on the applicant’s personal journey, sources of encouragement, demonstrated financial need, notable accomplishments, and the quality of recommendations. The scholarship recognizes resilience, perseverance, and academic commitment in the face of cancer-related loss.

National Collegiate Cancer Foundation

The National Collegiate Cancer Foundation (NCCF) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young adults diagnosed with or impacted by cancer. Its mission is to provide services, resources, and need-based financial assistance that empower survivors and their families to adopt a resilient “Will Win” mindset throughout treatment and beyond. NCCF is one of the few national organizations that provides direct financial support to young adult cancer survivors, primarily through its Survivor and Legacy Scholarships, which assist students pursuing higher education during or after treatment. The Foundation also promotes cancer awareness and prevention within the young adult community. Recognizing that adolescents and young adults (ages 15–39) face unique challenges—including delayed diagnoses, limited access to insurance and clinical trials, fertility concerns, employment disruption, and social isolation—NCCF prioritizes addressing the significant service gaps affecting this underserved population. Operated entirely by volunteers, NCCF remains committed to advancing educational access, financial relief, and hope for young adult cancer survivors nationwide.

NCCF: Survivor Scholarship Program

The National Collegiate Cancer Foundation (NCCF) Survivor Scholarship Program provides a competitive scholarships to young adults who are cancer survivors or current patients and are pursuing higher education during or after treatment. The program supports students who have demonstrated resilience and continued their educational journey despite the challenges of cancer. Applications are evaluated based on six criteria: demonstration of a strong “Will Win” attitude, quality of essays, financial need, overall cancer survivorship story, commitment to education, and the quality of recommendations. The scholarship recognizes perseverance, hope, and dedication to academic and personal growth.

Who We Are

We weave the work of communities, connecting and uplifting passionate people, critical resources and transformational ideas. Working side by side with every corner and sector of our region, we have identified social and economic justice as the most critical elements to a thriving community. We serve to advance efforts in these areas by fostering impactful giving, trusted partnerships and authentic engagement for a more equitable southwest Washington.

John and Maradee Potter Scholarship

Maradee Potter established this scholarship to honor her husband, John who died in 2021. John was retired from his career as a proofreader legal editor. John and Maradee were married for 36 years. Maradee is honoring her husband and her work to provide scholarships for students who have graduated from high schools located in Clark County, Washington and have been a recipient of Special Education services with a documented disability. Maradee worked in the Vancouver Public Schools as a Special Education Teacher during her career and continues to be an advocate for people with disabilities by serving on the Clark County Community Services Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board and Homes for Community Living Board. It is important to the donor that people with disabilities have equitable access to education and the support necessary to pursue post-secondary education and career training.

Award Information

The number and amount of scholarships will be determined by the scholarship committee. The scholarship may be renewable. Renewal applicants must reapply each year.

The NIA Advanced Postdoctoral Career Transition Awards aim to enhance diversity in the translational research workforce for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD). This initiative supports early career researchers from diverse backgrounds in acquiring essential research skills applicable to various AD/ADRD studies. The goal is to cultivate a more diverse pool of researchers capable of leading interdisciplinary approaches in treatment, prevention, and management of AD/ADRD. Notably, independent clinical trials are not permitted under this award.

The SESOT Fall Meeting Abstract Submission Award invites submissions for poster or platform presentations at the October 10, 2025 Fall SESOT Meeting in Clemson. Eligible participants include undergraduate, master's, PhD, and postdoctoral trainees who are SESOT members. Awards will be presented for the best presentations at the SESOT Reception during the SOT Meeting in March. New investigators may present but are not eligible for awards.

RFP Focus: Next Generation Power-Building

Polk Bros. Foundation Goal:

Fostering a Participatory, Multiracial Democracy

Overview:

With this RFP, Polk Bros. Foundation seeks to nurture and elevate the civic leadership and brilliance that we know is abundant among young people across Chicago’s neighborhoods by supporting youth-led collective action initiatives that address specific issues of significance to young Chicagoans (up to age 26). 

In 2020, GradGuard founded College Life Protected, LLC as a social purpose entity that supports programs, research, professional development, and best practices in higher education that promote greater confidence in the value of higher education as a public good. 

College Life Protected invites the higher education community to apply for grants that are consistent with our mission.

Promoting Financial Literacy

College Life Protected recognizes that that financial literacy is a critical skill for student success, impacting everything from academic persistence to long-term financial well-being. That’s why we are committed to funding programs and initiatives that equip students with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed financial decisions.

By supporting programs that enhance financial education, we aim to empower students to navigate college costs, manage personal finances, and build a strong financial future.

The Allstate Foundation - College Service Grants support youth empowerment through community service initiatives at community colleges and HBCUs across the U.S. Grants of $10,000 aim to enable youth-led projects that redefine service in the wake of a global pandemic. With over $1 million allocated to this effort, the program encourages innovative approaches to civic engagement and volunteerism, fostering a new generation of community leaders.

The Mary Kay Ash Foundation Domestic Violence Shelter Grant Program supports shelters across the U.S. that provide essential services to women and children escaping abusive situations. Established in 2000, this grant aims to uphold the mission of eradicating domestic violence through financial assistance to dedicated organizations. Eligibility is limited to shelters recognized by state domestic violence coalitions, while those funded in the previous cycle are ineligible. Join the fight against domestic violence by applying for this vital support.

About

What is the Pizza Hut Foundation?

In pursuit of happiness, the Pizza Hut Franchisee community, in partnership with Pizza Hut U.S. is proud to announce the formation of the Pizza Hut Foundation.

Our foundation is seeking to touch the lives of over 100 youth annually by partnering with youth-serving nonprofit organizations focusing on literacy education programs to enable our team members and their peers to be career and life ready.

Pizza Hut Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization under the Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.

Financial Assistance & Scholarships for Education

Education is key to success in life. However, each year two million students drop out of college due to financial hardship and a lack of financial assistance. In the United States there are more than 900,000 college-bound students who qualify for federal financial assistance each year. Yet almost 90% of these students don’t receive adequate guidance or support, leaving hundreds of thousands of students’ needs unmet.

The Pizza Hut Foundation is proud to partner with Kaleidoscope as our scholarship platform provider, pairing education dreams with funding.

Mentorship Program

While the Scholarship program financially supports the awarded students enrolled in higher education, it doesn’t stop there. The Pizza Hut Foundation offers a mentorship opportunity, through leaders from within the Pizza Hut organization and Vendor partners, to engage Scholarship recipients in a meaningful way throughout their educational journey.

The Pizza Hut Foundation will support engagements with the students via monthly connections to ensure a positive experience for both the mentors and the mentees.

The Section 5310 – Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Grant, administered by the East-West Gateway Council of Governments, aims to enhance transportation access for seniors and individuals with disabilities in the St. Louis region. This federal funding supports projects that improve mobility, including vehicle acquisition, travel training, and barrier removal at bus stops. Eligible applicants include non-profits and government entities focused on serving these communities.

The Aim High Grant Program, funded by the New York Life Foundation, offers 15 two-year grants of $100,000 each to support out-of-school time programs that assist middle school students in their transition to high school. This initiative addresses chronic absenteeism and promotes educational attainment in low-income communities, enhancing the cognitive, social, and emotional development of youth. By fostering skills necessary for academic success, the program aims to create brighter futures for participants.

The Bicycle Advocacy Grants Program, supported by New Belgium Brewing Co, aims to foster community engagement through bicycle projects. With over $11.3 million donated since its inception in 1995, the program focuses on breaking down barriers to cycling and promoting accessibility for all. Projects targeting increased ridership and addressing systemic inequities are prioritized. This initiative reflects New Belgium's commitment to sustainability and social equity, enhancing community connections through the joy of cycling.

Scott Cornelius Memorial Scholarship (Piedmont)

To honor the memory of Scott Cornelius by supporting students pursuing careers in sales, marketing, insurance or related business fields who demonstrate leadership and integrity.

Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains

Our mission at the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains is to improve the region’s quality of life through the power of philanthropy. We do this by offering individuals, families, and businesses the most effective charitable giving tools available in the marketplace today. Founded in 1998, the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains is honored to work with hundreds of donors, nonprofits, advisors, and civic leaders to achieve dreams for making the Endless Mountains region of Northeastern Pennsylvania an even better place to live for everyone.

Scholarships

Many generous individuals, families, and businesses have established scholarship funds to provide support to graduates in our region. Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors.

Cody Albert Memorial Scholarship

Established by Dale and Linda Albert in memory of their son Cody to provide a college scholarship to students from Susquehanna County who will major in the Visual Arts, Psychology, or Physical Therapy and who have overcome anxiety, depression, or other adversity.