Best Grants for International Development in Illinois

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.

Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board Fund

The Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board created a scholarship fund within the Community Foundation to assist college-bound students who reside in the Aurora community. The organization works to educate the public about the history of Hispanics who helped to shape the City of Aurora. Their goal is to instill pride in Aurora’s youth regarding their heritage by honoring those who have made a difference in the community. A celebratory breakfast is held each January to pay tribute to those students receiving scholarships from the fund.

Burt Scholarship

Established by the Burt Committee of the First Presbyterian Church of Olean in memory of Dr. Rudy Burt, this fund provides scholarships to graduates of Olean High, Allegany-Limestone Central, Hinsdale Central and Portville Central schools who demonstrate financial need.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.

Richard H. Rokop, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Richard H. Rokop, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to residents of the City of Aurora, the Village of North Aurora and Aurora Township who are enrolled at the undergraduate level of study at a college or university. Richard Rokop (1941-2006) was born in Aurora, Illinois. After graduation from East Aurora High School, he began a thirty-year career at Northern Illinois Gas Company. Mr. Rokop was a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church, the Lions Club and the Phoenix Club. He served as a Kane County Republican Treasurer and was a member of the Fox Metro Water Reclamation District Board of Trustees. In honor of his longtime commitment to coaching, Mr. Rokop was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. His wife, Jeanne Rokop, passed away in 2008. He was survived by three sons – Richard, Jr., Michael and Daniel.

Pat McGee Nursing Scholarship

Established through the Pat McGee Endowment, named in memory of the former late New York State Senator representing the 57th district, awards are given each year to students, traditional or nontraditional, in the 57th State Senate district (which includes much of Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties) who are pursuing nursing degrees. Students must maintain at least a C average. Students previously receiving the award also can reapply.

Sondra J. Fox Scholarship

Established by Ruth D. Palmquist, Sondra J. Fox and Laurel S. Daise, this fund's purpose is to provide a scholarship for a student from Cattaraugus or McKean County who is pursuing a career in the mental health field with first preference for a student in a master's level program and second preference for an undergraduate college student who will be entering his/her junior or senior year. Major fields include, but are not limited to, counseling, social work and psychiatric nursing.

Southern Tier Military Support Group Scholarship

This scholarship fund will honor the work of the Southern Tier Military Support Group. The annual distribution will be available for a scholarship award for nontraditional students who are veterans, or for graduating high school seniors who are the children or dependents of a veteran or who are planning to enroll in an ROTC program during their college education.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.

Random Acts Matter Scholarship Fund

The purpose of the Random Acts Matter Scholarship Fund is to recognize one exceptional graduating senior from each of the St. Charles high schools (St. Charles North and St. Charles East) who are committed to making their community a better and kinder place to live through random acts of kindness and support. Random Acts Matter was founded on the idea that the power of care, compassion and kindness can change our community and the world.  The scholarship was created to recognize high school students who see the world through the lens of kindness and then ACT in big ways and small.  We feel that when students model this behavior it creates a ripple of kindness which impacts their families, other students, faculty, and the entire community. Random Acts Matter (RAM) is a non-profit organization dedicated to sharing care and compassion in our community.  We accept nominations for individual acts of kindness and participate in ongoing community outreach. Our mission is to inspire and connect people within the community, create awareness and advocate for our neighbors in need of care and compassion and create a community inspired to provide random acts of kindness and support.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.

Orville Peterson Health Care Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund provides scholarships to residents of the area served by Copley Memorial Hospital in Aurora to further their post graduate education in medicine, health administration or dentistry. The scholarship was established at the time of Orville Peterson’s retirement in 1976. Mr. Peterson (1910-1984) was president of Copley Memorial Hospital from 1946 until 1976.  During that time, the hospital undertook three major building projects. Mr. Peterson also guided the remodeling of the Pediatric Department and the renovation of the 1888 building which later became the Kidney Dialysis Center. He often recalled and was deeply touched by the extraordinary commitment of the hospital’s physical therapy staff during the polio epidemic. “The staff just never left during that time.” Mr. Peterson passed away in 1984 in Long Beach, California. In the 1990’s, Copley Memorial Hospital (renamed Rush-Copley Medical Center) moved from its original location on Lincoln Avenue in Aurora to Ogden Avenue in Aurora.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.

Marvin F. & Geraldine E. Pilmer Scholarship Endowment Fund

The family of Marvin and Geraldine Pilmer created a scholarship fund shortly after the passing of Mr. Pilmer. In 2016, this scholarship fund became an endowment. Scholarships are reserved for students graduating from Waubonsee Community College. Marvin Pilmer (1929-1996) was a graduate of West Aurora High School. He attended Aurora University and graduated from the Realtor’s Institute. Mr. Pilmer founded Pilmer Real Estate, Inc. in 1971. At the time of his death, he was chief executive officer of the company. He had served as president of the Greater Aurora Association of Realtors, chairman of Our Savior Lutheran Church and chairman of the Greater Aurora Chamber of Commerce. He also had been a director of the Aurora Country Club, Copley Memorial Healthcare Foundation and Plum Landing. Geraldine Pilmer (1933-2015) was co-founder of Pilmer Real Estate.  In addition to raising five children, Mrs. Pilmer volunteered for several community organizations including Our Savior Lutheran Church.

William D. and Catherine Griffin Fraser Scholarship

In memory of William D. Fraser and Catherine Griffin Fraser. Preference for a graduating senior from Olean High School or Cuba-Rushford Central School, but other graduates from other high schools in Cattaraugus or Allegany counties will be considered; preference for a four-year college, but two-year is eligible; student must be in good academic standing; financial need will be considered; preference for a student interested in a career in the medical field or education, but other majors will be considered. 

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports nearly 70 academic, sports, special circumstances, and 4-H scholarships. Search scholarships by name, or sort by application type.

Kaitlyn Taylor McDaniel Memorial Foundation Scholarship

The purpose of this Fund is to honor the life of Kaitlyn Taylor McDaniel by providing scholarship(s) who wish to pursue a career in nursing or nursing students already enrolled in a program. The Fund will also make grants from time to time to charities or for projects that would have been important to Kaitlyn.

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports nearly 70 academic, sports, special circumstances, and 4-H scholarships. Search scholarships by name, or sort by application type.

Lee H Madairy Scholarship

The purpose of the Lee H Madairy Scholarship is to honor the life of Lee H. Madairy by providing scholarship(s) for a new or returning college or vocational program student who has shown academic achievement, excellent moral character and is pursuing a career in a STEM field. The successful candidate will have been accepted at an accredited College, University, or vocational program. The amount of money available each year for the scholarship(s) will be determined by the income generated by the fund. In addition, if income in any given year is sufficient, grants for other charitable purposes may be made in Mr. Madairy’s memory.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.

Gary A. & Mary Ruth Roberts Endowment Fund

The Gary A. & Mary Ruth Roberts Endowment Fund was created by Gary and Mary Ruth Roberts to foster educational opportunities for elementary, high school and college level individuals, as well as provide grants to local non-profit organizations. Gary and Mary Ruth Roberts are lifelong residents of the Aurora area. Mr. Roberts was born in Marion, Illinois. His family moved to Aurora when he was three years old. Upon graduation from East Aurora High School, he entered the military.  In 1946 and 1947, Mr. Roberts served as a Lieutenant in the 1st Cavalry Division in Japan. He was employed by the Freeman United Coal Mining Company for thirty-nine years.  He retired in 1987 having achieved the position of Vice-President of Sales. Mary Ruth Roberts (1928-2022) was a graduate of West Aurora High School. She continued her studies at the St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in Evanston, Illinois.  She graduated from St. Francis and later from Loyola University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. As a long-time cancer survivor, Mrs. Roberts was active with the American Cancer Society where she volunteered for thirty-five years as director of the Reach to Recovery Program.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

Bee a Rae of Sunshine Foundation – MaKenzi Rae Cash Memorial Nursing Scholarship

To support future nurses who exemplify kindness, compassion, and a commitment to caring for others, honoring MaKenzi Rae Cash’s legacy of empathy and her dedication to standing up against bullying in our community.

The Margaret 'Margo' Kaler Langohr Art Scholarship, established by Margo to support Whitley County students pursuing art education, reflects her dedication to the arts. A former educator, Margo, despite her declining eyesight, created inspiring works, including 'May Your Light Shine Through My Darkness.' This scholarship aims to empower students aspiring for a Bachelor's or Associate's Degree in an art-related field at accredited institutions.

Health, Patient, and Science Focused Giving

At Genentech, we invest in bold ideas and innovative solutions that address systemic inequities in science and medicine to advance a more just healthcare system. We focus on efforts that diversify the scientific and medical workforce, advance health equity, and help our communities thrive. We also further advance excellence in medicine and healthcare through our grants for independent medical education. Including efforts to advance health equity, support patient needs, engage the scientific community, and provide co-pay assistance. 

There are multiple ways to apply for funding. Before you submit an application, we encourage you to explore the following materials to learn more about our opportunities for funding, eligibility requirements and considerations, and the process for submitting a proposal within our Funding Request System (gFRS).

Zavala Scholarship

The Zavala Scholarship Fund was opened at WFACF in 2014 to support students of the Hispanic community to pursue higher education. It has since transformed to consider any graduates of high schools in Wichita, Archer, Clay, Wilbarger, or Young County who have great financial need and a minimum 2.75 GPA, including current college students. There are multiple $1,000 scholarships available to be used for any field of study at any college or university in the U.S.

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.

Heather M. Howiler Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Heather M. Howiler Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund is open to current graduating high school seniors in Indian Prairie School District 204. Students must earn a high school GPA of 3.0 and plan to attend a four-year college or university. 

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

Who We Are

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois will make a sustainable philanthropic impact in our community through visible leadership in connecting people who care with causes that matter.

Vernon “Butch” Gudat Scholarship Fund

The Vernon “Butch” Gudat Scholarship Fund was established to create a living legacy in memory of Peoria Fire Captain Vernon “Butch” Gudat. College scholarships are provided to qualifying children and grandchildren of career and volunteer firefighters in Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford counties.

Deputy Wayne and Carol Krieger Scholarship

Established in memory of sheriff's deputy Wayne Krieger by his family, this scholarship benefits graduating seniors of Cattaraugus County and Allegany County high schools intending to study criminal justice, with a preference for a student who is a BOCES criminal justice student. 

Dresser-Rand Employees Scholarship

This Scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors who are the children of employees of Dresser-Rand/Siemens Energy. Employees must have been Olean-based employees as of February 2, 2020 with at least 12 months of service.

Mission & Vision

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Gay R. Maney Reach for the Green Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide assistance to graduating high school seniors residing in the City of Rochester who will be attending college.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $10,000; divided into equal annual installments paid over four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Award may be split between two or more students and is paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters. One-time scholarships may also be awarded and are paid in one lump sum. Minimum award $1,000.

Donor Information

This fund was established to provide scholarships to high school seniors who have participated in golf programs.

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.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

Margaret Mercer Stewart Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was created by Margaret Mercer Stewart to support the education of nursing students.

Mrs. Stewart (1912-2005) was born in Aurora, Illinois. She graduated from West Aurora High School and attended North Central College.

She was drawn to nursing, graduated from the Evanston Illinois Hospital School of Nursing in 1934 and then served as a school nurse in Evanston.

In 1935, she married Thomas Graeme Stewart, a descendent of the pioneer Stewart farming family of Tamarack (now Plainfield) Illinois.

The couple resided on and farmed the ancestral land from 1937 until Mr. Stewart’s death in 1970.

Since that time, Mrs. Stewart continued to live on the farmstead and rented the land for agricultural purposes.

She was able to achieve her wish of living on the farm until her death due in part to the care provided by her home health care aides.

Mrs. Stewart was an artist, skilled in several media including pastels, oils and watercolors. She won numerous awards at both local and state levels.

Alger Regional Community FoundationThe Alger Regional Community Foundation (ARCF) is a locally based 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Alger County through grants and scholarships.

ARCF is a unique institution. It is a permanent, yet flexible, collection of endowment funds contributed by people from all walks of life who want to make a difference in our community.Native American Education AwardGiven to a Native American graduate, applicants must have participated in Native Cultural/Academic activities, projects, or programs while attending MHS, be a participant in community service activities, and must have a minimum 2.0 overall GPA.

Northern New York Community Foundation

Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.

Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.

JP North Country Music Scholarship

 Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence county students in the Class of 2026 who plan to pursue studies in music are encouraged to apply.

Alger Regional Community FoundationThe Alger Regional Community Foundation (ARCF) is a locally based 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Alger County through grants and scholarships.

ARCF is a unique institution. It is a permanent, yet flexible, collection of endowment funds contributed by people from all walks of life who want to make a difference in our community.Simonen ScholarshipThe Paul & Alice Simonen Scholarship is offered to any Alger County resident planning to pursue post-secondary education at a college, university, vocational, or technical institute.

Preference will be given to an individual with future potential as evidenced by an exceptional record of achievement in school, community, and/or employment. Examples of achievement may include, but are not limited to, areas such as academics, fine arts, athletics, technology, volunteerism, service clubs, work/military experience.

Alger Regional Community FoundationThe Alger Regional Community Foundation (ARCF) is a locally based 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Alger County through grants and scholarships.ARCF is a unique institution. It is a permanent, yet flexible, collection of endowment funds contributed by people from all walks of life who want to make a difference in our community.Thelma N. Cotey ScholarshipApplicants must be planning to pursue further education in the areas of medicine, business, or forestry.