Best Grants for Museums in Illinois

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.

What We Fund

The Dunham Foundation is committed to providing positive, multi-generational support to all individuals and families in our service area.

We believe that this support lays the groundwork for successful generations to come and builds an infrastructure for a community where all can thrive. The Dunham Foundation invests in the following three areas:

• Education
• Economic Growth
• Community 

Dunham Foundation Sponsorship Requests

We accept grant requests for event sponsorships on a rolling basis throughout the calendar year. We recommend submitting your application at least 60 days prior to your event to allow sufficient time for Board of Directors review.

Request aligns with any of our priority areas and supports a fundraising event, such as an annual gala, golf outing, 5K, etc..

At the conclusion of the fundraising event, we ask that you submit a brief report outlining the results.

Coral Gables Community Foundation

Led by community leaders, the Coral Gables Community Foundation provides the philanthropic conduit to connect individuals and corporations looking to positively impact the success of the community. Now in its 33rd year, the Foundation has been at the forefront of the evolving needs of Coral Gables while effectively bringing together beneficiaries and benefactors to fund programs with the greatest impact and benefit to “The City Beautiful.”

Fain Scholarship

Royal Caribbean Scholarship offers tuition support for children of Royal Caribbean Corporation employees.

TERM: Scholarships are available for undergraduate studies of one to four years and graduate studies of up to two years.

The Chicago Community Trust

As our region’s community foundation, The Chicago Community Trust is a platform for change that connects philanthropy to impact. We bring together generous donors, committed organizations, and caring residents to effect lasting change that moves our entire region forward.

Community & Civic Leadership – Collective Power & Policy Change

This funding opportunity will support organizations and leadership programs that cultivate community and public sector leaders who are ready to advance efforts that build wealth and improve opportunities for all Chicagoans.

Priority Strategies & Activities

This funding opportunity will support organizations or programs that identify, train and promote leaders within all sectors—public, private and nonprofit—at “grassroots” and “grasstops” levels. Organizations that receive grant support under this funding opportunity will train and support the following types of leaders:  

• Emerging community leaders that include, but are not limited to, parents, young adults, low-wage workers, community organizers, and early career professionals.
• Established leaders working in nonprofit, civic, policy, or public-serving roles who are no longer considered early career professionals.   
• Leaders with lived experience who represent communities most proximate to the issues or have experienced the systems in need of reform first-hand. 

The Charlotte T. Reid Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund offers financial support to students pursuing music studies. Established in 2008 by Charlotte Reid's family, the fund honors her legacy as a notable musician and politician. The scholarship amount typically averages around $1,000 annually, assisting deserving candidates from the Fox River Valley area. Managed by the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, this initiative promotes educational opportunities and community engagement in the arts.

The Cameron Pepera Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Pepera family in memory of their son, aims to support local high school seniors from St. Charles North and East High Schools. This scholarship, typically valued at $1,000, is designed for students demonstrating financial need and active participation in extracurricular activities. Funded by the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, it reflects a commitment to enhancing the community's future by empowering its youth.

The David B. Perry Endowment Fund, established by the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, honors a dedicated community member by providing scholarships to local students. With awards typically around $1,000, this fund supports educational aspirations for residents of Kaneville and surrounding areas. It reflects the legacy of David B. Perry, who was committed to preserving his community's heritage and fostering youth engagement in philanthropy.

The Daniel W. Schindlbeck Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund, established in 2004, provides scholarships for students pursuing careers in criminal justice or law enforcement. Funded by the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, it honors Daniel Schindlbeck, a dedicated police officer in Aurora. The typical award is $1,000, supporting students from the foundation's service area, including Kane and Kendall counties. This initiative promotes education and community service, ensuring a lasting legacy of civic engagement.

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. 

McLaughlin, Delbert & Mary Teaching Scholarship

This fund was established in memory of Delbert and Mary McLaughlin by their son, Bill McLaughlin to provide academic scholarships to graduating seniors of the St. Joseph School District pursing a degree in Education.

The McLaughlin, Delbert & Mary Teaching Scholarship, established by Bill McLaughlin in memory of his parents, supports graduating seniors from the St. Joseph School District pursuing degrees in Education. This fund aids students with a commitment to teaching, weighing financial need alongside academic ability. Managed by the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri, the scholarship aims to empower future educators and strengthen the community through dedicated teaching professionals.

Uta Landy Complex Family Planning Scholars

Complex family planning subspecialists, with their focus on providing care for people with complex abortion and contraception needs, are well-positioned to produce abortion and contraception research that ultimately shapes clinical practice and medical education. As members of a subspecialty, they hold the potential to leverage the resources of academic medicine in service of research primed for impact.

As one of its core strategies, the Society of Family Planning seeks to convene a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and multidisciplinary community of all engaged in the science and medicine of abortion and contraception. Providing early-career research support to fellows currently training in complex family planning is an important step toward actualizing this strategy. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support fellows currently in training at Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited Complex Family Planning sites in developing independent research portfolios. The grant deliverable is the completion of a publishable scholarly research project.

Funds and duration

The maximum grant award is $7,500. Funds may be used to support expenses that are directly related to research (eg, statistical support, translation services, equipment, participant reimbursement, and travel directly associated with conducting research). No indirect costs are permitted for this award. The duration of the award period is 12 months. Funds will be available for immediate use, contingent on receipt of a signed award agreement and documentation of IRB approval or exemption for project activities. Up to 20% of the requested award amount may be used as stipends to support time or to present findings at an academic conference. We encourage scholars to submit their work for presentation at a broad array of conferences. We anticipate supporting up to ten scholars via this funding opportunity.

Grants Program for Penn Investigators - Faculty Awards

Research grant applications in basic science, prevention, disease interception, and early detection that are relevant to the study of BRCA1/2 will be considered. The Basser Cancer Interception Institute focuses on funding new endeavors in emerging, orthogonal fields beyond DNA damage (e.g. mechanisms of haploinsufficiency, cancer evolution and tissue tropism). 

Grants focused on the following are of particular interest:

• Cancer interception and the pre-cancer disease state
• Issues relevant to men (including but not limited to prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, male breast cancer)
• Potential for translation into clinical practice
• Early detection

Grants that demonstrate a potential for translation into clinical practice will be prioritized for funding.

Faculty Awards

Faculty awards are for two years with a funding level up to $200,000 per year.

Grants Program for Penn Investigators - Early career awards for Fellows, Postdocs and Instructors

Research grant applications in basic science, prevention, disease interception, and early detection that are relevant to the study of BRCA1/2 will be considered. The Basser Cancer Interception Institute focuses on funding new endeavors in emerging, orthogonal fields beyond DNA damage (e.g. mechanisms of haploinsufficiency, cancer evolution and tissue tropism). 

Grants focused on the following are of particular interest:

• Cancer interception and the pre-cancer disease state
• Issues relevant to men (including but not limited to prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, male breast cancer)
• Potential for translation into clinical practice
• Early detection

Grants that demonstrate a potential for translation into clinical practice will be prioritized for funding.

Early career awards for Fellows, Postdocs and Instructors

Early career awards for Fellows, Postdocs and Instructors up to $100,000 for one year. Grants are eligible for competitive renewal upon reapplication and are contingent on progress the first year.

Ruth Luka Kaaiahua Prince Scholarship Fund

The fund was established in 2025 to provide scholarship grants to graduates of McKinley High School and Farrington High School seeking higher education.

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to establish a fund with us. 

St Joseph School District Foundation Tarpley, Bill Scholarship

This fund was established in honor of Bill Tarpley, who served as Principal of Central High School by his family and friends. The fund provides graduating seniors with a learning disability an opportunity to attend vocational school or college.

Guidelines:

• One scholarship will be awarded on a one-time basis and disbursed in August.

Amount:

• No less than $300 depending on available funds.

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to establish a fund with us. 

Townsend, R.E. Educational Scholarship

This fund was established by the trustees of the R.E. Townsend Educational Fund to provide academic scholarships to students intending to further their education.

Guidelines:

Scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis and disbursed in August.

Amount:

Minimum of $1,000 and maximum of $2,000 per recipient depending on the fund balance. 

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to establish a fund with us. 

St Joseph School District Foundation Wright, Gary C Scholarship

This fund was established in memory of Gary C Wright by his family to provide academic scholarships to graduating seniors of the St. Joseph School District intending to major in education with preference given to those in math and/or science.

Guidelines:

• Scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis and disbursed in August.
• Awards are non-renewable.

Amount:

• $250 - $500

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to establish a fund with us. 

St Joseph School District Foundation Midland Empire Safety Association Scholarship

This fund was established by the Midland Empire Safety Association to provide academic scholarships to students pursuing a degree in occupational safety and/or health, industrial hygiene, environmental safety, industrial fire prevention, risk management and occupational medicine.

Guidelines:

Scholarship recipient is chosen by The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri’s Finance/Grant Committee. Scholarships will be awarded on a one-time basis and disbursed in August.

Amount:

Minimum of $500.00 to be paid at the start of the Fall semester.

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to establish a fund with us. 

St Joseph School District Foundation Steffen, Awalt & Helen Memorial Scholarship

Amount:

• $500.00

Number of Scholarships Available:

• 3

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to establish a fund with us. 

St Joseph School District Foundation Smith, Dr Melody Scholarship

This fund was established in recognition of Dr. Melody Smith by the St. Joseph School District Foundation to provide academic scholarships to graduates of the St. Joseph School District pursuing a degree in education.

Guidelines:

The scholarship is recurring for up to two years, payable in August and January. Before processing the payments, the following information will need to be sent to the Community Foundation during the sophomore year of college:

• Verification of acceptance into the Education Program from the Program Director (or a copy of the education major/minor form signed by the student and academic advisor)
• Letter from the University verifying your enrollment for the upcoming semester including the student ID number
• Verification from  the university that the student is maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher

Amount:

Minimum of $1,000 annually, for up to two years payable in August and January. The second installment will be released upon proof of good academic progress (transcript required as proof) and enrollment in the declared education program.

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to establish a fund with us. 

Steven, James W and Cecile I Scholarship Fund

This fund was established by the James W and Cecile I Steven Trust to provide academic scholarships to graduating seniors living in the counties of Andrew, MO or Buchanan, MO.

Guidelines:

• Scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis and disbursed in August.

Amount:

• As many non-renewable awards as balance allows.

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.

Rotary Club of Aurora Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Rotary Club of Aurora established this scholarship fund to support local graduating high school seniors who will be attending a two-year or four-year college or university. Preference will be given to students studying healthcare or 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.

Roosevelt-Aurora American Legion Post 84 Scholarship Fund

The Roosevelt-Aurora American Legion Post 84 Scholarship Fund was created to provide scholarships to Aurora veterans and their family members.

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.

Robert J. & Mary Jayne Pooley Endowment Fund

The Robert J. and Mary Jayne Pooley Endowment Fund was created by the couple’s family and friends at the time of Mary Jayne’s passing. The fund provides scholarships to students entering the field of nursing. Robert J. Pooley, Sr. (1928-2016) was a lifelong resident of Aurora. He attended St. Mary Grade School and East Aurora High School. He was a graduate of Iowa State University where he received a degree in general engineering. After college, Mr. Pooley returned to Aurora and joined his father to form Leon B. Pooley and Son Builders (later Robert J. Pooley, Inc.), a company that constructed single family homes in the Aurora area for thirty years. He also was a member of the Illinois Realtors Association. Mary Jayne Pooley (1936-2011) was born in Hannibal, Missouri. At the age of nine, her family moved to Aurora. She was a graduate of Madonna High School and St. Joseph School of Nursing, both in Aurora. She reentered the workforce in 1982 as a nurse and addictions counselor. Before her retirement in 2007, she worked for twenty-two years at the Community Counseling Center in Aurora. In 1957, Mr. and Mrs. Pooley were married at Holy Angels Church. They made their home in Aurora, raising six children.

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.

Robert G. Schweitzer Scholarship Endowment Fund

This endowment, created to administer a bequest from Robert Schweitzer’s estate, provides scholarships to students who are majoring in a science-related field of study. Mr. Schweitzer (1918-1989) graduated from the Armour Institute of Technology of Chicago in 1940 with a degree in chemical engineering. He was employed at the National Can Company in Chicago for many years and was a resident of Oswego.

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.

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 and Susan Schindel Undergraduate Education Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Richard and Susan Schindel Undergraduate Education Scholarship Endowment Fund was created to provide undergraduate scholarships for a graduating high school senior of Aurora Central Catholic High School, Aurora Christian High School, East Aurora High School, or West Aurora High School. Students must be attending an accredited institution of higher education in the United States of America. The type of school may be a two-year college or a four-year college or university to pursue a teaching certification in middle or secondary education.