Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Illinois

The Delesky-Wetmore Scholarship, established in October 2025 by Cathy Delesky and Doug Wetmore through the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, aims to support high school seniors in Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton, or Colleton Counties, South Carolina. This scholarship focuses on students with financial need pursuing a four-year degree in STEM, finance, or economics, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.5 and above-average ACT or SAT scores.

Who We Are

Founded in 1996, the Community Foundation of South Georgia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to making South Georgia a better place to live through effective philanthropy. We help individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and businesses establish and manage charitable funds that carry out their philanthropic interests. Serving a geographic area of 35 counties in South Georgia, we facilitate our donors’ charitable plans and goals by creating custom designed funds that meet their specific interests and ensure solid financial management and administration for each fund. 

Tucker Baptist Association Scholarship

For a high school graduate who is also a member of a church which is part of the Tucker Baptist Association. The applicant must be enrolled in a seminary, Bible college, or other educational institution where they are training for a Christian gospel ministry vocation. This may include but is not limited to, training as a pastoral minister, youth minister, music minister, educational minister, or foreign or home missionary. The training may be a degree program such as a Masters of Divinity, etc., or the training may be a seminar or educational course related to ministry development.

The Dunkirk Community Funds: Marilee & Gayle Gaunt Scholarship, established in 2007 by The Dunkirk Foundation, honors the memory of Betty L. Gaunt's daughters, Marilee and Gayle, who tragically passed away in 1966. This scholarship aims to support residents of Dunkirk, IN, or those living within two miles of its boundary, by providing financial assistance for educational and vocational training at post-secondary institutions.

The Coco Gauff Tennis Scholarship

The Coco Gauff Tennis Scholarship will provide a need-based scholarship of up to $8,500 to eligible HBCU student-athletes competing on their intercollegiate tennis teams. Awards will be issued in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Early Career Talent Development General Application

The UNCF Student Professional Development Programs (SPDP) Department works closely with some of the nation’s leading corporations and foundations to shape and execute internship programs, including both stand-alone internship programs and internship-and-scholarship programs

The UNCF Student Professional Development Programs (SPDP) Department works closely with some of the nation’s leading corporations and foundations to shape and execute internship programs, including both stand-alone internship programs and internship-and-scholarship programs with two goals – 

• To help companies build a more diverse workforce; 
• To provide diverse students with the preparation they need to succeed in college, familiarize themselves with professional career paths, and prepare to be competitive candidates for internships and future employers after graduation.

UNCF’s SPDP partners include The Walt Disney Company, Toyota, Papa Johns, United Health Foundation, Wells Fargo, and the Walton Family Foundation. We currently serve over 1500 students annually through internship, leadership, and professional development services.

The UNCF Student Professional Development Programs (SPDP) offer career readiness, success coaching, and paid summer and semester internships to college students. Students participating in SPDP will be exposed to career pathways and opportunities and have access to leadership and personal development training. 

SPDP students will:

• Prepare to navigate from college to early-stage careers
• Enhance professional experiences through meaningful internships
• Develop stronger project management skills
• Improve networking and communication skills
• Strengthen interviewing techniques 

Currently, the SPDP is sourcing candidates to fill for summer 2026 internships!! The Early Career Talent Development General Application is used to establish an applicant pool of potentially eligible students for these ongoing internship/student professional development opportunities that are published/unpublished. Internship or professional development opportunities using the Early Career Talent Development General Application, are restricted to students who are enrolled full time at an accredited institution within the U.S. during the 2025-2026 academic year. 

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) aims to support innovative research for validating therapeutic targets in Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementias (ADRD). This initiative focuses on overcoming barriers in treatment development by ensuring well-validated targets linked to disease mechanisms. By employing a phased award mechanism, NINDS seeks to enhance the rigor of target validation, facilitating the transition from basic discoveries to clinical applications, ultimately accelerating the development of effective therapeutic strategies.

The Paul J. Laninga Memorial Scholarship, established by Tamara Laninga in memory of her husband, supports graduating seniors from Northwest Ottawa County pursuing careers in accounting or business. This competitive scholarship prioritizes students demonstrating financial need and academic excellence, while encouraging applications from those planning to attend public universities. It aims to honor Paul's zest for life and create positive opportunities for future leaders in business.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is preparing to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aimed at advancing research on the genomic factors influencing Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementias (AD/ADRD). This initiative encourages interdisciplinary projects that utilize innovative genomic analysis techniques to uncover the mechanisms of neurodegeneration. The goal is to identify therapeutic targets that can inform precision medicine strategies for AD/ADRD treatment, while allowing time for potential applicants to form collaborations.

Curtis & Dorothy Young Scholarship

Duane Young, a graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School and Michigan State University as well as a professional football player, established this fund in 1994 to provide scholarship assistance to student athletes who have the desire and the skills necessary to participate in athletics while attending a college/university.

KZCF scholarships may be applied to any items under your school’s cost of attendance (COA). Each school has a different COA that may include items such as tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, etc.  Scholarship payments are sent directly to your institution. 

This scholarship is a one-time award, meaning that it will not repeat in subsequent years. The money awarded can be applied to your education costs alongside other scholarships or funding that you may receive, and there are no necessary steps once funds are sent.

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.

Kendall’s Kindness Scholarship Fund

The Kendall’s Kindness Scholarship Fund was created by the Maffia Family in loving memory of their daughter, sister, niece, and granddaughter Kendall Marie Maffia (6/12/2000-10/11/2021). This scholarship has been established to provide two $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors from either St. Charles North High School or St. Charles East High School. The Kendall’s Kindness Scholarship is intended for students who are planning to continue their education at a 4-year college and will major in an Arts-related degree.

Kendall’s family and friends want Kendall’s kind-hearted, gentle, loving, and passionate spirit to continue to impact others. The Kendall’s Kindness Scholarship Fund has been established to support young people who are interested in art, have a passion for their community, and exhibit the gentle spirit and kindness that Kendall showed others every day.

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.

The Capital Region Chamber Unified Military Affairs Council Scholarship is designed for students whose parents serve at specific military installations in the Greater Capital Region. This scholarship aims to support high school and college students as they pursue their educational goals at technical schools or colleges. Established by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, it reflects a commitment to empowering local students and enhancing the community by investing in the next generation's education.

The Capital Region Chamber Chuck Steiner Memorial Scholarship supports high school seniors from Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, or Schenectady counties who demonstrate diverse interests and local community service. This scholarship has no academic requirements, making it accessible to a wide range of students. The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region has been empowering local communities since 1968, providing meaningful giving opportunities to enhance the quality of life for all.

Scholarships

We partner with donors to administer scholarships for students across the state. Most NCCF scholarships open for applications on Dec. 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026.

Undergraduates, graduates, medical and professional school students and adult re-entry students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities, career/technical schools, teaching credential programs and graduate, medical or professional schools in the United States are eligible for scholarships offered at NCCF.

Each scholarship has specific eligibility requirements defined by the donor when the scholarship was established. Be sure to read the requirements of each scholarship carefully as directed through the universal application and address those elements as needed in your application.

Baronowski Family STEM Scholarship

Female graduates of a Brunswick County, NC, high school who plan to attend or currently attend a qualified institution of higher learning, including a college, university or community college, to pursue a degree in one of the STEM disciplines (Science, Engineering, Technology, or Math).

The Fred and Betty Worsh Scholarship Fund, managed by the North Carolina Community Foundation, offers financial support to residents of New Hanover and Brunswick Counties who are U.S. citizens attending accredited four-year colleges or universities. Scholarships are available to undergraduates, graduates, and adult re-entry students, and may be renewed annually based on academic performance and financial need. Applications open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026.

The Capital Region Advertising Federation (CRAF) Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, supports high school seniors and full-time college students from the Greater Capital Region. Eligible applicants must be majoring in fields such as public communications, marketing, graphic arts, or public relations. This scholarship aims to empower students by providing financial assistance to further their education and career in communications-related disciplines.

The Beta Psi Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, supports high school seniors from Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, and Saratoga Counties who are planning to attend a four-year college. Applicants must demonstrate exemplary character and achievement, specifically targeting those of African American or African descent. This initiative reflects CFGCR's commitment to enriching community life since 1968, empowering students through educational opportunities.

The Amalia Scholarship Fund for Higher Education, managed by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, supports current or former clients of the US Committee on Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) Albany. This scholarship enables students residing in the Greater Capital Region to pursue higher education, whether through a 2- or 4-year college, university, or a technical/trade school professional certificate program. Empowering individuals since 1968, the foundation promotes educational opportunities for deserving candidates.

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.

Ashley Nicole Adrahtas Scholarship Fund

The Ashley Nicole Adrahtas Scholarship Fund was created by Lisa and Tony Adrahtas of Naples, Florida in loving memory of their daughter. This scholarship fund has been established to support individuals seeking careers in veterinary medicine. Ashley was born on May 27, 1996, to the Adrahtas Family. She was raised in Plainfield, Illinois where she attended Crystal Lawns Elementary School, Timber Ridge Middle School, and Plainfield Central High School. Ashley was an exceptionally good student. She loved to write and often spent hours creating fictional stories about anything and everything. She would recite them to us with the same passion she wrote them.

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.

Austin and Melissa Dempsey Family Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Austin & Melissa Dempsey Family Scholarship Endowment Fund was created to provide scholarships for students who have graduated from Rosary, Marmion, or Batavia High School. Students must also reside in the Community Foundation’s service area. Students must attend an accredited institution of higher education in the United States of America on a full-time basis. The type of school may be a two-year college; a professional, trade, or vocational school; or a four-year college or university. Scholarships from this fund will be merit based and not dependent on financial need of the student.

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.

Coffman Diesel-Automotive Scholarship Fund

The Coffman Diesel/Automotive Scholarship Fund was established by Coffman Truck Sales to award scholarships to area students. Eligibility for the scholarship is restricted to students who have graduated from a high school located within the Foundation’s service area, are home-educated high school graduates, or are General Educational Development (GED) recipients. Students entering their freshman, sophomore, junior or senior year of undergraduate studies may also apply for these awards. Students must reside in the Community Foundation’s service area. Students must attend an accredited institution of higher education within the United States of America on a full-time basis. The type of school may be a two-year college or a professional, trade, or vocational school. Students must pursue the field of Auto Mechanics/Automotive/Diesel Truck Mechanics.

The Gene Robb Journalism Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, recognizes the significant contributions of former Times Union publisher Gene Robb to journalism. It is designed for students with a demonstrated interest in journalism, requiring them to submit samples of their work. This scholarship supports both high school and college students aiming to excel in the field, empowering them to pursue their educational goals.

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.

Daniel C. Deufel Vocational Scholarship Endowment Fund

Scholarships from this fund are available to students entering a vocational field of study at a trade school or college. Created in 1977, the fund became an endowment in 2014. Daniel Deufel was born in Chicago, Illinois. He is a graduate of Morgan Park High School where he won the Chicago City Championship in swimming. Mr. Deufel received a degree in Industrial Management from Purdue University. Upon graduation, he worked in the automobile industry. In 1970, he moved to Aurora after purchasing the Magill Beverage Company. He renamed the company, Superior Beverage Inc., in honor of his mother and father to whom he attributes his good fortune. To this day, he continues to oversee the company. Mr. Deufel has four children (two boys and two girls) who also are graduates of Purdue University. His two sons are employed in the family business. In addition to his affiliation with the Community Foundation, Mr. Deufel also is a supporter of several charitable organizations.

The AEESP Award for Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Engineering & Science Education recognizes exceptional teaching and educational initiatives in the field. Annually awarded by the AEESP Foundation, recipients receive a plaque, a cash prize of $500, and a $750 travel allotment for the awards ceremony. Nominations are open to all ranks, encouraging contributions that enhance student learning and improve engineering education practices.

The BRAIN Initiative's BBQS Program aims to revolutionize the study of brain function by facilitating high-resolution tracking of complex behaviors alongside neural activity. This transformative research opportunity seeks to develop innovative tools for minimally intrusive measurements of various biobehavioral functions while accounting for environmental variables. Emphasizing transdisciplinary collaboration, it focuses on creating new analytical frameworks that model neurobehavioral function as dynamic systems influenced by an organism's surroundings, thereby advancing our understanding of behavior at the organismal level.

The National Institutes on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) aims to support a collaborative network, the NIDCD National Human Ear Resource Network. This initiative provides essential resources for researchers focusing on auditory and vestibular disorders through the procurement and preparation of human ear tissues. The network enhances biomedical research by improving tissue preservation techniques, sharing digitized images, and offering specialized training for handling post-mortem human temporal bones.

The NIA Research and Entrepreneurial Development Immersion (REDI) program aims to enhance entrepreneurial education for graduate students and early-career scientists in aging and Alzheimer's research. This initiative prepares trainees for diverse career paths beyond traditional research, focusing on vital skills such as scientific communication, intellectual property, and market needs assessment. Through innovation-focused applications, the REDI program seeks to increase the number of Ph.D.-trained scientists ready for various career opportunities in translational sciences and entrepreneurship.

The National Institutes on Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) is inviting applications for a Coordinating Center for the National Human Ear Resource Network. This initiative aims to enhance research on auditory and vestibular disorders by providing essential resources, facilitating collaboration among laboratories, and promoting the use of human ear tissues in studies. The Center will play a pivotal role in coordinating activities, sharing updates with the scientific community, and supporting various research efforts across the nation.