Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Illinois

The Mary Ridder Cherny Fund, established in memory of Mary Agnes Ridder Cherny, supports Quincy public and parochial K-12 schools in fostering youth participation in the performing arts. The fund offers financial assistance for lessons, workshops, and instrument purchases, ensuring students can pursue their artistic talents. Grants, awarded annually, are based on recommendations to the Community Foundation’s Board, which retains the discretion to manage fund allocations. This initiative honors Mary’s lifelong passion for music and education.

Bojangles Promise of Tomorrow Scholarship

The Bojangles Promise of Tomorrow Scholarship was established at the Community Foundation in 2024 by Arnold Dale Haywood in the spirit of helping students take a step towards building a brighter future. Mr. Haywood’s parents, John and Diane, were humble, hardworking, and ethical people. They understood that the foundation of parenting is to give their children love and support, as well as encouragement to always believe in the promise of tomorrow. They gave him the chance to chase his dreams.

Mr. Haywood has established the Bojangles Promise of Tomorrow Scholarship to honor his parents and to give local youth the same encouragement and opportunities that were afforded to him.

Parrot Head Emergency Phund Guidelines

Purpose

The purpose of the Emergency Phund is to aid Parrot Heads with financial assistance during difficulties resulting from a natural disaster. The Phund is maintained by the Board of Directors on the Lone Palm Foundation and applications will be reviewed by this board. Assistance approval is based on Board review and availability of funds.

Application Procedure

Please be as detailed as possible when completing your application. This will ensure The Lone Palm Foundation Board has all the information they need to review and make a decision on your application. Once your complete application and verification documents have been submitted, it will be reviewed in the order it was received. If the Lone Palm Foundation Board should need additional information, please be sure to provide this in a timely manner. Failure to provide the information in a timely manner could result in loss of consideration for funding.

Repayment and Donation

There is no requirement for repayment of the financial assistance provided through the Lone Palm Foundation Emergency Phund. We do encourage all Parrot Heads to help The Lone Palm Foundation continue its operations by making a donation once the crisis has passed. This donation will allow us to help many other Parrot Heads who find themselves in the same situation.

Community Foundation of Randolph County

Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation’s work falls into three major categories: grant-making, donor service, and community convening. Our most visible activities are the grants and scholarships we award each year. Most of these awards come from income earned from permanently endowed funds. Scholarships and other grants come from funds that donors have established for specific purposes.

Ethan Cheesman Memorial Scholarship

Ethan Taylor Cheesman, a promising young athlete and student at Union Jr./Sr. High School, went to heaven on May 6, 2009 at the age of 15. Born in Muncie to Gregory D. and Paula K. (Clevenger) Cheesman, Ethan was a well-rounded individual with a passion for sports, music, and animals. He was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Losantville and excelled in various extracurricular activities, including track and field, basketball, cross-country, student council, and baseball. He was also a member of the band, playing both trumpet and French horn. Ethan’s kind and gentle nature, coupled with his great sense of humor, made him beloved by his friends and family. This scholarship honors his memory and supports students who embody his spirit and dedication.

The Home Depot Foundation's Path to Pro Scholarship aims to support U.S. veterans and train skilled tradespeople. With a commitment of $750 million by 2030, the Foundation has already trained over 44,000 participants. The program collaborates with industry leaders to address the skilled labor gap, offering resources and training in various trades such as carpentry and plumbing. By providing opportunities for high school seniors and graduates, this initiative fosters career development in the home improvement sector.

Community Foundation of Randolph County

Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation’s work falls into three major categories: grant-making, donor service, and community convening. Our most visible activities are the grants and scholarships we award each year. Most of these awards come from income earned from permanently endowed funds. Scholarships and other grants come from funds that donors have established for specific purposes.

Joe & Elizabethe Gardner Scholarship

This scholarship is open to a graduating senior who has applied and been accepted into a University, College, Junior College, or Technical School. Their proposed field of study must be in the area of 1) Home Economics Education, 2) Home Economics Specialty (i.e. dietetics, textiles, etc.), or 3) Home Economics related Health Occupation (listed as nursing, dental assistant, etc.).

The Mark W. Schwiebert Fund for Environmental Studies, established in 2016, supports educational programs and research addressing climate change and resource depletion. It emphasizes projects that are financially and technically feasible, with a focus on public education and impactful returns on investment. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, universities, and governmental entities, particularly those serving Rock Island County, Illinois, and Scott County, Iowa. Funding is not available for marketing campaigns, deficit funding, or projects already completed.

The AMA Foundation's Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship in Illinois offers $10,000 in tuition assistance to medical students nearing graduation. This prestigious program, established in 1950, has awarded over $61 million in scholarships, emphasizing diversity and support for underrepresented medical students. Eligible applicants must be Illinois residents, involved in organized medicine, and plan to practice in Illinois post-residency. This scholarship continues the AMA Foundation's commitment to advancing medical education and fostering a diverse healthcare workforce.

Community Foundation of Randolph County

Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation’s work falls into three major categories: grant-making, donor service, and community convening. Our most visible activities are the grants and scholarships we award each year. Most of these awards come from income earned from permanently endowed funds. Scholarships and other grants come from funds that donors have established for specific purposes.

U & C Scholarship

Given to students who have been accepted into a 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning and are family members of vendors, business associates or children of company employees of B & F Plastics.

Community Foundation of Randolph County

Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation’s work falls into three major categories: grant-making, donor service, and community convening. Our most visible activities are the grants and scholarships we award each year. Most of these awards come from income earned from permanently endowed funds. Scholarships and other grants come from funds that donors have established for specific purposes.

Winchester Athena Club Students Scholarship

The Athena Club was founded in 1982 as an organization where women in local businesses and professions could meet to network with one another and to learn more about the greater Winchester community. The weekly luncheon meetings were open to all working and retired women. Named for the Greek goddess of knowledge and wisdom, the club’s purpose was to gain knowledge from the weekly speakers, to promote the role of women as leaders in our community, and to contribute to the knowledge of others by giving of themselves so that others might learn. The club has provided leadership to a variety of community organizations and has given financial support to young people who wished to take advantage of educational opportunities. The Athena Club scholarship is awarded each year to a senior from one of the five Randolph County high schools. The club disbanded in 2022, but the scholarship continues to support the club’s focus on education and leadership.

The Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund, supported by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, aims to enhance the capabilities of preservation organizations through mentoring and organizational development. Grants cover travel and mentor honoraria, fostering collaboration and peer-to-peer learning. Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis, prioritizing those who previously applied but did not receive funding. Eligible applicants include Forum members and nonprofit organizations, with a focus on innovative ideas for mentorship opportunities.

The Engagement Award: Dissemination Initiative by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) aims to enhance patient engagement in healthcare decisions through comparative clinical effectiveness research. Since 2010, PCORI has funded over $3 billion for nearly 2,000 projects, focusing on improving health outcomes by providing actionable information. The initiative emphasizes transparency and stakeholder involvement, ensuring that results are accessible to both patients and clinicians, ultimately fostering informed healthcare choices.

The JSF Scholarships aim to empower economically disadvantaged students by providing financial assistance for their education. This initiative addresses barriers to education and employment, enabling students to achieve academic success and meaningful careers. The Foundation supports various scholarship programs, partnering with schools and universities, and focusing on areas such as financial need and mentorship. By fostering educational opportunities, the JSF Scholarships contribute significantly to community development and individual empowerment.

The Armstrong Foundation, established in 1949, focuses on funding educational initiatives that promote the significance of the U.S. Constitution. To be eligible, organizations must provide an IRS determination letter confirming their 501(c)(3) status. This foundation aims to enhance public understanding and appreciation of constitutional values through various educational mediums.

The Gerber Foundation provides research grants focused on pediatric nutrition, aiming to enhance the health and well-being of infants and young children. Key areas of interest include applied research on nutritional issues, benefits of specific nutrients, and innovative treatment regimens. The foundation prioritizes projects that promise significant advancements in health outcomes for children from birth to age three, ensuring that grant dollars effectively address critical development challenges.

The Rep. Steve Bratcher 25th District Scholarship, offered by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, aims to support students from Hardin County with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. This scholarship encourages local residents to pursue higher education by providing financial assistance, helping to foster community development and educational advancement in the region.

The Sara Corrie Memorial Grants, administered by the National Speleological Society, support group cave exploration in the U.S. and its territories. Up to six grants of $1,000 each are awarded annually to NSS members. Applications must detail exploration plans, including costs for necessary equipment. Grants are not provided for activities outside of exploration. Successful recipients must report findings and may have their proposals published on the NSS website.

About CKCF

Our Mission

Central Kentucky Community Foundation is the philanthropic focal point in the region, serving as a resource, leader and catalyst to people who wish to improve life in their community.

Available Scholarships

2026 Patrick Eldon Bergman Memorial Scholarship

The National Institute on Aging intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications for the Coordinating Center (CC) of the Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers (OAIC) program. The CC serves as a facilitator for OAIC site interactions and as a conduit for translating OAIC objectives and findings to both scientific and general audiences. The proposed CC must demonstrate an ability to work cooperatively with all OAIC sites and possess sufficient scientific expertise in geriatrics and related areas to serve the national coordination functions of the OAIC program. Applicants should have a demonstrated ability to coordinate multi-site projects.Applications are not being solicited at this time. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. This NOFO will utilize the U24 activity code. Investigators with expertise and insights into this area of aging research are encouraged to begin to consider applying for this new NOFO.

The DCCF Emergency Grants provide crucial support to nonprofit and governmental organizations in DeKalb County, IL, facing urgent funding needs due to unforeseen events. This initiative aims to ensure that essential services continue without interruption. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public sector organizations, while avoiding support for routine operational costs and other ineligible expenses. By prioritizing immediate community needs, the DeKalb County Community Foundation fosters resilience and equity within the region.

The ASPB Innovation Prize for Agricultural Technology honors industry scientists who successfully translate research into practical agricultural advancements. Established in 2015, this biennial award not only recognizes outstanding contributions but also promotes awareness of high-quality scientific work within the industry. Recipients receive a monetary reward and a one-year membership in the American Society of Plant Biologists, highlighting the career opportunities available in this vital field.

The Miller Trust Grants, managed by EveryCat Health Foundation, support innovative feline health research. With a focus on projects that enhance knowledge of feline diseases and treatments, the grants offer up to $50,000 for 1-2 year projects. Eligible applicants include principal investigators from specific partner institutions. EveryCat has a rich history of funding over $11 million in research, promoting the health and well-being of cats globally. Proposals are welcomed in Spring and Fall grant cycles.

The Society of American Archivists Foundation Catalyst Grant provides funding ranging from $500 to $5,000 to support complex archival projects that advance the strategic goals of the SAA. This program prioritizes projects that foster best practices, such as processing and digitization of archives, and is open to non-profit archival repositories and individual archivists affiliated with member organizations. It aims to benefit the archival profession as a whole.

The JJF Grants for Youth Programs, established by the James Joseph Ford Foundation, aim to empower underserved youth through educational, social, and cultural initiatives. Since its inception in 2003, the foundation has prioritized equal opportunities for children, supporting various programs that enhance their potential. Annual grants are awarded based on applications, focusing on both capital and operational funding to foster impactful youth-centered services. The foundation remains dedicated to continuing Jim Ford's legacy of generosity and community support.

Agility Grants, initiated by the National Council on Problem Gambling, aim to minimize gambling-related harm through funding nonprofit organizations for innovative prevention programs. These grants focus on addressing gaps in services and enhancing existing initiatives. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations, with priority given to projects targeting at-risk populations. The program emphasizes community impact and requires evaluations to assess effectiveness, fostering collaboration and awareness within diverse communities affected by gambling.

The Feed the Hungry COVID-19 Fund, launched by American Humane, addresses the urgent needs of animal shelters struggling during the pandemic. With many animals abandoned and facilities facing shortages, this fund aims to provide essential resources for food and supplies. American Humane, a leader in animal welfare for over a century, seeks to support shelters and rescue organizations fighting to maintain operations amid the crisis, ensuring the safety and care of vulnerable animals across the nation.

The Dr. Hans and Clara Zimmerman Foundation Health Scholarships offer financial assistance to Hawaii residents pursuing education in health-related fields. Established by Dr. Zimmerman, the foundation supports college seniors and graduate students demonstrating financial need and maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to past recipients who continue to meet eligibility criteria. This scholarship is part of one of Hawaii's largest scholarship funds, promoting careers in healthcare.