Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Illinois

The NIDCD Early Career Research (ECR) Award (R21) supports new scientists establishing independent research careers in areas related to hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, or language. This grant encourages innovative projects such as secondary data analysis, small research initiatives, and technology development, aiming to generate preliminary data for future R01 applications. All applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

ATS/PHA Early Career Award

One grant is available for early-career investigators interested in pulmonary hypertension research who are likely to make a strong and sustained impact in PH research. This grant is co-funded by the Pulmonary Hypertension Association and ATS.

Areas of interest for proposals include:

• Investigating the pathophysiology of PH
• Elucidating mechanistic pathways
• Identifying novel therapeutic targets or biomarkers in adult or pediatric pulmonary hypertension

The project should have potential applicability to human pulmonary vascular diseases.

Applicants may request up to $50,000 for one year for salaries or supplies or a combination thereof.

The Puffin Foundation's Annual Artist Grant Program focuses on supporting artists and organizations that are often marginalized. In even years, proposals are accepted in fine arts, music, and photography. With a maximum grant size of $3,500, it aims to empower individuals and groups with limited resources to flourish creatively. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to ensuring diverse artistic expressions thrive in society. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or residents, and only one proposal is permitted per year.

The Westminster Presbyterian Church Scholarship aims to address contemporary community needs by providing financial support for education and job training. This initiative, led by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, emphasizes a holistic approach to community welfare, including arts, infrastructure, and wellness. It is designed for individuals who are currently employed full-time and seeking further education or job training opportunities.

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) is set to renew a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) focused on advancing translational research in maternal and pediatric pharmacology. This initiative aims to enhance precision medicine by developing innovative tools and therapeutics for pregnant and lactating women, infants, and children. The goal is to improve the safety and efficacy of medications while ensuring effective patient-provider communications. Applications are not currently being solicited.

31Heroes

On August 6, 2011, a tragedy shook the military community and Americans everywhere. In a single instance, America lost 30 military service members, many of whom were members of the Navy SEAL community—and one military K9– when a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, call sign Extortion 17, was downed in Afghanistan.

Established to honor the 31 Americans killed in action on August 6, 2011, 31Heroes serves to impact the lives of our nation’s heroes and their families, while remembering the fallen, through athletic endeavors and competitive fundraising events.

Our Mission: The mission of 31Heroes is to raise money and awareness through social and athletic events to support the families of Extortion 17 and honor their legacy by funding treatment for Veterans suffering from mental health issues.

Our Focus

Our goal is to create opportunities for the families of Extortion 17 to create healthier lifestyles and to provide financial relief in times of need. We consider it our responsibility to make a positive impact in the lives of each family. Whether through grants we provide, or through partnering with other non-profit organizations that offer programs or services that we do not, we are devoted to the families and creating a legacy the men of Extortion 17 would be proud of.

Guidelines

• Individual limits will not exceed $3750 annually
• Family Grants range from $750 to the maximum range of $1500
• Family members must submit an online application for consideration
• Applications may be submitted at any time during this funding cycle
• Priority and funding will be based on the Primary Next of Kin list

Lifestyle Grants

Lifestyle Grants are aimed at improving health and lifestyle via physical fitness, nutrition, holistic treatment, etc. Limit for this grant is $1500

Batten Disease Support, Research, and Advocacy (BDSRA) Foundation

BDSRA is dedicated to funding research for treatments and cures, providing family support services, advancing education, raising awareness, and advocating for legislative action. Founded in 1987, by parents seeking to build a network for those diagnosed with Batten disease, BDSRA is now the largest support and research organization dedicated to Batten disease in North America. BDSRA believes that to effectively unravel the mysteries of Batten disease, the worlds of medical science, research, and families must work together toward a common goal: discover treatments and cures while assuring a better quality of life for those living with the disease.

Batten Family Help Grant

The BDSRA Foundation is committed to supporting families of all CLN types in all aspects of their fight against Batten, including the financial challenges they face. BDSRA understands that families in our community caring for people with Batten disease are often faced with financial challenges that further interfere with their well-being.

We offer grants to help cover the costs associated with battling Batten disease, such as emergency travel, loss of employment, hospital bills, and other challenges our families might face.

The Emily's Hope Scholarship, managed by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, offers substantial financial aid to local students pursuing higher education in art. With over $500,000 awarded annually, this scholarship targets graduating high school seniors in South Dakota who plan to study visual art. Applicants need to submit an artwork sample and a reference from an art teacher. This scholarship is designed to complement other financial aid, covering tuition and course-related expenses.

About Pfizer

Pfizer supports the global healthcare community’s independent initiatives (e.g., research, quality improvement, or education) to improve patient outcomes in areas of unmet medical need that are aligned with medical and/or scientific strategies.

About the American Headache Society

The American Headache Society strives to improve the lives of people impacted by migraine and other headache disorders. The AHS is a professional society of health care providers dedicated to the study and treatment of headache and face pain. The Society’s objective is to promote the exchange of information and ideas concerning the causes and treatments of headache and related painful disorders. Educating physicians, health professionals, and the public while encouraging scientific research are the primary functions of the Society.

Quality Improvement and/or Research Grants: Migraine and Women’s Health

Migraine is a prevalent and debilitating neurological disease that disproportionately affects women, impacting quality of life, productivity, and overall health. Recognizing the need for innovative solutions and enhanced care, Pfizer and the American Headache Society (AHS) are collaborating to offer a new grant opportunity inviting proposals for collaborative quality improvement and research projects focused on migraine and women's health. This Request for Proposals (RFP) aims to foster high-impact research and initiatives that advance scientific understanding, improve patient outcomes, and address gaps in care. Projects should also contribute to the core goal of the AHS – improving the lives of people impacted by migraine and other headache disorders.

Objectives

• To advance research in migraine and women's health through collaborative pre-clinical and clinical projects
• To promote quality improvement initiatives that enhance diagnosis, treatment, and management of migraine in women
• To encourage multidisciplinary approaches that integrate clinical expertise, patient-centered care, and innovative research methodologies
• To generate measurable and actionable outcomes that contribute to improved standards of care and inform future research directions for women with migraine

Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM)

The Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) is dedicated to promoting high-value care and achieving optimal outcomes for acutely ill patients. As part of this mission, SHM seeks to address inequities in acute patient care and contribute to a greater dialogue on this important issue. As the home for hospitalists, SHM activates and engages our community to

• Advocate for our specialty, our members, and the diverse patients we serve.
• Promote high-value care and optimal outcomes for acutely ill patients.
• Meet the evolving educational needs of a dynamic specialty.
• Cultivate an inclusive community for hospitalists and support career growth and wellbeing.
• Advance the research and innovation of healthcare delivery, quality, safety, and experience across the care continuum.

SHM’s Excellence in Teamwork Award

This award is presented in recognition of exemplary quality improvement initiatives in hospital medicine that engage the full patient care team. The award is intended to highlight outstanding team approaches to implementing interventions that improve patient care and safety but is particularly interested in projects related to the core competencies in hospital medicine and SHM’s quality improvement resource rooms. 

Recipients of the Excellence in Teamwork in Quality Improvement Award receive recognition at SHM Converge 2026 and complimentary registration for up to 4 team members.

The Mary Lou Lukhard Nursing Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond in 2004, honors Mrs. Lukhard's dedication to nursing. It supports aspiring nurses from Central Virginia, including high school seniors and adult learners. Eligible applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, and a commitment to community service. This scholarship aims to empower individuals pursuing nursing careers, ensuring a brighter future for healthcare in the region.

The Richmond African American Scholarship, established by The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond, aims to support African American students from public high schools in Richmond. This scholarship provides financial assistance for college expenses and is awarded to students based on academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Eligible candidates must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and plan to enroll in a full-time Baccalaureate program at an accredited institution after graduation.

Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM)

The Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) is dedicated to promoting high-value care and achieving optimal outcomes for acutely ill patients. As part of this mission, SHM seeks to address inequities in acute patient care and contribute to a greater dialogue on this important issue. As the home for hospitalists, SHM activates and engages our community to

• Advocate for our specialty, our members, and the diverse patients we serve.
• Promote high-value care and optimal outcomes for acutely ill patients.
• Meet the evolving educational needs of a dynamic specialty.
• Cultivate an inclusive community for hospitalists and support career growth and wellbeing.
• Advance the research and innovation of healthcare delivery, quality, safety, and experience across the care continuum.

SHM’s Awards of Excellence

SHM’s Awards of Excellence Program honors members who have made exceptional contributions to hospital medicine in a wide variety of categories: 

• Excellence in Research
• Excellence in Teaching
• Excellence as a Partner in Hospital Medicine
• Outstanding Service in Hospital Medicine
• Clinical Leadership for Physicians
• Clinical Leadership for Nurse Practitioners/Physician Assistants
• Excellence in Humanitarian Services
• Excellence in the Care of Vulnerable Populations
• Excellence in Teamwork

The Rockefeller Family Fund's Climate Grant focuses on reducing fossil fuel production to combat climate change. It supports initiatives that hold polluters accountable and fosters citizen engagement for climate action. The fund prioritizes programs that seek to limit oil and gas production, enforce climate damages in court, and promote sustainable energy solutions. By addressing the fossil fuel industry's resistance, the grant aims to create meaningful progress towards climate goals and ensure that those responsible for climate disruption contribute to adaptation efforts.

The IUSE: Innovation in Two-Year College STEM Education (ITYC) program, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), aims to enhance STEM education at two-year colleges. This initiative encourages innovative projects that promote student success in foundational STEM courses. Eligible institutions can request up to $500,000 for three years, with an extra $100,000 for those without NSF funding in the last five years, facilitating a total budget of $600,000 for impactful educational projects.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Emerson and Janet Koenig Family Scholarship

Selection based upon (in order of priority):

• Participation in extracurricular activities, volunteer participation in community or non-profit setting, and recommendations.

Awards

• One $2,000 renewable scholarship for up to 3 additional years at increasing amounts

The Solidarity Fund Grant, part of the Black Feminist Fund, aims to empower Black feminist movements by providing essential resources. Acknowledging the historical underfunding of these movements, the fund supports groups led by Black women, girls, and gender-expansive individuals. It focuses on solidarity efforts that foster collaboration and joint campaigns, enabling activists to drive social change. This initiative is crucial for advancing justice, self-determination, and equity within communities, ensuring that Black feminist visions are amplified and sustained.

Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM)

The Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) is dedicated to promoting high-value care and achieving optimal outcomes for acutely ill patients. As part of this mission, SHM seeks to address inequities in acute patient care and contribute to a greater dialogue on this important issue. As the home for hospitalists, SHM activates and engages our community to

• Advocate for our specialty, our members, and the diverse patients we serve.
• Promote high-value care and optimal outcomes for acutely ill patients.
• Meet the evolving educational needs of a dynamic specialty.
• Cultivate an inclusive community for hospitalists and support career growth and wellbeing.
• Advance the research and innovation of healthcare delivery, quality, safety, and experience across the care continuum.

Society of Hospital Medicine: Junior Investigator Award

SHM’s Junior Investigator Award was created to recognize junior/early-stage investigators. Junior/early-stage investigators are defined as faculty in the first 7 years of furthest postgraduate training. Applicants must be a hospitalist and a clinician investigator or non-clinicians (i.e., a PhD) researching Hospital Medicine relevant topics. Nominations from mentors and self-nominations are both welcome. Applicants may request feedback about their applications after adjudication of the winner. The winner will present the Junior Investigator Award commendation talk (30 minutes) during SHM Converge.

About

Macchia Family Foundation

Aims to assist those who cannot assist them selves, or who have attempted to better their own lives and/or the lives of their families but have come up just a little short.

• Assisting children and people in need
• Supporting social, educational and philanthropic programs that better peoples lives
• Providing a helping hand to those who need it

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.

Joyce and Thomas H. Stanisic Scholarship Fund 

The Joyce and Thomas H. Stanisic Scholarship Fund was established to award scholarships based on need to students working toward a degree or certification in the music or healthcare fields. This scholarship will be given for the entire expected course of study, up to 4 years.

About the Emporia Community Foundation

Our Mission

To connect caring people with causes that build stronger communities within the Emporia area which includes Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Lyon, Morris, Osage and Wabaunsee counties.

Team Schnak Strong Fund

The purpose of the Team Schnak Strong Fund is to provide funds to qualified individuals to cover expenses related to the treatment of childhood Type I Diabetes. Grant requests will be considered for children up to the age of 21. Full time students at Emporia State University or Flint Hills Technical College are eligible until the age of 24.

The Katie Moore Memorial Nursing Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, supports students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Preference is given to those specializing in pediatric nursing and with relevant experience. Eligible candidates must have completed two years of college with a minimum GPA of 3.5 or be enrolled in an RN to BSN program. This scholarship honors Katie Moore's legacy and aims to foster compassionate care for children.

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

CHEJ Small Grants Program

The Small Grants Program has officially relaunched. Applications are now open.The Center for Health, Environment & Justice’s (CHEJ) Small Grants Program is for grassroots groups working on environmental health and justice issues related to the presence of “toxics” (toxic chemicals or hazardous substances) in their immediate communities. CHEJ prioritizes community-based organizations aiming to have local, state and regional impact through their own strategies and actions.

The Kathryn Lodge Mhatre Creative Writing Scholarship honors the memory of Kathryn Lodge Mhatre, a passionate writer and compassionate individual who tragically lost her battle with mental illness. Established by her parents, this scholarship supports students from Chelan or Douglas County pursuing creative writing. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and provide a writing sample, reflecting Kathryn's dedication to learning and her love for storytelling.

The Excellence in Environmental Engineering and Science Education (E4) Award recognizes outstanding contributions by university faculty in environmental engineering education. Administered by AAEES and AEESP, this annual award includes a $1,000 monetary prize and $500 for travel to the E3 ceremony. Nominees should demonstrate significant impacts in curriculum development, student mentorship, and educational outcomes. Past nominations can be reconsidered for three years, encouraging ongoing recognition of excellence in environmental engineering education.

The Robert J. Keown Trust, established in 1934, provides financial assistance to needy Christians through grants to charitable organizations. Managed by Wells Fargo Bank N.A., the trust focuses on supporting organizations that benefit residents of Los Angeles County. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt. Preference is given to requests aiding needy Christians and elderly women. The trust awards an average of four grants per year, fostering community support and outreach.