Best Grants for Solar Panels for Nonprofits in Illinois

The Don and Anne Ward Scholarship, offered by the Delaware Community Foundation, provides a one-time award of $500 for graduating seniors at Sussex Tech high school. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing a degree in Education, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and equity in Delaware. In the 2024-2025 school year, the DCF awarded a total of $850,000 in scholarships to help students achieve their academic goals.

Broadening Narratives

Broadening Narratives supports diverse stories and collections that expand our understanding of who we are. ​

Our Vision for Broadening Narratives

We work to ensure that those whose stories are being told through collections are included in the decisions about how those stories are told. We seek to broaden the kinds of narratives being told, particularly stories that have never been told, or have been told incompletely or inaccurately.  

This includes stories from culturally specific communities including people of color, LGBTQ+ perspectives, working-class experiences, and small community stories.

We support collections that tell stories that have not been told, have been told incompletely, or have been told inaccurately. We require that those whose stories are being told be included in the decision-making process.

What is broadening narratives?

Why collections? And what do you mean by “Broadening Narratives”? What drove this change in strategy and approach to your collections work? ​

Read this answer and more here.

The Schilling Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides six $3,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors from select schools. Renewable for up to three years, recipients must maintain a 3.0 GPA, enroll in 12 credit hours, and major in Agriculture. An essay submission is required, and applicants must demonstrate financial need by submitting their FAFSA-SAI. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing degrees in various Agriculture fields.

Mission

The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) is an independent, international, nonprofit organization founded in 1923. The Council fosters innovative research, nurtures new generations of social scientists, deepens how inquiry is practiced within and across disciplines, and mobilizes necessary knowledge on important public issues.

SSRC-JF Next Gen Japan Study Tour Grants

The SSRC-JF Next Generation Japan Studies Development Program invites faculty at US colleges and universities to apply for funding of up to $32,500 maximum for institutional study tour grants. These grants are designed to provide travel funds to bring undergraduate and master’s degree students to Japan for immersive learning experiences. This program is supported by the Japan Foundation.

Background

At the core of the Next Gen Japan programming is the idea that international experience, research engagement, and collaboration are central to effectively addressing the pressing concerns facing societies today. Japan Study Tour Grants offer students the opportunity to gain a nuanced and balanced understanding of Japan while sparking an enduring interest in the country and a broader, international perspective.

Prioritie

Priority will be given to the following applications:

• Applications from the liberal arts colleges, research universities, and community colleges located in the US South and Midwest.
• Applications with travel itineraries appropriately planned to enhance the course syllabus.
• Applications with travel itineraries highlighting close collaboration with Japanese counterparts.
• Applications that demonstrate the study tour would be open to students from a variety of disciplines ranging from the humanities and social sciences to the natural sciences.

The Park Foundation Grants for Civic Participation aim to enhance democracy through active civic engagement. Focused on mobilizing voters and protecting their rights, this program supports grassroots organizations addressing social injustices. By fostering year-round involvement rather than just election-focused efforts, the foundation seeks to empower communities and ensure robust participation in the democratic process, ultimately contributing to a more equitable society.

Academy Sports + Outdoors, a leading sporting goods retailer, supports community initiatives by providing donations to registered 501(c)(3) organizations. Their focus is on promoting safety and responsibility in sports and outdoor activities. Proposals must foster community engagement and must not be affiliated with religious or political groups. Events should take place in areas with Academy stores, ensuring a positive local impact while encouraging active lifestyles and connection among community members.

The Baugh Foundation supports progressive, inclusive, nonprofit organizations that reflect the love of Christ by providing assistance to those in need, enriching the lives of children and youth, keeping faith communities informed and engaged, and guarding the wall of separation between church and state.We welcome applications from progressive, faith-based organizations. At this time, the vast majority of our funding goes to progressive Baptist organizations or initiatives, and organizations that work to guard the separation of church and state. We believe that a free church in a free state is dependent upon a functioning democracy.Funding Priorities: 

• Social justice and advocacy
• Progressive faith-based journalism
• Meeting basic human needs
• Progressive faith-based post-secondary education
• Inclusivity initiatives
• Arts and enrichment

The Edward M. Nagel Endowed Scholarship, provided by the United Negro College Fund, supports undergraduate students pursuing business-related studies. With a focus on academic excellence and leadership, applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship plays a vital role in promoting education for future leaders, reflecting UNCF's mission to empower minority students for over seventy years.

The Research on Research Security Program, funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to foster collaboration between STEM researchers and research security practitioners. It encourages interdisciplinary approaches to enhance evidence-based research on security issues. Proposals can include conferences, workshops, and planning grants, as well as international partnerships, to address U.S. concerns in research security. This initiative is vital for developing a robust community in this emerging field.

The Grand Victoria Riverboat Fund Program, established by Kane County, supports projects that enhance education, environmental initiatives, and economic development within the community. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations and local government units. The program prioritizes projects that promote collaboration, practicality, and long-term solutions for community challenges. Notably, funds cannot be used for operating expenses or projects outside Kane County. Favorable consideration is given to initiatives that have broad impact and are designed for replication.

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.

John W. Bauer Memorial Athletic Scholarship Fund

This fund was created to honor Sandra Bauer Lay’s late husband, John W. Bauer, by providing academic support to future educators who have an involvement in and a love of sports. John taught mathematics and coached a variety of sports at West Aurora High School from 1966 until his retirement in 2000. During his last sixteen years at West, he was West Aurora’s Athletic Director.  As an educator, John was a strong believer in finding and developing a life balance between academics and athletics. Students must be pursuing a degree in education with a preference given to those studying to teach mathematics, physical education, computer science, and/or elementary education. In addition, students must indicate that they have been involved in athletics during their high school and college years at any level or of any type, including intramural sports.

About The NRA Foundation

The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.

The NRA Foundation Supports Freedom, Family, and the Future of the Shooting Sports

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans.

The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans. These activities are designed to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those participating in the shooting sports, and to educate the general public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context. Funds granted by The NRA Foundation benefit a variety of constituencies throughout the United States including children, youth, women, individuals with physical disabilities, gun collectors, law enforcement officers, hunters and competitive shooters.

Awards

The NRA is proud to recognize the contributions of those who have demonstrated dedication to the promotion of the Second Amendment, significantly impacted the preservation of the shooting sports, advanced the purposes and goals of the NRA and exemplified leadership through public service. Each year, women, youth, clubs, law enforcement officers and NRA Foundation volunteers are awarded for their efforts in pursuit of these principles.

NRA Law Enforcement Officer Of The Year Award

NRA's Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award was established in 1993 and recognizes an exceptional act or service by a law enforcement officer and is administered by the NRA Law Enforcement Division. Nominations are accepted from anyone having knowledge of the nominee's actions. This includes, but is not limited to, the nominee's agency head, other law enforcement officials, elected officials, fellow officers, community leaders, interested citizens, and NRA members.

The Small Business Transition Grant for New Entrepreneurs supports new investigators transitioning into entrepreneurship, particularly in small business settings. This NIH initiative aims to bolster their development as Program Directors or Principal Investigators while fostering their research and entrepreneurial skills. By promoting training and mentorship, this grant encourages the growth of promising technologies that align with NIH's mission to enhance health and save lives. Applications are due by 5 PM local time, with optional Letters of Intent recommended 30 days prior.

Holcomb Family Education Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2008 by the Hall County Optimist Club to honor long-time educators, J.H. Holcomb and his sisters, Margaret, Mildred, and Nell. Applicants must have demonstrated financial need and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. In 2026, one scholarship award of $1,000 will be offered.

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.

John Masus Memorial Scholarship Fund

Originally the Masus Financial Group Scholarship Fund, the fund was renamed the John Masus Memorial Scholarship Fund as a memorial to John Masus at the time of his passing.

The Fund supports scholarships to graduating high school seniors who reside within the 60510 zip code in Kane County. 

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 Youth Fund for Social Change Grant, provided by the Crossroads Fund, aims to empower youth in the Chicago area to address social justice issues. This initiative supports organizations and projects focused on advocacy and activism, enabling young people to challenge systemic inequalities. Grants prioritize collaborative efforts and innovative approaches, fostering grassroots leadership among youth. Eligible applicants include youth-led organizations and coalitions with a budget under $1 million, promoting impactful community-driven change.

The Learning Engineering Tools Competition is a significant funding opportunity aimed at fostering educational technology innovations. It seeks to leverage digital tools, big data, and learning science to improve learner outcomes globally. This competition encourages diverse participants, from students to established companies, to develop solutions that can generate valuable learning data. By promoting collaboration among educators, researchers, and tech innovators, the initiative aims to advance the field of learning engineering and enhance educational practices.

The Dorsey & Whitney Foundation Grant supports charitable initiatives in communities where Dorsey attorneys reside. Established in 1982, it focuses on organizations that provide legal services to the disadvantaged and engages attorneys in volunteer roles. Each year, around 200 direct grants are awarded across North America, alongside additional support for numerous other organizations through a matching program. This commitment highlights the foundation's dedication to cultural, civic, educational, and social welfare.

Jane Burns DeWitt Baumann Scholarship

Jane Burns DeWitt Baumann was a life-long resident and educator from Columbus. She attended Columbus City Schools from elementary school through graduation from South High School in 1949, subsequently majoring in Fine Arts and Education at Ohio University. She taught English for twenty years at Linden-McKinley high school and influenced hundreds of students with her passion for reading and writing, inspiring many to pursue their college educations despite trying circumstances. She was a committed advocate of public education. This scholarship honors her service and commitment to public education by supporting a future educator who would not otherwise have the means to attend college.

Award Amount:

• $20,000 payable over four years at $5,000 per academic year

The Small Business Transition Grant for New Entrepreneurs, funded by the NIH, supports new investigators in entrepreneurship. This grant aims to enhance the entrepreneurial skills of researchers while facilitating their research and development efforts in small businesses. It encourages the employment of Program Directors/Principal Investigators (PDs/PIs) who possess strong scientific expertise but limited entrepreneurial experience, fostering innovation aligned with NIH's mission to improve health and save lives.

The U.S.-Southeast Asia-Japan Collaboration and Exchange Initiative Grant, administered by the Japan Foundation, New York, aims to enhance Japanese Studies through collaborative research and academic exchanges. Targeting U.S. institutions with developing Japanese Studies programs, this initiative fosters meaningful connections between scholars in the U.S., Southeast Asia, and Japan, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and resource sharing to strengthen academic networks across these regions.

The Judith A. Ingram Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, honors the legacy of Judy Ingram, a dedicated educator who inspired many in elementary education. This scholarship supports graduating seniors from local school districts planning to major in elementary education, emphasizing academic achievement and financial need. It aims to foster future educators who will continue Judy's commitment to nurturing young minds and enhancing educational opportunities in the community.

The Domtar Community Investment Grant supports nonprofits and charities in areas where the company operates, focusing on education, environmental sustainability, and community humanitarian needs. Eligible organizations include charitable groups, while ineligible entities encompass individuals, discriminatory organizations, and political causes. Applications are accepted online from January 1 to November 30, with reviews conducted bi-monthly. This initiative aims to create meaningful connections between charitable efforts and the social benefits derived from Domtar's business operations.

The Edna and Erma Memorial Scholarship, established by The Dayton Foundation in 2018, supports women from Montgomery County, Ohio, pursuing education degrees. It is aimed at female high school seniors and adult learners returning to college, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrated financial need. This scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and empowering women in the community.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Lee Shipman Engineering Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Lee Shipman who established the Lee Shipman Engineering Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

Lee Shipman has always had a love for all things electrical as far back as grade school when he added an additional phone in his family home so calls could be answered from more than one location! This eventually led him to get his degree in electrical engineering and a career at Dow Chemical in Ludington. He continued following his passion after retiring from Dow by working with a local Ludington business helping with the selection and modifications of equipment. Through this work, he recognized the real challenges that downtown merchants face. Lee is thankful for the people who have made a difference in his life, from his Latin teacher to coworkers to close friends and, because of this, he wants to give back to others. He established this Scholarship Fund for students pursuing electrical engineering.

Community Foundation of the Quincy Area

My Community Foundation (also known as The Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri) is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving quality of life in the communities it serves by connecting compassionate donors with meaningful causes. The foundation works with individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit partners to gather charitable contributions, grow those funds through professional investment strategies, and grant the earnings in ways that address local needs now and into the future. It builds and manages permanent endowments tailored to donors’ goals, ensuring their philanthropic visions—whether honoring a loved one, establishing a legacy, or supporting community needs—are realized. Serving a 12-county region across West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri, the foundation acts as a steward of charitable assets, helping donors make a lasting impact through customized giving opportunities, community grants, and strategic support for nonprofit organizations.

Amelia E. Bauner, Frances A. Hall, and Walter J. Hall Scholarship Fund

Amelia E. Bauner, Frances A. Hall, and Walter J. Hall Scholarship Fund provides scholarship assistance to students enrolled at Quincy University who are pursuing a degree in education and reside in Adams County. Eligibility requirements and application criteria are coordinated through the school, and interested students should contact their school guidance counselor for additional information. Scholarships are awarded annually in the spring.

The ISF Narrative Film Grant, established by the Islamic Scholarship Fund, supports emerging Muslim filmmakers by providing funding for narrative films in production or post-production stages. With a focus on compelling storytelling and positive portrayals of the Muslim community, the grant offers mentorship and networking opportunities to enhance the filmmakers' projects. Since its inception in 2014, it has awarded $625,000 to over 111 filmmakers, promoting diverse narratives that resonate with audiences.