Best Grants for Solar Panels for Nonprofits in Illinois

The Goldberg, Joseph and Ruth Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, aims to support students pursuing medical professions, such as nursing, dental, and physical therapy. Established in 1987, the Foundation provides over $55,000 annually in scholarships to Beatrice High School seniors. Eligible applicants must be in the top quarter of their class and complete the application independently. This scholarship is part of the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the Beatrice School District.

The AWWA Jacobs Holly A. Cornell Scholarship, established in 1990, supports graduate students pursuing water supply and treatment studies. Sponsored by Jacobs/CH2M, this $10,000 scholarship is aimed at first-generation college graduates or those who have faced economic disadvantages and significant educational barriers. AWWA, the largest organization of water supply professionals, emphasizes the importance of investing in the future of the water industry through such scholarships.

The AWWA Scholarship Program, specifically the Woodard & Curran Scholarship, offers a $5,000 merit-based award annually to undergraduate or graduate students focused on water-related fields. This initiative aims to support historically marginalized communities, including women and BIPOC students, promoting equity in the water industry. With clean water being essential for community health, this scholarship reflects AWWA's commitment to nurturing the next generation of water professionals.

The Marion Jenkinson Service Award, presented by the American Ornithological Society, honors early- and mid-career ornithologists for their extensive volunteer contributions and service to the society. This award includes a framed certificate and recognizes individuals who exemplify high ethical standards aligned with the AOS Code of Conduct. The award aims to foster a diverse and supportive ornithological community while promoting bird conservation and scientific study.

The Topfer Family Foundation Grant aims to empower individuals by providing essential resources and support in various program areas, including child abuse prevention, youth enrichment, job training, children's health, and aging in place. This grant is focused on fostering self-sufficiency through initiatives that promote education, practical life skills, and access to healthcare. The foundation prioritizes organizations in the greater Austin, Chicago, Denver, and Broward County areas, ensuring that funds directly benefit local communities.

The Affirm Cares Employee Foundation Grant, established by Affirm, aims to support non-profit organizations making a significant impact in financial literacy, community enrichment, and technology education. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, focusing on sustainable initiatives that empower communities and alleviate housing insecurity. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) designated non-profits operating within the U.S. The foundation prioritizes measurable outcomes in its funding efforts, fostering civic engagement and vibrant communities.

The Robert and Joan Dircks Foundation Grant Program supports non-profit organizations in New Jersey that provide opportunities for disadvantaged individuals. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, the foundation focuses on innovative programs that solve critical issues rather than operational needs. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The foundation does not fund political activities, cultural projects, or operating budgets, ensuring resources directly benefit those in need.

The Live Más Scholarship, offered by the Taco Bell Foundation, supports students aged 16-26 pursuing higher education and workforce readiness. Emphasizing passion and impact, applicants showcase how their interests drive positive change in their communities. The foundation is dedicated to breaking down educational barriers, fostering creativity across various fields including arts, technology, and entrepreneurship. This initiative empowers young dreamers to turn their aspirations into actionable goals, creating meaningful contributions to society.

The Peter R. Stettenheim Service Award, established by the American Ornithological Society in 2018, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to ornithology and the society. This award recognizes those who have served in various capacities, highlighting volunteer work, mentorship, and committee involvement. It is named after Peter Stettenheim, a notable leader in ornithology, who was dedicated to advancing the field and supporting fellow ornithologists throughout his career.

Biogen General Grants

Funding to support a project or program that does not fit any of the other defined grant categories.

The NIDA Research Education Program (R25) aims to enhance the training of a workforce skilled in biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research, particularly regarding substance use disorders. This program supports educational activities that prepare clinicians and clinical researchers. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time, with optional Letters of Intent encouraged 30 days prior to the full proposal deadline. This initiative does not fund non-research-related clinical training.

The NIHCM Foundation is seeking innovative research proposals that address critical issues in U.S. health care, particularly focusing on drug pricing, provider consolidation, health care delivery, chronic disease management, and the role of artificial intelligence. Projects should aim to improve affordability and quality of care. We welcome submissions from a variety of researchers and organizations, with a preference for studies that can be completed within one year.

The Kaiser Permanente Center for Gun Violence Research and Education Grant Program aims to transform the landscape of gun violence research and education by funding initiatives that address community firearm violence and suicide. This program focuses on partnering with affected communities, integrating healthcare approaches, and providing substantial funding to enhance research capacity and intervention effectiveness. With funding available in two categories, the initiative seeks to promote evidence-based solutions that foster community healing and well-being.

Blowitz-Ridgeway Foundation

In the 1950s, Chicago attorney Milroy R. Blowitz and his friend, Dr. Steinman, a psychiatrist, had a dream to build a psychiatric hospital for children in Chicago’s inner city. That dream came true when Ridgeway Hospital opened its doors on Ridgeway Avenue in 1962 as a 99-bed, not-for-profit hospital focusing on the psychiatric treatment of children and adolescents.

In 1984, the Ridgeway Hospital was sold and proceeds from that sale were used to establish The Blowitz-Ridgeway Foundation, named to honor Milroy Blowitz, and the hospital he helped start. In the spirit of the Ridgeway Hospital’s original mission, the Foundation’s primary funding goal was to support non-profit agencies that provided medical, psychiatric, and psychological care to economically disadvantaged children and adolescents. The Foundation began awarding grants in 1985. 

Our Mission: To significantly improve the lives and well-being of Chicago-area residents who are uninsured, underinsured, or low-income by increasing access to high-quality, comprehensive healthcare and safe, affordable housing.

Blowitz-Ridgeway Housing Grant

The Blowitz-Ridgeway Foundation focuses on funding organizations that are dedicated to preventing homelessness and providing safe, affordable housing, or organizations that collaborate with other homeless service providers and local institutions.

We help fund organizations that provide emergency shelters and transitional or permanent housing. We also fund organizations that offer support services to the homeless or unhoused like case management, counseling, job training and placement, healthcare, financial education, meals, etc.

The Foundation prioritizes small to mid-size organizations that serve the homeless where we can have the greatest impact.

The Lazarus Family Scholarship in Bioethics and Humanities, offered by the AMA Foundation, supports students engaged in bioethics or the humanities, including art, music, and literature. This scholarship aims to foster the next generation of physician leaders by providing financial assistance to those who are committed to advancing health equity and community service. By recognizing diverse fields of study, it emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in medicine and the humanities.

The Fry Foundation's Employment Grant aims to support organizations with 501(c)(3) status that focus on job training programs for low-income individuals in Chicago. The foundation prioritizes proposals that enhance program effectiveness and foster innovative approaches to workforce development. By addressing urban poverty and promoting access to living-wage jobs, the foundation seeks to empower underserved communities and improve their overall quality of life.

The Cameron Award supports field research on native rodents across the Americas, encouraging studies in ecology, behavior, physiology, and conservation. It is available to students in MS or PhD programs and postdoctoral researchers in the U.S. Applicants must be ASM members. Funds cover supplies, equipment, and travel, but not salaries or meeting travel. The award aims to enhance understanding of rodent ecology and their impact on ecosystems.

The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Recovery Land Acquisition Grant Program, initiated in FY 2001, aims to foster collaboration between State and Federal entities in conserving listed species. This program provides funding for acquiring critical land parcels to support U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-approved recovery plans. By securing habitats at risk from development, the initiative directly addresses the primary threat to endangered species, ensuring effective and immediate conservation actions.

The MMUF Dissertation Grant, funded by the Mellon Foundation, supports doctoral candidates who are alumni of the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship. This grant aids scholars in completing their dissertations, ensuring diverse perspectives are represented in academia. With up to $30,000 for a 12-month period, the program encourages candidates to secure additional funding from their institutions. The initiative aims to bolster access to education and foster understanding among varied backgrounds, ultimately enhancing the academic landscape.

The NIDA Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Program Award aims to foster research independence in clinician scientists by providing intensive supervised research training and career development in the field of substance use and substance use disorder. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization, ensuring timely submission for this essential funding opportunity.

The ASTR Targeted Research Area Grant supports projects by scholars focusing on under-represented areas in theatre, dance, and performance studies. This includes research on Asian, African, Latin American, and Middle Eastern disciplines, as well as pre-1900 studies and essential translations. The grant, offering up to $3000, encourages recipients to publish their findings and collaborate with Theatre Survey editors. Eligibility extends to scholars with terminal degrees and graduate students, provided they are ASTR members.

The General Surgery Resident Research Initiation Grant aims to engage General Surgery Residents in research related to colorectal diseases. With an annual funding of $20,000, this grant supports both clinical and laboratory-based research. It is geared towards residents or recent graduates of approved General Surgery programs, prioritizing those with aspirations in Colon and Rectal Surgery. This initiative fosters innovative research to enhance patient care and surgical techniques in the field.

The KTGF Fellowship Programs, funded by the Klingenstein Third Generation Foundation, offer $100,000 over two years to support post-doctoral and junior faculty research on ADHD and depression in children, particularly from low-income and under-resourced backgrounds. This initiative aims to foster promising early-career scientists while producing impactful research that benefits affected children and families. Applications are accepted from September 1 to December 15, with specific eligibility criteria outlined for candidates.

The Horton PhD Research Grant supports up to three Ph.D. students annually in hydrology and related fields, funded by the Robert E. Horton Fund. It provides a maximum of $10,000 for research and travel, along with $500 for U.S. and Canadian applicants participating in AGU's annual meeting. Eligible students must be active AGU members, enrolled for the award's duration, and meet all application requirements. This grant promotes excellence in hydrological sciences.

The Healthy American Forests Initiative, led by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), aims to enhance forest health and resilience through targeted funding. This initiative anticipates awarding 10-15 grants ranging from $250,000 to $2 million, supporting projects up to 2 years in duration. A 20% non-federal match is required, and interested applicants are encouraged to collaborate with NFWF and Native Americans in Philanthropy for potential match funding.

The Blake-Nuttall Fund Grants, offered by the Nuttall Ornithological Club Inc, support vital ornithological research, conservation, and education efforts focused on the birds of New England and the Northeast. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, while applications from individuals or private foundations are not considered. This initiative aims to foster a deeper understanding and protection of avian species in the region.

About National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) works with partners to foster sustainable and impactful conservation solutions so that people and nature thrive together. Chartered by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest conservation foundation. Since its founding, NFWF has funded more than 23,900 projects that have generated a total conservation impact of more than $12 billion.About Sustain Our Great Lakes Program

Sustain Our Great Lakes is a public–private partnership designed to sustain, restore and protect fish, wildlife and habitat in the basin by leveraging funding, building conservation capacity, and focusing partners and resources toward key ecological issues. The program achieves this mission, in part, by awarding grants for on-the-ground habitat restoration and enhancement.Funding priorities for this program include:

• Habitat Restoration to Conserve Species and Improve Water Quality
• Expand and Maintain Nature-Based Solutions in Great Lakes Communities
• Invasive Species Control to Protect and Enhance Restored Habitat
• Activate Restored Habitats and Natural Areas