Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Illinois

MRC/SOT Victor A. Drill Award

This award recognizes the top student abstract at the MRC/SOT Spring meeting. The student must present a poster at the Midwest Regional Chapter meeting. Please include your poster (if available) as part of your application submission.

Winners will receive funds to be used for continuing education in toxicology (e.g., travel to national or regional meeting and/or purchase of textbook(s), participation in workshops).

The Windgate Charitable Trust Grant supports contemporary craft and visual arts in the U.S. It offers funding for fellowships, residencies, educational outreach, and materials for craft programs. The foundation prioritizes strengthening visual arts in colleges and expanding K-12 art-integrated programs, providing opportunities for artists and educators to enhance their skills and foster creativity among students. Organizations with previous funding from Windgate can apply through the grantee portal.

The ALDI Community Gift Card Program provides financial support ranging from $100 to $1,000 to eligible nonprofits and schools that focus on after-school and out-of-school youth programs, as well as food banks. This initiative aims to empower organizations dedicated to child development and combating food insecurity. By applying, you can gain access to essential resources to further your mission and make a positive impact in your community.

The California Casualty Music & Arts Grant supports K-12 public schools facing budget cuts that threaten their music and arts programs. Eligible applicants, who must be active employees of public K-12 schools and members of specified educator associations, can request grants of $250 for music or arts needs. This initiative aims to enhance creative education across the states, excluding AK, HI, MA, MI, NY, and WI. Applications received by July 15 will be notified by November 30.

The Norfolk Southern In-Kind Donation Grant supports organizations seeking physical donations of materials that align with their focus areas, including safety, sustainability, workforce development, and thriving communities. This grant is available year-round, with no application deadline. Recipients must be located within Norfolk Southern territory and are encouraged to apply for resources that will enhance their community projects and initiatives, fostering growth and resilience.

Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) ProgramDescription

Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) Program A. Program Description The Restore, Reinvest and Renew (R3) Program was established by the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act to make a significant portion of cannabis revenues available to communities that have been most impacted by the inequities created and perpetuated by harmful policies established during the war on drugs era. 

In SFY23, ICJIA was awarded a state appropriation of $75 million to administer the R3 program. A total of $30 million of this appropriation is available to eligible community organizations providing services in the areas of violence prevention, youth development, economic development, reentry, and civil legal aid.

Purpose

The Restore, Reinvest and Renew (R3) program targets significant portion of cannabis revenues to communities that have been ravaged by violence and have been disproportionately impacted by historical economic disinvestment.

• To address systemic disparities, aggressive approaches and targeted resources to support local design and control of community-based responses to these outcomes are required. To carry out this intent, the Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) Program serves to:
• Directly address the impact of economic disinvestment, violence, and the historical overuse of criminal justice responses to community and individual needs by providing resources to support local design and control of community-based responses to these impacts
• Substantially reduce both the total amount of gun violence and concentrated poverty in this state
• Protect communities from gun violence through targeted investments and intervention programs, including economic growth and improving family violence prevention, community trauma treatment rates, gun injury victim services, and public health prevention activities
• Promote employment infrastructure and capacity building related to the social determinants of health in the eligible community areas

Program funds will be used to reduce gun violence through intervention and prevention, improve re-entry and diversion services for people involved with the criminal justice system, provide access to legal representation and advice, encourage investment and economic growth, enhance youth development, and support programs that improve the social determinants of health

The Illinois Civil Money Penalty Reinvestment Plan aims to enhance the quality of care and life for nursing home residents through grants funded by civil monetary penalties from non-compliant nursing homes. Starting in 2022, the Illinois Department of Public Health will administer these grants, focusing on projects that support resident care improvement, cultural change, and staff training, while ensuring compliance with federal regulations.

The AW Environmental Grant Program, backed by American Water Works Company, Inc., aims to support community-driven projects focused on water conservation and the protection of vital water resources. Since 2012, the foundation has invested over $15 million in innovative initiatives that enhance access to clean water and promote responsible water usage in underserved communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) charities and educational institutions committed to environmental stewardship.

The Dr. Michael Mugge Scholarship Fund, established by Diane Mugge, aims to support graduating seniors from Murphysboro School District 186 who are pursuing higher education, particularly in music education. If there are not enough applicants in that field, students studying agriculture or education may also qualify. This initiative, under the Southern Illinois Community Foundation, seeks to foster educational growth and community development in southern Illinois.

The FKSI Scholarship Fund, managed by the Southern Illinois Community Foundation, aims to support high school graduates from Southern Illinois with $2,500 scholarships. This initiative focuses on empowering students who have faced significant hardships, such as losing parents or being in the foster care system. The fund encourages those pursuing careers in trades or technical fields and maintains a GPA requirement of 2.0 or higher, promoting educational opportunities for deserving youth.

The Gregory-Rye Scholarship Fund, established by the Southern Illinois Community Foundation, honors the legacy of Elmer Gregory and Leonard Rye. This scholarship aims to support Benton High School students pursuing higher education with awards of $10,000, distributed in four installments. With a minimum GPA of 2.00, this fund seeks to empower students to achieve their educational and career dreams, reflecting the values of philanthropy and community support in southern Illinois.

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

The Essential Foundation Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in communities served by Aqua and Peoples, supporting nonprofit organizations dedicated to environmental initiatives, education, and emergency services. With a strong commitment to corporate philanthropy and employee volunteerism, the foundation focuses on funding projects that promote community growth while ensuring compliance with nondiscrimination laws. This initiative reflects Essential Utilities' dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of over 5 million people across nine states.

Southern Illinois Community Foundation

Our Vision

To engage the people of southern Illinois in building a tradition of philanthropy. The Southern Illinois Community Foundation is committed to creating an opportunity for donors to participate in local community development efforts to address the changing needs of our community through charitable giving.

Our Scholarships

We represent scholarships all across Southern Illinois with a variety of different missions, goals, and dreams. 

Harry Bertram Reynolds Scholarship Fund

This fund was established in memory of Harry Bertram Reynolds to benefit a graduating senior from a High School in Jefferson County, Illinois.

Enterprise Community Partners

Enterprise Community Partners is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of families without one.

We support community development organizations on the ground. We aggregate and invest billions to improve housing and strengthen communities across the U.S. We advance housing policy at every level of government. We build and manage communities ourselves. Everything we do is informed by the residents we serve. Since 1982, we have invested $80.9 billion and created 1 million homes across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We do all this to make home and community places of pride, power, and belonging.

Southwest Tribal Resilience Academy - Resilience Capacity Grant

Enterprise Community Partners (Enterprise) is seeking Requests for Proposals (RFPs) from eligible tribal entities, Community Development Corporations (CDCs), and Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) that have participated in the Southwest Tribal Resilience Academy.

The Academy provides cohort-based learning opportunities for Southwest Tribal housing organizations to connect with one another, engage with subject-matter experts, and collaborate with local stakeholders to address the unique climate-related hazards facing their region.

To build on the knowledge and technical assistance gained through the Academy, Enterprise will award grant funding to participants of the Southwest Tribal Resilience Academy to support the implementation of resilient, community-driven solutions.

About Us

Our Mission

We create lasting impact through asset development, nonprofit capacity building, and community leadership. 

Our Vision

To enrich the lives of Wabash County residents by fostering opportunity, inspiring generosity, and building a thriving connected community. 

Our Scholarships

For High School Seniors & Non Traditional Students who are beginning college more than one year after high school.

The Community Foundation of Wabash County offers a wide variety of post-secondary education scholarships to traditional, non-traditional, and graduate students. With nearly 70 different scholarship endowments created through the generosity of our donors, many students are eligible to apply.    

Roy B. Craver Scholarship Endowment

Roy B. Craver was a veteran of World War I. He established a scholarship for residents of Wabash County and graduates of a Wabash County high school who like himself are willing to serve in the armed forces even if they do not intend to enlist.

The Mid America Healthcare Executives Forum Fund, administered by the Southern Illinois Community Foundation, provides scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in healthcare management. Aiming to support future healthcare leaders, the fund awards a minimum of $1,500 annually in scholarships, helping talented individuals overcome financial barriers to education. This initiative not only promotes academic achievement but also enhances population health in the community by fostering skilled professionals in the healthcare sector.

The Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Charitable Fund Grant is a private foundation based in Pittsburgh, established in 1992. It focuses on philanthropy, specifically supporting K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations. The foundation directs its grants primarily to regions preferred by donors, including several states in the Northeast and Midwest, aiming to improve educational opportunities and foster community development in underserved populations.

The Corrine and Henry Bower Memorial Foundation Grant offers approximately $35,000 annually to support wellness, education, and visual arts programs in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. The foundation prioritizes year-round programming, measurable outcomes, and collaboration with other organizations. However, it does not fund general operating costs, new programs, or for-profit entities. Eligible applicants must have a proven track record of service and demonstrate financial accountability.

The Wellman and Adeline Kerr Scholarship Fund, established by the Southern Illinois Community Foundation, aims to honor the legacy of Wellman and Adeline Kerr, former residents of Massac County. This scholarship supports local graduates pursuing further education in colleges, universities, or technical institutes, emphasizing financial need and a minimum academic performance of a 'C' average. It embodies a commitment to fostering educational opportunities and community development in southern Illinois.

The Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund Grants support music education initiatives in Illinois, primarily benefiting nonprofit organizations. Grants are awarded for specific projects, emphasizing collaboration and diverse funding, with a preference for local organizations. Applicants can reapply in subsequent cycles if not funded. The foundation prioritizes impactful projects that address unmet needs in music education, while ensuring that funds are not used for religious purposes, advertising, or political campaigns.

The 510-FEPP First Episode Presentation Program, funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, aims to provide evidence-based treatment for early serious mental illness, particularly first episode psychosis. Utilizing Coordinated Specialty Care teams, the program targets individuals aged 14-40 who have experienced psychosis within the last 18 months. It focuses on reducing symptoms, improving functioning, and promoting recovery while addressing systemic inequities and fostering inclusivity across diverse communities.

The Needmor Fund for Social Justice aims to promote social justice by supporting community organizing efforts in the Midwest. With a focus on low- and moderate-income communities, BIPOC groups, and other marginalized populations, the fund provides grants for up to three years to organizations committed to long-term empowerment and advocacy. The initiative seeks to foster inclusive participation in democracy, ensuring that all voices are heard in shaping policies affecting their lives.

The CDBG Economic Development Program, managed by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, provides grants to local governments to support private businesses that create or retain jobs for low-to-moderate income workers. Grants can be used for public infrastructure improvements and are awarded based on project feasibility and need, with a ceiling of $1,000,000 per award, ensuring economic growth in eligible communities.

The Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant Program aims to foster student involvement in creating and maintaining wildlife habitats. Projects can include establishing pollinator gardens or enhancing schoolyard habitats with native plants. Eligible applicants include educators and youth leaders in Illinois, with funding up to $2,000 available on a reimbursement basis. The program promotes ecological education and sustainability, requiring a commitment to maintain the project for at least five years, enhancing both educational and environmental values.

The Illinois "Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development" (OSLAD) is offered annually through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The OSLAD program is a grant program that provides up to 50% (90% for distressed communities) funding assistance to eligible, local units of government to acquire and/or develop public outdoor recreation areas. 

IDNR Mission Statement

To manage, conserve and protect Illinois' natural, recreational and cultural resources, further the public's understanding and appreciation of those resources, and promote the education, science and public safety of Illinois' natural resources for present and future generations.

Inflation Reduction Act Urban & Community Forestry Program 23-DG-11094200-327

Description 

To plan for, establish, manage and protect trees, forests, green spaces and related natural resources in and adjacent to cities and towns. The urban and community forestry program provides ecosystem services, social and economic benefits. It links these benefits to governmental, private and grassroots organizations and resources to improve the quality of life in these cities and towns.

Matching Requirement: Yes