Best Higher Education Grants in Illinois

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Shaw Family Trust

The Shaw Family Trust was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships to high school seniors entering their freshman year of college at Penn State Beaver or Community College of Beaver County.

Award Type: Renewable (up to 4 years. Student must maintain a 3.0 GPA.)

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Shirley Lewis McCune Memorial Scholarship

The Shirley Lewis McCune Memorial Scholarship was established at The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County in memory/honor of Shirley Lewis McCune. Her family chose to honor Shirley, who worked for Columbia Gas for many years and was the first female District Manager for the company here in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Award Type: Single-Year award. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years provided they maintain full-time enrollment.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Sophie M. and John F. Yoney Scholarship Fund

The Sophie M. and John F. Yoney Scholarship Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation by the late Mr. John F. Yoney, to provide to graduates from Chartiers-Houston High School, Peters Township High School and Canon McMillan High School.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Spenser Flowers Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Spenser Flowers Memorial Scholarship Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for traditional and non-traditional students to assist with expenses for college, university or trade school to any youth member or youth who participates in church senior high youth activities (or has participated within the past 7 years) of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Allison Park, Pennsylvania.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

The 14th Quartermaster/Operation Desert Storm Scholarship Fund, established by The Pittsburgh Foundation, supports Westmoreland County High School students pursuing military careers or whose parents are veterans. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and articulate the impact of military service on their family dynamics. This scholarship does not consider financial need, but applicants are encouraged to provide financial information. It aims to foster academic growth and honor military service within the community.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

American Advertising Federation Pittsburgh Scholarship Fund

The Pittsburgh Advertising Federation Scholarship Fund was created to provide scholarships for undergraduate students who are pursuing a curriculum suited for careers in communication, marketing or advertising.

Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Bradley “Ace” Schaffner Scholarship Fund

The Bradley “Ace” Schaffner Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation in honor of Ace by his parents to provide scholarships for students living in Southwestern Pennsylvania who are pursing a 4-year liberal arts degree.

Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Carnegie-Collier Rotary Scholarship Fund

The Carnegie-Collier Rotary Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships to students entering post-secondary education programs from the Carnegie-Collier area.

Award Type: Single Year Award. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years provided they maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Charles J. Lieberth Scholarship Fund

The Charles J. Lieberth Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for City of Pittsburgh employees completing an undergraduate or graduate program in government or public service.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

College Club of Pittsburgh Scholarship Fund

The College Club of Pittsburgh Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for students who have faced social, economic, or educational barriers due to systemic gender inequity, and who were born, lived in or went to school in Western PA to provide support for continuing education.

Award Type: Single Year Award. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Condie Nursing Scholarship Fund

The Condie Nursing Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for both traditional and nontraditional students to begin or advance their nursing careers at a 2-or 4-year college or university.

Award Type: Single Year Award.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Unknown Donor Scholarship Fund

The Unknown Donor Scholarship Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors of Pittsburgh Public Schools with a preference for applicants who have faced social, economic, or educational barriers due to systemic gender inequity.

Award Type: Single Year Award. 

The Mary Agnes Powers Scholarship Fund, established by the Pittsburgh Foundation, supports nursing students from several Pennsylvania counties. This scholarship honors Mary Agnes Powers and is awarded based on academic merit, financial need, and enrollment in nursing programs. Eligible candidates must reside in designated counties, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and be entering their final year of nursing education. The scholarship aims to empower local students in their pursuit of nursing careers.

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.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

Hamling Family Nursing Scholarship Fund

The Hamling Family Nursing Scholarship Fund was created as a memorial to Kathleen Hamling by her family.

Scholarships from the fund are reserved for students entering the field of nursing who are residents of the Community Foundation’s service area.

Graduating high school seniors, undergraduate students or graduate level students are eligible to apply for these awards.

Students must attend an accredited institution of higher education on a full-time basis for the purpose of attaining a degree in nursing, such as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

The Ian Van Heyde Memorial Culinary Scholarship Fund, established by Stephen and Nancy Van Heyde, honors their son Ian, a culinary arts student from Whetstone High School. This fund provides scholarships to students pursuing postsecondary education in culinary arts, food management, or restaurant management. Award amounts start at $1,500, aimed at supporting talented individuals from central Ohio's public culinary programs. Previous recipients are encouraged to apply again, fostering continued growth in the culinary field.

The Installed Building Products Building for Tomorrow Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, aims to support employees and their families in pursuing educational goals. Award amounts include $5,000 annually for the duration of a program or degree, with a special $10,000 scholarship for a candidate demonstrating the highest financial need. Open to anyone attending accredited institutions in the U.S., preference is given to those in construction-related fields.

The James Hantak Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Columbus City Schools, Upper Arlington High School, or volunteers and athletes from Lancaster Special Olympics with special needs. The scholarship offers $5,000 annually for educational pursuits, with an additional $10,000 scholarship awarded based on financial need. Preference is given to athletes and volunteers from Special Olympics. This initiative aims to enhance opportunities for students in central Ohio, promoting inclusivity and community engagement.

The Jane Tschappat Nursing Advancement Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, aims to support nurses pursuing advanced education in Ohio. Initiated in 1943, it honors Jane Tschappat, a dedicated nurse and public health leader. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in accredited programs, hold a valid RN license, and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship offers a minimum award of $1,000, empowering nurses to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape and enhance their professional qualifications.

The Jean T. Grant Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, honors the legacy of Jean Terry Grant, a devoted librarian and arts advocate. Providing $1,000, this scholarship supports graduating seniors from Columbus City Schools pursuing studies in music or the arts. Jean's commitment to education and the arts inspires future generations, ensuring that her passion for creativity and philanthropy continues to impact the community positively.

The Marcia L. Wetherbee Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from central Ohio who plan to pursue higher education. With a minimum award of $1,000, this scholarship honors Marcia Wetherbee, a passionate community advocate and social worker. Eligible candidates must have a GPA between 2.5 and 3.8 and demonstrate commitment to their education. This scholarship aims to empower the next generation of leaders in the community.

The Marian and Wayne Sinsel Scholarship, established by Marian Sinsel to honor her late husband Wayne, provides financial support to hearing impaired residents of Appalachian Ohio or Fairfield County. This scholarship aims to assist candidates who are 22 years or younger and plan to pursue education at a post-secondary institution in the U.S. with a minimum award of $1,000, ensuring it does not displace existing state or federal funding.

The Robert L. and Pauline H. Minton Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the children of Pauline H. Minton, honors their parents' legacy as dedicated Battelle employees and single parents. This scholarship aims to support children of full-time Battelle staff who are pursuing education at public or nonprofit colleges in the U.S. With an award amount of $1,000, it reflects a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for deserving students in central Ohio.

Jean Griswold Foundation 

The Jean Griswold Foundation (JGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Caregivers through educational opportunities and scholarships. 

Mission

The mission of the Jean Griswold Foundation is to support Caregivers by providing educational scholarships* to enable them to further their training, enhance their careers, and better assist the clients they serve.

By offering educational scholarships, our Foundation will not only make a positive impact on the Caregivers themselves, but also the clients they assist and the home healthcare agencies where they are employed, as well as help advance the overarching home-care industry.

The Jean Griswold Foundation is proud to continue the service created by Dr. Jean Griswold, through spearheading this strategic journey of growth and professional development.

Scholarships

The Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving Caregivers who wish to further their education in a care-related field. Applicants do not have to be associated with Griswold in any way, and the funds will be paid directly to the institution where the caregiver will be receiving education.  

Summer Scholarship Program

The Jean Griswold Foundation has awarded over $150,000 in scholarships to exceptional Caregivers nationwide since 2022. 

Lucile Cornetet Scholarship Fund

Miss Cornetet was a retired schoolteacher with Columbus Public Schools. She taught for 39 years, 34 of those as a Latin teacher. It was Miss Cornetet's desire to make a scholarship available to Columbus Public School graduating seniors and/or graduates who studied Latin.

Award Amount:

Minimum $500

Greater Columbus Community Helping Hands, Inc. Scholarship Fund

The scholarship provides support to underserved students.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $500

Gideon Development | King Lincoln District East Side Resident Scholarship

Gideon Development founded this scholarship to support students from the King Lincoln District as they pursue higher education.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $500

Dr. Gregory I. Brooks Scholarship Fund

Friends and family established this fund in memory of Dr. Gregory I. Brooks, a physician who was active in the Dublin, Ohio community for more than two decades. Dr. Brooks served as team physician for Dublin City Schools, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of many students and their families. This fund supports annual scholarships for graduates of Dublin City Schools.

Award Amount:

• Three $1,000 scholarships