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Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.
Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.
Trimble Scholarship for Martin County Fund
Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.
Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.
Thomas William Bennett Memorial Scholarship Fund
He believed that a person could do anything if they sat down and read how to do it. When WWII started, he was the first man from the state of South Carolina to enlist in the U.S. Army. He quickly rose to captain and spent most of the war in the Pacific (the Queen of Fiji considered him a friend). Later, Thomas had a long career at Harcourt Brace publishing.
Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.
Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.
The Alcus Family Scholarship Fund
Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.
Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.
Thomas F. Kearney Memorial Scholarship Fund
Not based on financial need.
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.
Walter E. Deuchler Scholarship Endowment Fund
This fund awards scholarships each year to outstanding graduates of East Aurora and West Aurora High Schools. The fund was created in 1968 and established as an endowment in 1989. A lifelong Auroran, Mr. Deuchler (1889-1978) founded Walter E. Deuchler Associates, Inc., an engineering firm in Aurora. He also was city engineer of Aurora for sixteen years. Mr. Deuchler was a director of numerous civic organizations. He served as a director of the Community Foundation for sixteen years and as a senior or emeritus director for three years prior to his death. As the Foundation’s scholarship chairman, Mr. Deuchler developed a strong interest in recognizing academically talented students who do not necessarily have financial need.
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.
Todd C. Bryant Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Todd C. Bryant Scholarship Fund was created in loving memory of Todd C. Bryant by his family. The scholarship provides support for a high school graduating senior who has struggled or is struggling with grief or mental health challenges and requires support to further their education, whatever school, institution, or ability level that person may have. It may be that a high schooler is challenged with mental wellness, has family or friends that have mental health issues, or has experienced a loss because of suicide. Todd’s family and friends recognize that it is a challenge to go on with the future in these situations.
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.
The Conservation Foundation Environmental Scholarship Fund
In 2007, Ron Yenerich of Oswego created an environmental scholarship fund to encourage respect for the world future generations will inherit. Called The Conservation Foundation Environmental Scholarship Fund, it provides annual awards to local students pursuing careers in natural resource management (forestry, wildlife management, etc.) or other environmentally related fields of study. In the awarding of these scholarships, preference is given to candidates with a strong commitment to the preservation of the environment as evidenced through their work-related, volunteer or other community activities. Ron Yenerich is a graduate of Indiana University and served as an officer in the United States Army for five years.
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.
The Aurora Kiwanis Club/William J. Downs Scholarship Fund
The Kiwanis Club of Aurora, Illinois created a fund in 1992 to memorialize a former club member, William J. Downs. Mr. Downs was the great grandson of Samuel McCarty, founder of the City of Aurora. He attended East Aurora High School and later attended Worsham’s College of Mortuary Science, becoming the third generation of his family to operate the Downs Funeral Home on Fox Street (now east Downer Place) in Aurora. Mr. Downs, a Marine veteran of WWII, was recalled to active duty during the Korean War. He died in combat on December 6, 1950. Scholarships from the fund are available to students attending a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
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.
The Aurora Kiwanis Club/G. William “Bill” Moore Scholarship Fund
The Kiwanis Club of Aurora created a scholarship fund in 1992 for gradates of Waubonsee Community College. In 2012, the fund was renamed The Aurora Kiwanis Club/G. William “Bill” Moore Scholarship Fund in honor of Mr. Moore’s longtime membership with the Aurora Kiwanis Club. These scholarships are available to students attending Aurora University to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
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.
The Aurora Kiwanis Club/Dr. Harry Y. Greeley Medical/Healthcare Scholarship Fund
This fund was established by the Kiwanis Club of Aurora in recognition of Dr. Harry Y. Greeley’s 60th anniversary as an active Kiwanian. Dr. Greeley was president of the Aurora Noon Kiwanis Club in 1950. He was named Kiwanian of the Year and was a recipient of the God and Fellow Man award. The Kiwanis International Foundation honored him with the George F. Hixon Fellowship. Scholarships from this fund are available to students pursuing studies within the medical/healthcare field either in the vocational/technical area or at the college level of study.
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.
People for Childcare Scholarship Endowment Fund
The purpose of this scholarship is to carry out the legacy of People for Childcare, Inc. by providing support to students preparing for careers that nurture the well-being, care, and development of children. People for Child Care (PCC) was incorporated in Aurora in 1977 to operate after-school group centers for children of working parents. This scholarship honors PCC’s commitment to the community for over 50 years in promoting appropriate childcare practices and services available to parents on a sliding fee basis.
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.
Mel & Mildred Anliker And Dave Zierke Scholarship Endowment Fund
Mel Anliker (1934-1987) was owner of The Aurora Ice Company. He was a successful businessman who liked sports, fishing and cards. The Mel & Mildred Anliker And Dave Zierke Scholarship Endowment Fund was created by Mildred Anliker (1935-2015) as a memorial to her husband and son. Dave Zierke (1960-1978) was a graduate of West Aurora High School, where he was involved in choir and drama. He also participated in the Westminster Presbyterian Church Youth Group. Dave died in an automobile accident shortly after his high school graduation. This fund was endowed as a scholarship in 2024. Eligibility for this scholarship is reserved for students graduating from high schools located in the Community Foundation’s service area.
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.
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 A. Brennecke Scholarship Endowment Fund
This fund for graduate level medical students was created to administer a bequest from the estate of John A. Brennecke (1903-1967). Mr. Brennecke was secretary of the Alexander Lumber Company and served as an officer of several other companies in the Alexander Firm. In 1982, the Foundation received a bequest from his sister Margaret Brennecke for placement in the fund. Margaret Brennecke’s bequest was given in honor of their father Dr. Herman A. Brennecke, who is pictured here at the right.
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.
Howard E. Charles, Jr. Scholarship Endowment Fund
This fund was created to administer a bequest from the estate of Howard E. Charles, Sr. as a memorial to his son, Howard E. Charles, Jr. The income earned by the fund provides scholarships to students pursuing a career in the field of health care.Howard E. Charles, Jr. (1928-1963) was born in Terre Haute, Indiana. He was the son of Howard E. Charles, Sr. and Elizabeth Charles. His family later moved to St. Charles, Illinois where his father became a partner in the Burger Drug Store on Main Street. He was a graduate of St. Charles High School and the University of Wyoming. He then served in the United States Air Force for four years. Mr. Charles married and settled in Denver, Colorado, where he was a personnel director in the missile industry. He died in 1963 after a courageous battle with Hodgkin’s disease.
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.
Genevieve & Dale T. Berg Scholarship Endowment Fund
This fund was created by Genevieve Berg (1923-2019) as a memorial to her husband, Dale. Scholarships from the fund are available to graduates of East Aurora or West Aurora High School. These awards are reserved for students who are pursuing a career in electrical engineering, electronic engineering technology, computer engineering, computer electronics or similar fields of study. Dale Berg (1923-2010) was born to Theodore Stanley and Pauline Berg in Shabbona, Illinois. He graduated from Hinckley High School in 1941. After high school, Mr. Berg took a job as a dairy tester; testing the fat content of milk. His dream was to become a dairy farmer. He enlisted in the United States Navy in November 1942 and served his country during WWII in the Pacific. His ship was hit by a torpedo on the way across the ocean and he spent his time during the war on a Pacific Island repairing aircraft radios. In 1946, Mr. Berg was honorably discharged from the Navy. It was during this time that he met Genevieve Olson, also of Shabbona. They were married in Calvary Lutheran Church on January 3, 1948. These awards are reserved for students who are pursuing a career in electrical engineering, electronic engineering technology, computer engineering, computer electronics or similar fields of study.
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.
Edward & Gladys (Stoddard) Arenkill Nursing & Medical Education Scholarship Endowment Fund
This fund was created to assist students pursuing a pre-medical course of study or a degree in the field of nursing. Edward Arenkill (1922-2007) was a lifelong Aurora resident. He graduated from Aurora East High School. He was a medical corpsman in the United States Navy during World War II. His four years of active duty included both Normandy and Okinawa. Mr. Arenkill studied pre-medicine at Northwestern University, and later joined his father and brother in their Aurora family business. Gladys Stoddard Arenkill (1923-2004) was born in Nebraska. She was a graduate of the Copley School of Nursing in Aurora. She was a nurse at Copley Memorial Hospital and a private duty nurse providing care for iron lung patients. Following her career, she contributed over 3,000 hours of volunteer service at Copley Memorial Hospital. Mr. and Mrs. Arenkill were members of Fourth Street Methodist Church. This fund, which was established in 2007, became an endowment in 2008.
Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.
Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.
The Congressman Mark Foley Scholarship for Journalism Education Fund
Must be enrolled in a program with a major in Journalism.
Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.
Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.
The Nettie Spiro Finkle Scholarship Fund
Demonstrate community involvement and financial need.
Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.
Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.
Frances F. Bourque Scholarship Fund Endowment established by Old School Square Center for the Arts
This scholarship honors Frances Bourque’s extraordinary legacy by nurturing the next generation of arts visionaries. It exists to ignite in young people the same passion for creative expression and cultural preservation that has defined Frances’s remarkable life of service.
Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.
Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.
The Gubelmann Family Foundation Scholarship Fund
The Gubelmann name has been prominent in and around Palm Beach since the early 1940s, when the late Walter Gubelmann and his wife, Barton, first began to spend time in the area. Their son, William grew up in Palm Beach before moving to England to pursue his dream of racing where he became a British Formula Car champion and drove the European Formula II circuit.
Education is the most important thing to help disadvantaged people to better themselves,” William Gubelmann says. “We want to help the right person go to the right school for the right reason.”
Adds Shelley Gubelmann, “What impresses me is the fact that many of these students aren’t looking for large amounts of money. I don’t think people have nearly enough awareness that you don’t have to be a rich person to help somebody else.”
The first scholarships were awarded from the Gubelmann Family Foundation Scholarship Fund in May 2001
Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.
Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.
Frank and Marie Cleary Memorial Scholarship Fund
Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.
Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.
The Congressman Mark Foley Scholarship for Political Science Education Fund
Must be enrolled in a degree program with a major in Political Science.
About Legacy Foundation
Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.
Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.
For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.
Mission Statement
Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.
Vision Statement
Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.
Webster Cornwell Scholarship
Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.
Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.
About Legacy Foundation
Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.
Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.
For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.
Mission Statement
Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.
Vision Statement
Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.
Scott Campion Scholarship for Special Education Teacher
Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.
Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.
Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.
Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.
Frederick and Lilly McCarthy Catholic Scholarship Fund 2023
Applicant must be a graduating high school senior from Palm Beach or Martin County pursing a post-secondary education at any Catholic college or university.
Looking for higher education grants in Illinois?
Read more about each grant below or start your 14-day free trial to see all higher education grants in Illinois recommended for your specific programs.
What's the typical amount funded for Illinois?
Grants are most commonly $104,222.
What's the total number of grants in Higher Education Grants in Illinois year over year?
In 2024, funders in Illinois awarded a total of 104,158 grants.
Among all the Higher Education Grants in Illinois given out in Illinois, the most popular focus areas that receive funding are Education, Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Foundations, and Human Services.
1. Education
2. Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Foundations
3. Human Services
How is funding for Higher Education Grants in Illinois changing over time?
Funding has increased by 16.08%.
How does grant funding vary by county?
Cook County, Lake County, and Macon County receive the most funding.
| County | Total Grant Funding in 2024 |
|---|---|
| Cook County | $6,893,460,213 |
| Lake County | $720,580,526 |
| Macon County | $544,478,272 |
| Champaign County | $541,704,331 |
| Dupage County | $496,099,366 |