Looking for Higher Education Grants in Illinois? Find the perfect grant for your nonprofit on Instrumentl
4,000+
Available grants
$38.7M
Total funding
$1.6K
Median grant
Skip the search. Get matched with grants that fit your non-profit.
Smart recommendations based on your profile — in minutes.
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.
Rachel Rodriguez 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.
Schrage Family Enrichment
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.
The American Academy of Optometry Foundation
The American Academy of Optometry (AAOF) is an association of optometric professionals who strive to stay at the top of their field. You will find like-minded colleagues within the American Academy of Optometry, an organization committed to promoting the art and science of vision care through lifelong learning.
The Academy’s membership is comprised of optometrists, vision scientists, and other qualified professionals who have committed themselves to the rigorous process required to achieve its prestigious designation, Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO).
For more than a century, the Academy has provided Fellows access to the best minds in optometry, vision science, research, and more. Today’s Fellows welcome the opportunity to attend the Academy’s premiere event, its annual meeting. Other members include students, residents, and Candidates for Fellowship.
Each fall attendees from around the world gather for thousands of hours of continuing education and exposure to the most recent research, networking, and latest products and services. Fellows particularly value the opportunity to connect with colleagues and mentors while enjoying an exceptional level of camaraderie.
OD to PhD Scholarship Program
The OD/PhD Scholarship Program funds optometrists receiving a PhD in eye and vision related fields. Examples of appropriate PhD programs include but are not limited to: Vision Science, Physiological Optics, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, Education (emphasis on Optometric Education), Neuroscience, and Psychology. The program provides vital support to those who will teach and lead the next generation of optometry students and advance the profession’s cutting-edge research.
The American Academy of Optometry Foundation is proud to partner with EssilorLuxottica to offer the OD to PhD Fellowship, an opportunity created to support optometrists who are ready to take the next step into vision science research. This fellowship is open to individuals who have completed or are completing the clinical training required for the optometry degree and who are enrolling in a PhD program in vision science or a related biomedical discipline.
This competitive fellowship provides financial support during the early years of doctoral training. Awardees receive funding in their first year and may receive additional support in the second year based on successful academic and research progress as detailed in their annual progress report.
Note, awardees may receive the fellowship for up to one successive, two-year period.
Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.
The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.
The Perry Township School Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Perry Township School Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to assist high school graduates or high school seniors who have permanent residency in Perry Township in Carroll County, Ohio or who had a permanent residence on the date they began their post high school education. Applicants must have been accepted at and are planning to enroll, or are currently enrolled, at an accredited college, university, or technical school with at least a two-year course of study to pursue further education.
Amount:
Renewable:
Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.
The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.
The Melvin L. and Frances E. Tolson Scholarship Trust Fund
The Melvin L. and Frances E. Tolson Scholarship Trust Fund was established to assist students who are residents of Carroll County, Ohio in furthering their education with interests in either aviation, art education or fine and performing arts who are enrolled or accepted at a college, university, technical, or vocational school.
Amount:
Renewable:
Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.
The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.
The Howard and Edith Robertson Malvern Rotary Scholarship Fund
The Howard and Edith Robertson Malvern Rotary Scholarship Fund was established to assist graduating high school seniors who are residents of Brown Township in Carroll County, Ohio.
Amount:
Renewable:
Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.
The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.
The Church of Christ (Christian Disciples) Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Church of Christ (Christian Disciples) Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to help students who have permanent residence in Carroll County, Ohio or had a permanent residence on the date they began their post high school education.
Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.
The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.
The Bruce and Crystal Burgett Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Bruce and Crystal Burgett Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to assist Carrollton, Edison, or New Philadelphia High School graduates or graduating seniors majoring in an agricultural-related field of study. Students must demonstrate above-average academic achievement and a history of participation in extracurricular, civic, and/or community activities.
Amount:
Renewable:
Coral Gables Community Foundation
Led by community leaders, the Coral Gables Community Foundation provides the philanthropic conduit to connect individuals and corporations looking to positively impact the success of the community. Now in its 33rd year, the Foundation has been at the forefront of the evolving needs of Coral Gables while effectively bringing together beneficiaries and benefactors to fund programs with the greatest impact and benefit to “The City Beautiful.”
Coral Gables Community Foundation’s Scholarships Program
Coral Gables Community Foundation is honored to partner with our fundholders to administer generous scholarships as well as manage the Foundation’s own scholarship funds.
The Foundation and its fundholders have proudly awarded over $6.7 million in scholarships in just the last decade.
High-Achieving Four-Year Scholarship
This 4-year scholarship is given annually to students who have demonstrated overall academic achievement and dedication to service within the school and in his/her community, and have low family income. The Foundation also considers applicants’ motivation, financial need, and personal experiences.
Maintenance
In order to maintain the scholarship each year, the recipient must maintain a minimum overall 3.0 GPA throughout his/her college studies.
Epps Scholarship
The Epps Scholarship Fund was established at the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation by attorneys Willie and Mischa Epps to support the aspirations of college-bound high school seniors with an expressed interest in pursuing a legal education. This fund honors Dr. Willie James Epps, Sr. and Dr. Barbara Bacon Epps, both born and raised in rural, poor and segregated Mississippi, but excelled in school and became a part of the first generation in their respective families to attend college. Both went on to earn Ph.D.’s in the field of education and to teach at various schools, colleges and universities across the country. They instilled in their two children that faith and education are the keys to success. Their children became licensed attorneys who regularly attend church. Willie and his wife Mischa chose a non-traditional path to promote the scholarship opportunity by working in partnership with churches that disseminate the application and deadline information throughout their congregations.
The Epps Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to college-bound high school seniors based on demonstrated academic achievement, financial need, and an express interest in pursuing a legal education.
Scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis and disbursed in equal payments in August and January. Each scholarship awarded will be a minimum of $2,000 annually to be paid in two equal installments.
This scholarship is not renewable.
Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.
Spokane Area Swimming Adam England Memorial Scholarship
Graduating high school seniors in all counties served by the Foundation are eligible to apply. Applicants must have participated in competitive swimming meets while in high school and must submit a letter of recommendation from a coach confirming participation in these swimming meets. Applicants must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and plan to enroll in post-high school program at full-time status.
Community Foundation for McHenry County
The Community Foundation for McHenry County (CFMC) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity created by and for the residents of McHenry County. Originally known as the McHenry County Community Foundation, we were established to provide a sustainable source of charitable giving for local nonprofit organizations and students.
Scholarships
The Community Foundation for McHenry County offers scholarships to students seeking to advance their education. Each Scholarship Fund was created by members of the McHenry County community and designated for a certain cause, school, or region.
Boe-Dahm Family Scholarship
Charles and Angela (Dahm) Boe met while attending Western Illinois University, where they formed lifelong friendships and created lasting memories that became the foundation of their lives together. Their shared experience at WIU left a lasting impression, and the university continues to hold a special place in their hearts. As strong advocates for giving back to the community, Charles and Angela established the Boe-Dahm Family Scholarship to support students as they pursue higher education.
The Boe-Dahm Family Scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating high school senior who meets the eligibility requirements outlined below and plans to continue their education at an eligible post-secondary institution. This scholarship is intended to recognize students who meet the academic eligibility requirements and demonstrate meaningful involvement in their school and community.
Rika Ream Environmental Scholarship
Applicants must be residents of Spokane County who are accepted or enrolled as a full-time college student to pursue a degree in environmental sciences, environmental studies, ecology, recreational management, or land management. Previous recipients are eligible to re-apply.
Outreach Foundation Helen Bonser Scholarship
This scholarship supports the educational aspirations of individuals from Spokane and Kootenai Counties who identify as LGBTQA+ or Allies, helping them achieve their academic and career goals while fostering a sense of community engagement.
Applicants should demonstrate exceptional character, leadership, and/or LGBTQA+ community involvement. Recipients are eligible to re-apply and compete for the Outreach Foundation Helen Bonser Scholarship after a waiting period of 5 years.
Mondovi Grange/Wilson Farm Scholarship
Applicants must be graduating seniors or graduates of schools in Lincoln County, Washington, or from that part of Spokane County in the Reardan-Edwall School District, or a direct descendant of someone previously employed by Dale D. Wilson, regardless of their current residence location.
Previous recipients are eligible to re-apply.
The Community Foundation of Shelby County
Our Mission
To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.
Our Vision
To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.
Adam E. Huelskamp Scholarship
A college student who resides in school districts in Shelby, Auglaize or Mercer County, Ohio.
Selection based upon:
Demonstrated community and school service, financial need, employment history, and an additional essay of no less than 100 words and no more than 200 words on a designated topic.
Awards
The Community Foundation of Shelby County
Our Mission
To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.
Our Vision
To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.
Dr. Edward and Anne Link Scholarship
Shelby County residents maintaining a college GPA of not less than 3.0 and are pursuing a major in visual arts, performing arts, or creative writing toward a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Art education majors are not eligible. No recipient may be awarded this scholarship more than once.
Selection based upon:
Academic ability, community and school service, and recommendations.
Awards
The Community Foundation of Shelby County
Our Mission
To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.
Our Vision
To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.
Craig Barhorst Memorial Scholarship
Craig Barhorst Memorial Scholarship
Selection based upon (in order of priority):
Financial need, demonstrated community and school service, academic ability, and recommendations.
Awards
Community Foundation of the North State
The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.
We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.
Scholarships
The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.
Top of the State Scholarship Endowment Fund
Two different application opportunities available to 1) college or university bound Shasta & Tehama county high school students who have played golf in high school or junior golf programs and 2) previous award recipients from this fund.
The mission of the Top of the State Board of Directors is to provide educational scholarships for Shasta & Tehama county high school students who have played golf in high school or junior golf programs, and are planning to pursue degrees at two or four year universities and colleges. The Top of the State Scholarship Endowment Fund is made possible primarily from the proceeds of the SJ Denham Scholarship Golf Classic in August of each year.
The Community Foundation of Shelby County
Our Mission
To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.
Our Vision
To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.
Donald E. and M. Jane Kemp Trade School Scholarship
Adults or graduating seniors who reside Shelby County, Ohio or in the School Districts of Shelby County, Ohio, who are enrolling in an accredited adult educational program or trade school or pursuing an Associate’s Degree shall be eligible to apply.
Selection based upon (in order of priority):
Awards
Community Foundation of the North State
The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.
We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.
Scholarships
The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.
Tri Counties Bank Endowed Scholarship Fund
Income-Based and Merit Awards are offered from this scholarship fund to high school seniors living in counties around the State of California.
The Tri Counties Bank Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by the Board of North Valley Bank in memory of Don Carter, who served as President and CEO of North Valley Bancorp and North Valley Bank from 1986 to 1997. The fund provides scholarships to graduating high school seniors throughout California who are pursuing higher education. In 2014, the fund became the Tri Counties Bank Endowed Scholarship Fund with the completed merger between North Valley Bancorp and Tri Counties Bank.
The Tri Counties Bank Income-Based Scholarship
The Tri Counties Bank Income-Based Scholarship program seeks to advance higher education for economically-challenged, community-minded students. Tri Counties Bank competitively awards 60 $1,500 scholarships to graduating high school seniors with significant financial need, attending a trade school, a 4-year college/university, or community college. Awards will be made to high school seniors who demonstrate a keen interest in public service, community engagement, and business entrepreneurship – the three pillars of Tri Counties Bank’s mission to help to uplift people of all races, cultures and ethnicities – especially our economically-disadvantaged youth.
Community Foundation of the North State
The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.
We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.
Scholarships
The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.
Tri Counties Bank Endowed Scholarship Fund
Income-Based and Merit Awards are offered from this scholarship fund to high school seniors living in counties around the State of California.
The Tri Counties Bank Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by the Board of North Valley Bank in memory of Don Carter, who served as President and CEO of North Valley Bancorp and North Valley Bank from 1986 to 1997. The fund provides scholarships to graduating high school seniors throughout California who are pursuing higher education. In 2014, the fund became the Tri Counties Bank Endowed Scholarship Fund with the completed merger between North Valley Bancorp and Tri Counties Bank.
The Tri Counties Bank Merit-Based Scholarship
Tri Counties Bank offers a Merit-Based Scholarship opportunity for graduating higher education-bound high school students who display outstanding achievements in academics, community service, or business entrepreneurship. Tri Counties Bank competitively awards 20 $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors attending a community college, trade school, or a 4-year college/university.
The Community Foundation of Shelby County
Our Mission
To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.
Our Vision
To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.
Catherine Moloney Nursing Scholarship
A Shelby County resident pursuing a Registered Nursing degree.
Selection based upon:
Awards
The Community Foundation of Shelby County
Our Mission
To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.
Our Vision
To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.
Betty Lee Riggs Hughes Nursing Scholarship
A Shelby County resident pursuing a Registered Nursing degree.
Selection based upon (in order of priority):
Awards
Foundation
The Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation was established in 1991 by members of the Bureau County Farm Bureau. The mission of the Farm Bureau Foundation is “To carry out charitable, scientific, literary and educational work that benefits Bureau County farm families and agriculture.”
The Foundation supports agricultural programs aimed at:
Bureau County College Student Agricultural Scholarship
To provide for persons studying agriculture and agriculture-related fields including but not limited to education, vet medicine, and leadership development.
Rotary Club of Portsmouth
For more than a century, the Rotary Club of Portsmouth, NH has improved homes, shelters and parks, fed and provided medical aid to those in need, and funded student education — locally and abroad.
Scholarships
Each year the Rotary Club of Portsmouth seeks scholarship applications from high school seniors scheduled to graduate this spring and will be beginning study at a post-secondary institution (either a 2 or 4 year program) in the fall.
The scholarships are one-time non-recurring awards and are made on a non-discriminatory basis to individuals demonstrating excellence in scholastic, extracurricular, and/or community service activities. A family’s financial need may also be taken into consideration by the reviewing committee. Individuals with special learning circumstances, who have worked to overcome these circumstances, are encouraged to apply for the scholarship.
Once all applications have been received, the Portsmouth Rotary Scholarship Committee will select a pool of finalists to be interviewed individually in April. The scholarships are awarded to the students during a Rotary meeting in May or June.
Methodist Foundation of Mississippi
The Methodist Foundation of Mississippi was founded in 1967 to provide financial resources and expertise to Wesleyan churches and missions. Since then, we have served nearly 1,110 organizations and 3,500 accounts, while growing the collective investment portfolio to $180 million. This benchmark means more than financial success. It opens the door to a level of opportunity and security not usually available to individual churches and charities.
Thanks to this position, the Foundation is able to offer both short and long-term investment products for churches to maximize returns with greater freedom and lower fees (or no fees) than typical banks or investment firms.
Scholarships We Offer
The Foundation seeks to provide Mississippi Methodist/Wesleyan Heritage students a financial boost to further their educational goals. Our scholarship committee awards scholarships from generous donors and endowments. Eligible students must be Mississippi residents, active in a United Methodist/Wesleyan Heritage congregation or Wesley Foundation in Mississippi. Non-seminary graduate & undergraduate students are eligible for up to four(4) scholarship awards.
College Scholarship
To be considered for a scholarship through the Methodist Foundation of Mississippi, applicants must meet at least one of the eligibility criteria listed below and submit all required documentation.
All college applicants must submit a Pastor Certification Form signed by a pastor from one of the eligible churches or ministries listed below.
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 |