Why Instrumentl
Full Cycle Grant Platform
By Customer
Featured
$1.1m More Per Year
The Instrumentl Impact Report
Explore
Learn
Connect
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.
Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania Scholarship
The mission of Kids’ Chance of Pennsylvania, Inc. (Kids’ Chance of PA) is to provide scholarship grants for college and vocational education to children of Pennsylvania workers who have been killed or seriously injured in a work-related accident resulting in financial need.
The hardships created by the death or serious disability of a parent often include financial ones, making it difficult for deserving young people to pursue their educational dreams. That's where we come in - helping those dreams become a reality!
We are dedicated to supporting the higher education of the children of seriously injured or killed Pennsylvania workers. Since our inception in 1997, we have provided over 1,150 scholarships totaling more than $3.2 million to deserving students! If you are one of these children, we encourage you to take the time to fill out this application. Additionally, if you receive a KCPA scholarship, you may be eligible to receive supplemental grant money through an agreement with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency/Pathways to Higher Education (PHEAA/PATH) Program
Scholarships are awarded on an annual basis and must be reapplied for each year.
About
Mission, Vision & Values
To enhance our community through philanthropy.
We aspire to co-create diverse, meaningful and innovative charitable giving that yields an exponential positive impact within local communities and beyond.
Masonic Lodge Scholarship
About the fund
These funds are focused on providing scholarships to students and historically underserved youth in Benton County, thereby encouraging them to complete their education at a public institution.
About
Mission, Vision & Values
To enhance our community through philanthropy.
We aspire to co-create diverse, meaningful and innovative charitable giving that yields an exponential positive impact within local communities and beyond.
Dale & Thomasina Trout Memorial Fund
About the fund
The Trout Scholarship is awarded to Benton County high school graduates who have excelled in academics and school activities or athletics.
About
Mission, Vision & Values
To enhance our community through philanthropy.
We aspire to co-create diverse, meaningful and innovative charitable giving that yields an exponential positive impact within local communities and beyond.
David Bruce Belcher Fund
About the fund
The David Bruce Belcher Scholarship Fund was established for the training of professionals in nursing, special education, and therapy (physical, speech and occupational) as a legacy of David Bruce Belcher and the caregivers who comforted him. This fund reflects David’s rare spirit and bright love in its support of those who seek to advance their nurturing skills in nursing, therapy, and special education.
In 2020, GradGuard founded College Life Protected, LLC as a social purpose entity that supports programs, research, professional development, and best practices in higher education that promote greater confidence in the value of higher education as a public good.
College Life Protected invites the higher education community to apply for grants that are consistent with our mission.
Promoting Financial Literacy
College Life Protected recognizes that that financial literacy is a critical skill for student success, impacting everything from academic persistence to long-term financial well-being. That’s why we are committed to funding programs and initiatives that equip students with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed financial decisions.
By supporting programs that enhance financial education, we aim to empower students to navigate college costs, manage personal finances, and build a strong financial future.
Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.
Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.
Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.
Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.
Louis E. Maddalena Battle Creek Area Scholarship
The Louis E. Maddalena Battle Creek Area Scholarship Fund has been established for the purpose of providing scholarships to greater Battle Creek area public and private high school graduating seniors and graduates, pursuing post-secondary educational opportunities, who have accepted to or are enrolled at a 2-year or 4-year college or university, technical or trade school. Preference will be given to graduating seniors.
Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.
Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.
Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.
Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.
Lionel and Muzzie Wood Family Scholarship Fund
The Muzzie Wood Scholarship was established in loving memory of Muzzie by her family after she passed away on March 16, 2001. In 2010, the name of the fund changed to the Lionel and Muzzie Wood Family Scholarship Fund and its support of Battle Creek area students expanded. Muzzie enjoyed spending time with her husband, Woody, their three daughters, stepson, and eight grandchildren. She loved the outdoors, flower and vegetable gardening, sewing, remodeling, fishing, and turkey and duck hunting. Her husband laughingly recalls a time she wore her sneakers in the river, knee-deep, and caught a salmon bare handed! Muzzie always had a smile on her face and gave more than she received. Woody, enjoys an active and blessed life rarely missing an opportunity for fun and fellowship at the Y Center of Battle Creek and spending time with family and friends, This scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors within Calhoun County who are members of a Missouri Synod Lutheran Church. If there are no eligible members, members of a Christian-based church may also be considered.
Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.
Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.
Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.
Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.
Leroy McKinney Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund
This scholarship was created in memory of Leroy McKinney Jr., who was a graduate of Battle Creek Central High School, Class of 1988. Upon graduation, he studied Pre-Engineering in college. He also had an entrepreneurial spirit. Though he struggled with mental illness, one of his proudest accomplishments in life, was returning to college as an adult and completing his Bachelor's degree in Business Management. He would be honored to know this scholarship was created in his legacy to support other African American men to pursue their education in these fields.
Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.
Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.
Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.
Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.
John "Jack" and Jo Schils Scholarship Fund
The John "Jack" and Jo Schils Scholarship Fund was established by the Schils family in 2020 as a memorial tribute to John "Jack" Schils, a multi-sports coach, athletic director, teacher, principal, father, grandfather, husband and friend to many. This fund supports students from the Battle Creek Public Schools District where Jack was employed from 1958 until his retirement in 1986.
Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.
Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.
Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.
Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.
Larry Inman Skilled Trades Scholarship Fund
The Larry Inman Skilled Trades Scholarship Fund has been established to provide scholarships to Harper Creek Community Schools graduating seniors pursing degrees and future employment in the skilled trades. Larry Inman was a Harper Creek High School, class of 1967 graduate. He excelled in many sports, but was an exceptional baseball player. After high school Larry attended Kellogg Community College pursuing a career in Graphic Arts before serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict. Larry fought for his country and was awarded many medals including the Bronze Star. He returned to Battle Creek and retired from the Kellogg Company after 35 years of dedicated employment. Larry was a very kind and generous person who cared about the education of local youth.
Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.
Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.
Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.
Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.
George Byelich Student Athletic Scholarship Fund
Participation in and enjoyment of sports and athletics were a big part of George's life. Growing up in Lansing, Michigan as the fifth child in a family of eight of immigrant parents, George somehow managed to learn how to play golf at an early age. Golf and the friendships he made in the sport were a very important and enjoyable part of his life. George also ran on the Track and Cross country teams at Lansing Eastern High School and ran Cross Country at Michigan State University. The Lakeview School District, its students and staff were also a very important part of George's life. By living across the street from Lakeview High School, having two sons graduate from there and by participating in many school-related activities over the course of thirty years, George made many cherished friends and acquaintances with the students, staff and coaches. Through his efforts over twenty years as a volunteer timer and referee for LHS, Kellogg Community College and Battle Creek Swim Club swim meets, George got to know several generations of swimmers and their families. George also volunteered as a timer for Cross Country meets, and for a number of years was a volunteer assistant tot he Boys' and Girls' Golf Teams. In these and other sports, George especially enjoyed seeing the development and progression of the athletes, both in sports and as individuals. As sports and athletics were so important to his development and enjoyment, George was always glad to see a child's interest in any type of sport of physical activity and did his best to encourage it. Accordingly, his family is very appreciative and proud that this Fund has been established in recognition of George, and may in some way assist in the growth and development of students through their participation in sports or athletics.
Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.
Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.
Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.
Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.
Kristin & Michael Bauman Scholarship Fund
Kristin Bauman, as a teacher and consultant, taught hearing impaired students in Pennsylvania and Calhoun County, Michigan for over 30 years. She had lost the majority of her own hearing in her youth which served to motivate her to help others with this disability. After retiring, she was approached by a former hearing impaired student who as an adult, wished to return to college. Kristin was reminded of how difficult it was to find the financial resources to go to college. In researching the scholarships available to students with disabilities, she found there were few scholarships offered for students with disabilities especially within the Calhoun County, Michigan area. Students with hearing impairments have to work harder than most to not only obtain but succeed in higher education. Kristin and her family would like to help hearing impaired students, as well as their future teachers, make higher education a reality through this scholarship.
Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.
Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.
Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.
Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.
Knowles Future Teacher Scholarship Fund
The Knowles family has a history of being in the education field, and greatly values the teaching profession. The Knowles Future teacher Scholarship was established by the Knowles family and friends to encourage the next generation of teachers to continue their education past high school. Selection is based on acceptance to a college or university with a major in Education and a 3.0 GPA minimum. Evidence of good character, volunteer service, and demonstrated commitment to youth in a school setting area also selection considerations.
Community Foundation for Muskegon County
At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.
The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.
Scholarships
Our scholarship funds seek to empower and encourage Muskegon County residents to pursue their dreams, hone in their gifts, and give back to our community.
If you’re a high school or homeschooled senior, current college student, early college senior, or adult learner, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County may have a scholarship for you. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with over $1 million committed to students in over 500 new and renewed scholarships awarded each year.
West Shore Cardiology Consultants, P.C. Scholarship
This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of West Shore Cardiology Consultants, P.C., who established the West Shore Cardiology Consultants, P. C. Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. The five partners, Dr. Carl Gebuhr, Dr. Ralph Ryan, Dr. Mark Meengs, Dr. John Skallerup, and Dr. Gregory Bernath, felt they "...wanted to give something back to the community," and therefore chose a scholarship fund because of a strong commitment to education and its impact on an individual's success. Awards are for Muskegon County students with merit and financial need.
Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.
Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.
Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.
Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.
Kellogg Company-Tony McGee Scholarship Fund
The Kellogg Company - Tony McGee Scholarship was specifically established for the purpose of providing scholarships to minority graduates/graduating seniors from the greater Battle Creek area seeking educational opportunities beyond high school. Scholarship awards will support associate and bachelor’s degree programs, as well as certificate and apprenticeship programs.
Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.
Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.
Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.
Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.
George V. Dodd scholarship Fund
George Dodd enjoyed life and his family. He was active in their lives. He displayed patience, persistence, professionalism, fairness, kindness, and collaboration at home and work. George served in the Navy during World War II as a radar instructor. After the war, he graduated from the School of Mechanical Engineering at Northwestern University. He worked 37 years at Kellogg's as a Project Engineer. He traveled to Kellogg plants in multiple continents. He participated in local and national engineering clubs and found the energy to lead groups ranging from the Boy Scouts to the PTA. His children attended Battle Creek Public Schools, received an excellent education, and participated in extracurricular activities, sports, and Clear Lake Camp activities. They graduated college and received advanced degrees. The Dodd family would like to honor George's memory by helping Battle Creek Public School graduates achieve their career goals.
Battle Creek Community Foundation
Our Mission: The Battle Creek Community Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to expand opportunity and create lasting community benefit for today and tomorrow.
Scholarships
Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.
Aaron W. Howard Scholarship Fund
The Aaron W. Howard Scholarship Fund was established by the parents, family and friends of Aaron Howard. Pfc. Howard died in February 1991 while serving in the U.S. Army in the Persian Gulf War. He was a 1989 Lakeview High School graduate. There are no restrictions as to college to be attended or curriculum to be followed. To qualify, an applicant must be in need of financial assistance and must have demonstrated potential to succeed in the college curriculum to be pursued. Factors considered, in addition to financial need are character and citizenship, industry and effort and ability as indicated by test data and grades received to date in high school.
Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.
Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.
Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.
Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.
Kay Earline Vanderford Nursing Scholarship Fund
The Kay Earline Vanderford Nursing Scholarship Fund was established in 2011 in loving memory of Kay Earline Vanderford by her son Douglas Vanderford. A graduate of Kellogg Community College's nursing program, Kay Earline Vanderford worked as a LPN for several years at area nursing homes. She served the Homer and Litchfield communities most of her life and was very compassionate toward her patients. This scholarship assists those who are called to enter the field of nursing.
Battle Creek Community Foundation
Our Mission: The Battle Creek Community Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to expand opportunity and create lasting community benefit for today and tomorrow.
Scholarships
Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.
Always A Bearcat Scholarship Fund
The Battle Creek Public Schools Education Foundation board has established the Always A Bearcat Scholarship Fund to fill a need for scholarship support beyond the first year of college. Despite the advantages of a recurring scholarship, the majority of scholarships are, in fact, one-time awards. This leaves sophomores, juniors, and seniors - not to mention graduate students - in search of critical funding to complete their degrees. The Always A Bearcat Scholarship Fund supports upperclassmen, graduate students, and/or adults seeking skilled trades certificates and degrees, helping these students cross the finish line and get into their careers.
Battle Creek Community Foundation
Our Mission: The Battle Creek Community Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to expand opportunity and create lasting community benefit for today and tomorrow.
Scholarships
Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.
American Business Women's Association Unity Chapter Education Fund
The American Business Women's Association Unity Chapter Education Scholarship is for high school graduates or non-traditional students residing in Calhoun County and who will be attending a community college, university or technical school. Students enrolling in their second year at that community college or sophomore, junior or senior year at a university and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher are eligible. Nontraditional or returning students must have one semester of an established GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Battle Creek Community Foundation
Our Mission: The Battle Creek Community Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to expand opportunity and create lasting community benefit for today and tomorrow.
Scholarships
Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.
ASMO Manufacturing, Inc. Scholarship Fund
The ASMO Manufacturing, Inc. Scholarship was established to provide scholarships to graduates or graduating seniors from the Battle Creek area seeking educational opportunities beyond high school. The eligible recipients are dependent children or regular employees of ASMO Manufacturing, Inc. "Employees" may be the parent, legal guardian, stepmother, or stepfather of the dependent child. Retirees and former spouses are excluded from these criteria. The recipient must be a high school graduate or a G.E.D. recipient who has been accepted to a college or university in the fall, or students who are already pursuing a full-time course of study at an accredited two (2) or four (4) year college, university, or vocational-technical school. There is a minimum GPA of 2.5. Selection criteria will be based on academic achievement, career plans, and involvement in school and community activities.
Battle Creek Community Foundation
Our Mission: The Battle Creek Community Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to expand opportunity and create lasting community benefit for today and tomorrow.
Scholarships
Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.
Athens Area Community Foundation Scholarship Fund
The Athens Area Community Foundation (AACF) was created by and for the residents of the community and, therefore, belongs to everyone in this community! Athens Area Community Foundation responds to our changing needs, including developing postsecondary education scholarships. The AACF Scholarship is for graduating seniors and graduates of Athens High School, or current Athens area residents, who wish to seek postsecondary education and have a grade point average of 2.5 or above.
Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.
Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.
Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.
Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.
Frayssignes-Randall Scholarship Fund
The Frayssignes-Randall Scholarship Fund was established by Phillip Pierre Antoine Randall for the purpose of providing scholarships to graduating seniors and adult graduates of Calhoun County high schools. The Scholarship will remember two families who lived and worked in the Battle Creek area from 1900 to the present. Pierre Frayssignes and his wife, Sidonie immigrated from a small village in southern France prior to WW1. Pierre worked initially in Pennsylvania coal mines and ended up in the Battle Creek area. He knew both C W Post and W K Kellogg personally, working for both at different times. At one time he was the oldest and longest-serving Kellogg factory employee. His youngest daughter was Dr. Randall’s mother, Blanche Sidonie Frayssignes. The Randall family were prairie farmers from English/Irish stock who settled in the Climax area in the late 1800s. Floyd and Kitty Randall lost their first farm to the WW2 expansion of Fort Custer and the Battle Creek airfield, moving north to the Assyria area. Their oldest son was Dr. Randall’s father Charles DuWayne Randall. These names and those of their offspring will be found scattered throughout the historical records of Calhoun County and later, throughout the world. These families placed great value on education, hard work and personal responsibility as a means to self-sufficiency. Scholarship assistance to further individual development is consistent with these values.
Battle Creek Community Foundation
Our Mission: The Battle Creek Community Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to expand opportunity and create lasting community benefit for today and tomorrow.
Scholarships
Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.
Barton Farm Co. Scholarship Fund
The Barton Farm Company Scholarship was established in 2007 by the Barton family. This scholarship was established in appreciation for the support of the Homer community. The Barton family feels very fortunate that they have been able to employ talented students from the Homer area. The Barton's believe strongly in the importance of education and the continued excellence of our local schools.
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 |