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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.
Myron L. & Frances B. Wormley Scholarship Endowment Fund
This fund provides scholarships to students who have been active participants in the Kendall County 4-H Program.
Myron Wormley (1914-2006) was a graduate of East Aurora High School and the University of Illinois.
He farmed on the Wormley Farm near Oswego until 1959. He then began a career in real estate, retiring in the mid 1980’s.
Mr. Wormley also was the Oswego Township Supervisor for twenty-five years.
Frances Wormley (1918-2010) grew up on a farm in Millbrook.
She was a graduate of Yorkville High School and attended the University of Illinois.
Mrs. Wormley was an elder at the Oswego Presbyterian Church, where she also was the organist for many years.
She served on the board of directors of the YWCA Aurora and on the organizing board of what became Waubonsee Community College.
She also was a member of PEO, Republican Women, Eastern Star and the Grove Road Farmers Club.
Our Mission
The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.
Scholarships
We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.
Kansas Association of Independent Crop Consultants Scholarship Fund
The Kansas Association of Independent Crop Consultants created this scholarship fund to award to a qualified individual majoring in an agricultural field.
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.
Zonta Club of Aurora Scholarship Endowment Fund
The Zonta Club of Aurora Scholarship Endowment Fund was established to recognize academically talented female students graduating from a high school located in the City of Aurora.
Eligible students must have earned an overall grade point average of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale and also must be able to demonstrative positive values in the areas of character and leadership.
Zonta is an international professional business woman’s organization promoting improvement in the status and education of women through community service, study and action. The Aurora Club was established in 1959.
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.
Homer FFA Alumni Scholarship Fund
Established in 1983 the Homer FFA Alumni is a support group for the Homer FFA chapter. The Homer FFA chapter was established in 1948. The Homer FFA Alumni Chapter focuses on premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Homer FFA Alumnus have received national recognition as an Outstanding Alumni Affiliate. The Homer FFA Alumni Scholarship was established in 2002. The Homer FFA Alumni highly encourage current FFA members to reach their fullest potential through furthering their education, beyond high school.
Samardzija-Gutesha Family Fund
The Field of Interest Fund reflects the Samardzija-Gutesha family’s values and commitment to giving back. It supports education and hands-on learning in farming, soil health, and water conservation, with a focus on FFA members and associate-level college students.
Scholarships benefit graduating seniors and second-year post-high school students who are originally from DeKalb County high schools with FFA programs.
The Samardzija-Gutesha Family Fund provides scholarships for post-high school students pursuing education in agriculture or conservation, as well as paid internships with local farmers, and conservation professionals. It also supports educational seminars on topics such as sustainable farming and agricultural business, and provides grants to local organizations that align with the donor’s values.
In its first year, the Fund awarded $65,000 in scholarships to eight graduating seniors from DeKalb, Genoa-Kingston, Indian Creek, Somonauk, and Sycamore high schools (pictured above). Each student attending a two-year college received a $5,000 scholarship, while students planning to attend a four-year university received $10,000.
Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.
Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.
If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.
Renaissance Education Scholarship Fund
This Fund was created in 2007 by retired Sycamore teacher Yvonne Johnson and provides scholarship support to an individual who has been in the work force and desires to return to the academic world in pursuit of a college degree. The award is renewable up to three consecutive years following the initial award and can be used for tuition at any accredited university or community college for expenses associated with undergraduate study. The recipient can seek a degree in any field of study, but must demonstrate evidence of interest in the chosen field. This scholarship is administered by the Community Foundation.
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.
Homer Alumni Association Scholarship Fund
The Homer Alumni Association Scholarship Fund was established in 2020 to support Homer Community Schools graduates in their pursuit of post-secondary educational attainment. Annually, scholarships are awarded from the fund in honor of DeWayne Ballentine and the Homer High School Class of 1959. Dewayne Ballentine was a Homer graduate and founding father of the Homer Alumni Association. He served as a board member and started the annual banquet. This scholarship was set up in his memory in 1985. The Class of 1959 Scholarship began in 2019 by class members and friends, in honor of their 60th anniversary to recognize Homer Community Schools for providing them a quality education.
Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.
Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.
If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.
Palmer Family Music Education Scholarship Fund
Dee Palmer, his brother, parents, and grandparents have contributed to the musical pleasure of thousands of people in DeKalb County for over 160 years. The establishment of the Palmer Family Music Education Scholarship Fund is in their honor and provides an award for a high school senior who resides in DeKalb County and is pursuing a career in music. This scholarship is administered by the Community Foundation.
Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.
Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.
If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.
DeKalb County Dental Society Fund
This Fund provides scholarship support for high school seniors from a DeKalb County high school determined by DeKalb County Dental Society.
Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.
Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.
If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.
Oneita J. Waltenberger Scholarship Fund
Established in 2015, this scholarship provides support to current or former residents of DeKalb County, IL, who are pursuing undergraduate or post-graduate education in the healthcare field. Current high school students, including high school seniors, do not qualify.
Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.
Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.
If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.
Michael Embrey Band Scholarship Fund
The purpose of the Fund is to contribute to the educational expenses of students at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL. Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, be from a small town, demonstrate financial need, and participate in the NIU Marching Band program, which includes band, Color Guard, Silverettes, and/or Auxiliary.
Developing Deuel County
Deuel County has faced the challenges of continued development, sustained job growth, population growth and quality housing for quite some time. These challenges seem to be inherent in the rural areas of our country and demand continued attention if the communities are to hold their own in today’s economy.
To that end, there have been a number of development organizations through the years that have done their best to promote growth. Some have been based at the city level and some at the county level. Without giving a history lesson listing all the development organizations of the past, it should be sufficient to note that Deuel Area Development, Inc. (DADI) is the current group working to develop business and housing in Deuel County.
You have probably also heard of the Deuel County Community Foundation (DCCF). The foundation is another ‘development’ organization but it works not with business and housing, but rather with others in Deuel County to offer quality-of-life enhancements to the area.
Deuel County Community Foundation Scholarship
Who We Are
The GHACF is a team of dedicated individuals passionate about improving the lives of everyone in our community – connecting people, resources and solutions that create a lasting impact.
The GHACF is your partner. We can’t succeed alone – our work is possible only through the combined efforts of our nonprofit partners, community members, and passionate individuals. We are a bridge to help you make things happen and impact our community, together. We will walk alongside you to support and assist you in your philanthropic goals, now and forever.
Floto-Peel Family Fund
Medicine.
Checks are made payable to and mailed directly to the college after you have returned the required scholarship acceptance paperwork, thank you note, and photo. This is usually by early August.
Deb & John Quirk Memorial Scholarship
The Hastings Community Foundation is excited to announce the creation of the Deb and John Quirk Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship will provide a $10,000 annual scholarship and is renewable for a total award of up to $40,000. One scholarship will be awarded each year. This scholarship is only available to graduating seniors from Hastings High, Adams Central, or Hastings Catholic Schools. Applicants must be focused on impacting social justice through their education and future employment, as illustrated through an essay submitted to the scholarship committee.
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.
Darrell H. and Rosaline M. Smith Scholarship
This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Rosaline M. Smith, who established the Darrell H. and Rosaline M. Smith Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Rosaline a former Treasurer for the City of Muskegon, and Darrell Smith, a longtime employee of the Muskegon Post Office, who cared deeply for each other and shared more than 50 years of marriage. Music was something they loved and had very much in common. The Darrell H. and Rosaline M. Smith scholarship was created to honor Darrell, who is no longer with us, and to provide a helping hand to graduating seniors of any Muskegon County high school who have demonstrated academic achievement and will pursue a music degree.
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.
Dorothy Creason Tyler English Scholarship
This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Tyler Family, who established the Dorothy Creason-Tyler English Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. This scholarship is intended for graduating seniors from North Muskegon High School, who have an aptitude and passion for English. The scholarship will be awarded to a student who has demonstrated overall academic achievement with a special interest in and passion for reading, writing and discussing the ideas generated from great literature.
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.
Dr. Philip H. and Esther J. Frandsen Scholarship
This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Esther Frandsen, who established the Dr. Philip H. and Esther J. Frandsen Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Esther Frandsen created the Dr. Philip H. and Esther J. Frandsen Scholarship Fund to provide scholarships for students from the Muskegon area who wish to train for careers in medicine or a medical related field. Mrs. Frandsen established the fund to honor the memory of her husband, Philip, who contributed so much to this community as a surgeon, and who worked tirelessly to improve the health of his patients through his surgical skills.
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.
Eleanor Polley Women's Golf Scholarship
This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Dennis Sruba and Joanne Polley, who established the Eleanor Polley Women's Golf Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County in memory of Eleanor Polley. Eleanor Polley was Executive Director of the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce when she died suddenly in 1995 at the age of 49. She was an untiring booster of the White Lake area and Muskegon County as a whole. She was also an avid promoter of women's golf. The Eleanor Polley Women's Golf Scholarship Fund was established in Eleanor's memory as part of the White Lake Community Fund by her family, her many friends, and the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. It will provide scholarships to women college students who are also avid golfers.
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.
Foundation for MCC - Edward H. & Wilma Kyvig Scholarship
This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Kyvig family, who established the Edward H. & Wilma Kyvig Scholarship of the Foundation for Muskegon Community College. The Kyvig family established this scholarship to honor their parents, Edward and Wilma who both were instructors at Muskegon Community College. Edward and Wilma were very passionate about education and the importance of students obtaining a college degree. This scholarship was established to assist a student of good academic standing who shows potential and who is deserving of financial assistance.
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.
Foundation for MCC - Richard Kraft/Suzanne Kraft Mateer Scholarship
This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Richard H. Kraft, who established the Richard Kraft/Suzanne Kraft Mateer Scholarship of the Foundation for Muskegon Community College. Richard graduated from Muskegon Community College in 1949 and then continued his education at Michigan State University obtaining an engineering degree. He started and operated a successful consulting and engineering firm in Flint. He believes that starting at Muskegon Community College was the best thing he ever did before continuing his education. This scholarship is presented to graduating seniors of Muskegon, Ottawa, Oceana and Newaygo County high schools who will be attending Muskegon Community College, then pursuing a degree at any accredited 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 |