Best Higher Education Grants in Illinois

Tara Lynn Clossman Memorial Fund

Established by the Clossman family and many others in memory of Tara Clossman, who passed away suddenly in 2016 at the age of 25, to provide postsecondary scholarships to Akron City School District high school seniors pursuing a career in dance or education.

Amount:

• Varies ($1,000 minimum)

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• No

Richard L. Averitte Memorial Scholarship Fund

Established by the Coming Together Project in memory of Richard L. Averitte, who was a music educator with Akron Public Schools for 31 years before becoming the first executive director of the Coming Together Project. The fund provides scholarships to Akron-area seniors who have participated in a music program.

Amount: Varies

• $500-$1,000

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• No

Morgan Hasbrouck 4-H Scholarship Fund

Established in memory of Morgan Hasbrouck, who was an active member of the Summit Sizzlers 4-H Livestock Club, to provide scholarships for active or former 4-H members.

Amount:

• Varies

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• Must reapply annually by submission of a new application.

Margot Eiseman Scholarship Fund

Established to carry on Margot Eiseman's legacy as an artist and educator by helping young artists pursue their dreams of an education and career in art.

Amount: Varies

• $1,000-$3,000

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• Must reapply annually by submission of a new application.

Medina County Women's Scholarship FundOriginally established by the American Association of University Women of Medina County to award scholarships to nontraditional female students. A nontraditional student is a woman whose undergraduate education has been interrupted or delayed.Amount:

• Varies

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• Must reapply annually by submission of a new application; however, any applicant cannot be selected more than twice for this scholarship.

Medina Sunrise Rotary Fund

Established by Medina Sunrise Rotary Club to provide scholarships for Medina County seniors.

Amount: Varies

• $1,000-$2,000

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• No

Cohen Cares Scholarship

The Cohen Cares Scholarship was created by a family business that believes deeply in the power of community — and in the potential of young people who lead with their hearts. Named to reflect a commitment to caring for others, this award recognizes students who don't just dream of a better world, but actively work to create one.

Whether through volunteering, advocacy, peer support, or quiet acts of service, Cohen Cares recipients are students who have made a meaningful impact on those around them — often while navigating real challenges of their own. This scholarship is MCF's way of saying: your compassion matters, and your future is worth investing in.

What This Scholarship Looks For

• Resilience - Cohen Cares recipients have faced hardship and kept going. This scholarship honors students who have turned personal challenges into fuel for growth and service.
• Compassion - A genuine concern for the well-being of others is at the heart of this award. Recipients are students who show up for their peers, their families, and their community.

• Impact - Cohen Cares students don't just care — they act. This scholarship recognizes those who have taken meaningful steps to make a positive difference, however large or small.

Marshall High School Scholarship

Marshall High School is a cornerstone of the Middletown community — a place where students are challenged to grow, lead, and serve. This scholarship was established to recognize the best of what Marshall students represent: hard work, resilience, and a genuine desire to contribute to something greater than themselves.

Each year, this scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who embodies the spirit of Marshall — a student who has made the most of their time in school, given back to their community, and is ready to carry those values forward into college and beyond.

We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with more than $182,000 committed to students in over 70 new and renewed scholarships awarded each year.

For graduating seniors or current college students.

Mason-Oceana-Manistee Board of Realtors Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Mason-Oceana-Manistee Board of Realtors members, who established the Mason-Oceana-Manistee Board of Realtors Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

The Mason-Oceana-Manistee Board of Realtors created this Scholarship Fund to benefit graduating seniors from any Mason, Oceana, or Manistee County High. This fund supports a student from each county every year.

About

Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.

Community Foundation of Henderson County was incorporated in 1982 by a group of fourteen dedicated and compassionate local leaders with the immediate need to manage two funds - the William C. Armstrong Scholarship Fund and the Charlie Renfrow Scholarship Fund, in addition to providing a permanent vehicle for citizens to give back to their community.

Dan and Amy Pace Scholarship

This scholarship provides financial support to students who are graduates of a public high school in Henderson County and who plan to pursue a certification to teach high school English.

The Friends of Carl Sandburg Donald E. Hubbs Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Henderson County, aims to support Henderson County residents pursuing college degrees in Conservation, Animal Science, or Parks and Recreation. This fund prioritizes students specializing in American Literature but is open to those not necessarily at the top academically or financially. Established in 1982, the foundation has a strong history of facilitating community philanthropy.

About Community Foundation of Henderson County

• Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.
• Vision: Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

About Hans and Margo Nagel Scholarship

This scholarship provides assistance with education expenses for a citizen and resident of Henderson County who graduates from a high school in Henderson County. This scholarship is for someone who is doing things to prevent and break the cycle of desperate need and is to act as an incentive for the recipient to do something, primarily in using education, to pull his or her life together and make a better life for himself or herself and the next generation.

This is a renewable scholarship.

About Community Foundation of Henderson County

• Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.
• Vision: Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

Haddy Harrington Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is to provide financial assistance for students who have demonstrated a passionate desire for advanced education in art or writing. Applicant must be a graduate of a Henderson County high school with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

This is a renewable scholarship.

Sam A. Mills Memorial Scholarship

Applicant must be a graduate of a Henderson County public high school who is pursuing an undergraduate degree in an accredited school on a full-time basis. The applicant must demonstrate financial need and show scholastic achievement and good citizenship.

Amount

• $1000

Rita Ildsgaard Dunk Scholarship (Music/Piano)

Amount

• $8000
• Active
• Renewable

This scholarship is for students graduating from high school or the equivalent who are residents of Henderson County and pursuing a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent from an accredited education institution with a focus in music having preference given to piano. Recipient should be seeking a career in piano performance and a desire to instruct others in piano. 

Robert B. Tonjes Scholarship

Amount

• $1500
• Active
• Renewable

Applicant must be a graduating senior of a Henderson County public high school or the equivalent who is pursuing a four-year degree in nursing or another medical related field. Applicant must demonstrate financial need to attend an institution of higher learning.

William Elliott Frye Memorial Scholarship

Funding Amount:

• $1000
• Active

This scholarship is to assist a student seeking a higher education at an accredited community college or technical school. Students must be a resident of Western North Carolina that include, but not limited to, graduating seniors, current college students, and returning adult education students who are focused on a career and technical education field. Students may be either full-time or seeking a certification to advance their education. Students must demonstrate financial need and meet all requirements of the attending education institution.

The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation. If you are a democracy-loving high school student interested in a $35,000 college scholarship or a patriotic middle school student interested in winning $5,000, these scholarships may be for you.

VFW Youth Scholarships- Voice of Democracy

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy® audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 28,000 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.6 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. 

The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. The complete list of other national scholarships range up to $21,000, with the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) winning a scholarship of at least $1,000.

VFW Department (state) first place winners also receive a trip to participate in Founding Forward’s Spirit of America Youth Leadership experience at Valley Forge which is an inspiring four-day program where students experience mock congressional debates, participate in a free enterprise challenge, visit historical sites and engage in interactive educational activities. This immersive experience allows students to develop their critical thinking and leadership skills while understanding their responsibilities as citizens. The trip, awarded to every VFW Department (state) winner, is made possible through the generous support of Twisted X.

Students interested in participating must submit their audio essay prepared on this year's theme, with a completed entry form to their local participating VFW Post. 

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Individuals, families, organizations and businesses establish funds at the Foundation to carry out their charitable giving now and in the future.

Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.

Our Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.

Scholarships

Community Foundation of Henderson County's Scholarship Program began in 1984. Thanks to the generosity of passionate donors, over 2,000 traditional and non-traditional students have been provided more than $10 million in scholarships to pursue higher education.

Morris Kaplan Kiwanis Scholarship

The recipient shall be a citizen and resident of Henderson County and shall have graduated from a high school in Henderson County. 

The schlarship is renewable.

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Individuals, families, organizations and businesses establish funds at the Foundation to carry out their charitable giving now and in the future.

Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.

Our Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.

Scholarships

Community Foundation of Henderson County's Scholarship Program began in 1984. Thanks to the generosity of passionate donors, over 2,000 traditional and non-traditional students have been provided more than $10 million in scholarships to pursue higher education.

Odell Rouse Memorial Scholarship

Applicant must demonstrate financial need and plan to pursue an education beyond 12th grade by attending an accredited post-secondary institution of higher learning.  

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Individuals, families, organizations and businesses establish funds at the Foundation to carry out their charitable giving now and in the future.

Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.

Our Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.

Scholarships

Community Foundation of Henderson County's Scholarship Program began in 1984. Thanks to the generosity of passionate donors, over 2,000 traditional and non-traditional students have been provided more than $10 million in scholarships to pursue higher education.

Passage to the Future Scholarship

Applicant must have graduated from a Henderson County public or private high school and attained a GPA of at least a "C" or its equivalent. Applicant may be planning to attend a two-year or a four-year institution. 

The schlarship is renewable.

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Individuals, families, organizations and businesses establish funds at the Foundation to carry out their charitable giving now and in the future.

Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.

Our Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.

Scholarships

Community Foundation of Henderson County's Scholarship Program began in 1984. Thanks to the generosity of passionate donors, over 2,000 traditional and non-traditional students have been provided more than $10 million in scholarships to pursue higher education.

Paul and Linda Mulligan Scholarship for Business

This scholarship provides financial support to a graduate or graduating senior of a Henderson County public high school or Venice High School in Sarasota, Florida who is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business at either a public or a private (non-profit) college or university. 

The schlarship is renewable.

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Individuals, families, organizations and businesses establish funds at the Foundation to carry out their charitable giving now and in the future.

Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.

Our Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.

Scholarships

Community Foundation of Henderson County's Scholarship Program began in 1984. Thanks to the generosity of passionate donors, over 2,000 traditional and non-traditional students have been provided more than $10 million in scholarships to pursue higher education.

Ralph A. Milliman Scholarship

The applicant must be a resident of Henderson County, but the student does not have to attend a Henderson County school. Financial aid is a requirement. The scholarship is not based on merit but is based on need.

The schlarship is renewable.

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Individuals, families, organizations and businesses establish funds at the Foundation to carry out their charitable giving now and in the future.

Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.

Our Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.

Scholarships

Community Foundation of Henderson County's Scholarship Program began in 1984. Thanks to the generosity of passionate donors, over 2,000 traditional and non-traditional students have been provided more than $10 million in scholarships to pursue higher education.

Ray V. Dunk Scholarship (Accounting)

This scholarship is for students graduating from high school or the equivalent who are residents of Henderson County and pursuing a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent from an accredited educational institution with a focus on accounting. 

The schlarship is renewable.

Clarinet Scholarship & Education Program

The Clarinet Scholarship & Education Program seeks to honor Renna Clarinet Thornton’s philosophy and enthusiasm for education.

After graduating from Coppin State College with her degree in special education in 1972, Renna started her 40-year teaching journey with Baltimore City Public Schools as a science teacher and special educator.

Through the Clarinet Program, the Claude C. Thornton Foundation offers workforce development training, a $1,000 scholarship to collegiate students, as well as parent coaching 1:1s and workshops.

Mission

The Clarinet Scholarship provides awardees with unrestricted monetary and mentorship support to empower minority students through their academic journey, ultimately promoting exceptional achievement. The Clarinet Scholarship also serves to encourage awardees to continue utilizing inquiry-based strategies to gain the academics and skills needed to be victorious and productive within the community.

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Individuals, families, organizations and businesses establish funds at the Foundation to carry out their charitable giving now and in the future.

Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.

Our Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.

Scholarships

Community Foundation of Henderson County's Scholarship Program began in 1984. Thanks to the generosity of passionate donors, over 2,000 traditional and non-traditional students have been provided more than $10 million in scholarships to pursue higher education.

Rebecca S. Poole Scholarship

This educational scholarship is for a Henderson County student pursuing his or her education beyond high school.

The schlarship is renewable.

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Individuals, families, organizations and businesses establish funds at the Foundation to carry out their charitable giving now and in the future.

Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.

Our Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.

Scholarships

Community Foundation of Henderson County's Scholarship Program began in 1984. Thanks to the generosity of passionate donors, over 2,000 traditional and non-traditional students have been provided more than $10 million in scholarships to pursue higher education.

Robert and Vivian Edwards Scholarship

This scholarship is for a graduate of a Henderson County public, private or parochial high school who plans to enter into the field of veterinary medicine or related studies. This scholarship may be utilized for undergraduate and/or post-graduate studies. The recipient must be a legal resident of the United States.