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Best Higher Education Grants in Illinois

Looking for Higher Education Grants in Illinois? Find the perfect grant for your nonprofit on Instrumentl.

4,000+

Available grants

$1.37B

Total funding

$2K

Median grant

4,000+ grants
$1.37B total
$2K median

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3,878 Results based on applied filters

Robert C. Edwards, Jr. and Sandra Edwards Waggoner Memorial Scholarship

Community Foundation of Henderson County
Private
United States
US $1,250

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 C. Edwards, Jr. and Sandra Edwards Waggoner Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is to provide financial aid to a deserving student who has a desire and commitment to pursue his or her education.

Education - Higher Education

Sigrun M. Mapes Nursing Scholarship

Community Foundation of Henderson County
Private
United States
US $1,250

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.

Sigrun M. Mapes Nursing Scholarship

This scholarship is to provide financial support to a student seeking to attain a degree in the field of Nursing at an accredited institution. Student must be accepted or enrolled into a Nursing program at an accredited community college, meet and maintain the academic standards as set by the educational institution, be a legal resident of Henderson County, and demonstrate financial need.

Education - Higher Education Nursing

Thomas Oliver and Louise Jordan Mulcahy Scholarship

Community Foundation of Henderson County
Private
United States
US $7,500

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.

Thomas Oliver and Louise Jordan Mulcahy Scholarship

This scholarship is for a graduate of a high school in Henderson County and shall be awarded based on academic standing and financial need. The recipient need not be at the top of his or her class academically nor at the bottom of his or her class financially.

The schlarship is renewable.

Education - Higher Education

T. Llyle and Marion S. Keith Scholarship

Community Foundation of Henderson County
Private
United States
US $1,000

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.

T. Llyle and Marion S. Keith Scholarship

The applicant must be a graduating senior or a graduate of a public high school in Henderson County. This scholarship is not based on merit (however, must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 or better), but on financial need. Students must be pursuing their undergraduate education in a two or four year accredited institution.

The schlarship is renewable.

Education - Higher Education

Tracy Grove Community Club Scholarship

Community Foundation of Henderson County
Private
United States
US $1,000

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.

Tracy Grove Community Club Scholarship

Applicant must graduate from a school in Henderson County and must intend to enroll in a degree-granting program in an accredited two- or four-year institute. 

Education - Higher Education

Valley Clinic Scholarship

Community Foundation of Henderson County
Private
United States
US $1,250

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.

Valley Clinic Scholarship

Applicant must be pursuing a degree in the health care field who demonstrates financial need and academic merit. Applicant must be a full-time resident of the Hickory Nut Gorge community.

Education - Higher Education

VFW Hedrick-Rhodes Post 5206 Scholarship

Community Foundation of Henderson County
Private
United States
US $1,500

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.

VFW Hedrick-Rhodes Post 5206 Scholarship

Applicant must be a graduating senior or graduate of a public, parochial, or private school and intend to enroll in a degree-granting program at an accredited school. 

The schlarship is renewable.

Education - Higher Education

William C. Armstrong Scholarship

Community Foundation of Henderson County
Private
United States
US $1,999

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.

William C. Armstrong Scholarship

Applicant must be a citizen and resident of Henderson County and a graduate of a Henderson County high school. Applicant must demonstrate financial need to attend a post-high school institution. 

The schlarship is renewable.

Education - Higher Education Wildlife Management

Winifred M. Wyman Memorial Scholarship

Community Foundation of Henderson County
Private
United States
US $1,500

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.

Winifred M. Wyman Memorial Scholarship

Applicant must be a graduate of a Henderson County public school who wishes to pursue his or her education at an accredited college or university. 

The schlarship is renewable.

Education - Higher Education

Bethany Lutheran Church Scholarship

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

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.

Bethany Lutheran Church Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Bethany Lutheran Church Congregational Council, which established the Bethany Lutheran Church Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

In the 1870s, Danish immigrants to the Ludington area met to pursue a dream to worship God, provide Christian education, and support one another through fellowship. In 1878 they established the Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church, which later became Bethany Lutheran Church. Danish language worship services were held into the 1940s. A mural depicting Bethany's longest-serving pastor, The Reverend John Christensen, can be viewed from the parking lot west of the James Street Plaza. The congregation continued to worship and serve the community from its 1101 South Madison location until 2018 when, due to declining membership and financial support, it sold the church building to the Salvation Army and accepted the invitation of Grace Episcopal Church to share its building. Bethany held worship services there until March of 2019. As a memorial to all those who were a part of Bethany's ministry and in support of young people desiring post-high school education, Bethany's last act of service was establishing an endowed scholarship fund through the Community Foundation for Mason County.

Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education Academic Scholarship Programs +1 more

Adam Murphy Scholarship

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

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.

Adam Murphy Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Memorial Medical Center West Michigan Medical Staff for Tim and Anne Murphy, who created the Adam Murphy Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

Adam was a gifted and talented young man. He had a sharp wit and a sense of humor. Adam was a beloved student at Ludington Area Catholic School, where he attended through the eighth grade, and was a freshman at Ludington High School at the time of his passing. He was a board designer and a member of the Varsity Quiz Bowl Team at Ludington High School. Adam actively participated in Spelling Bees and Math Counts and was a state finalist in the You Be the Chemist competition. Family and Faith were also of the utmost importance in his life.

Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Alberta Muzzin Chamber Alliance of Mason County Scholarship

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

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.

Alberta Muzzin Chamber Alliance of Mason County Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Ludington & Scottville Chamber of Commerce, which established the Alberta Muzzin Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Everett J. Liebetreu Education Scholarship

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

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.

Everett J. Liebetreu Education Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Everett J. Liebetreu, who established the Everett J. Liebetreu Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Catherine Pratt Memorial Scholarship

Mid Shore Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

The Foundation awards scholarships to nontraditional students, students who are not graduating from high school this academic year, who are continuing their education through degree or certificate programs, seminars, workshops, or customized training. The application is open throughout the year, and applications are reviewed and determined on a quarterly basis. 

Catherine Pratt Memorial Scholarship

Awarded current college students, who are enrolled in Nursing.

Education - Higher Education Nursing

Marlin U. Zimmerman Scholarship

Mid Shore Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Mid Shore Community Foundation Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors through a pooled scholarship application - students complete one online application in consideration for all scholarships to which they meet eligibility. All applications are reviewed and considered by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. Marlin U. Zimmerman ScholarshipAwarded to students graduating from Talbot County Public Schools, who are planning to pursue degrees in Education, Business, or History.

Education - Higher Education

Margaret Ferree Memorial Scholarship

Mid Shore Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. There is one scholarship that is available to students in Cecil County. 

Margaret Ferree Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to students graduating from Talbot County Public Schools.

Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

Talbot Democratic Women's Club Scholarship

Mid Shore Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. There is one scholarship that is available to students in Cecil County. 

Talbot Democratic Women's Club Scholarship

Awarded to female minority students, graduating from Talbot County Public Schools.

Education - Higher Education Women & Girl Services Career / College Preparation

Michaela D. Coulbourn Memorial Scholarship

Mid Shore Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Scholarships for High School Seniors

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

Michaela D. Coulbourn Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to students graduating from Caroline County Public Schools, who are planning to pursue degrees in Education.

Education - Higher Education

Talbot Co. Public Schools Career and Technology Scholarship

Mid Shore Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Scholarships for High School Seniors

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

Talbot Co. Public Schools Career and Technology Scholarship

Awarded to students graduating from Talbot County Public Schools, who are planning to attend a vocational, trade, or career school.

Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education

Weygand-Rotary Scholarship

Mid Shore Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Scholarships for High School Seniors

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

Weygand-Rotary Scholarship

Awarded to students graduating from Dorchester County Public High Schools

Education - Higher Education

Madisyn Yiannakis "Let Your Light Shine" Scholarship

Mid Shore Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Mid Shore Community Foundation 

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors through a pooled scholarship application - students complete one online application in consideration for all scholarships to which they meet eligibility. All applications are reviewed and considered by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. Madisyn Yiannakis "Let Your Light Shine" Scholarship

Awarded to students graduating from high schools in Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s Counties, who are planning to attend a vocational, trade, or career school

Education - Higher Education

Woicke Family Scholarship

Mid Shore Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Scholarships for High School Seniors

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

Woicke Family Scholarship

Awarded to Mid-Shore students, who are of Hispanic/Latino descent, who speak English as a second language AND/OR are first-generation college students.

Education - Higher Education

David Foster Memorial Scholarship

Bold Foundation Inc.
Private
United States
US $2,500

Our Mission

Fighting Student Debt

The average student today will graduate more than $30,000 in debt and is far less likely to start small businesses, seek the highest impact careers, buy homes, or start families. At Bold.org®, we believe that’s a problem worth solving.

David Foster Memorial Scholarship

David Foster was a teacher who changed the lives of thousands of students.

David not only created a vibrant classroom environment, but made an impact on his students that often lasted for decades. This was the result of his willingness to go above and beyond, engaging students’ curiosity, opening their minds to new ideas, and challenging the status quo.

This scholarship aims to honor the legacy of David Foster by supporting students who have adopted new ways of thinking through a high school teacher’s boldness to transcend the standard curriculum, reframe stale ideas, apply radical teaching techniques, or motivate students in unique ways.

To apply, tell us about a teacher who significantly influenced you and how that influence shaped your approach to life.

Education - Higher Education

Sarah H. Willis Scholarship

Mid Shore Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. There is one scholarship that is available to students in Cecil County. 

Sarah H. Willis Scholarship

Awarded to students graduating from high schools in Talbot County.

Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

Harwood Foundation Scholarship

Mid Shore Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Mid Shore Community Foundation Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors through a pooled scholarship application - students complete one online application in consideration for all scholarships to which they meet eligibility. All applications are reviewed and considered by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. Harwood Foundation ScholarshipAwarded to students graduating from Dorchester County Public Schools. 

Education - Higher Education

Frederick Douglass Scholarship (2026-07-27)

Mid Shore Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Mid Shore Community FoundationMid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors through a pooled scholarship application - students complete one online application in consideration for all scholarships to which they meet eligibility. All applications are reviewed and considered by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. Frederick Douglass Scholarship (2026-07-27)Awarded to students graduating from high schools in Talbot County. 

Education - Higher Education

Elizabeth Schalk Memorial Scholarship

Bold Foundation Inc.
Private
United States
US $2,000

Our Mission

Fighting Student Debt

The average student today will graduate more than $30,000 in debt and is far less likely to start small businesses, seek the highest impact careers, buy homes, or start families. At Bold.org®, we believe that’s a problem worth solving.

Elizabeth Schalk Memorial Scholarship

Mental health issues are among the most common health issues affecting individuals and families today. 

Mental illness can make it a challenge for families by not only affecting those who suffer directly but also those suffering indirectly. The Elizabeth Schalk Memorial Scholarship will not only help fund a student's education, but will also memorialize Elizabeth Schalk, who suffered from mental illness throughout her life.

To apply, write about how mental illness has had an effect on you and/or the people you are close to.

Education - Higher Education

Higher Education Grants in Illinois Highlights

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.

Grant Insights : Grant Funding Trends in Illinois

Average Grant Size

What's the typical amount funded for Illinois?

Grants are most commonly $104,222.

$104,222

Total Number of Grants

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.

2022 97,582

2023 97,805

2024 104,158

Top Grant Focus Areas

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

Funding Over Time

How is funding for Higher Education Grants in Illinois changing over time?

Funding has increased by 16.08%.

2022 $8,503,243,276

2023 $9,316,300,812
9.56%

2024 $10,813,952,832
16.08%

Illinois Counties That Receive the Most Funding

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