Best Higher Education Grants in Illinois

The Quinn Alec Hoover Legacy Scouting America Scholarship Fund supports graduating seniors from Scouting America in the Mason Dixon District, encompassing Washington County, MD, and parts of Pennsylvania. Established by the Community Foundation of Washington County, this scholarship honors the legacy of Quinn Alec Hoover, aiming to recognize and assist students who embody the values of scouting. Applications open annually in January, closing by April 1st, promoting community engagement and educational advancement.

The Paul Lawson Memorial Aviation Scholarship is dedicated to supporting deserving students aged 15-25 from Maryland and West Virginia who are pursuing aviation lessons. Established in memory of Paul Lawson, this scholarship aims to empower young individuals to achieve their dreams in aviation. Offered by the Community Foundation of Washington County MD, it reflects the commitment of local families and organizations to enhance educational opportunities in the community.

The Jon Christopher Gauss, Jr. Wrestling Scholarship Fund, established by his parents, supports high school wrestlers pursuing post-secondary education at accredited institutions. This initiative, part of the Community Foundation of Washington County MD, aims to honor Jon's legacy while empowering students to achieve their educational goals. The scholarship enhances community engagement and provides vital financial assistance to promising athletes, ensuring that their dedication to wrestling translates into academic success.

Welcome to the Greater Houston Community Foundation Scholarship Application Site!   

The Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF) administers a variety of unique scholarship funds that grant over $5.7 million annually to college students. The scholarship funds have been established by thoughtful and generous donors and each has a unique set of eligibility criteria and award structure.

Scholarship Application Info:  

Greater Houston Community Foundation administers over 60 different scholarship programs, each with differing eligibility requirements. Eligibility for some scholarships may be dependent on employment, course of study, high school, or college. 

William A. Brookshire Foundation Scholarship

The William A. Brookshire Foundation Scholarship benefits dependents of S&B Engineers and Constructors employees.

About the Scholarship Award:

Multiple scholarships awarded for the 2026-27 academic year. Award amount varies by college/degree type:

• Bachelor's or Graduate Degree: Up to $15,000
• Associate's Degree: $5,500
• Students may reapply as long as they meet eligibility requirements

What can this scholarship be used for?

The scholarship will be mailed directly to the student's college to be used towards tuition, required academic fees, and/or book expenses.

Are there any requirements I must meet if I am selected as a scholarship recipient?

• Recipients must attend an accredited university, community college, or trade school in the United States.
• Recipients must enroll in the following hours for both the fall and spring semesters (or be enrolled full-time according to your school if it is on a different system) unless in the last semester prior to graduation
  • Minimum of 12 hours per semester for undergraduate students
  • Minimum of 9 hours per semester for graduate students
• Recipients must submit college enrollment information online through GHCF Scholar the summer before the academic year begins. This information is required in order for the scholarship check to be mailed to the student's college. Instructions will be included in the student's award letter.

The Southwest Airlines® Founders Scholarship, administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation, offers financial support to dependents of Southwest Airlines employees pursuing their first post-secondary degree. Established in 1981, this renewable scholarship awards up to $20,000 over four years, contingent on meeting GPA and enrollment criteria. Eligible applicants must demonstrate community service and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5. This scholarship underscores the commitment to empowering educated communities.

The Southwest Airlines® Community Scholarship, administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation, offers ten annual scholarships of up to $20,000 for students pursuing higher education in the airline industry. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a career interest in this field, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5, and be 24 or younger. This renewable scholarship supports students attending accredited institutions and is specifically for those seeking their first post-secondary degree. Dependents of Southwest Airlines employees are not eligible.

The Sam J. Lucas Jr. Scholarship, administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation, offers multiple awards of $5,000 for employees and dependents of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. This one-time award is intended for students pursuing higher education in accredited institutions and requires a minimum GPA of 2.5. Recipients must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours and submit enrollment information to facilitate the scholarship's direct payment to their college.

Community College Grant for Development and Creation of an MTA

A. Program Description

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the "Department" or "DCEO") is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity ("NOFO") to support the design and construction of a 22,225 square foot facility, within the campus existing footprint, for the creation of a Manufacturing Training Academy (MTA) to provide workforce training programs.

The goal of this program is to support the design and construction of a 22,225 square foot, higher education facility for the creation of a Manufacturing Training Academy, within the campus' existing footprint. This grant will support a community college, located in Will County, Illinois, using capital funds to design and construct an MTA. The MTA will provide a flexible, district-wide training hub to support multiple employers, significantly expanding capacity in high-demand fields, including advanced manufacturing, welding, HVAC, electrical systems, and industrial maintenance, areas where employer demand continues to outpace available talent.

This Manufacturing Training Academy will represent a transformational investment in workforce development, economic growth, and educational access for Will County and the State of Illinois. Through community partnership, the MTA will deliver scalable, industry-driven training that meets immediate employer needs while building long-term career pathways for students.

In addition to grant funds, the awarded grantee must commit to project investment to ensure programmatic quality and long-term sustainability. The awarded grantee will be required to commit to hiring full-time faculty members to support increased enrollment and expand program offerings, curriculum development and implementation based on the needs associated with regional workforce institutions, and investing in the necessary specialized equipment for the MTA to be successful. Examples of the specialized equipment may include welding booths, CNC machining, robotics, and automation.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Washington County Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Scholarship

Founded by alumni of Washington County Hospital’s School of Nursing, this fund serves to provide scholarships to deserving students who are continuing their education in Nursing.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Washington County Arts Council, Inc. Foundation Scholarship Fund

The Washington County Arts Council, Inc. welcomes all applicants interested in pursuing a 2- or 4-year degree, or a certificate program, from an accredited educational institution with an emphasis on the arts. All students, including those individuals who have pursued a non-traditional education path, will be considered for this scholarship.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Washington County 4-H Livestock/Market Sale Scholarship

Established to support post-secondary scholarships to participants in Washington County 4-H Livestock and Market Sale programs.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Washington County 4-H Dairy Scholarship

Established to support post-secondary scholarships to participants in Washington County 4-H dairy programs.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

The Tim Moffatt Career Advancement Award

This scholarship will be awarded to deserving students who are graduating from a WCPS high school, or are a non-traditional learner with equivalent education, who have been accepted into a trade school/program/apprenticeship, or who have enlisted in the military. 

The Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF) administers a variety of unique scholarship funds that grant over $5.7 million annually to college students. The scholarship funds have been established by thoughtful and generous donors and each has a unique set of eligibility criteria and award structure.

Pi-Squared Scholarship

Benefiting graduating seniors of Spring ISD (Texas), Klein ISD (Texas), and Houston ISD (Texas).

The Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF) administers a variety of unique scholarship funds that grant over $5.7 million annually to college students. The scholarship funds have been established by thoughtful and generous donors and each has a unique set of eligibility criteria and award structure.

Roger and Barbara Powell Scholarship for Nursing

Benefiting rural Texas residents pursuing nursing degrees.

The Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF) administers a variety of unique scholarship funds that grant over $5.7 million annually to college students. The scholarship funds have been established by thoughtful and generous donors and each has a unique set of eligibility criteria and award structure.

Silver Eagle Distributors Houston Scholarship

Benefiting dependents of Silver Eagle Distributors Houston employees.

The Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF) administers a variety of unique scholarship funds that grant over $5.7 million annually to college students. The scholarship funds have been established by thoughtful and generous donors and each has a unique set of eligibility criteria and award structure.

Tradition of Excellence Scholarship

Benefiting dependents of current Perry Homes employees.

The Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF) administers a variety of unique scholarship funds that grant over $5.7 million annually to college students. The scholarship funds have been established by thoughtful and generous donors and each has a unique set of eligibility criteria and award structure.

Strong Family Scholarship

Benefiting graduating high school seniors from charter schools in Houston, TX.

Hogg Foundation for Mental Health

The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health was established in 1940 at The University of Texas at Austin by the children of Texas Governor James Hogg. For over a quarter of a century, the Hogg Foundation was guided by the passion and insight of the Governor’s daughter, Miss Ima Hogg, who actively promoted the foundation and encouraged its staff to pursue a bold, new vision. Today the Hogg Foundation is based at The University of Texas at Austin Steve Hicks School of Social Work and is funded through an endowment created by gifts from the Hogg family and managed by The University of Texas/Texas A&M Investment Management Company.

The Hogg Foundation is inspired by Ima Hogg’s vision for a Texas that supports and promotes mental health, resilience, and well-being. Miss Ima was ahead of her time in believing that mental health was just as important as physical health. She believed all people should have access to community-based resources to support mental well-being and live fulfilling lives, and she championed supports in everyday environments like schools, workplaces, places of worship, and homes.

Stephany June Bryan: Bold Spirit of Achievement Scholarship

The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health is offering ten $5,000 scholarships in honor of Stephany June Bryan to individuals facing personal and financial barriers to achieving their educational or career goals due to the impact of living with a mental health challenge and/or supporting a loved one with a mental health challenge.

You do not need to be enrolled in a program at the time you submit your application. However, you will need to provide enrollment verification and/or a certificate of completion when/if it is awarded.

The Academic Career Excellence (ACE) Award (K32) supports early-stage postdoctoral scholars through rigorous research and career development over three years. Applicants must submit their proposals up to a year before or two years after starting their postdoctoral positions. This award emphasizes innovative research ideas and strategic planning for training and mentorship, aiming to cultivate independent investigators in research fields aligned with the missions of NIH Institutes and Centers.

History

Our Roots

In 1924, three of the banks in Springfield created the Sangamon County Foundation to provide financial resources to local charitable causes. Those banks were the First State Trust and Savings Bank (now US Bank), the Ridgley-Farmers State Bank (which no longer exists) and the Marine Bank of Springfield (now J.P. Morgan). The founders of the foundation included some of our community’s most prominent citizens:

• Jacob Bunn R.C. Lanphier
• George W. Bunn William E. Lehne
• Joseph F. Bunn John G. Oglesby
• Thomas Condell George Pasfield, Jr.
• Alonzo Hoff George F. Reisch
• J.H. Holbrook

The original Foundation had been a leading supporter of organizations throughout Central Illinois for nearly 80 years. However, as the charitable landscape grew and diversified it became apparent that the organization had to evolve in order to better serve the common good.

American Legion Post 32 Scholarship

To assist graduating high school seniors or first-time college students who have been in the workforce with obtaining a post-secondary education. 

The Ben and Margaret Johnson Memorial Scholarship supports graduating seniors from high schools in Menard or Sangamon counties pursuing degrees in agriculture-related fields. Funded by the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, this scholarship honors the legacy of community leaders and aims to foster educational opportunities for students with a connection to U.S. service members. Eligible applicants include both high school seniors and current college students, enhancing accessibility for all deserving candidates.

The COUNTRY Financial Community Scholarship supports high school seniors and current college students from Sangamon, Macoupin, Menard, and Montgomery counties who demonstrate outstanding community service. Established by the Sangamon County Foundation in 1924, this scholarship reflects a commitment to enhancing the educational opportunities for local students. It aims to empower future leaders by providing financial assistance to those dedicated to giving back to their communities.

The Davey Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, supports graduating high school seniors from Christian, Morgan, or Sangamon counties in Illinois who are enrolling as full-time students. This initiative is rooted in a rich history of community support since 1924, promoting educational opportunities for local youth. Scholarships are available for both new high school graduates and current college students, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to fostering academic success and community growth.

The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Scholarship supports African American students graduating from high schools in the Springfield-Decatur, IL area. This scholarship embodies the sorority's core values of sisterhood, scholarship, and service. It is available to both high school seniors and current college students, ensuring financial assistance is accessible to those pursuing higher education. This initiative fosters community engagement and promotes educational opportunities for underrepresented students, continuing the legacy of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority's commitment to social justice and empowerment.

The NIDCD Research Fellowship for Audiologists provides clinical audiologists enrolled in Ph.D. programs with essential research training. This initiative encourages the integration of clinical and translational research, fostering strong research foundations vital for advancing audiology and hearing healthcare. Although applications are not currently being solicited, the program aims to prepare potential candidates for meaningful collaborations and impactful research projects in the biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences.

The Frontiers James Forstall Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, aims to support African American students in Sangamon County who demonstrate significant financial need. This scholarship is available to both graduating high school seniors and current college students. By continuing the legacy of local banks that founded the Sangamon County Foundation in 1924, this initiative seeks to empower deserving individuals and promote educational opportunities within the community.