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Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

Find the perfect Operating grants for nonprofits in Illinois on Instrumentl. 10,000+ Operating grants for nonprofits in Illinois in the United States.

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Burt Scholarship

Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Burt Scholarship

Established by the Burt Committee of the First Presbyterian Church of Olean in memory of Dr. Rudy Burt, this fund provides scholarships to graduates of Olean High, Allegany-Limestone Central, Hinsdale Central and Portville Central schools who demonstrate financial need.

Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

Maude A. Dewey & Vivian Dewey Watson Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
Private
DeKalb County, Illinois, DuPage County, Illinois +5 more
Unspecified amount

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.

Maude A. Dewey & Vivian Dewey Watson Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was created to honor the lives of Maude Dewey and her daughter, Vivian Dewey Watson.

Maude Dewey taught music for many years in area country schools and gave private lessons in piano and voice. She died in 1968.

Vivian Watson, who died in 1979, also gave private lessons in voice, piano and organ.

Scholarships from the fund are awarded to students entering the field of music.

Education - Higher Education Music

Loraine Heriaud Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
Private
DeKalb County, Illinois, DuPage County, Illinois +5 more
Unspecified amount

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.

Loraine Heriaud Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was created to honor the life of Loraine Heriaud (1915-2003).

Mrs. Heriaud was born in Toronto, Canada. She was a graduate of East Aurora High School and was employed for thirteen years by Provena Mercy Center as a C.N.A. in the Pediatrics Unit.

She was the mother of fourteen children. Her son Frederick was the Aurora Area’s first soldier to be killed in action during the Vietnam War. Her husband Earl passed away in 1969.

This fund, created in 2002, was established as an endowment in 2003 to provide scholarships for students entering the field of nursing.

Education - Higher Education Nursing

Laurie Anzivine Memorial Scholarship

Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation
Private
United States
Approximately US $500

Laurie Anzivine Memorial Scholarship

First preference for a graduating high school senior from any high school in Cattaraugus County, second preference for a graduating senior from any high school within a 30-mile radius of Olean, NY, who will be attending a four-year college and who has had an immediate family member or guardian who has gone through cancer treatment. The student must be in good academic standing. Financial need is not a factor. The applicant must submit an essay of no more than 350 words explaining what the student learned from his/her family member or guardian who struggled with cancer and the impact it left on him/her and what advice the student would give to someone else who may face the same situation.

Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

Jonathan Teuscher Scholarship

Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation
Private
United States
US $625

Jonathan Teuscher Scholarship

Established by Steven and Donna Teuscher in memory of their son, Jonathan, this scholarship is awarded to a graduate who has faced challenges while maintaining a positive attitude. Scholarship awards area available to graduating seniors from each of the following high schools: Allegany-Limestone, Hinsdale Central, Olean High and Portville Central schools.

Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

The Leslie Scholarship Fund

Arizona Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

The Leslie Scholarship Fund 

The Leslie Scholarship Fund will benefit students entering or in a four-year nursing program.

Education - Higher Education Nursing

RFP: Press Forward Chicago – Education Journalism 2026

The Chicago Community Trust
Private
Cook County, Illinois
US $10,000 - US $40,000

RFP: Press Forward Chicago – Education Journalism 2026

Chicago needs more education-focused reporters. With school board elections in November 2026, and recent drastic changes to education funding, the timing is critical to increase education reporting, and to amplify that work to those who need it. Press Forward Chicago is seeking to create a playbook around coverage areas that have seen a steep decline in reporters in recent years. These include education, immigration, healthcare, housing, the criminal legal system, and the environment.

In 2025, Press Forward Chicago and a group of funders came together to create a funding pool specifically for increased education coverage. This coalition of funders includes Press Forward Chicago, The Chicago Community Trust, Crown Family Philanthropies, IMC Chicago Charitable Foundation and the Leading from the Front fund.

Together, we have raised funds to launch a three-year education journalism plan that will start in 2026 with an editorial collaboration led by Chalkbeat Chicago.

Need/Opportunity Statement 

This first phase of the collaboration will focus on the Chicago Board of Education election in November 2026, which will, for the first time, elect civilians in all 21 districts across the city.

This project will take place from June to November 2026. Chalkbeat Chicago will lead collaborative efforts to cover the election across media outlets, including amplification of the work across marketing platforms, partnering with existing education reporters, supporting freelance and staff reporters who are new to education reporting, and laying the foundation for expanded collaboration in future years.

Media organizations are invited to apply for $10,000 to $40,000 in grants for education journalism coverage in 2026.

Goals & Outcomes 

Press Forward Chicago is based at The Chicago Community Trust and is part of a network of more than forty Press Forward chapters across the U.S. focused on supporting sustainable local news and information models. 

While a lot of emphasis for Press Forward Chicago is on shared services, new revenue and audience growth models, we are also leaning heavily into topic-based funding of media organizations. We believe that through the lens of specific subject matter, we can engage new funders and strengthen coverage areas that are critical to civic life and democracy. At the same time, we will create a healthier media network. 

The goal of this particular collaboration/grant program is to inform Chicagoans about the upcoming Chicago Board of Education election in November 2026. The main outcomes of this project will be a voter guide, distributed digitally and in print, and profiles of all candidates across 21 districts, in addition to ongoing coverage about the races.

In the application, we ask that you report back on outcomes using Measures of Progress. Please limit the total number of Measures of Progress and indicators to five maximum to minimize the reporting burden. 

These are the types of grants available for this opportunity:

  • Tier 1: There will be up to six grants of $40,000 to Chicago-based independent media organizations with a proven record of covering education, school board races, or similar policy issues in Chicago.
  • Tier 2: There will be up to two grants of $15,000 each to media organization(s) with a proven record of training youth in media, to involve youth in covering the school board elections.
  • Tier 3: There will be up to eight grants of $10,000-$15,000 for media organizations with limited education coverage experience but a willingness to attend trainings and cover these issues and the elections.
Journalism News Media & Communications

Walt & Jackie Redmond Education Fund

Battle Creek Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

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.

Walt & Jackie Redmond Education Fund

Walter and Jacqueline Redmond made a generous contribution to the Battle Creek Community Foundation to be used for scholarships for Battle Creek area students who are seeking education beyond high school. Involvement in Junior Achievement programs will be considered as a favorable factor in the selection process.

Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

The Crystyl A. Rucker Memorial Scholarship Fund

Battle Creek Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

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.

The Crystyl A. Rucker Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Crystyl A. Rucker Memorial Scholarship Fund was established for the purpose of providing academic financial support to graduating seniors of Battle Creek Public Schools pursuing post-secondary educational opportunities. Crystyl Arnita Rucker (1951-2021) was born in Detroit, Michigan and was a graduate of John J. Pershing High School. She completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees in education, at Michigan State University. She began her teaching career with the Battle Creek Public Schools, at Northwestern Junior High School. Affectionately known as "Ma Ruck" at Northwestern, she taught seventh and eighth grade journalism and English. She believed in connecting with each student to push his or her academic and personal potential, while having lots of fun. Outside of Northwestern, she taught and mentored Battle Creek students in the "Dreamers" Program and spearheaded academic after-school and family scholarship programs at the Battle Creek YMCA. She retired from Battle Creek Public Schools in 2003.

Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

All Kids Play: Youth Sports Grant - Organization

All Kids Play
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The All Kids Play: Youth Sports Grant aims to support families and community-based organizations in low-income areas, ensuring access to recreational sports for children in grades K-12. This grant assists those who struggle to afford youth sports, providing essential funding on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible organizations must demonstrate budget constraints and operate in areas with high low-income student percentages, promoting inclusivity in youth sports participation.
Youth Services Sports & Athletics Education - K through 12

Carolyn A. Satter Production Management Mentorship Program

United Institute for Theatre Technology Inc.
Private
United States
US $2,000

United Institute for Theatre Technology

The United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) connects performing arts design and technology communities to ensure a vibrant dialog among practitioners, educators, and students.

Driven by our core values of inclusion, excellence, and responsibility, we provide mentorship programs, exhibit opportunities, grant funding, awards, and other opportunities for our members and for the entertainment industry. 

Carolyn A. Satter Production Management Mentorship Program

Carolyn A. Satter Production Management Mentorship Program supports an individual who has begun their professional career as a production manager in live entertainment by providing the chance to manage events and connect with a fellow production manager mentor at our Annual Conference & Stage Expo.

Funding for this award is generously provided by Carolyn A. Satter, former USITT President.

Grant Information

Grant winner will receive:

  • $2000 stipend to cover Conference expenses such as registration, housing, travel, and per diem.
  • A match with a mentor who is an experienced professional production manager.
  • The opportunity to serve as the production manager for all Mainstage events at the Annual Conference.

Funding Parameters

  • Registration and hotel will be booked by the National Office; the remainder of the $2000 will be paid directly to the Mentee.
  • Should the Grantee be unable to attend Conference and/or complete their duties, Grantee is responsible for returning funds to the National Office.

Artist Training & Development Tutoring & Mentoring

Library Education Scholarship Fund

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
Private
United States
US $1,000

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 Illi

Library Education Scholarship Fund

The Library Education Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing library sciences, writing, education – preference for language arts, or information technology.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

Education - Higher Education Library & Information Science Writing & Literature +1 more

Robert and Diana Williams Scholarship Fund

Battle Creek Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

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.

Robert and Diana Williams Scholarship Fund

The Robert and Diana Williams Scholarship Fund was established to give more opportunities to those seeking to further their education through non-degreed training programs in the skilled trades, apprenticeship or certificate programs. The Williams' believe the skilled trades provide essential services for which there will always be a need and are the lifeblood of our country

Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education Apprenticeship & Internship Programs

Robert A. and Cynthia A. Leach Adult Education Scholarship Fund

Battle Creek Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

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.

Robert A. and Cynthia A. Leach Adult Education Scholarship Fund

The Robert A. and Cynthia A. Leach Adult Education Scholarship Fund ("Fund") provides scholarships to Athens Area Schools graduates or Athens area residents, pursuing post-secondary educational opportunities in high demand career fields, such as health related fields. This Scholarship was established by Robert A. and Cynthia A. Leach who were both former high school teachers. They believed that post high school education is a necessity in today’s economy and that a scholarship would provide some incentive for students to reach their goals. After seeing more support for graduating seniors, the Leach’s wanted there to be more resources for the adults in the greater Athens area. These funds could support anyone who are beyond their first year of college but still need financial assistance, those who did not complete their degree but want to re-enroll to do so, or even those who want to change career paths and need additional education or training.

Education - Higher Education Adult Education Medical Education & Professional Training

Nicholas & Rose Offenbacher Scholarship Fund

Battle Creek Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

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

Nicholas & Rose Offenbacher Scholarship Fund

Rose (Van Ness) Offenbacher graduated from Athens High School in 1939. She attended the Nichol's Hospital Nursing program and became a licensed practical nurse. She later graduated from KCC and became a registered nurse. During this time, she worked in several doctors? offices in Battle Creek and then for Leila Hospital, where she became charge nurse of the ICU/CCU and PCU. Rose married Nicholas Offenbacher in 1940. Nick graduated from Union City High School, and worked at Oliver Corporation and then Clark Equipment Company. Rose made provisions in her Trust Documents to establish a Scholarship Fund to benefit graduating seniors of the Athens Area Schools.

Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

Robin M. Hodgson Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
Private
United States
US $1,000

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.

Robin M. Hodgson Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund

Mrs. Hodgson served on numerous local and national volunteer organizations, including the Family Counseling Service of Aurora, the Oswegoland Park & Recreation Foundation and the Community Foundation Scholarship Committee. She was survived by her husband, John Hodgson, two daughters and five grandchildren.

Family and friends created a scholarship fund in her memory to help local students achieve their dreams of a higher education. This fund was endowed in 2024.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

Susan Laz Vogus Scholarship Endowment Fund

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
Private
United States
US $1,000

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.

Susan Laz Vogus Scholarship Endowment Fund

This scholarship fund was established by Jerry, Mike, and Tim Vogus in honor and memory of their wife and mother, Susan Laz Vogus (1947-2023). The scholarship will be awarded annually to two eligible Kane County applicants per year and will prioritize students with financial need. 

Laz, as she was known to her friends, was an admired, beloved, and impactful activist, advocate, educator, leader, mother, and sister. She believed in the power of education and everyone having access to high-quality schools and a loving home where they could feel secure and supported. She created that for her family and was an outstanding teacher, whether serving students in inner-city Milwaukee or those pursuing a GED at the Illinois Youth Center. Later, she served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), helping children navigate the child welfare system, for which she was recognized as Illinois CASA Advocate of the Year in 2004.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

Building Bridges Documentary Fund

Center For Asian American Media
Private
United States
US $10,000 - US $100,000

Building Bridges Documentary Fund

The Building Bridges Documentary Fund provides funding for independent documentary projects about the Muslim experience in the United States. The Fund’s goal is to support filmmakers and works that contribute to a fuller spectrum of narratives on the U.S. Muslim experience.

We fund the following project phases with the stated range of possible funding: 

  • Research & Development ($10K to $25K)
  • Production ($50K to $100K)
  • Post-production ($50K to $100K)

Consider the diversity of the U.S Muslim population. According to the Pew Research Center in 2023-2024 Muslims in the United States identified as:

  • 30% White and/or Asian
  • 20% Black
  • 11% Hispanic
  • 8% Other or Multiracial
  • 21% of Muslims are born in the U.S. or have at least one parent born in the U.S.
  • 33% of U.S. Muslims live in the South, followed by Northeast (29%), Midwest (20%), West (18%).

The Building Bridges Documentary Fund is supported by the Building Bridges Program of the Doris Duke Foundation. CAAM is honored to be a part of this multi-year journey with our colleagues in the Program: the Islamic Scholarship Fund (ISF), Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) Hollywood Bureau, and the Sundance Institute. 

CAAM is also collaborating with the independent filmmaking community to provide support for workshops on various aspects of sustainable filmmaking practices. 

Film Islam & Islamic Culture

The Italian-American Mutual Aid Society of Aurora, Illinois Scholarship Endowment Fund

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
Private
United States
US $1,000

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.

The Italian-American Mutual Aid Society of Aurora, Illinois Scholarship Endowment Fund

Since 1932, The Italian-American Mutual Aid Society of Aurora has maintained a strong commitment to the Aurora community through the support of numerous civic projects.

In 1995, the organization created a scholarship fund to benefit area students studying at the college or university level. In the awarding of scholarships from this fund, preference is given to applicants of Italian descent.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

The Limoges & Gilmore Scholarship Endowment Fund

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
Private
United States
US $1,000

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.

The Limoges & Gilmore Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Limoges & Gilmore Scholarship Endowment Fund was endowed in 2024, and provides a scholarship to students with financial need from the Aurora or CFFRV service area who have demonstrated service and empathetic leadership within their community. The fund was created by the family who are long-term residents of the Aurora area who have provided service and leadership within the community. The family has provided service and board level positions to community service, church, school, and non-profit organizations.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

Urban & Margaret Hipp Family Endowment Fund

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
Private
United States
US $1,000

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.

Urban & Margaret Hipp Family Endowment Fund

The Urban and Margaret Hipp Family Endowment Fund provides scholarships to local students.

This fund was created in 1964 as an advisory fund and became an endowment fund in 2009.

Urban Hipp (1913-2011) was born in Aurora, Illinois. He was a graduate of East Aurora High School and the University of Illinois (Class of 1936).

In 1939, he began his career at the Barber Greene Company where he served as vice president of finance and a director prior to his retirement in 1978. Mr. Hipp also was a director of the Old Second National Bank, Mercy Center Hospital and the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce.

Margaret Barber Hipp (1915-1999) was born in Aurora, Illinois. She was the daughter of Harry H. Barber (co-founder of the Barber Greene Company) and Blanche Capron Barber.

Mrs. Hipp graduated from the University of Illinois in 1937 where she was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority. She was active in many community activities including the Child Welfare Society and the Tuesday Garden Club.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

W. Charlie Hooper & Shirley Linder Hooper Scholarship Endowment Fund

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
Private
United States
US $1,000

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.

W. Charlie Hooper & Shirley Linder Hooper Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was created upon receipt of a bequest from the estates of W. Charlie and Shirley Hooper.

W. Charlie Hooper (1909-1995) was born in Hillsboro, Texas. He was an accountant with Podolak, Hooper and Kerr in Aurora.

Mr. Hooper also was a charter member of the Aurora Optimist Club and a member of the B.P.O. Elks Lodge of Aurora and New England Congregational Church.

Shirley Hooper (1911-2003) was born in Grand Junction, Colorado. She also was a member of New England Congregational Church. During the last years of the couple’s life, they resided in Venice, Florida.

Scholarships from this fund are available to residents of the Foundation’s service area.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

Scott F. Hirsh Memorial Nursing Scholarship

Pittsburgh Foundation
Private
United States
Up to US $1,000

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four–year universities, graduate schools, and career/technical schools.

Scott F. Hirsh Memorial Nursing Scholarship

The Scott F. Hirsh Memorial Nursing Scholarship was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation in memory/honor of Scott F. Hirsh to provide two scholarships for high school seniors in the Baldwin, Whitehall, Keystone Oaks, and Brentwood communities who plan to attend a 4-year college or university in a nursing program.

  • Average Award: Up to $1,000
  • Award Type: Single-Year Award
Education - Higher Education Nursing

Alexander Family Scholarship Endowment Fund

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
Private
DeKalb County, Illinois, DuPage County, Illinois +2 more
Unspecified amount

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.

Alexander Family Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund provides scholarships to students graduating from Hinckley-Big Rock, Kaneland or West Aurora High School who have demonstrated high academic achievement and leadership potential. The fund was established at the time of George H. Alexander’s death by the Alexander Family. Mr. Alexander (1911-1988) was a director of the Community Foundation for thirty-two years, serving as chairman for four of those years.  He also served as a senior or emeritus director for two years prior to his death. The Alexander Family has been engaged in the lumber business in Aurora for over one hundred years.

Education - Higher Education College Success / Persistence

WHS Student Senate James Barnes Memorial Scholarship Fund

Community Foundation of Carroll County
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports nearly 70 academic, sports, special circumstances, and 4-H scholarships. Search scholarships by name, or sort by application type.

WHS Student Senate James Barnes Memorial Scholarship Fund

The purpose of the WHS Student Senate James Barnes Memorial Scholarship is to provide a yearly scholarship(s) for a college- bound WHS senior(s) who will attend an accredited college or university. Applicants must demonstrate community involvement through volunteer work in a club, religious, and/or civic organization. School involvement would be demonstrated through work in school-sanctioned clubs, sport teams, or other recognized school extra-curricular activities. Leadership must be demonstrated by holding a position of authority within the school and/or community. (i.e., Student Senate, school-sanctioned club or community/civic organization, etc.) Although academics are an important component of this scholarship, the primary emphasis for recipient determination deals with how active a student’s participation is in his or her school and community.

Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

Aurora Area Retired Teachers’ Association Scholarship Endowment Fund

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
Private
DuPage County, Illinois, Kane County, Illinois +1 more
Unspecified amount

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.

Aurora Area Retired Teachers’ Association Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Aurora Area Retired Teachers’ Association (AARTA) has been working for retired teachers in Kane County for over fifty years. Due to their continued interest in education, members of the AARTA created the Aurora Area Retired Teachers’ Association Scholarship Fund in 2010 to assist students attending a two-year college, or a professional, trade or vocational school. In 2016, the fund was established as an endowment. Eligibility is restricted to students who reside within the Community Foundation service area and within the boundaries of the following school districts: East Aurora 131, West Aurora 129, Kaneland 302, Batavia 101, Geneva 304 or St. Charles 303. This fund also provides a meaningful way to honor the lives of former members of the Aurora Area Retired Teachers’ Association who have passed away.

Education - Higher Education College Success / Persistence

Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board Fund

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
Private
DeKalb County, Illinois, DuPage County, Illinois +5 more
Unspecified amount

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.

Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board Fund

The Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board created a scholarship fund within the Community Foundation to assist college-bound students who reside in the Aurora community. The organization works to educate the public about the history of Hispanics who helped to shape the City of Aurora. Their goal is to instill pride in Aurora’s youth regarding their heritage by honoring those who have made a difference in the community. A celebratory breakfast is held each January to pay tribute to those students receiving scholarships from the fund.

Education - Higher Education College Success / Persistence

Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois Highlights

Looking for operating grants for nonprofits in Illinois?


Read more about each grant below or start your 14-day free trial to see all operating grants for nonprofits in Illinois recommended for your specific programs.

Last updated: October 5, 2026. Next update: November 1, 2026.

Grant Insights : Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

Grant Availability

How common are grants in this category?

Common — grants in this category appear regularly across funding sources.

300+ Operating grants for nonprofits in Illinois grants for nonprofits in the United States, from private foundations to corporations seeking to fund grants for nonprofits.

100+ Operating grants for nonprofits in Illinois over $25K in average grant size

100+ Operating grants for nonprofits in Illinois over $50K in average grant size

41 Operating grants for nonprofits in Illinois supporting general operating expenses

200+ Operating grants for nonprofits in Illinois supporting programs / projects

2,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Human & Social Services

3,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Education

Grant Deadline Distribution

Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Operating grants for Nonprofits in Illinois?

Most grants are due in the second quarter.

Q1
23.3%
Q2
30.1%
Q3
25.9%
Q4
20.7%

Typical Funding Amounts

What's the typical grant amount funded for Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois?

Grants are most commonly $110,000.

$500 $500 Min.
$110,000 $110 K Median
$1,267,626 $1.3 M Average
$68,450,000 $68.5 M Max.

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 Operating Grants for Nonprofits 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 Operating Grants for Nonprofits 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 Operating Grants for Nonprofits 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