Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Ruth Skwarek Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Ruth Skwarek, who established the Ruth Skwarek Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Education was very important to Ruth Skwarek. She was a Fulbright Scholar, and entered college at the age of 16, receiving a degree from Western Michigan University, a master’s in French from Michigan State University, and in French and Speech from Western Michigan University. She taught elementary grades at Grand Haven and Holland public schools, as well as French and German at Muskegon Community College for 20 years. The Ruth Skwarek Scholarship will assist Muskegon County students who are pursuing four year degrees at any college or university. Ms. Skwarek is particularly concerned that this assists those students who come from “middle income” families for whom there is little other aid available

The Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company supports local nonprofits through employee-led grants. With over 60 years of experience, ECF pools tax-deductible donations to empower impactful community initiatives. The Chicago Chapter prioritizes established nonprofits in Arts and Culture, Education, Environment, and Health and Human Services, focusing on sustainable and scalable programs. Grants typically range from $3,000 to $10,000, with careful consideration given to alignment with ECF's mission and employee contributions.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Maureen Linck Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the family and friends of Maureen Linck, who established the Maureen Linck Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County in memory of Maureen. Maureen Linck had no lack of courage. At the age of 10, she was diagnosed with an illness similar to muscular dystrophy. In the face of this challenge, Maureen continued living her life on her own terms. She studied piano, practiced crafts such as counted cross stitch and other handiwork, and made gifts of her work. In 1985, at 15, Maureen was involved in an automobile accident. As a result of the accident and her illness-related difficulties, Maureen lapsed into a coma and died six weeks later. Maureen's family and friends, as a tribute to her courage and love for life, created this scholarship in her honor.

The scholarship has been established to help Muskegon area youth pursue higher education. To the credit of Maureen's parents, Mr. and Mrs. S.J. Linck, and other contributors to this, Maureen's spirit will endure and continue to contribute through the lasting gift of education.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

MPS/Edward J. and Joan Stewart Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Joan Stewart, who established the Edward and Joan Stewart Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Both Edward and Joan Stewart were graduates of Muskegon High School. They both valued the importance of education. Joan established this fund in 1978 in memory of her husband. For many years Muskegon Public Schools has administered several scholarships for the benefit of Muskegon County high school students. Following a review of these scholarship s and recognizing the Foundation's considerable expertise not only in scholarship programming but also in investment management, the Board of Education approved a recommendation to transfer all scholarships held by Muskegon Public Schools to the Muskegon County Community Foundation. The Foundation is proud to receive this honor and looks forward to working with Muskegon Public Schools administrators to award scholarships to Muskegon-area high school seniors for many years to come. 

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

MPS/Frauenthal Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Muskegon Public Schools, who established the Frauenthal Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. The Frauenthal Scholarship, which was established by the late Mr. A. Harold Frauenthal and the Frauenthal family, is available to graduating seniors from Muskegon County who have demonstrated scholastic standing and are in the top 5 percent of their class.

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.

George V. Dodd scholarship Fund

George Dodd enjoyed life and his family. He was active in their lives. He displayed patience, persistence, professionalism, fairness, kindness, and collaboration at home and work. George served in the Navy during World War II as a radar instructor. After the war, he graduated from the School of Mechanical Engineering at Northwestern University. He worked 37 years at Kellogg's as a Project Engineer. He traveled to Kellogg plants in multiple continents. He participated in local and national engineering clubs and found the energy to lead groups ranging from the Boy Scouts to the PTA. His children attended Battle Creek Public Schools, received an excellent education, and participated in extracurricular activities, sports, and Clear Lake Camp activities. They graduated college and received advanced degrees. The Dodd family would like to honor George's memory by helping Battle Creek Public School graduates achieve their career goals.

This funding opportunity aims to establish a U.S. network for active surveillance of pediatric acute respiratory illnesses and gastroenteritis. The initiative will focus on respiratory and enteric viruses, assessing the effectiveness of prevention products such as vaccines. Recipients will follow CDC protocols to enroll patients and confirm viral infections, ultimately reducing hospitalizations and enhancing public health strategies for children's healthcare.

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.

Mac & Betty Behnke Scholarship Fund

The Mac & Betty Behnke Scholarship was established for the purpose of providing scholarships to Battle Creek area students who seek educational opportunities beyond high school.

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.

Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel Calhoun Scholarship Fund

The Calhoun County Chapter of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel (MARSP) was established in 1923, with four objectives:

• To promote greater interest in legislation affecting retired school employees;
• To furnish a practical basis for united action among those devoted to the cause of public education;
• To support in every way possible the MARSP and the American Association of Retired Persons, NRTA Division; and
• To promote voluntary participation by its members in civic and  educational affairs.

This scholarship was established for the purpose of providing scholarships to relatives of the current membership of the Calhoun County Chapter of the MARSP who seek educational opportunities beyond high school. Other educational related opportunities may also be supported by this scholarship.

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.

Lakeview High School Class of 2020 Senior Scholarship Fund

The Senior class of 2020 exemplified strength and perseverance in an unprecedented time of change, disappointment, and new concepts of learning due to the Corona Virus (COVID-19) Epidemic. Through private funding of the Senior parent class committee, the amount of $6,000,00 has been raised, and will be provided in $1,000.00 increments per year, until the amount is no longer available. The fund will be awarded to an eligible Senior student who is able to provide a well written, profound, 500-word essay, explaining how they have persevered in their life, in spite of difficulty, in order to be successful by example, as they go forward in the next phase of their life.

Community Foundation: Central Blue Ridge

Proudly serving the independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro and the counties of Augusta, Highland, and Nelson in Virginia.

Our Mission

To enrich the quality of life by responding to needs and inspiring philanthropy in our community.

Dr. Eric W. Bond Scholarship

About the Scholarship

The Dr. Eric W. Bond Scholarship Program was established by colleagues, the Augusta County School Board, and the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge, to honor Dr. Eric W. Bond’s leadership and service to Augusta County Public Schools. In December 2025, Dr. Bond was surprised with the announcement during a School Board meeting — a testament to the deep respect and gratitude felt across the division.

The inaugural 2026 scholarship year will recognize three graduating seniors at each of the five Augusta County public high schools — a division-wide tribute to his dedication to students and families. The scholarship supports students who demonstrate financial need, meaningful service to their communities, and active participation in extracurricular activities — values long championed by Dr. Bond.

The program recognizes that success after high school takes many forms. In 2026, three scholarships will be awarded at each Augusta County public high school.

The Dr. Eric W. Bond Community College Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge, honors Dr. Bond's dedication to education in Augusta County. This scholarship supports three graduating seniors from each public high school who demonstrate financial need, community service, and extracurricular involvement. By recognizing diverse pathways to success, the program aims to inspire future leaders and foster community engagement among students pursuing higher education.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Homer Alumni Association Scholarship Fund

The Homer Alumni Association Scholarship Fund was established in 2020 to support Homer Community Schools graduates in their pursuit of post-secondary educational attainment. Annually, scholarships are awarded from the fund in honor of DeWayne Ballentine and the Homer High School Class of 1959. Dewayne Ballentine was a Homer graduate and founding father of the Homer Alumni Association. He served as a board member and started the annual banquet. This scholarship was set up in his memory in 1985.  The Class of 1959 Scholarship began in 2019 by class members and friends, in honor of their 60th anniversary to recognize Homer Community Schools for providing them a quality education.

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.

John and Anne Zanetti Scholarship Fund

The John and Anne Zanetti Scholarship established by John and Anne Zanetti honor the future leaders of our kids, who will inspire youth to make the world better. The scholarship assists graduating seniors and graduates from Calhoun County public and private high schools pursuing post-secondary educational opportunities in nursing.

The CORE Funding: AHNS Presidential Award supports innovative research that integrates emerging technologies in head and neck cancer studies. This initiative aims to address critical gaps in early detection and treatment, especially for patients with advanced disease. By leveraging tools such as AI and advanced imaging, the program seeks to enhance understanding of disease mechanisms and improve patient-centered intervention strategies, ultimately advancing the field of otolaryngology.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Muskegon Public Schools Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Muskegon Public Schools, who established the Muskegon Public Schools Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. For many years Muskegon Public Schools has administered several scholarships for the benefit of Muskegon County high school students. Following a review of these scholarships and recognizing the Foundation's considerable expertise not only in scholarship programming but also in investment management, the Board of Education approved a recommendation to transfer all scholarships held by Muskegon Public Schools to the Muskegon County Community Foundation, thus creating the Muskegon Public Schools Scholarship . The Foundation is proud to receive this honor and looks forward to working with Muskegon Public Schools administrators to award scholarships to Muskegon-area high school seniors for many years to come.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Patricia A. Bard Nursing Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Doug Bard, who established the Patricia A. Bard Nursing Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Pat Bard, a wife, mother, grandmother, business-woman, travel agent, teacher, and friend, passed away on May 21, 2010. Doug and Pat had talked of a scholarship in the past, and, toward the end of her fight against cancer, together chose the field of nursing as the focus. While Pat's career involved the world of business and travel, she and Doug both experienced first-hand the impact that caring, well-trained nurses can make. The scholarship in her name will make an impact, too, on the opportunities available to nursing students.

The CORE Funding: AHNS Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association Award aims to support vital research projects focused on thyroid cancer, encompassing prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. This initiative by the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Foundation promotes advancements in the field through funding opportunities that enhance research capabilities and foster collaboration among researchers. Through the support of this award, significant strides can be made in understanding and combating thyroid cancer.

The CORE Funding: AHNS Trainee Pilot Research Award supports innovative research in head and neck oncology, encouraging trainees to engage in clinical or translational studies. Since its inception, CORE has provided over $14 million in grants, facilitating significant advancements in otolaryngology. This initiative aims to enhance research efforts, reduce fragmentation, and promote collaboration among various stakeholders to improve outcomes for patients with head and neck neoplastic diseases.

Stark Community FoundationStark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.Adrienne O’Neill Scholarship FundThe Adrienne O’Neill Scholarship Fund was established to assist students who are the first generation in their family to attend college. Applicant must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5, demonstrate financial need and intend to utilize this scholarship as the “last dollars” after all aid/scholarships have been awarded.Renewable Scholarship: Yes

The CORE Funding: Lilly Research Grant aims to advance research on genetic hearing loss. It invites investigators to explore the genetic factors contributing to hearing loss, promoting innovative projects that enhance understanding in this critical area. Supported by the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery Foundation, the grant fosters significant research efforts to improve outcomes and strategies in otolaryngology, ensuring a comprehensive approach to hearing health.

Stark Community FoundationStark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.The Canton Advertising Federation Endowment for Creative Enrichment FundThe Canton Advertising Federation Endowment for Creative Enrichment Fund assists graduating high school seniors or current college students majoring in advertising, graphic design, communication or related fields. Applicants must reside in Stark County.Renewable Scholarship: Yes

John Callahan Memorial Fund

John changed people’s lives wherever he went. From his time at Corvallis High School in the soccer program, to his time at Winco, to his co-workers at Hewlett-Packard – he knew no strangers and always had time for a friendly hello. He was a wonderful husband, son, and loving father and made everyone happier when he was around. The John Callahan Memorial Scholarship is a soccer scholarship established at the Benton Community Foundation by his family and friends to honor his legacy and as a way to continue helping youth in the Corvallis community.

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.

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.

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.

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.