Upcoming Webinar
How Funders Feel About AI, and What Keeps Them Saying Yes.
Wed, Oct 14 @ 2PM ET
Find the perfect Operating grants for nonprofits in Illinois on Instrumentl. 10,000+ Operating grants for nonprofits in Illinois in the United States.
10,000+
Available grants
$2.95B
Total funding
$5K
Median grant
Skip the search. Get matched with grants that fit your non-profit.
Smart recommendations based on your profile — in minutes.
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 Wayne D. Ackerman Scholarship FundThe Wayne D. Ackerman Scholarship Fund assists seniors from Stark County high schools who will graduate in May/June. Applicants must be accepted as full-time students at a four-year college or university, have a GPA of at least 3.0, and have demonstrated outstanding involvement in academics and extracurriculars.Renewable Scholarship: No
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.
Erwin & Ella Hoffman Scholarship Endowment Fund
This fund provides scholarships for students with a preference for graduates of East Aurora or West Aurora High School and attendance at a Lutheran-affiliated college or university. The fund was established by a bequest received from the estate of Mrs. Hoffman, who died in 1979, a year after her husband’s death. The couple owned and operated a farm in North Aurora for most of their lives.
They were members of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Aurora.
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.
About the Foundation
Kern Community Foundation is a vibrant nonprofit enterprise with a powerfully simple mission of growing community and growing philanthropy.
Scholarships
Kern Community Foundation manages more than two dozen scholarship funds. Community stakeholders have created these scholarships to honor their loved ones, to support higher education, and to foster the improvement of students as they pursue their diverse ambitions. Students have access to all our scholarship resources through one simple application.
Nickel Family Scholarship for Agricultural Education
The Nickel Family Scholarship for Agricultural Education (“Fund”) was established in 2015 by Adele Nickel, on behalf of the Nickel Family and the Nickel Family Trust. The permanently endowed scholarship fund provides academic support to Central Valley students interested in Agriculture.
The scholarship is available to students admitted to community colleges, and public and private colleges and universities, including accredited technical schools.
Gene and Sandra Froebel Teachers Scholarship
This scholarship will be for graduating seniors from Olean, Allegany-Limestone, Portville, Hinsdale, Cuba-Rushford, Oswayo Valley and Bradford High schools attending a 4-year college who are in good academic standing and plan to pursue a career in education. Consideration is given to students who have overcome a hardship or challenge and/or have participated in athletics.
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.
Willett & Peffers Families Scholarship Endowment Fund
This fund was established by Martha Willett Peffers to provide scholarships for students entering the field of music.
Mrs. Peffers (1911-2004) was a graduate of West Aurora High School. She received a degree in philosophy from the University of Illinois and a teaching certificate from Aurora College. She also attended the Art Institute of Chicago.
A lifelong Auroran, Mrs. Peffers was a member of the Tuesday Garden Club, the West Side Reading Circle and Chapter BT of P.E.O.
Her husband Hopkins Stolp Peffers (1905-1995) attended Culver Military Academy in Indiana where he later taught. He also attended the University of Wisconsin.
Mr. Peffers was a manager and consultant in the field of public transportation for many years.
James A. and Joan E. Maguire Family Scholarship
The James A. and Joan E. Maguire Family Scholarship Fund will provide scholarships to local high school students graduating from Olean, Allegany-Limestone, Belfast Central High School or Archbishop Walsh Academy. Special consideration will be given to students who have faced a learning challenge. Financial need is considered.
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.
About The NRA Foundation
The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.
The NRA Foundation Supports Freedom, Family, and the Future of the Shooting Sports
Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans.
The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.
Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans. These activities are designed to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those participating in the shooting sports, and to educate the general public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context. Funds granted by The NRA Foundation benefit a variety of constituencies throughout the United States including children, youth, women, individuals with physical disabilities, gun collectors, law enforcement officers, hunters and competitive shooters.
The Annual NRA Club Awards Program
Each year the National Rifle Association recognizes outstanding clubs, state associations, youth clubs and an individual or organization for public service. The Annual Awards program recognizes significant accomplishments achieved in areas of organization, operation and public service rendered.
Outstanding Club Awards
The Outstanding Club Award is presented to the club that has demonstrated noteworthy achievement in all aspects of club operation.
All Club Award recipients receive:
About The NRA Foundation
The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.
The NRA Foundation Supports Freedom, Family, and the Future of the Shooting Sports
Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans.
The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.
Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans. These activities are designed to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those participating in the shooting sports, and to educate the general public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context. Funds granted by The NRA Foundation benefit a variety of constituencies throughout the United States including children, youth, women, individuals with physical disabilities, gun collectors, law enforcement officers, hunters and competitive shooters.
The Annual NRA Club Awards Program
Each year the National Rifle Association recognizes outstanding clubs, state associations, youth clubs and an individual or organization for public service. The Annual Awards program recognizes significant accomplishments achieved in areas of organization, operation and public service rendered.
Outstanding State Association Awards
The Outstanding Youth Club Award is presented in honor of a State Association's effectiveness in carrying out the purpose and objectives of the National Rifle Association in the State or Territory for which the State Association is organized.
All Club Award recipients receive:
About The NRA Foundation
The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.
The NRA Foundation Supports Freedom, Family, and the Future of the Shooting Sports
Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans.
The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.
Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans. These activities are designed to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those participating in the shooting sports, and to educate the general public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context. Funds granted by The NRA Foundation benefit a variety of constituencies throughout the United States including children, youth, women, individuals with physical disabilities, gun collectors, law enforcement officers, hunters and competitive shooters.
Awards
The NRA is proud to recognize the contributions of those who have demonstrated dedication to the promotion of the Second Amendment, significantly impacted the preservation of the shooting sports, advanced the purposes and goals of the NRA and exemplified leadership through public service. Each year, women, youth, clubs, law enforcement officers and NRA Foundation volunteers are awarded for their efforts in pursuit of these principles.
NRA Outstanding Achievement Youth Award
The NRA Outstanding Achievement Youth Award encourages and recognizes those junior shooting sports participants who take an active part in their community and shooting sports through individual contributions, educational pursuits, and accomplishments.
The award is designed to promote a greater appreciation of the programs the NRA has to offer and to increase awareness of the shooting sports activities in which youth can participate.
Once a participant meets the requirements, he or she will be eligible for our National prizes. Our National award winners will receive:
About ASTS
The American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS) was founded in 1974 by 127 surgeons to unite the professionals who were advancing the fledgling field of organ transplantation.
From this small group of dedicated individuals, we have grown to represent over 2,000 transplant professionals who are dedicated to saving and improving lives through the transformative power of organ donation and transplant surgery.
Mission Statement
ASTS advances the art and science of transplant surgery through patient care, research, education, and advocacy.
ASTS-TransMedics Perfusion Faculty Grant
ASTS continues its commitment to provide qualified ASTS Members with research funding in the field of organ transplantation.
This research grant is intended to further explore the use of portable normothermic machine perfusion and its ability to 1) predict organ allograft function, outcomes and impact of reduced ischemia/reperfusion injury 2) increase of DBD and DCD donor organ utilization for transplantation, 3) rehabilitate organs that would otherwise be discarded, 4) increase access to organ transplantation, 5) revisiting historical functional warm ischemic limits in the new era of portable normothermic perfusion, and 6) be a platform for targeted therapeutic interventions during perfusion. Competitive applications for this grant could include, but are not limited to, investigations into biomarkers predicting post-transplant function, minimization of ischemia/reperfusion injury, elucidating the mechanisms of organ recovery during perfusion, optimizing and customizing perfusion protocols, understanding and overcoming barriers to utilization, and developing new applications of portable normothermic machine perfusion to solid organ transplantation.
Funding includes in-kind support as needed.
Other Requirements
Cherokee Nation Foundation
The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Scholarships
Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.
Barbara Jean Dyer Scholarship
Applicant must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours, major in art and maintain a 2.0 GPA.
Cherokee Nation Foundation
The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Scholarships
Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.
Anna Belle Mitchell Memorial Scholarship
Applicant must be an undergraduate, graduate student or community member currently pursuing pottery. Three pictures of artwork must be included with application for consideration. This is a one-year scholarship reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens.
Parkview Health Foundation
The Parkview Health Foundation plays a vital role in supporting Parkview Health and its ability to provide expert, specialized healthcare to our entire region. As the area’s largest health system, Parkview Health serves a population of more than 1.3 million in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio.
Since 1878, charitable giving has been an important part of Parkview’s ability to deliver excellent care for every person, every day. The Parkview Health Foundation helps ensure philanthropic donations are used to support Parkview patients and the community at large by enhancing the patient experience through comfort and healing.
Scholarships
Helping train and educate the next generation of Parkview caregivers is an important part of our purpose. Through the generosity of donors, we are able to offer scholarships to Parkview co-workers and area students who are pursuing their nursing degrees or EMT certifications — helping ensure the excellence in care continues.
Karen Denney Nursing Scholarship
Karen Denney was a caring and compassionate nurse, who dedicated her 35-year career to patients at McCray Hospital and Parkview Noble Hospital. During her career, Karen was the manager of the OB department for over 25 years, an infection control and employee health nurse, and worked in a number of other departments. She was an inspiration to many who worked with her, demonstrating an uncommon love for nursing and the patients she treated.
Thomas A. & Mary Jo Russo Scholarship
Award:
Thurman G. Adams and Hilda McCabe Adams Family Scholarship
Award:
Northern New York Community Foundation
Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.
Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.
Next Step Education Program
The Community Foundation’s Next Step Education Program is an ideal opportunity for students and working professionals who are pursuing career advancement and educational growth. The program aims to help individuals as they pursue postsecondary education and career training. It is designed to assist students of all ages, including recent high school graduates, adult learners, and nontraditional students, as they work to earn undergraduate degrees, professional certifications, or technical credentials that will advance their professional goals.
Whether enrolling in an accredited college, university, technical, or trade school or gaining industry-recognized certifications, the Next Step Education Program aims to help individuals achieve lasting success.
This opportunity is made possible by the generosity of donors who believe in the power of lifelong education. Their support ensures that more people in our community have access to the training and education they need to reach their goals.
Award amounts may be used for tuition, books, and course-related expense.
What educational avenues can I pursue?
The Next Step Education Program supports a wide range of educational and professional development pathways, including:
Pathway to Careers, a Sedona/Verde Valley CTE Scholarship Summer Courses
This fund is designed to meet the employment needs of the Sedona/Verde Valley area communities through the establishment of a new career pathway. The Fund supports any Sedona/Verde Valley high school graduate currently residing in Sedona/Verde Valley who is already attending, or plans to attend, an accredited community college or technical/vocational school in pursuit of an Associate's degree, license, or certificate.
Who We Are
Our Mission
The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.
A Thriving Community
We envision a fully thriving community where all who live or work in the Holland/Zeeland area equitably experience: physical, mental, and emotional health and safety; financial stability; high quality education; access to opportunities to achieve one’s full potential; and a sense of belonging – are respected, valued, connected and have a voice in community decisions.
Apply for Scholarships
The Woman’s Literary Club Kate Garrod Post Scholarship
About Us
Marshfield Area Community Foundation, Inc. is a public, 501-C-3 charity. There are 30 community foundations in Wisconsin and more than 750 in the nation. The purpose of all community foundations is to accumulate charitable dollars that impact a specific geographic region in areas such as education, the arts, economic development, recreation, environmental protection, health care, and social services. They may be relatively small, as we are (assets of $14 million), or very large, as is the Greater Milwaukee Foundation (assets over $400 million).
Most people are familiar with private foundations, established by individuals, families, or corporations. Typically, in order to establish a private foundation, one has to have considerable wealth. You could say Community Foundations are much more democratic. We are, in a sense, an umbrella foundation containing many small foundations. We call those small foundations “funds.”
Marshfield Area Community Foundation Scholarships
The mission of the Marshfield Area Community Foundation is “Connecting people who care with causes that matter to enrich the quality of life in the Marshfield area”. Education is a valuable tool and a cause that matters to all of us. Through assisting students with financial support to receive an education, not only do students and the families of those students benefit, but also our community benefits, which further allows us to achieve our mission of enriching the quality of life in the Marshfield area.
Lloyd Crossman Scholarship (2025)
Genevieve Griffith Scholarship
The scholarship was established by Mildred Griffith in memory of her sister Genevieve Griffith, the girls' principal at Central High School in Ohio for many years. To be eligible, students must reside in the area served by Central High School when it closed in 1982, with Briggs, East, and South high schools each awarding one scholarship.
Award Amount:
At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.
Lewis and Eloise "Bud" Munz Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the family of Lewis and Eloise "Bud" Munz, who established the Lewis and Eloise "Bud" Munz Memorial Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Daughters Louise Munz Krill and Barbara Munz Peterman started this in their parents' memory to recognize an area student who wants to pursue an education while playing golf or tennis. Both graduates of University of Michigan, their parents, Lewie (an engineer) and Bud (a librarian) were avid golfers and tennis players. In fact, Lewie was the number one tennis player in college and ranked nationally. They were active members of the Muskegon Country Club and devoted to Muskegon.
DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation
Mission – The Foundation’s mission is to broaden awareness and understanding of agriculture through outreach and education.
Scholarships
The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is proud to offer numerous scholarships for high school seniors and college students. Preference will be given to applicants of Farm Bureau members or their children with certain eligibility requirements.
College Students Scholarships
The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation endeavors to recognize students for their academic, school and community performance while in college. The recognition is in the form of a scholarship to the student’s school of choice. The scholarship award will be sent directly to the recipient’s school to be applied toward college costs.
Orville A. Olson Ag Scholarship
Established in memory of Orville A. Olson, this scholarship is available to college juniors and seniors majoring in an agriculture-related degree and seeking a career in a field of agriculture. One $1,200 ag scholarship will be awarded.
Delaware Fine Arts Scholarship
Awards:
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.
How common are grants in this category?
Common — grants in this category appear regularly across funding sources.
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.
What's the typical grant amount funded for Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois?
Grants are most commonly $110,000.
What's the typical amount funded for Illinois?
Grants are most commonly $104,222.
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.
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
How is funding for Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois changing over time?
Funding has increased by 16.08%.
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 |