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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.

10,000+

Available grants

$2.95B

Total funding

$5K

Median grant

10,000+ grants
$2.95B total
$5K median

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Filters

10,104 Results based on applied filters

Carolyn Bruce Spicer & Gene E. Spicer Nursing Scholarship (Adult Learner)

Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County
Private
United States
US $1,800

In 2025, the Community Foundation of Madison & Jefferson County awarded over $233,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors of the county’s public and private high schools. Nearly 50 different students earned money toward their college costs. Scholarships are available for a variety of applicants. Some are specific to schools, majors, need, or interests.

CFMJC scholarships may be used for tuition and related expenses like fees and required equipment at accredited colleges and universities. Room and board are not covered.

Carolyn Bruce Spicer & Gene E. Spicer Nursing Scholarship (Adult Learner)

Criteria evaluated:

  • Academic performance, work history, and financial need

Required materials:

  • FAFSA SAI PDF upload

Scholarship amount:

  • $1,100 | 1 scholarship
Nursing Adult Education

Help at Home Community Foundation: Support Fund

Help at Home Community Foundation
Association/Society
United States
Up to US $500

Help at Home Community Foundation: Support Fund

The Support Fund provides help to home care employees who experience a personal financial hardship for a variety of reasons.

What are qualifying events?

A qualifying event can be a significant event(s) or radical change of status in a person’s life that creates an immediate, unforeseen, and substantial financial requirement. Some examples include:

Natural Disaster, Medical Emergency, Death of an immediate family member. More information here.

Grant awards depend on the qualifying event and need which could range from $100.00-$500.00. The maximum amount applicants may receive in a calendar year is $500.00, unless otherwise approved by the Board.

Disaster Relief / Humanitarian Aid Emergency Medical Care & Services

Lucile Cornetet Scholarship Fund

The Columbus Foundation
Private
United States
More than US $500

Lucile Cornetet Scholarship Fund

Miss Cornetet was a retired schoolteacher with Columbus Public Schools. She taught for 39 years, 34 of those as a Latin teacher. It was Miss Cornetet's desire to make a scholarship available to Columbus Public School graduating seniors and/or graduates who studied Latin.

Award Amount:

Minimum $500

Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

Fishburn Family Scholarship Fund

The Columbus Foundation
Private
United States
More than US $2,000

Fishburn Family Scholarship Fund

The fund was formed with funds donated to the Karen Fishburn Memorial Fund after her passing in September 2013. Karen’s dedication to numerous Morrow County organizations and countless hours of volunteer work for organizations such as the Red Cross, Key Ministries, Morrow County Association of Business Women, Morrow Country Board of Elections, and Marengo United Methodist Church, resulted in an unprecedented community outpouring at her calling hours. Annual scholarships are the Fishburn family’s way of honoring Karen for many years to come.

Award Amount:

  • Minimum $2,000
Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

Culver Young Farmers Agricultural Scholarship

Marshall County Community Foundation Inc
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Culver Young Farmers Agricultural Scholarship, administered by the Marshall County Community Foundation, provides annual scholarships for students pursuing agricultural studies. This fund supports local scholars, encouraging educational growth and community involvement. Open to all Marshall County residents, the scholarship is designed to benefit both new and returning students, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder educational aspirations in the agricultural field. Applications are free, fostering access to these valuable opportunities.
Education - Higher Education Agricultural Education

Brian Liechty Theater Production Scholarship

Marshall County Community Foundation Inc
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Connecting Passion to Purpose

Marshall County Community Foundation is a public charity where local roots help great ideas take flight. We are community-minded partners and trusted investors. We help shape the vision for Marshall County. Our passion is to connect caring people with opportunities to make an impact.

Our mission is to serve all of Marshall county — its people and its future — by growing and managing endowment funding and fostering philanthropy.

Investing in the Scholars of 
Marshall County

Marshall County Community Foundation administers a number of scholarships, from traditional awards for graduating seniors to those geared towards current students, professionals, and other special circumstances.

Each scholarship has its own application guidelines, deadlines, and application process, so please be sure to read the instructions of the scholarship you’re applying for carefully.

All Marshall County Scholarships

We administer a number of scholarships, which range from the traditional academic and athletic awards to corporate and special circumstances offerings. These scholarships are open to all residents of Marshall County, as long as other requirements are met.

Applying for a scholarship is free, so we invite you to spend some time finding opportunities for which you are a good fit. You can learn more about each scholarship by clicking on each of the below scholarship titles.

This scholarship will be awarded annually to one or more graduating seniors in Marshall County or St. Joseph County who are planning to pursue a course of study in the production of performing arts.

Education - Higher Education Performing Arts Art Education

Community Impact Grant: Education, Environment and Animal Welfare

DuPage Foundation
Private
DuPage County, Illinois
US $5,000 - US $25,000
The Community Impact Grant by the DuPage Foundation supports programs that enhance the quality of life for residents in DuPage County. With a focus on areas like health, education, workforce development, environment, and animal welfare, this grant provides funding to local not-for-profits. Applicants can seek seed grants up to $5,000 or sustain grants up to $25,000. The initiative aims to foster community welfare and enable organizations to address pressing local needs effectively.
Art & Culture Environment Human & Social Services +2 more

Meritorious Award

South Carolina State Firefighters' Association
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount
The Meritorious Award, presented by the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association, honors firefighters or fire departments that exceed normal duties to save lives. Nominations must come from Association members, approved by a fire chief or designee. Candidates are recognized for their vigilance and professionalism, while any safety standards violations disqualify nominations. This award reflects our commitment to recognizing extraordinary bravery within the fire service community.
Firefighting & Fire Prevention First Responders

Manning Family Scholarship

Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc.
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Manning Family Scholarship

Nontraditional student - includes delayed enrollment, employment status, part time enrollment, financial independence, has dependents or other characteristics as set by the Foundation.

Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

Dorothy Gilmore FCCYC and Monroe Evans Scholarships

Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc.
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Dorothy Gilmore FCCYC and Monroe Evans Scholarships

Graduating senior from any high school in Cumberland County.

Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

Lula T. and James L. Crosby Scholarship Fund

Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc.
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Lula T. and James L. Crosby Scholarship Fund

Any high school in Cumberland, Hoke or Harnett counties.

Education - Higher Education Education - Elementary School

Janie Chavis Lucas Scholarship

Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc.
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Janie Chavis Lucas Scholarship

Graduating high school seniors.

Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

Susan Townsend Barnes Scholarship

Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc.
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Susan Townsend Barnes Scholarship

A senior graduating from any in-person, on-site accredited High School in Cumberland County.

Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

James R. and Joanne K. Burgoon Endowment

The Columbus Foundation
Private
United States
More than US $500
The James R. and Joanne K. Burgoon Endowment, established by a bequest from James R. Burgoon, honors the couple's legacy of service and education in Westerville, Ohio. With a focus on supporting students pursuing accounting or law, this endowment reflects their commitment to community betterment. Managed by The Columbus Foundation, one of the largest community foundations in the nation, it aims to foster educational opportunities for deserving candidates, particularly those with ties to Westerville.
Education - Higher Education College Success / Persistence

Roberta Jones Booth Scholarship Fund

The Columbus Foundation
Private
United States
More than US $500

Roberta Jones Booth Scholarship Fund

Family and friends established this scholarship in memory of Roberta Jones Booth for her love and support of her community. This scholarship will support students from the community of the Marion Franklin Civic Association boundaries.

Award Amount:

  • Minimum $500
Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

James L. Allen Scholarship Fund

The Columbus Foundation
Private
United States
More than US $1,000

James L. Allen Scholarship Fund

The scholarship was established by James L. Allen, a dedicated community leader who served with the Columbus Urban League (1938–1954) and later with the UNCF (1960–1995), raising millions to support higher education for African-American students. He worked for many years in public accounting and real estate, and was an active member of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church and various other organizations. His contributions to the Columbus community and beyond have earned him numerous awards for his professional and community service.

Award Amount:

  • Minimum $1,000
Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

Rev. Henry Hudson Bobbitt Scholarship

Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc.
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Rev. Henry Hudson Bobbitt Scholarship

Graduating senior from any high school in Cumberland County.

Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

City Barbeque Scholarship Fund-Employees/Dependents

The Columbus Foundation
Private
United States
US $3,000

City Barbeque Scholarship Fund-Employees/Dependents

The City Barbeque Employee and Dependent Scholarship Fund is intended to promote educational opportunities for employees, and/or dependents of City Barbeque employees, in their chosen field of study.

Award Amount:

  • Five scholarships at $3,000 each
Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

Cage Family Scholarship Fund

The Columbus Foundation
Private
United States
More than US $500

Cage Family Scholarship Fund

The scholarship honors the Cage Family’s commitment to support students who are working toward a college degree.

Award Amount:

  • Minimum $500
Education - Higher Education Baptist Faith

Kelley Phillips Cox Legacy Scholarship

Mid Shore Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Scholarships for High School Seniors

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

Kelley Phillips Cox Legacy Scholarship

Awarded to Mid-Shore students, who are planning to pursue degrees in Environmental Science or Marine Biology

Education - Higher Education Environmental Education Marine Biology

Leigh T. Prettyman Scholarship

Community Foundation for Muskegon County
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

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

Leigh T. Prettyman Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the friends and family of Leigh T. Prettyman, who established the Leigh T. Prettyman Scholarship of the Muskegon County Community Foundation . Leigh Prettyman was a prominent and successful insurance executive at Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance. Scholarships from this fund are awarded to worthy Muskegon students planning to attend a four- year college. This ensures that Leigh Prettyman's dedication to his community and its youth will endure through the lasting gift of education.

Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

Plant Protection Act Section 7721 Fiscal Year 2027 National Clean Plant Network (NCPN)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Up to US $3,500,000
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is offering at least $10 million in funding for the National Clean Plant Network (NCPN) program, aimed at supporting the production of pathogen-free plant material. This initiative focuses on establishing Clean Plant Centers across the U.S. to enhance competitiveness for specialty crop producers. Key priorities include optimizing clean plant distribution and advancing innovative technologies to increase awareness of clean plants' importance.
Plant Science Plant Pathology

Marie VanderVoort Scholarship

Community Foundation for Muskegon County
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

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

Marie VanderVoort Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Marie VanderVoort, who established the Marie VanderVoort Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Marie VanderVoort was born in the Netherlands, came to the United States at age 14 and died in 1997 at the age of 100. Marie attended Hackley School of Nursing, graduating in their second class of students in 1922. She did private duty work at both Hackley and Mercy Hospitals until her retirement. She traveled extensively and loved exploring the diverse areas of the world. Marie enjoyed her family, particularly her nieces and nephews. One of her nieces, Maxine Hooper, as well as several others, encouraged her to leave a bequest to the Community Foundation to provide nursing scholarships in her name. 

Education - Higher Education Nursing

Vera DoLean Ginn Kiwanis Scholarship

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

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Vera DoLean Ginn Kiwanis Scholarship

Shelby County resident pursuing a career in elementary education. 

Selection based upon:

  • Intent to pursue the field of elementary education, financial need, academic ability, community and school service, recommendations.

Awards

  • Two $1,000 scholarships
Education - Higher Education Education - Elementary School

Tom and Sandy Shoemaker Skills Scholarship

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

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Tom and Sandy Shoemaker Skills Scholarship

Adults or graduating seniors who reside in Shelby County, Ohio or in the School Districts of Shelby County, Ohio, who are enrolling in an accredited adult educational program or trade school or pursuing an Associate’s Degree shall be eligible to apply.

Selection based upon:

  • Demonstrated interest and passion for a specific career path, demonstrated work experience, demonstrated community or school service and recommendations.

Awards

  • One $1,000 scholarship
Adult Education Vocational & Trade Education Education - Higher Education

The Cole Eriksson Parker Eagle Scout Scholarship Fund

Stark Community Foundation
Private
United States
More than US $500

Stark 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 Cole Eriksson Parker Eagle Scout Scholarship Fund

The Cole Eriksson Parker Eagle Scout Scholarship Fund was established to provide scholarships to high school graduates or graduating seniors who are Buckeye Council, Scouting of America, Canton, OH, Eagle Scouts.

Amount:

  • Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

  • Yes
Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation

James P. Humphrey, Black Achievers Scholarship

The Community Foundation of Shelby County
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

James P. Humphrey, Black Achievers Scholarship

Shelby County residents who are of African-American descent and a graduating senior at a Shelby County High School maintaining a high school GPA of no less than 2.0.

Selection based upon (in order of priority):

Financial need, academic ability, demonstrated community and school service, and recommendations, and an interview.

Awards Vary.

Education - Higher Education Black American Services

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