Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

Michael Embrey Band Scholarship Fund

The purpose of the Fund is to contribute to the educational expenses of students at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL. Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, be from a small town, demonstrate financial need, and participate in the NIU Marching Band program, which includes band, Color Guard, Silverettes, and/or Auxiliary.

Community Foundation for Muskegon County

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

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Scholarships

Our scholarship funds seek to empower and encourage Muskegon County residents to pursue their dreams, hone in their gifts, and give back to our community.

If you’re a high school or homeschooled senior, current college student, early college senior, or adult learner, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County may have a scholarship for you. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with over $1 million committed to students in over 500 new and renewed scholarships awarded each year.

Darrell H. and Rosaline M. Smith Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Rosaline M. Smith, who established the Darrell H. and Rosaline M. Smith Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Rosaline a former Treasurer for the City of Muskegon, and Darrell Smith, a longtime employee of the Muskegon Post Office, who cared deeply for each other and shared more than 50 years of marriage. Music was something they loved and had very much in common. The Darrell H. and Rosaline M. Smith scholarship was created to honor Darrell, who is no longer with us, and to provide a helping hand to graduating seniors of any Muskegon County high school who have demonstrated academic achievement and will pursue a music degree.

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

John Jurkas Law Enforcement Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the family and friends of John Jurkas, who established the John Jurkas Law Enforcement Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. John Jurkas served the City of Muskegon Police Department for 34 years, during which he established the reputation as a detective with the shrewd ability to solve crime. Mr. Jurkas completed his distinguished career as investigator for the Muskegon County Prosecutor. Following his death in 1991, family and friends established this to assist young people who wish to continue this tradition of excellence in law enforcement. The fund provides awards to Muskegon County students pursuing careers in law enforcement. These scholarships ensure that John Jurkas will continue to promote excellence in the field of law enforcement 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.

Merrie Schmiege 4-H Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the family of Merrie Schmiege, who established the Merrie Schmiege Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. This scholarship has been established by Maxine and Don Schmiege in memory of their daughter, Merrie, who died in a tragic automobile accident. Merrie was an active member of 4-H, received many local and state equestrian awards, taught horseback riding, and owned many horses. On account of her enthusiasm for equestrian activities and the programs of 4-H, Mr. and Mrs. Schmiege chose to create a Scholarship that provides financial support to young men and women who actively participate in these excellent programs. To the credit of the Schmiege's, Merrie's zeal and love of life will endure 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.

Mary A. Eyke Nursing Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Mary A. Eyke, who established the Mary A. Eyke Nursing Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Mary A. Eyke has been described as friendly and independent, “a rock,” by her family, but Mary was more than that. She was a dedicated Registered Nurse and Director of Nursing who taught OB/GYN and pediatrics nursing at Mercy School of Nursing at Mercy General Health Partners for 30 years…and she was a philanthropist! At her death, after a life of 92 years, her wish was to establish the Mary A. Eyke Nursing Scholarship. Her passion was helping her students become good nurses. The Mary A. Eyke Nursing Scholarship will provide financial assistance to students who have dedicated themselves to the nursing profession Mary loved so very much.

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

Mona Shores Optimist Club Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the members of the Mona Shores Optimist Club, who established the Mona Shores Optimist Club Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. The Mona Shores Optimist Club is committed to making a difference in the lives of others with the money that they raise! In 1994 this active service club established the Mona Shores Optimist Club Scholarship to benefit graduating seniors from Fruitport, Holton, Mona Shores, Montague, Muskegon Catholic, Muskegon Heights, Muskegon, North Muskegon, Oakridge, Orchard View, Ravenna, Reeths-Puffer, West Michigan Christian and Whitehall high schools. Three scholarships are awarded each year on a rotating basis between the 14 high schools. The Mona Shores Optimist Club is to be commended for spreading its good works all around Muskegon County. 

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. 

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.

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.

The Packaging Innovation Program by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) seeks innovative research proposals to develop sustainable packaging alternatives for U.S. specialty crops. With increasing restrictions on single-use plastics, this initiative aims to enhance global market access for U.S. producers. Collaborating with Clemson University and the Foundation for Fresh Produce, the program supports three research tracks, focusing on applied R&D, technology acceleration, and pilot-scale manufacturing projects to advance eco-friendly packaging solutions.

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) is inviting innovative research applications on the causal relationships between human behaviors and oral-systemic health impacts, particularly for people with chronic conditions. This funding opportunity encourages the exploration of biological, environmental, and psychosocial factors contributing to health outcomes. Projects should aim for translation into clinical trials to manage dental and craniofacial conditions effectively. Collaboration among diverse health experts is strongly encouraged.

The Eleanor & Henry Jansen Foundation, established in 1998, supports nonprofit organizations in Whatcom County, focusing on youth programs. The foundation encourages proposals that directly impact the community and emphasizes the importance of a substantial volunteer base. Special consideration is given to projects that were significant to Eleanor and Henry Jansen. Applicants are encouraged to seek matching funds from multiple sources, with priority given to youth-serving initiatives.

The Burney - Cecil E. Burney Scholarship, established in memory of Cecil E. Burney, aims to enhance the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by supporting students who have graduated from high schools in the CBCF seven-county area. Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors or current college students maintaining a GPA of 3.0, and they must be enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university in the United States.

The Jalufka - Patricia Jalufka Endowed Scholarship, offered by the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, aims to enhance educational opportunities for high school and college students from the Coastal Bend. This scholarship targets those majoring in Education, particularly in teaching reading or diagnosing reading disabilities, providing support to foster academic excellence and community development.

The Dr. Horacio R. Villarreal Scholarship Fund aims to enhance the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by supporting current college students pursuing careers in the medical field. Funded by the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, this scholarship is available to juniors and seniors from specific counties with a minimum GPA of 3.0, providing essential financial assistance to future healthcare professionals.

The Captain John G. Gardner, USMC, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Scholarship honors a dedicated Marine who went missing in action during the Vietnam War. Established by Local Chapter 124 of the Vietnam Veterans of America, it aims to support the descendants of decorated Vietnam Veterans from 18 western counties in North Carolina. This scholarship provides financial assistance to graduating high school seniors who plan to pursue higher education at accredited institutions.

The Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award offers a one-time, need-based grant of up to $10,000 for pre-collegiate musicians aged 8-18 participating in From the Top’s Learning and Media Lab Fellowship. This award aims to support talented young musicians facing financial barriers in their pursuit of classical music education. Applicants must demonstrate strong musical ability and are required to fully engage in the fellowship program to receive the award.

The ASSP Foundation Family Scholarship Fund, established in 2013, offers educational support to spouses and children of individuals who have lost their lives in workplace incidents. This scholarship aims to alleviate the financial burdens of such tragedies and encourages continuing education for affected families. The ASSP Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, is dedicated to promoting safety and building a sustainable talent pipeline in environmental health and safety. Donations are tax-deductible and contribute to a safer future for workers.

The Abbott Professional Medical Education Grants provide funding to healthcare institutions and education providers for independent medical education events. Established by the Abbott Fund, these grants aim to enhance scientific knowledge and patient wellness, focusing on areas such as cardiovascular diseases and heart therapies. Grants cover general expenses like accreditation and marketing, but do not support speaker fees or travel costs. Applications must be submitted at least 45 days prior to the event.

The Abbott Fellowship Program Grants, established by the Abbott Fund, aim to enhance medical education and patient wellness. Through these grants, medical institutions can develop fellowship programs focusing on critical areas such as cardiovascular disease, electrophysiology, and heart failure. The initiative seeks to foster innovation in healthcare by enabling organizations to support the training of fellows and advance scientific knowledge, ultimately improving patient outcomes and community health.

The Siebenthal and Block Scholarship Program, administered by Scholarship America, supports students from Peoria Manual High School pursuing higher education. This initiative aims to eliminate financial barriers and promote access to college or vocational training. By fostering partnerships and providing vital resources, the program enhances educational opportunities for underrepresented students, ensuring they can achieve their academic goals and minimize debt. Through its commitment, Scholarship America continues to impact lives significantly.

The Shell Creek Watershed Scholarship, offered by the Lower Platte North Natural Resources District, awards three $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors from specific high schools in the Shell Creek Watershed Monitoring Program. Eligible students must have completed at least one year in the program and plan to pursue studies in science or natural resources. The scholarship is disbursed in two installments, contingent upon maintaining a GPA of at least 3.0 in college.

The Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund, established by Scholarship America Inc., provides need-based scholarships for postsecondary education to dependents of 9/11 victims. This initiative aims to alleviate financial barriers and supports students at various accredited institutions across the U.S. By offering financial assistance for up to four years, the fund promotes educational access and success for those affected by tragedy, ensuring that eligible recipients can pursue their academic aspirations without the burden of excessive debt.

The Lisa Yoder Scholarship Fund, established by the Defiance Area Foundation in memory of Lisa Yoder, supports higher education for students who have graduated from public high schools and are members of St. Michaels Ridge Catholic Church in Defiance, Ohio. This annual, non-renewable scholarship assists first-year students pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree at their chosen accredited college or university, with the award amount determined based on fund performance.

The Hanover Insurance Community and AVID Scholarship Program, administered by Scholarship America, aims to support high school seniors from specific areas in Massachusetts and Michigan who plan to pursue higher education. By providing scholarships, this initiative seeks to eliminate financial barriers and promote educational success for underrepresented students. With a focus on equity and accessibility, the program encourages eligible students, particularly those in the AVID program, to further their academic aspirations.

The Edward Jones Scholarship, offered by The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, provides $12,000 annually to low-income students engaged with youth development agencies. This renewable scholarship aims to support those demonstrating financial need, with eligibility criteria including a minimum 2.0 GPA and residency in the St. Louis metropolitan area. The foundation envisions accessible educational opportunities for all, fulfilling its mission since 1920 to empower individuals through education and foster a strong democratic society.

The John S. Russo Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, supports graduating high school seniors from New Britain pursuing technical college degrees, especially in manufacturing. This scholarship emphasizes financial need and qualities like community involvement and leadership. By encouraging students with innovative thinking and a passion for technical education, the foundation aims to foster a skilled workforce that contributes positively to the local community.