Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

The Quad Cities Mexican American Organization Scholarship, administered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, offers up to $1,000 to students of Hispanic descent pursuing post-secondary education. Applicants must maintain a GPA of at least 2.0 and can apply for renewal. This scholarship aims to support educational advancement in the Quad Cities region, reflecting a commitment to fostering academic success among underrepresented communities.

The NIOSH K01 grant offers vital support for early-career researchers in occupational health, providing 'protected time' for mentorship and professional development. This funding aims to bridge the gap from postdoctoral training to independent research, fostering the next generation of investigators. By emphasizing skill enhancement and independence, the program plays a crucial role in advancing safety and health research. Applicants must articulate their mentorship needs and demonstrate the potential for increased autonomy in their research careers.

The Emo Jean Cottrell Scholarship Fund, administered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing various degrees, including Associate, Bachelor's, and vocational certificates. Open to high school seniors, current college students, and adult learners in the USA, it encourages academic excellence with a minimum GPA requirement of 2.5. This renewable scholarship, available for up to three years, aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster community growth, reflecting the foundation's commitment to improving lives in San Antonio.

The Erin Wilson McMahon Memorial Scholarship, offered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students from Bexar County pursuing higher education outside Texas. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and current college students seeking a Bachelor's or technical degree. The scholarship aims to foster educational growth and community development. With awards limited to one student, recipients can utilize funds for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses, promoting academic achievement and leadership.

The Ernest B. and Marie H. Graham Scholarship, offered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports current high school seniors pursuing studies in Mathematics or STEM fields. This renewable scholarship, available to students from select San Antonio school districts, covers tuition and fees for up to three years. Applicants must maintain a C average and enroll full-time in an accredited U.S. institution. This initiative aims to empower the next generation of innovators and leaders in STEM.

Grants for Research About Urban Communication Issues

Since our launch in 2005, the Urban Communication Foundation has provided awards and grants to dozens of distinguished scholars, researchers, and journalists to recognize and support provocative work that contributes in significant ways to the discourse around urban communication issues.

While most of our recipients hail from academia and journalism, we also encourage submissions from other practitioners whose work will lend new insights into the discipline, raise broader awareness of related socio-political, economic, and cultural concerns, or influence public policy.

Gene Burd Grant for Research in Urban Journalism Studies

The Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication has partnered with the Urban Communication Foundation to create the Gene Burd Grant for Research in Urban Journalism Studies. The purpose of this annual grant is to stimulate research that explains, enlightens, inspires, and improves the practice and study of journalism and communication in order to advance our understanding of journalism in urban environments.

About the Hertz Foundation

Empowering the Nation’s Most EXCEPTIONAL Innovators

The Hertz Foundation identifies and empowers the nation’s most exceptional innovators in science and technology, fueling a lifelong community dedicated to solving our most pressing problems.

Hertz Community

Awards & Recognition

We’ve established several awards to recognize and support Hertz community members who are accelerating solutions to significant real-world challenges, either through their individual careers or volunteering to strengthen the Hertz Foundation’s work. In addition to providing financial and professional support at a critical time, we also hope to generate more awareness within the Hertz community and inspire collaborations that build on the momentum.

Newman-Galas Entrepreneurial Initiative

The Harold Newman and David Galas Entrepreneurial Initiative provides financial and professional support to Hertz Fellows who propose the most innovative entrepreneurial projects, with particular emphasis on collaboration among fellows. Awardees receive investments up to $25,000 to fund their work and receive mentoring from successful entrepreneurs within the fellows community.

Fueling Entrepreneurs

The initiative was established by honorary Hertz Fellow Harold Newman, a former member of our board of directors and a long-time supporter of and generous donor to the foundation. Newman changed the name to the Harold Newman and David Galas Entrepreneurial Initiative in honor of David Galas, a Hertz Fellow and chairman of the board. Through Newman’s substantial endowment, this award has helped enterprising fellows co-found 11 companies and develop new technologies with real-world impact.

The funds are provided with no strings attached, only the expectation that project leaders will be motivated to share their success with the foundation.

The OVC FY 2026 Services for Victims of Human Trafficking aims to enhance victim service programs across the United States. This initiative supports victims by providing critical services to address their diverse needs, including mental health support and assistance with legal challenges. By funding comprehensive programs, the Office for Victims of Crime seeks to combat human trafficking effectively and promote recovery for affected individuals, ensuring their rights and well-being are prioritized.

The Gil and Kay Sparks Scholarship, established in 2020 by friends of the couple, honors their contributions to the Wenatchee Valley community. This scholarship supports graduating seniors from Westside High School or similar non-traditional schools in Chelan, Douglas, or Okanogan counties, aiming to aid students pursuing further education. Recipients should demonstrate resilience in overcoming life challenges, reflecting the legacy of Gil and Kay, who exemplified community building with humility.

The DTA Foundation Grant, offered by the Dental Trade Alliance Foundation, aims to enhance oral health care accessibility across the United States. With over 20 years of experience, the foundation supports key projects and scholarships for aspiring dental professionals, focusing on addressing barriers to care and improving oral health outcomes in underserved communities. By fostering partnerships and advocating for oral health education, the foundation continues to make a significant impact in the lives of millions.

The Wenatchee Valley Medical Group and Confluence Health Employee Scholarship supports employees and their families pursuing higher education in healthcare. Offered by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, this scholarship is available for various educational paths, including trade schools, community colleges, and four-year universities. Preference is given to employees, their children, and first-degree relatives, emphasizing those aiming for healthcare-related training. This initiative fosters educational advancement within the community.

The Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation offers Tier B grants to 501(c)(3) organizations supporting the LGBTQ community in the Greater Bay Area. Annually, two $10,000 grants are selected through a voting process by event hosts, ensuring community involvement. Eligible organizations can apply during the specified application period after an initial screening. This initiative underscores the Foundation's commitment to empowering local nonprofits and enhancing support for LGBTQ initiatives.

About American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF)The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) promotes firsthand exchange of intellectual and creative influence between the United States and the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. ASF offers fellowships, cultural grants, internships/training, publications, exhibitions and other public programs reinforcing the strong relationships between the two regions, honoring their shared values, and appreciating their differences.ASF Public Projects GrantThe American-Scandinavian Foundation promotes the cultures of the Nordic countries in the United States and American culture in the Nordic countries by encouraging programs that will enhance public appreciation of culture, art, and thought. In establishing priorities, the Foundation considers the lasting benefits that may be achieved by any grant and favors projects where its contribution will complement support from other sources. 

The Albert H. Roffers Athletic Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to graduating senior athletes from Ashland High School. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $1,500 for one year and can be used at accredited educational institutions. This scholarship honors Albert H. Roffers, a dedicated community member who supported local sports programs. Eligible applicants must have participated in two varsity sports, maintained a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and demonstrated both character and financial need.

The Amelia and Emanuel Nessell Family Scholarship Fund supports students in financial need, prioritizing Jewish applicants. Established in 1997 in memory of Amelia and Emanuel Nessell, this scholarship reflects the family's commitment to education. Eligible candidates must be Duluth public or private school graduates with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and active in extracurriculars. Award amounts range from $1,250 to $1,500 per year, totaling $2,500 to $3,000 over two years.

The Bernard B. and Mary L. Brusin Scholarship Fund offers financial support to Jewish and Roman Catholic students from specific Duluth-area high schools. Established in 1987, this scholarship honors the Brusins' commitment to education and community service. Award amounts range from $5,000 to $10,000 annually, with a total potential of $40,000 over four years. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and a dedication to community involvement.

The Loren and Tammy Bockwoldt Family Scholarship, administered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, awards up to $2,000 annually to three qualified students, totaling no more than $6,000. Applicants must be high school seniors from Durant or Wilton, Iowa, with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrated financial need. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, supporting students aiming for full-time enrollment in accredited post-secondary institutions.

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.

Sports Matter Mission

We believe that sports change lives. In addition to physical and mental health benefits, sports have the power to change our perspectives, our character and our communities for the better. This core belief has guided DICK’S Sporting Goods and The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation since the beginning – but not everyone has the same access to play. Through grants and other support, The DICK’S Foundation Sports Matter Program helps under-resourced 501c3 organizations, schools and community teams across all 50 states provide opportunities for youth to play sports.

Why It Counts

• Low-Income Kids Play at Half the Rate of Wealthier Peers
• Participation in Team Sports has Declined 4% Since 2017
• One in Three Kids Can't Participate in the Sports They Want 
• Number of Kids Playing Multiple Sports Has Declined

Sports Matter Program

We Believe Every Kid Deserves a Chance to Play

The Sports Matter Program focuses on supporting youth sports in under-resourced communities.

All grant applications are made subject to review of the applying organization’s reputation and activities, and its agreement to comply with applicable terms and conditions. 

The Robert W. Knox, Sr. and Pearl Wallis Knox Charitable Foundation Grant Program, established in 1964, supports qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. The foundation prioritizes projects that benefit Harris County, TX, and surrounding areas, focusing on charitable, religious, scientific, and educational initiatives. Organizations must wait one grant cycle before reapplying, ensuring fair distribution of funds. This commitment reflects the foundation's legacy of community service and support for various humanitarian causes.

The Leigh Carter Scholarship Fund, established by the Tennessee Chiropractic Association, honors Leigh Carter's dedication to learning. This scholarship provides financial support to full-time students pursuing chiropractic education at accredited colleges. Applicants must show a strong interest in health care, and preference is given to Tennessee residents. Recipients can reapply throughout their four-year degree program, ensuring continued support for their educational journey in the chiropractic field.

The Duluth Building & Construction Trades Council Scholarship Fund provides $2,500 for one year to eligible applicants. To qualify, students must have a parent or legal guardian who is a member of one of the 17 unions affiliated with the council and must be graduates of any school within the DSACF service area with a GPA of 2.75 or higher. Preference is given to those pursuing careers in healthcare, but all career paths are encouraged to apply.

About 

Epilepsy Wellness Advocates (EWA) is a privately funded, research-informed organization focused on improving the quality of life for people living with epilepsy through collaborative partnerships and wellness-centered initiatives.

Free from pharmaceutical or institutional influence, we are committed to developing and supporting unbiased, evidence-based approaches to epilepsy management. Our efforts center on empowering individuals, families, and the organizations that serve them with practical tools, education, and support.

Epilepsy management extends far beyond clinical settings. Together with our partners, we’re building new ways to live well with epilepsy.

Epilepsy Wellness Advocates Research Grants

Epilepsy Wellness Advocates is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with epilepsy by funding innovative research, and impactful programs with our long-term strategic partnerships for epilepsy management through alternatives to pharmacological or surgical avenues.

We collaborate with leading organizations, researchers, and wellness providers to understand and develop integrative and wellness health solutions that enhance the daily lives of those living with epilepsy. Our goal is to enable our partners and providers to impact as many people with epilepsy as possible and provide them with the tools and resources they need to reduce the impact of epilepsy on people’s lives.

Categories of Grant Funding:

• Epilepsy Integrative Wellness Programs
• Epilepsy Integrative Wellness Research Studies
• Epilepsy Education and Toolkit Programs
• Epilepsy Education Scholarships & Education Emergency Supports

Program Outcomes of Grants:

• Improve quality of life and functional outcomes for people with epilepsy (PWE) and their caregivers.
• Reduce seizure frequency, severity, and overall seizure burden through evidence-informed approaches.
• Advance personalized, whole-person epilepsy management that reduces reliance on trial-and-error care.
• Increase access to epilepsy wellness information, programs, and tools for PWE, caregivers, and providers.
• Empower caregivers as essential partners by strengthening their education, tools, and ability to navigate care systems.
• Translate research into practical, day-to-day resources that improve real-world epilepsy management and decision-making.
• Drive innovation in epilepsy wellness and integrative care, including the development and validation of scalable management models.
• Address comorbidities, side effects and other treatment burdens, and lifestyle factors that materially affect epilepsy outcomes and daily functioning.
• Strengthen the epilepsy workforce and future provider pipeline, ensuring providers understand and are trained to treat epilepsy as a whole-person condition.
• Reduce stigma and social isolation that negatively impact independence, dignity, and participation for PWE.

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.

About the Foundation

There is no health without mental health. The APA Foundation is working in your community to provide the support and resources we all need to prioritize mental wellbeing where you live, learn, work, worship, and play.

Our Mission

Promote the mental health and well-being of individuals and communities.

Our Vision

A mentally healthy nation for all – where we live, learn, work, worship, and play.

Psychiatric Research Fellowship

The Psychiatric Research Fellowship provides funding for an early research career psychiatrist to design and conduct a health services/policy-related research study using national data housed at the APA. The Fellow's research activities will be carried out under the supervision and guidance of a mentor at his/her institution in collaboration with his/her mentor(s) at the APA Division of Research. This vital program will enable the APA and APA Foundation to actively participate in sustaining and strengthening the clinical investigators workforce specifically in psychiatry.

Program Benefits

• Receive funding (up to $45,000 per year) towards a research study that will address a major research topic impacting psychiatric practice.
• Receive mentorship from established researchers in the field of psychiatry in the design and implementation of his/her research study.
• Access to secondary national data (e.g., CMS Claims data; APA Registry data) to carry out his/her research study.
• Present his/her research at one or more APA meetings.
• Opportunity to attend additional meetings that provide further mentorship in psychiatric research (e.g., Early Research Career Breakfast).
• Have access to a lifetime network of APA member experts working in the field of psychiatric research.
• Establish relationships and peer-mentorship with a diverse group of residents and fellows with similar career interests and goals.
• Participate on an assigned APA Council or APAF initiative where organizational decisions are made.
• Gain an understanding of APA Governance through service on an APA Council, Committee or APAF initiative.
• Appear in the APA Convocation of Distinguished Fellows Program Book listings.

The AOTF: Nedra Gillette Endowed Research Fellowship supports postdoctoral research in occupational therapy, focusing on interdisciplinary and cross-cultural studies of the human condition. With a one-year award of $5,000, the fellowship promotes innovative approaches to enhance client engagement and therapeutic practices. Eligible candidates must hold an OT degree and a relevant doctorate, conduct research at a US institution, and have IRB approval for their studies. This fellowship aims to advance the field through meaningful contributions.

The Hazel Herring Civic Improvement Grant, established by the Woman's National Farm and Garden Association, supports projects aimed at enhancing community spaces. Eligible initiatives include community gardens, playgrounds, and beautification efforts. This grant allows members to fund new phases of ongoing projects, fostering civic engagement and improving public areas. Since its inception, the grant has evolved from an award to a funding opportunity for branches and divisions, ensuring a lasting impact on local communities.