Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

Mondovi Grange/Wilson Farm Scholarship

Applicants must be graduating seniors or graduates of schools in Lincoln County, Washington, or from that part of Spokane County in the Reardan-Edwall School District, or a direct descendant of someone previously employed by Dale D. Wilson, regardless of their current residence location.

Previous recipients are eligible to re-apply. 

The Transformational Partnerships Fund offers Seed Grants of up to $10,000 to colleges and universities exploring student-centered partnerships. These grants help defray costs associated with events that build consensus among leadership to pursue transformative collaborations. Prioritization is given to institutions serving diverse student populations and those that can demonstrate the potential for significant impact on student outcomes. This initiative focuses on fostering innovative partnerships that enhance institutional effectiveness and student success.

The OREF New Investigator Grant offers seed funding of up to $50,000 for promising research projects aimed at enhancing the scientific training of orthopaedic surgeons. This grant is specifically for new investigators who have not previously secured substantial research funding. Applicants must be orthopaedic surgeons meeting the NIH definition of a new investigator. The grant period lasts one year and requires periodic progress reports and an annual review.

The Lloyd Lewis Fellowships in American History, offered by The Newberry Library, provide scholars with the opportunity to conduct in-depth research on American history using the library's extensive collections. These long-term fellowships, lasting four to nine months, are open to PhD holders of any nationality and encourage innovative scholarship. Successful applicants will immerse themselves in a community of learning, making significant contributions to historical scholarship while exploring new interpretations of the past.

Communities Foundation of Oklahoma

The Communities Foundation of Oklahoma stems from the vision of Tom McCasland Jr., and Gene Rainbolt. Two decades ago, these gentlemen formed a shared vision to create a single philanthropic organization to serve the charitable needs to rural communities across the great state of Oklahoma. Today, CFO has grown to assist hundreds of efforts in more than 45 counties.

Scholarship Opportunities

CFO offers over 100 diverse scholarship opportunities, empowering students across the state to pursue their educational goals. Each scholarship is tailored to meet unique needs, making higher education more accessible for all.

Kingfisher Rotary Club - John A. Francis Scholarship

Provides a scholarship to graduating seniors of Kingfisher County High Schools who exhibits a strong work ethic along with high moral character and integrity. In partnership with the Kingfisher Rotary Club.

Communities Foundation of Oklahoma

The Communities Foundation of Oklahoma stems from the vision of Tom McCasland Jr., and Gene Rainbolt. Two decades ago, these gentlemen formed a shared vision to create a single philanthropic organization to serve the charitable needs to rural communities across the great state of Oklahoma. Today, CFO has grown to assist hundreds of efforts in more than 45 counties.

Scholarship Opportunities

CFO offers over 100 diverse scholarship opportunities, empowering students across the state to pursue their educational goals. Each scholarship is tailored to meet unique needs, making higher education more accessible for all.

Kinlee Denton Memorial Scholarship

Love like Kinlee. This scholarship will honor a graduating senior from Kingfisher or Kay County who has a strong character and is a caring, forgiving person in their school and community. College acceptance required.

Communities Foundation of Oklahoma

The Communities Foundation of Oklahoma stems from the vision of Tom McCasland Jr., and Gene Rainbolt. Two decades ago, these gentlemen formed a shared vision to create a single philanthropic organization to serve the charitable needs to rural communities across the great state of Oklahoma. Today, CFO has grown to assist hundreds of efforts in more than 45 counties.

Scholarship Opportunities

CFO offers over 100 diverse scholarship opportunities, empowering students across the state to pursue their educational goals. Each scholarship is tailored to meet unique needs, making higher education more accessible for all.

McCasland Foundation Scholarship

Provides a scholarship to graduating seniors in Stephens County who has a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrates character, leadership and participation in school activities. In partnership with The McCasland Foundation.

The Spanos Family Memorial Scholarship, funded by the Erie Community Foundation, offers financial support to outstanding students who are active members of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Erie. In 2023, over $800,000 in scholarships were awarded to more than 500 students pursuing higher education. Applications are evaluated based on merit, academic performance, financial need, and community involvement, ensuring that deserving individuals receive the assistance they need to succeed in their educational endeavors.

The Charles and Louis Lincoln Scholarship, awarded by the Erie Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to Erie High School students who are first- or second-generation Americans. This scholarship supports those with demonstrated scholastic ability and financial need, helping them pursue higher education. In 2023, over $800,000 was awarded to more than 500 students, reflecting the foundation's commitment to educational access and support for diverse communities.

The Richard H. Brown/William Lloyd Barber Fellowships, established by the Newberry Library in 1887, support innovative research in American history. Scholars with a PhD or equivalent can apply, with a focus on utilizing the Newberry's extensive collections. The fellowship offers four to nine months of immersive research, fostering collaboration and discoveries in various fields. Ideal for those seeking to deepen their understanding of historical narratives, the fellowship encourages impactful scholarship and community engagement.

The HuFriedyGroup/Esther Wilkins Instrument Scholarships, sponsored by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), support students enrolled in accredited dental hygiene programs in the U.S. This scholarship provides recipients with up to $1,000 worth of dental hygiene instruments of their choice. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be ADHA members. This initiative seeks to enhance educational opportunities and promote professional growth among future dental hygienists.

The Bear Paw Resort Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, supports graduating seniors from White Lake High School who plan to pursue post-secondary education. With over $2 million available for scholarships in 2025, this initiative aims to empower students in their educational journeys. The scholarship is designed to assist with tuition costs, payable after the completion of the first semester, thereby encouraging academic success and community development.

The ADEAGies Foundation Grant supports oral health innovations and the development of future leaders in academic dentistry. Funded by the ADEAGies Foundation, the program offers annual grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 for various dental programs and initiatives. The Board of Trustees evaluates proposals each March, aiming to fully fund as many projects as possible while reserving the right to offer partial funding. Grants are awarded annually to qualifying organizations.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Optimist Club of Saginaw – “Officer Ed” Nowaczyk Scholarship

The “Officer Ed” Scholarship is sponsored by the Optimist Club of Saginaw in memory of Edwin F. Nowaczyk, a longtime member of the Optimist Club and School Safety Officer for the City of Saginaw Police Department. Better known as “Officer Ed” to the thousands of children who loved and worked with him, Officer Ed was responsible for the school pedestrian and traffic safety programs. He was also instrumental in developing the school safety patrol program.

Although Officer Ed may be best remembered for his involvement with child safety programs, he also served as accident investigator, police community relations specialist and juvenile investigator with the Police Department. During his 38 years in law enforcement, Officer Ed received several letters of commendation and was the first recipient of the Saginaw Police Department’s “Lifetime Meritorious Service Award.”

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Pursuit of Hospitality – The George William Roe Scholarship

George William Roe is a hospitality professional who graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 2003, and Michigan State University’s – The School of Hospitality Business in 2007 with a specialization in International Lodging. He finds it important to give back to the community and industry which has given him much growth, success and adventure.  

George is passionate about the hospitality industry and understands that without scholarships he would not have been able to experience so much at Michigan State University and even more after graduation. His involvement in extracurricular activities and internships took him around the world and he encourages young aspiring hoteliers to continue to “step out of their comfort zones, in order to experience something extraordinary.” George hopes that this scholarship will allow others the ability to explore opportunities within the hospitality industry and he encourages everyone to continue to push themselves for a greater future.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Rotary Club of Saginaw Sunrise Scholarship

The Rotary Club of Saginaw Sunrise was founded on September 7, 2001 and celebrated its 20th anniversary as a club in 2021.

In an effort to make an impact and to change the lives of aspiring students in the Great Lakes Region and beyond, the Club formulated a plan to create a second endowed scholarship to meet some of the educational needs of the community. The Club set a goal to fundraise $20,000 in commemoration of its 20 years of service. Through fundraising efforts of the Club and generous donations, their goal was accomplished.

This endowed scholarship will be made available to students wishing to pursue careers that require a four-year accredited degree.  

The Society of Family Planning is dedicated to advancing equitable access to contraception and abortion through science. The recent approval of Opill, the first over-the-counter oral contraceptive in the U.S., presents a unique opportunity to enhance contraceptive access. This initiative encourages research on implementation strategies to address cost, distribution, and education, ensuring the successful integration of over-the-counter contraceptives into healthcare options for all.

The Bud and Linda Tarrson Fellowship, awarded by the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation, offers $30,000 ($10,000 annually for up to three years) to periodontists aiming for academic careers. Eligibility includes being a faculty member at an instructor or assistant level and having no more than ten years of affiliation with a degree-granting institution. The fellowship supports research and teaching in periodontology, enhancing educational opportunities in the field.

About Us

Making a Difference, Together

The Community Foundation of Monroe County (CFMC) builds a thriving, inclusive community through the power of philanthropy. By connecting generous donors with local causes, we help ensure Monroe County remains a place where everyone can thrive. Since our founding, we’ve been a trusted steward of community resources, fostering impactful collaborations and sustainable solutions to address challenges in education, health, poverty, and community development.

Scholarship Opportunities

Whether you’re heading to college, pursuing a technical career, or furthering your education as an adult, there’s a scholarship for you.

Terry L. Goins Endowed Scholarship

For graduating seniors from Monroe and Ida High Schools pursuing higher education.

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) offers educational grants aimed at enhancing the floriculture industry through innovative programs. With over $3 million funded since its inception, AFE supports initiatives targeting young people and addressing industry challenges. Grants range from $500 to $10,000 annually, encouraging multi-year projects that benefit broad geographical areas. Eligible applicants include community organizations focused on floriculture education within the U.S. AFE prioritizes programs with national scope and significant educational impact.

United Negro College Fund

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 12,000 students scholarships, worth more than $65 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

NEESA Last Dollar Grant

NEESA Last Dollar Grants are designed to provide need-based, last-dollar gap scholarships for graduating high school seniors facing barriers to college enrollment. Students may receive up to $1,000.00 for their freshman year attendance.

United Negro College Fund

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 12,000 students scholarships, worth more than $65 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

Dr. Mable V. Jones Scholarship

The Dr. Mable V. Jones. Scholarship is a need-based OR merit-based scholarship for incoming freshmen who are enrolling at any accredited UNCF Member Institution or other accredited four-year HBCU.

United Negro College Fund

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 12,000 students scholarships, worth more than $65 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

Michael L. Lomax Endowed Scholarship

The Michael L. Lomax Endowed Scholarship program was established by Tench and Simone Coxe in honor of Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President, and CEO of UNCF, in partnership with UNCF. The scholarship program is designed to provide scholarship support to deserving students attending one of the 37 UNCF member institutions.

Michael L. Lomax Endowed Scholarship program is annually renewable based on availability of funds and provided students continue to meet the eligibility requirement.

United Negro College Fund

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 12,000 students scholarships, worth more than $65 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

HBCU Scholars Empowerment Program

The HBCU Scholars Empowerment Program is a renewable need-based scholarship open to students receiving four-year degrees at Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

United Negro College Fund

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 12,000 students scholarships, worth more than $65 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

Associates Scholars Empowerment Program

The Associates Scholars Empowerment Program is a renewable need-based scholarship open to students receiving certificates and two-year degrees. 

Associated General Contractors Of California

Since 1920, we have worked together with our members to provide advocacy, education, career development, and networking opportunities to experienced and next generation construction and contracting professionals. From the moment you become an AGC member, we go to bat for you with state and local governments, while helping you connect with industry leaders through services, innovative programs, and events.

Scholarships & Giving

We award scholarships to individuals enrolled in certified training, pre-apprenticeship, or craft apprenticeship programs, and those attending two- or four-year college degree programs.

AGC College Scholarship

This scholarship awards individual scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,500. It is a great opportunity for college students pursuing construction or construction-related careers who are enrolled in a two—or four-year degree program. 

Associated General Contractors Of California

Since 1920, we have worked together with our members to provide advocacy, education, career development, and networking opportunities to experienced and next generation construction and contracting professionals. From the moment you become an AGC member, we go to bat for you with state and local governments, while helping you connect with industry leaders through services, innovative programs, and events.

Scholarships & Giving

We award scholarships to individuals enrolled in certified training, pre-apprenticeship, or craft apprenticeship programs, and those attending two- or four-year college degree programs.

CLIC Scholarship

The California Landscape Irrigation Council (CLIC) Inc. Scholarship awards $1,000 to a student who portrays academic excellence working towards a degree in landscape construction, contracting, engineering, construction management, business administration, and/or related fields. The scholarship is also open to members of union trades specific to landscape careers.