Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

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.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

Holland Friends of Art Scholarship

• Graduating senior from Black River, Holland Christian, Holland High School, West Ottawa, Zeeland East, Zeeland West, or the Careerline Tech Center
• Enrolling in a 2 or 4-year degree program at an accredited post-secondary school (including vocational/technical school) within the United States
• Financial need, a consideration (encouraged to submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• GPA of 2.5 or greater
• Continuing studies in the visual arts either as an art major or art minor
• Recommended by high school visual art teacher
• Potentially renewable for one additional year

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 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.

National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana

The National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana provides a network of support and encouragement and promotes an understanding of the real problems of blindness... the attitudes and misconceptions which we and the general public have about blindness. We believe that with training and opportunity (and these are important) the average blind or visually impaired person can lead a perfectly normal life--not just dream about it.

National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana Scholarships

Each year at its State Convention, the National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana (NFBL) awards merit-based scholarships to recognize the achievement of blind scholars. 

Previous winners of NFBL scholarships and others who have applied in the past are encouraged to reapply. 

National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania

The National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania is a state affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind.

The National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania is a 501c(3) nonprofit volunteer membership organization comprised of blind and interested sighted persons of all ages, their families and friends. Our committed local chapters & divisions, committees, programs, and well-trained leaders help newly blind people adjust to vision loss, and promote the full participation and integration of blind people in our communities. We bring our collective experiences together to effect change at the state and national level.

National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania Scholarship

For college-bound blind or low vision students.

The Brian A. Kelley Memorial Scholarship

The Brian A. Kelley Memorial Scholarship is a $1,000 award presented by the Kelley Family Charitable Foundation. Brian's legacy is defined by his extraordinary compassion and generosity, which touched numerous lives in his community through countless acts of kindness. He was passionate about supporting local youth sports and was proud to be an alumnus of Bradford High School.

When Brian experienced his first heart attack, our community rallied around him, understanding that the road to recovery would be long and challenging. Despite his remarkable resilience, he was later diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Although he fought with unwavering courage, he ultimately succumbed to the disease.

In tribute to Brian’s determined spirit and selflessness, we established the Brian A. Kelley Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship honors Brian’s memory by recognizing individuals who embody strength, kindness, and a commitment to serving their community, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps.

The Grossman-Sada Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports full-time college students engaged in international exchange programs between Mexico and the U.S. This scholarship covers the cost of attendance for students pursuing a Bachelor's degree in any field. Since 1964, the foundation has played a vital role in enhancing community life through various grants and scholarships, emphasizing meaningful contributions for future generations.

The Kellly Marie Mcquate Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from Rock Island or Scott County, IL, who have lost a parent. This need-based scholarship awards up to $500 and focuses on financial need as the primary criterion. Applicants must plan to enroll full-time in college, with merit evaluated through school and community activities. This scholarship represents a significant opportunity for eligible students to pursue their educational goals.

The Ida V. Holland Educational Scholarship, offered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports full-time students pursuing various degrees. Eligible candidates must be Bexar County residents facing financial challenges. The scholarship, renewable for up to three years, aims to assist parentless or low-income students, ensuring they receive the necessary educational funding to thrive. Since its inception in 1964, the foundation has significantly impacted the community through grants and scholarships.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Margaret Gould Tyson Scholarship

Dr. Tyson was a very active NEF Board member for many years and the Dean at Hunter Bellevue School of Nursing in New York City. Since her death in 2008, the Margaret Gould Tyson scholarship has been given annually to a doctoral applicant studying nursing education.

The Alagille Syndrome Vitamins and Supplements Fund, managed by the HealthWell Foundation, offers financial assistance to patients suffering from Alagille Syndrome. This fund helps cover the costs of essential vitamins and supplements needed for treatment. With a maximum award of $1,500, the program aims to reduce financial barriers for underinsured individuals, ensuring they receive the necessary support to manage their health, thereby enhancing their quality of life.

The Four Directions Scholarship Fund for Native Students, created by Penny Gill, aims to support Ojibwe students through higher education. With a total award of $10,000 distributed over four years, the scholarship is available to enrolled members of specific Chippewa tribes who demonstrate financial need. It reflects Gill's commitment to sharing educational opportunities with her community on Madeline Island, honoring the original caretakers of the land.

The Fund for Women of the Southern Tier Education Grant aims to eliminate barriers to education for women in the community. This grant supports various educational expenses, including college textbooks, technical supplies, and past due tuition bills. By addressing the holistic needs of the community, the grant provides essential resources to empower women in their educational pursuits. Funded by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc., this initiative fosters educational growth and opportunity.

The Jack and Mary Rowe Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of Jack and Mary Rowe by supporting high school graduates in Duluth, Hermantown, or Proctor who are pursuing engineering studies. This scholarship, valued at $4,500 for one year, recognizes academic excellence without considering financial need, encouraging students with a GPA of 3.9 or higher, or 3.5 in honors courses, to apply and engage in extracurricular activities.

The Iron River Lions Club Marie Larson Scholarship Fund offers $2,000 to graduating high school seniors from public or private schools in the Iron River area. Established by Marie Larson, this fund supports students pursuing higher education, with its origins tracing back to a golf tournament begun in 2008. The scholarship honors Larson's legacy and her commitment to the community, encouraging local youth to achieve their educational goals.

The Institutional Translational Research Training Program (T32) aims to prepare trainees for advancing basic research into clinical applications. This program focuses on developing essential skills in experimental design, statistical analysis, and effective science communication. Participants, including advanced predoctoral students and postdoctoral fellows, will engage in a two-year training program that fosters collaboration among neuroscientists and clinicians, ultimately equipping them to tackle basic research challenges and translate discoveries into viable therapies.

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.

The Lawrence E. and Mabel Jackson Rudberg Scholarship Fund supports graduating seniors from Two Harbors Senior High School and Duluth area high schools. This scholarship, established by educators Lawrence and Mabel Rudberg, aims to promote access to higher education. Eligible students must demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Awards can reach up to $20,000 over four years, helping students achieve their college aspirations.

The Northwoods Educational Opportunities Fund offers financial aid to high school seniors and graduates from Mercer and Chequamegon (Park Falls) schools, as well as residents of the Town of Sherman. Awards can reach up to $20,000 over four years. Eligible applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and demonstrate financial need, community service, and leadership engagement. This initiative aims to support students in pursuing vocational or post-secondary educational programs.

The BACKstage Grant Fall 2025, offered by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT), provides funding for secondary education theatre teachers to enhance their professional development. Grants support various expenses, including workshop registrations, travel, and educational supplies. Eligible applicants must be secondary school educators teaching theatre-related subjects, and all funded activities must be completed within a year. This initiative fosters growth and innovation in the performing arts community.

The Riley Burnell Criminal Justice Memorial Scholarship Fund provides financial support to a Koochiching County resident pursuing a career in criminal justice. Established in memory of Riley Burnell, this scholarship awards $2,500 for one year to students demonstrating financial need and maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Eligible applicants must show good citizenship and community involvement while aiming for fields such as law enforcement, conservation, or border patrol.

About the Foundation

Our Mission

Beyond Batten Disease Foundation was established to eradicate juvenile Batten disease by raising awareness and funds to accelerate research for a treatment or cure.

About Funding

BBDF is dedicated to collaboratively developing, funding, and managing fundamental, preclinical, IND-enabling, translational and clinical research to improve the lives of children and young adults with CLN3 disease. Since 2008, BBDF has been the largest funder of juvenile Batten (CLN3) disease research, ranging from basic discovery research to translation into therapies. To inform our research initiatives, BBDF gathers information from one-on-one meetings, broad group discussions, scientific peer-reviewed publications, conference proceedings, drug pipelines, and tailored merit reviews into the foundation’s decision-making processes. Input comes from across the Research and Development spectrum including academia, biotechnology, the pharmaceutical sector, and clinicians, caregivers, and patients.

Our research funding decisions are based on these research objectives:

1) Supporting basic research to discover new mechanisms of disease, targets, and treatments

2) Supporting projects which facilitate execution of clinical trials such as expanding patient registries

3) Identifying biomarkers and other innovative clinical endpoints

4) Supporting projects that de-risks pharmaceutical investments in Batten disease

Foundation-Directed Research

The largest portion of the foundation’s portfolio is directed research. The foundation fills gaps in juvenile Batten disease research by funding high-impact projects and breakthrough technologies that will lead to disease mitigation and cure.

BBDF’s Principal Scientist regularly interacts with leaders in research and development across the entire therapeutic pipeline for Batten, as well as for adult forms of neurodegeneration (e.g., Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease), and other related rare genetic diseases. To supplement this dialogue, BBDF creates specialty boards and steering committees to lead the development of its projects. A specialty board typically comprises ~200 years of combined experience specific to the proposed activity.

Investor-Initiated Research (Applying for a research grant)

In addition to directed research, BBDF accepts and awards research proposals. Because great ideas do not follow a schedule, we do this on a rolling submission basis. All budgets are carefully reviewed along with the proposed body of work. Applicants may be asked to revise their budgets and/or allow BBDF to share a summary of the proposal with other funders for the purpose of gathering additional support. Sometimes, the foundation will offer the applicant additional funding to incorporate additional expertise or methods into his or her plan.

National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky

The National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky is a chartered affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). The National Federation of the Blind (national office and all state affiliates) are tax-exempt non profit agencies and are classified as 501c(3) organizations. The NFB is a Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accredited Charity as well as a Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) Approved Charity.

Greater Louisville Scholarship

Mittie Lake Scholarship

The National Federation of the Blind of Greater Louisville scholarship has named the Mittie Lake Memorial Scholarship in honor of Ms. Mittie Lake, a charter member of the National Federation of the Blind of Greater Louisville who understood and championed the value of higher education. Our minimum award for the Mittie Lake Scholarship is $500 for one winner.

About the Scholarship

The Mittie Lake Memorial Scholarship is named in honor of Mittie Lake who was a long-time Federationist and charter member of the National Federation of the Blind of Greater Louisville. Mittie was a student at the KY School for the Blind. During her middle years, Mittie lost all of her sight.

Mittie had an enthusiasm for life and all of its many offerings. The fact that Mittie became totally blind did nothing to stop her from living the life she wanted. Mittie was married and raised a family and she worked tirelessly in her church nursery for more than thirty years, providing nurturing care for hundreds of babies and young children. Mittie sang with numerous choirs, quartets and ensembles. She was a strong advocate for Braille and its use in all aspects of daily life. Mittie chose to use a guide dog and treated her guides not only as the tools she needed to live her life independently, but as valued friends and companions who were never without love, affection, and a treat or two.

In honor of her life experiences, preference will be given to students who are guide dog users and who utilize Braille as part of their daily lives.

The Steve Rolland Youth Peacemaker Award Fund recognizes high school students in Duluth who exemplify community service and peacemaking qualities. Named after a respected Duluth Police officer, the fund offers a $2,500 award to support youth who volunteer in their communities and embody the values of compassion and justice as articulated by Martin Luther King Jr. This award aims to inspire the next generation of leaders dedicated to making a positive impact.

The NEA Envision Equity Grants empower educators to implement innovative projects that foster cultural understanding, anti-racism, and civic engagement among students. With funding of up to $5,000, these grants support diverse educational initiatives over a 12-month period. Eligible applicants include NEA members, and funds can be allocated for resources, materials, and professional development aimed at enhancing student learning experiences. Projects that prioritize critical thinking and collaboration are particularly encouraged.

The Clifford D. Grim and Virginia S. Grim Educational Fund offers scholarships to deserving students from Winchester/Frederick and Clark Counties, VA. Facilitated by the Center for Scholarship Administration, Inc., the fund provides financial support for students enrolled full-time in accredited colleges. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years, contingent upon reapplication each year.

The NRF Foundation Student Ambassador Program offers NRF University Members the chance to appoint a student as their campus representative for a year. This role allows ambassadors to connect the NRF Foundation with their campus, fostering a community of retail advocates. Responsibilities include promoting NRF programs and events, enhancing student participation in the NRF Student Association, and cultivating leadership skills. Ideal candidates are motivated, resourceful, and ready to lead their peers in engagement activities.