Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

Roy F. Mather Scholarship

Born in 1918, Roy F. Mather, Jr. described himself as the product of the Great Depression. He contributed to his family's livelihood at a young age, caring for his two younger brothers and working a wide range of agriculture-related jobs available in California's San Fernando Valley. During World War II, Roy worked on merchant ships that sailed from northern Chile to Washington's Puget Sound, transporting nitrate for explosives production. After the War, Roy returned to southern California to marry his wife, Geraldine. They had two children and were married 59 years. Roy applied the work ethic developed in his youth to a variety of jobs—as a Fuller Brush dealer and at aeronautical engineering positions at Lockheed and McDonald Douglas. While raising a family and often working more than one job, Roy took classes at night offered through the University of California's extension services – math, science and law. Later, Roy and his wife lived in Latin America which held a special place for them.

Roy retired in 1969, and he and Geraldine moved to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. In his early 60's, Roy could swing a heavy Polanski needed to fight forest fires and later was a spotter for firefighting aircraft. In 1975, Roy and Geraldine moved to Vancouver, Washington.

Roy's character, direction and drive were shaped during times that were much tougher than most of us experience today. In commenting on his hope for his scholarship fund, Roy said, "I want the students to be goal oriented and serious. Earnest, really. I know those are broad terms, but they are ones that helped me throughout my life. I want to reward those students who possess these qualities that will contribute to their future success and life fulfillment."

Award Information

Awards are between $2,000 - $3,500 and are at the discretion of the committee.

The Robert & Toni Bader Charitable Foundation, established in 2010, supports projects that align with Jewish ideals in education, science, and the arts. Based in Indianapolis, this foundation has funded initiatives across the United States, addressing various social issues. They do not impose minimum or maximum grant amounts, focusing instead on the project's merit and alignment with their mission. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, while general operating funds are not provided.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Janine and Sidney Adams, Jr., Aviation Careers Scholarship Fund

The Janine and Sidney Adams, Jr. Aviation Careers Scholarship Fund was established by Janine “Jan” Adams in memorial tribute to her loving husband of 26 years, Sidney “Sid” Adams, Jr. Jan stated that there were three areas of special interest to Sid, economic development, education, and aviation. Establishing this fund honors all three of these areas of special interest. Giving back to his community was paramount to Sid. You could find Sid’s hand on many committees and projects promoting his beloved community, receiving numerous awards and recognition along the way. He was a founding member of Battle Creek Unlimited, serving on its Board for over 25 years, many of those years as chair.

Sid valued education. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Alcorn State University, taught at Western Michigan University and was a life learner never missing an opportunity to take a class, seminar, or workshop. He established a summer aviation camp introducing area youth to careers in aviation. At the advent of the personal computer, Sid jumped in and built his first computer. He then worked with the Kellogg Company on a project that donated to area schools and non-profits over 4,000 laptops and computers that he refurbished with the help of students from the Computer Networking classes at the Calhoun Area Career Center. He worked with these students teaching them software and hardware skills. Aviation was a huge part of Sid’s life. He earned his first set of wings serving as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army. At the age of 46, he became a private pilot purchasing his beloved Cessna Cardinal soon achieving his instrument certification. He joined the Civil Patrol, where he served as a first Lieutenant. Sid was appointed to the Michigan Aeronautics Commission and served 11 years, 2 years as Commission Vice Chair and 3 years as Chair. He was inducted into the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame in 2023. His impact on our community was immeasurable. Jan, a longtime educator with Battle Creek Public Schools, met Sid in his pursuit of giving computers away to youth. Sid’s persistence paved the way for their union, and the rest, “as they say,” is history!

In just one application, our Common Scholarship Application provides students access to more than 150 scholarship opportunities with awards ranging from $1,000 to more than $5,000.

In 2025, San Diego Foundation awarded a record-breaking $5.5 million in scholarships to nearly 1,400 students.

Wen Bo Wang Scholarship

Be graduating high school seniors and plan to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year university in the United States in fall.

The Zemurray Foundation Grant aims to enhance community well-being by promoting educational and health opportunities, environmental sustainability, and cultural vibrancy. Eligible applicants include organizations recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS or those with a fiscal agent that meets this criterion. A letter of intent may be submitted for consideration, and selected candidates may be invited to submit a full proposal.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Richard W. and Florence B. Irwin Scholarship Fund, Bank of America, Trustee

To support male residents of Northampton with a preference for students attending law school. Consideration will be given to students attending medical school or studying to become religious ministers.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

The Mildred Rowlett Scholarship, offered by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, supports Hart County graduating seniors in their pursuit of higher education. To qualify, applicants must rank in the top 15% of their class and aim for a degree in mathematics or a related field. This scholarship exemplifies the foundation's commitment to enhancing community life through educational opportunities.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Edite Balks Walter, M.D. Scholarship Fund

This fund was established to help women seeking degrees in biology, chemistry, physics and human or animal medicine. Dr. Walter is a graduate of the former Springfield High School. Through the assistance of various scholarships, she graduated cum laude from Kalamazoo College. Dr. Walter remains an inspiration and believes, "Women Can Do Science and Should Do Science."

The Mary W. Jackson Undergraduate Scholarship, offered by the AIAA Foundation, provides $10,000 to support students pursuing studies in aerospace sciences. Honoring NASA mathematician Mary W. Jackson, this scholarship aims to enhance access to educational opportunities for underrepresented students. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.50 and be enrolled in an accredited U.S. institution. This initiative reflects AIAA's commitment to fostering diversity and innovation in the aerospace sector.

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.

Scholarship applicants must intend to major in mathematics at an accredited two-year or four-year public or private institution of higher learning.

The Otto & Aegun Hensens Educational Fund, established in 2018, supports Hawaii high school graduates pursuing degrees in medicine, science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. To qualify, applicants must be residents of Hawaii, maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to previous recipients and members of the Aiea Korean Methodist Church. This fund plays a vital role in fostering future leaders in STEM fields.

This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) invites applications for Animal and Biological Material Resource Centers (P40), aimed at enhancing biomedical research through providing essential resources such as laboratory animal colonies and informatics tools. The initiative supports both the continuation of existing resources and the development of new ones, emphasizing alignment with NIH Institutes and Centers. Applicants are encouraged to consult with NIH staff to ensure their proposals meet program priorities and competitiveness in the grant process.

The Mathematics Graduate Course Work Scholarship for Grades Pre-K-5 Teachers, offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to enhance teachers' mathematics knowledge through graduate coursework. This grant supports educators currently teaching grades 6-8 who have at least three years of experience and plan to continue in teaching. Eligible applicants must adhere to specific guidelines, including the completion of project activities within a designated timeframe. Note that past recipients are not eligible to reapply.

The Maier Foundation Scholarship, established in 1953, aims to support students pursuing degrees in science, engineering, or medicine. Offering scholarships up to $5,000, it is open to applicants with a minimum GPA of 3.00 who reside in Collin or Denton County. Preference is given to first-generation college students. This initiative is part of the Communities Foundation of Texas's commitment to building thriving communities through education and opportunity.

The Teacher Professional Development Grants (6-8), offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aim to enhance the teaching skills of classroom teachers in grades 6-8. This grant supports professional development initiatives that focus on improving mathematics instruction. Eligible applicants must have at least three years of teaching experience and spend a majority of their time teaching in the classroom. The program encourages high-quality mathematics education for all students.

The Science of Science: Discovery, Communication and Impact (SoS:DCI) program aims to enhance the public value of scientific activities through interdisciplinary research. It encourages proposals that investigate the mechanisms of scientific discovery, improve understanding of communication and outcomes, and explore how science contributes to evidence-based policymaking and public value creation. SoS:DCI seeks to advance empirical research that informs these critical areas.

The Emerging Teacher-Leaders in Elementary School Mathematics Grants, provided by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aim to enhance the mathematics content knowledge of dedicated elementary school teachers. This initiative focuses on developing teacher-leaders who will deliver ongoing professional development to fellow educators, thereby strengthening instructional practices. Eligible applicants include experienced classroom teachers or full-time mathematics coaches committed to improving mathematics education. The program supports projects that align with enhancing the mathematics learning environment.

The NextTech initiative aims to propel the development of cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic devices that address critical health challenges. This funding opportunity encourages researchers to innovate solutions that can move from concept to clinical readiness, specifically targeting technologies aligned with the NIH's BRAIN and HEAL initiatives. Successful proposals will focus on overcoming barriers to human trials, ensuring that new medical devices can effectively monitor and treat neurological and addiction-related disorders.

The Designing Innovative Lessons and Activities for Mathematics Teaching grant, sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to enhance K–8 mathematics education through collaborative writing and material development. With an initial award of $5,000 and potential for renewal up to $15,000, this grant encourages teams of educators to create engaging, non-routine lessons that focus on key mathematical themes. Eligible applicants include leadership teams from multiple schools, fostering innovation in teaching practices.

About Us

Who We Are

The Wayne County Community Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community organization that works to strengthen the community we all share by helping donors make a lasting difference with their philanthropic endeavors – connecting their dreams and passions with causes that matter.

Established in 1978 with a single gift of $1,000, WCCF has become the steward of over 620 separate funds created from bequests and gifts, each with their own philanthropic purpose to support the future of our community now – and for many years to come.

The mission of Wayne County Community Foundation is to provide philanthropic leadership to our community.

Mark W. Carrabine Memorial Math Award

Eligibility:

• This scholarship is available to a student who graduated from high school located in Wayne County, Ohio (including home school), who excel in the field of mathematics.
• Applicant musts be enrolled or enrolling in a two-or four-year higher educational institution.

The selection committee will accept and review no more than one application from each high school located in Wayne County. Student shall submit their application to their respective guidance counselor, who, in consultation with the school’s math department, shall select one application to be forwarded to the selection committee for final consideration.

One Year

$3,000

Varies

The Advanced Mathematics Education Course Work Scholarship, offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to enhance the teaching skills of educators in grades 9-12. This grant provides financial support for advanced courses in mathematics education, emphasizing specific mathematics topics. Eligible applicants must have at least three years of teaching experience and dedicate a significant portion of their day to teaching mathematics. This initiative seeks to foster high-quality mathematics instruction across schools.

The BRAIN Initiative Connectivity across Scales (BRAIN CONNECTS) invites innovative research proposals aimed at advancing technologies for understanding brain connectivity. This funding opportunity supports specialized projects focused on creating comprehensive atlases of brain wiring, emphasizing human and non-human species. Successful applications will contribute to a network aimed at enhancing the analysis and interpretation of brain circuits, ultimately leading to better strategies for treating brain disorders. Proposals must demonstrate novel approaches to data collection and integration.

William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law - The University of Texas School of Law

The William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law was created in 2004 when the law school joined with Judge William Wayne Justice’s former law clerks and many admirers to establish it in his honor. The Justice Center is a comprehensive resource for students, faculty, alumni, and the community.

Since its inception, the Justice Center has steadily expanded its programming and scope. Dedicated to promoting a culture and habit of pro bono service by all students, the Justice Center includes the school-wide Richard and Ginni Mithoff Pro Bono Program. We also regularly undertake special projects that bring together research and pro bono work on topics as varied as real estate titles in the wake of natural disasters, expunging criminal records, and supported decision-making by persons with disabilities.

Baron & Budd Public Interest Summer Fellowships

In the summer of 2026, the Baron & Budd Public Interest Summer Fellowships Program will provide up to 4 fellows with a $8,000 stipend to work for at least 10 weeks under the supervision of an attorney at a qualified sponsoring organization.

The fellowships are supported by generous funding from Baron & Budd, PC.

This named fellowship is awarded through the Summer Public Service Program.

The Early Career Research Grant, offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, supports innovative research in mathematics education by early career educators and doctoral candidates. This grant encourages projects that enhance teaching practices and contribute to scholarly publications. Proposals should focus on research design, data analysis, and the impact on mathematics learning. Preference is given to those bridging research and practical application, fostering collaboration with preservice teachers.

The NCI Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) aims to support early-stage postdoctoral researchers transitioning to independent faculty positions. This initiative focuses on talented individuals with doctoral degrees in research or clinical fields, providing essential NCI funding during this key career juncture. Researchers engaged in cancer control, prevention, and data sciences are encouraged to apply for this opportunity, which emphasizes experimental studies with human participants, thus aligning with NIH's clinical trial definitions.

The State Justice Institute Project Grant aims to enhance the administration of justice in state courts through innovative projects. It supports education, training, and technical assistance initiatives that demonstrate a need for improvement. Projects are evaluated based on methodology, management capabilities, and potential long-term benefits. Eligible applicants include courts and related organizations, while funds cannot cover routine court operations or salaries of court employees.

The Charles Koch Foundation invites innovative proposals for research that aligns with its vision of social progress and mutual benefit. Focused on supporting 501(c)(3) non-profit public charities and universities in the U.S., the Foundation emphasizes original projects of high standards. While it welcomes a broad range of ideas, it typically does not fund for-profit ventures, overhead costs, or certain areas like medical treatment and political activities.