Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

The Radiation Oncology-Biology Integration Network (ROBIN) Centers, funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), aims to enhance national radiation oncology infrastructure through collaborative research. This initiative supports studies on biological responses to radiation treatment in cancer patients, focusing on understanding tumor and tissue changes. By integrating various scientific disciplines and collecting comprehensive data, ROBIN intends to improve cancer care, optimize treatment strategies, and accelerate translational discoveries to enhance patient outcomes.

The Chemical Process Systems (CPS) program, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), focuses on advancing research in chemical and biochemical processes to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. It aims to support innovative technologies across various sectors, including manufacturing and energy. By exploring areas such as catalysis, electrochemical systems, and advanced separations, CPS seeks to improve processes and materials in critical domains like bioprocessing and nuclear fuel cycles, while fostering partnerships to drive discovery and innovation.

American Welding Society (AWS) Foundation Research Fellowships

The American Welding Society (AWS) Foundation seeks to foster university research in joining and to recognize outstanding faculty and student talent. We are again requesting your proposals for consideration by the AWS Foundation.

The Research Fellowships are $35,000 per year. $17,500 installments are paid following the submission of progress statements on November 1 and March 1. Proposals may be funded for a period of up to three years, however, renewal applications must be submitted for the second and third years. Renewal by AWS will be contingent on demonstration of reasonable progress in the research or in graduate studies.

The AWS Fellowship is awarded to the student for graduate research toward a Masters or Ph.D. Degree under a sponsoring professor at a North American University. The qualifications of the Graduate Student are key elements to be considered in the award. The academic credentials, plans, and research history (if any) of the student should be provided in the application package.

The student must prepare the proposal for the AWS Fellowship. However, the proposal must be developed under the guidance of a professor and accompanied by letters of recommendation from the sponsoring professor and others acquainted with the student's technical capabilities. Should the student selected by AWS be unable to accept the Fellowship or continue with the research at any time during the period of the award, the award will be forfeited, and no further funding will be provided by the AWS Foundation. The bulk of funding should be for student support.

Topics for the AWS Fellowship may span the full range of the joining industry. Proposals for both applied and fundamental research topics are welcome.

American Welding Society (AWS) National Scholarships

The National Scholarships are the most prestigious, high-dollar scholarships offered by the AWS Foundation. More than 130 donor-funded scholarships, totaling over $700,000, are available for students pursuing a bachelor’s or associate degree in welding or a related discipline. Scholarships range from $2,500-$10,000+. Applicants are required to submit two references and official transcripts.

National Scholarships are a crucial component of a country's commitment to promoting education and providing opportunities for its citizens to excel academically. These scholarships are designed to recognize and support outstanding students, enabling them to pursue their educational goals and contribute to the development of their nation.

The Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellowship, launched by the First Nations Development Institute and the Henry Luce Foundation, supports Native knowledge holders and makers in their transformative work. With ten fellowships of $75,000 each, this two-year program fosters growth and collaboration across diverse fields such as agriculture, climate change, and cultural revitalization. Fellows will engage in community-building through required convenings, enhancing their leadership skills and professional networks to benefit Native communities.

Who We Are

Thousands of your friends and neighbors make up Samaritan Health Services. We’re a nonprofit network of hospitals, clinics and health services caring for more than 290,000 residents in the mid-Willamette Valley and central Oregon Coast and portions of Marion and Polk counties. We work together to provide highly reliable and innovative medicine with world-class quality in a way that supports the values of the communities we serve. That includes caring for all people, regardless of your ability to pay.

Linn County- Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship

East Linn County students currently attending college and majoring in a medical field are invited to apply for the Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital $1,000 Auxiliary Scholarship.

The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) National Grant funds innovative projects that empower youth with disabilities, enhancing their leadership and employment skills. Grants typically range from $10K to $100K per year for one to two years. MEAF seeks proposals that break down employment barriers, support U.S. youth with disabilities, and promote inclusive practices. Projects should demonstrate a plan for national dissemination and measurable outcomes, particularly benefiting young veterans transitioning to civilian life.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) seeks to fund interdisciplinary research on non-addictive natural products for chronic pain management. This initiative supports the NIH HEAL Initiative by emphasizing safe, prevention-oriented strategies. Research should focus on the holistic effects of natural products across various biological systems, optimizing dosages, and identifying optimal intervention timing to enhance therapeutic outcomes. The goal is to generate foundational insights that will guide future translational research for effective pain management.

Biochemical and Molecular Characterization of Marstacimab and TFPI Pathways

This competitive grant encompasses research aimed at elucidating molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying marstacimab-TFPI interactions, including but not limited to differential expression of tissue factor and TFPI in various tissues, binding kinetics, and other biochemical properties. Projects should seek to advance foundational understanding of these interactions through innovative approaches in biochemistry, molecular biology, and related disciplines.

Funding Range and Project Length

Individual projects requesting up to $50,000 USD will be considered.

Request for study drug or compound is allowed (max $50,000 USD), additionally to the study project costs.

Maximum project length is 1 year.

The Russell Sage Foundation's Immigration and Immigrant Integration Grants aim to fund innovative research that explores the dynamics of race, citizenship, and legal status in relation to immigrant outcomes in the U.S. This initiative seeks to understand the complex interplay of policies and social factors affecting immigrants and native-born populations across various racial and ethnic groups. Researchers are encouraged to utilize diverse data sources to deepen insights into immigration integration and the societal implications of legal status.

The SCI Research on the Translational Spectrum (SCIRTS) portfolio aims to promote innovative research that enhances function and alleviates complications following spinal cord injuries. It encourages studies that involve individuals with SCI, emphasizing translational significance in research designs. SCIRTS grants support diverse research areas, including mechanistic, preclinical, and clinical studies, to develop effective interventions. Funding categories include Postdoctoral Fellowships, Pilot Research Grants, and Senior Research Grants, targeting early-career and senior investigators to advance spinal cord injury research.

The Skatepark Project Grants aim to support underserved communities in building public, free, concrete skateparks for youth. Eligible applicants include public charities and local agencies committed to designing inclusive spaces. The projects must engage local skaters in planning and fundraising, promote safety, and be open year-round without entry fees. The initiative fosters community involvement and addresses social inequalities, ensuring that all types of skatepark users can benefit from these vital recreational resources.

The World Childhood Foundation aims to eradicate child sexual abuse and exploitation through innovative programs. Organizations eligible for funding must be based in the U.S. and focus on child safety, supportive environments, and responses to abuse. The grant does not support emergency relief, orphanages, or established program costs. Interested applicants should start the process 1-2 months prior to the deadline to ensure they can fulfill the necessary requirements, including a site visit.

The Access Fund's Climbing Conservation Grant supports projects that enhance climbing access and conserve the climbing environment across the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $4,000, with larger requests considered for projects of national significance. Emphasizing local collaboration and measurable outcomes, this program seeks action-oriented initiatives that promote climber responsibility and community engagement, while also adhering to environmental regulations and securing necessary approvals.

The KaBOOM! Adventure Courses Grant Program offers funding to create engaging playspaces for older children and teens. This initiative encourages community involvement through a collaborative design and build process, aiming to address the need for physical activity in low-income areas. Eligible applicants include organizations that serve youth and can demonstrate community support. Grants are available on a rolling basis, with a focus on priority cities impacted by recent events, including rural Colorado and Hurricane Harvey-affected Texas communities.

Extreme Terrain’s Clean Trail Initiative Program aims to enhance trail integrity by supporting groups in the U.S. with grants for projects like trail clean-up, restoration, and expansion. Eligible applicants include Wrangler and 4x4 clubs, environmental organizations, and those managing public or private trails. The initiative emphasizes responsible off-roading while encouraging volunteers to engage in improving our natural landscapes. This program fosters community involvement and promotes sustainable practices in outdoor activities.

The Community Foundation of Marquette County distributes over $130,000 annually in scholarships to benefit aspiring students in Marquette County.

Negaunee Environmental Scholarship Fund

Provides financial assistance for students who attend Negaunee Public Schools and are pursuing a career in an environmental related field, or as the Foundation may determine. 

Distribution Process

• CFMC scholarship recipients will be contacted in June requesting student enrollment verification
• Scholarships can only be distributed once student’s information is received
• Scholarships will be distributed to the college/school/university indicated by student
• The scholarship must be used for tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of the student at a qualifying educational institution; fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at such an educational institution; and room and board, within the first semester of first year of students enrollment
• That year’s recipient must claim the scholarship within that fiscal year to be distributed (by 12/31/xx)

The Community Foundation of Marquette County distributes over $130,000 annually in scholarships to benefit aspiring students in Marquette County.

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 25 Memorial Scholarship

Provides financial assistance for children (who are seeking post-secondary education) of members who have died while actively serving with NMCB 25. 

Distribution Process

• CFMC scholarship recipients will be contacted in June requesting student enrollment verification
• Scholarships can only be distributed once student’s information is received
• Scholarships will be distributed to the college/school/university indicated by student
• The scholarship must be used for tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of the student at a qualifying educational institution; fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at such an educational institution; and room and board, within the first semester of first year of students enrollment
• That year’s recipient must claim the scholarship within that fiscal year to be distributed (by 12/31/xx)

Tiderington Family Scholarship

The Tiderington Family Scholarship was established in 1996 by Dr. Robert H. and Charlotte Hughes Tiderington and their three sons, Robert III, James and Thomas, to provide funding for students pursuing a vocational career. Neither Dr. Tiderington nor his wife Charlotte graduated from college. Dr. Tiderington remarked: “It was important to us that our boys went to college. We always stressed education. When you give a gift of education, you give a gift for life.”

Saginaw Country Club Golf Scholarship

The Saginaw Country Club has been one of the premier private clubs in Michigan for over 116 years. In honor of its centennial year in 1998, the Club’s Board of Governors established the Saginaw Country Club Golf Scholarship.

The scholarship is offered to promote and reward golf playing among Saginaw County’s youth.

The Chicago Innovation Awards celebrate outstanding innovations developed in the Chicago region over the past four years. This initiative, backed by the Chicago Innovation Foundation, fosters a vibrant ecosystem through education and connection among innovators. Key awards include the People's Choice Award and the Climate Champion Award, recognizing diverse contributions. Organizations are encouraged to self-nominate, promoting inclusivity and engagement in the innovation landscape. This event aims to inspire and acknowledge impactful solutions that drive positive change.

This grant opportunity invites applications for Large Health Services Research Demonstration and Dissemination Projects aimed at combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria (CARB). The projects should focus on promoting the appropriate use of antibiotics, minimizing the transmission of resistant bacteria, and preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization, as specified in the announcement.

This grant opportunity supports large-scale research projects aimed at combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria (CARB). It focuses on promoting the appropriate use of antibiotics, reducing the transmission of resistant strains, and preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), this initiative encourages innovative approaches to address these critical public health challenges.

The Community Partnership Grant, administered by the Sons of Norway Foundation, offers up to $5,000 for projects that promote and preserve Norwegian culture and heritage. Open to individuals and groups from Norway and the U.S., the grant encourages initiatives that reflect the foundation's core values such as lifelong learning and community generosity. Applications must be submitted online in English and should demonstrate a commitment to celebrating Norwegian cultural traditions.

The Visionary Prize for Women’s Economic Empowerment, established in 2022 by Visionary Women and the Hostetler/Wrigley Foundation, honors a visionary woman leader of a nonprofit focused on advancing women's economic empowerment in the U.S. This prestigious award provides $100,000 in unrestricted funds to support the recipient's agency and its initiatives. Eligible candidates must have a minimum of four years of operation and an annual budget exceeding $500,000, actively working towards women's economic advancement.

The New Music Organization Fund Grant supports non-profit organizations and performance groups dedicated to promoting new music and nurturing creators. This grant prioritizes artistic merit, community impact, immediate funding needs, and a commitment to inclusion. Eligible entities can apply for assistance to sustain their vital programming and resources for artists, ensuring the continued development of a vibrant music community.

Food insecurity impacts every town in America — rural, urban, and all the communities on every road in between. It affects all age groups — from children through seniors — including about one-third of college students. It happens for different reasons — a lost job, a natural disaster, a pandemic, and more.

Ann B. Zekauskas saw this food insecurity first-hand while volunteering in New York City soup kitchens, often on Thanksgiving. She knew that people go hungry every day — and that many food-insecure people are prone to obesity. Limited options often lead to food choices that are higher in calories, but lower in nutrition.

Whether it’s to aid a family that has fallen on hard times or to assist a community or a country during a crisis, we support food banks, neighborhood kitchens, and other hunger relief organizations to provide the next healthy meal to those in need.

The Ann B. Zekauskas Family Foundation is committed to supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that align with our mission and values. We welcome grant requests from nonprofit organizations seeking to make a meaningful impact in their communities in the areas of nutritional education, food access, or the advancement of cuilnary arts careers.