Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

The Researcher Connection Program by Uplifting Athletes Inc. supports travel expenses for rare disease researchers and doctoral students, fostering connections within the rare disease community. It emphasizes health equity by reserving at least 20% of funding for underrepresented researchers. Qualified applicants can receive up to $1,450 for travel costs related to attending relevant conferences and events, enhancing collaboration and awareness in the rare disease field.

The Catalyst Award for Innovative Research Approaches for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) provides $300,000 in funding to U.S. researchers exploring novel treatments and understanding of AMD. This initiative, co-funded by partners such as the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, encourages high-risk, high-gain research that could lead to significant advancements in AMD therapies. Each award is designed to support innovative projects that are not yet in clinical trials, fostering groundbreaking work in vision science.

Coast Guard Foundation

Founded in 1969, we’re a vital partner to the U.S. Coast Guard—tackling the toughest challenges confronting our heroes.

We’re there for members from enlistment to long after retirement, and our work strengthens the entire community. Through close collaboration with Coast Guard leadership, we’re able to respond to new and emerging needs effectively. Our investments support families, bolster unit morale, honor the Coast Guard’s mission at the national level, and more. Every day, Coast Guard members risk their lives to protect our country. When we stand together and show them our appreciation, we can ensure they remain always ready—no matter what.

Children of Commissioned Officers Scholarship - First-Time Applicants

Description

Scholarship for Children of Active-Duty, Retired or Active Reserve Coast Guard Commissioned Officers

This application is intended for first-time applicants only. 

Support for education is a cornerstone of our commitment to the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard and their families.

If you are the child of an active duty or retired Coast Guard commissioned officer you are eligible to apply. 

When we began the scholarship program in 1990, we focused on one goal — providing Coast Guard families the opportunity to send their children to college. Since that time, the cost of higher education has sky-rocketed, making our original aspiration even more relevant for today’s Coast Guard families.

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Church of Christ (Christian Disciples) Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Church of Christ (Christian Disciples) Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to help students who have permanent residence in Carroll County, Ohio or had a permanent residence on the date they began their post high school education.

The Family Medicine Cares USA Free Health Clinic Grants support existing clinics in providing care to the uninsured. Grants of up to $10,000 are available if funds permit, prioritizing clinics with AAFP members in leadership roles. The program emphasizes the involvement of Family Medicine residents or medical students as volunteers, aiming to enhance healthcare access in underserved communities.

Learning from Abroad to Reimagine Health Knowledge Systems for Equity and Wellbeing Grant

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) is committed to dismantling structural racism and eliminating barriers to health equity by working alongside communities, practitioners, and institutions. One way we support this mission is by investing in the knowledge of historically marginalized communities and deepening the relationships that build community power, evidence, and systems of change. Another way we do this is by looking beyond the U.S. borders. The Global Ideas for U.S. Solutions team looks abroad for ideas to improve health equity, justice, and wellbeing in the U.S.  

This funding opportunity invites organizations to learn and produce solutions to build a more inclusive and equitable health knowledge system, inspired by other countries that have faced or are currently facing similar health equity challenges. It allows organizations to learn from efforts outside of the U.S. to reimagine and rebuild the health knowledge system in ways that can withstand systemic threats while advancing health equity and wellbeing for the future. Among many other characteristics yet to be identified, our learnings to date suggest that the following contribute to this reimagined version of the health knowledge system:  

• The experience of people most affected by health inequities is centered in the generation of data and evidence and in policymaking;
• Health is more than the absence of disease. It is about individual and collective healing and wellbeing;
• Mis- and disinformation are eliminated and public trust in science and evidence is restored;
• History, culture, and language are preserved and protected, and ecological and biomedical sciences are braided with Indigenous, traditional, holistic, and community frameworks; and
• Cross-sector approaches and global learning networks break down siloes and allow for more effective and equitable solutions. They leverage lessons from resistance movements and connect artists, researchers, public health, and civil society.

The purpose of this CFP is to support organizations in pursuing action-oriented projects that leverage learning from outside the U.S. to create a more durable and equitable health knowledge system in the U.S. These efforts will advance health equity, justice, and wellbeing through community-driven knowledge generation, preservation, and narrative. Together, these actions lay the foundation for a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient health knowledge system in times of crisis and beyond. 

Total Awards

Type of Award: Awards will be structured as grants and will be made to organizations, not to individuals.

• Number of Awards: Up to 15 awards will be funded.  
• Amount of Award: Awards will be up to $500,000 each. Please request only what is necessary to allow us to fund as many recipients as possible. We expect larger awards to correspond with more distributed funding (e.g., multiple people’s salaries or multiple activities). See more information on RWJF budget categories and allowable costs here.  
• Award Duration: Awards will be up to 36 months.  

The NLN Nursing Education Scholarship Award offers up to $8,000 annually to support nurse educators pursuing advanced degrees. As the first organization dedicated to this cause, the NLN Foundation for Nursing Education aims to strengthen the nursing workforce in the U.S. and globally. Eligible candidates are NLN members and must be enrolled in accredited master's or doctoral programs, having completed at least one year of study. This initiative is vital for advancing nursing education and improving healthcare outcomes.

Coral Gables Community Foundation

Led by community leaders, the Coral Gables Community Foundation provides the philanthropic conduit to connect individuals and corporations looking to positively impact the success of the community. Now in its 33rd year, the Foundation has been at the forefront of the evolving needs of Coral Gables while effectively bringing together beneficiaries and benefactors to fund programs with the greatest impact and benefit to “The City Beautiful.”

Coral Gables Community Foundation’s Scholarships Program

Coral Gables Community Foundation is honored to partner with our fundholders to administer generous scholarships as well as manage the Foundation’s own scholarship funds.

The Foundation and its fundholders have proudly awarded over $6.7 million in scholarships in just the last decade.

High-Achieving Four-Year Scholarship

This 4-year scholarship is given annually to students who have demonstrated overall academic achievement and dedication to service within the school and in his/her community, and have low family income. The Foundation also considers applicants’ motivation, financial need, and personal experiences.

Maintenance

In order to maintain the scholarship each year, the recipient must maintain a minimum overall 3.0 GPA throughout his/her college studies.

Coast Guard Foundation

Founded in 1969, we’re a vital partner to the U.S. Coast Guard—tackling the toughest challenges confronting our heroes.

We’re there for members from enlistment to long after retirement, and our work strengthens the entire community. Through close collaboration with Coast Guard leadership, we’re able to respond to new and emerging needs effectively. Our investments support families, bolster unit morale, honor the Coast Guard’s mission at the national level, and more. Every day, Coast Guard members risk their lives to protect our country. When we stand together and show them our appreciation, we can ensure they remain always ready—no matter what.

Children of Commissioned Officers Scholarship - Returning Applicants

Description

Scholarship for Children of Active-Duty, Retired or Active Reserve Coast Guard Commissioned Officers

This application is intended for returning applicants only.

Support for education is a cornerstone of our commitment to the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard and their families. If you are the child of an active duty or retired Coast Guard commissioned officer you are eligible to apply.

When we began the scholarship program in 1990, we focused on one goal — providing Coast Guard families the opportunity to send their children to college. Since that time, the cost of higher education has sky-rocketed, making our original aspiration even more relevant for today’s Coast Guard families.

The PFF Research Fund to Cure Pulmonary Fibrosis aims to support innovative research that enhances understanding and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. The PFF Scholars Program provides $100,000 over two years to early-stage researchers, encouraging them to pursue independent funding opportunities. Eligible applicants include post-doctoral trainees and early Assistant Professors committed to interstitial lung disease research. This initiative fosters mentorship and collaboration, ultimately advancing the field and improving patient care.

The Gilead Research Scholars Program in Oncology supports innovative research from emerging investigators worldwide, focusing on scientific understanding and progress in cancer treatment. Launched in 2008, it offers financial support of up to $180,000 over two years to junior faculty who meet eligibility criteria. The program emphasizes diversity and aims to reduce barriers for underrepresented groups in research, fostering a more inclusive landscape in addressing unmet medical needs.

Real World Evidence on clinical outcomes with Aztreonam-Avibactam (ATM-AVI)

This RFP invites research proposals aimed at assessing clinical outcomes associated with the use of Aztreonam-Avibactam (ATM-AVI) in real world clinical settings.

In scope are adult patients with suspected or documented infections due to aerobic gram negative organisms. Eg. CRE-MBL, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, treated with ATM-AVI.

Geographic Scope

Countries where ATM-AVI is available (ex-US) and used in clinical practice at the time of RFP release, including but not limited to parts of EU, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and selected Asia-Pacific markets. Proposals from institutions already participating in Pfizer-sponsored or funded, overlapping ATM-AVI RWE study may be considered out of scope. Proposals involving studies on patients that have received ATM-AVI via pre-approval or pre-launch expanded access routes may be considered out of scope

Project Types and Area of Interest

Potential applicants are requested to submit research proposals to study the below outcomes following treatment with ATM-AVI for adult patients with suspected or documented infections with aerobic gram negative organisms e.g. CRE-MBL, S. maltophilia.

• Clinical effectiveness with ATM-AVI
• Safety outcomes with ATM-AVI
• Microbiological outcomes with ATM-AVI
• Health Economic outcomes with ATM-AVI (in addition to any of the above)

Proposals may include data from special populations such as – immunocompromised (solid organ transplant or haemato-oncological patients)

Funding Range and Project Length

• Individual projects requesting up to $50,000 USD will be considered. The total budget for this RFP is $ 250,000 USD
• Maximum project length is 12 months

The Disney Award for Amblyopia Research, funded by Research To Prevent Blindness Inc, aims to advance research in amblyopia diagnosis and treatment. Grants of up to $150,000 will support exceptional ophthalmic scientists conducting significant research. Eligible nominees include U.S. researchers from various academic ranks, with a focus on independent research. Proposals should highlight relevance to amblyopia's pathophysiology, diagnosis, or treatment, with awards available until Spring 2025.

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Individuals, families, organizations and businesses establish funds at the Foundation to carry out their charitable giving now and in the future.

Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.

Our Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.

Scholarships

Community Foundation of Henderson County's Scholarship Program began in 1984. Thanks to the generosity of passionate donors, over 2,000 traditional and non-traditional students have been provided more than $10 million in scholarships to pursue higher education.

Robert and Vivian Edwards Scholarship

This scholarship is for a graduate of a Henderson County public, private or parochial high school who plans to enter into the field of veterinary medicine or related studies. This scholarship may be utilized for undergraduate and/or post-graduate studies. The recipient must be a legal resident of the United States.

Coast Guard Foundation

Founded in 1969, we’re a vital partner to the U.S. Coast Guard—tackling the toughest challenges confronting our heroes.

We’re there for members from enlistment to long after retirement, and our work strengthens the entire community. Through close collaboration with Coast Guard leadership, we’re able to respond to new and emerging needs effectively. Our investments support families, bolster unit morale, honor the Coast Guard’s mission at the national level, and more. Every day, Coast Guard members risk their lives to protect our country. When we stand together and show them our appreciation, we can ensure they remain always ready—no matter what.

Children of Enlisted Member Scholarship - First-Time Applicant

Description

Scholarship for Children of Enlisted Coast Guard Members and Retirees.

This application is intended for first-time applicants only.

Support for education is a cornerstone of our commitment to the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard and their families.

If you are the child of an active duty, retired, or active reserve Coast Guard member you are eligible to apply..

The Medical Student Eye Research Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for medical students to dedicate a year to research in ophthalmology, focusing on any vision-related topic. Supported by Research to Prevent Blindness and other partners, the fellowship includes a $30,000 grant and potential additional funding for relocation. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and be nominated by RPB-supported Chairs. The program aims to promote diversity and innovation in vision research.

The Stein Innovation Award supports innovative vision research by providing funding to Department of Ophthalmology faculty and other researchers. With deadlines in January and July, the award encourages projects that advance the understanding of the visual system and related diseases. Eligible candidates must be affiliated with U.S. institutions of higher education, and prior nomination forms are required for application acceptance. This initiative aims to foster groundbreaking research in the field of ophthalmology.

Coast Guard Foundation

Founded in 1969, we’re a vital partner to the U.S. Coast Guard—tackling the toughest challenges confronting our heroes.

We’re there for members from enlistment to long after retirement, and our work strengthens the entire community. Through close collaboration with Coast Guard leadership, we’re able to respond to new and emerging needs effectively. Our investments support families, bolster unit morale, honor the Coast Guard’s mission at the national level, and more. Every day, Coast Guard members risk their lives to protect our country. When we stand together and show them our appreciation, we can ensure they remain always ready—no matter what.

Children of Enlisted Member Scholarship - Returning Scholar Application

Description

Scholarship for Children of Enlisted Coast Guard Members and Retirees

This application is intended for returning/renewal applicants only.

Support for education is a cornerstone of our commitment to the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard and their families.

If you are the child of an active duty, retired, or active reserve Coast Guard member you are eligible to apply. 

When we began the scholarship program in 1990, we focused on one goal — providing Coast Guard families the opportunity to send their children to college. Since that time, the cost of higher education has sky-rocketed, making our original aspiration even more relevant for today’s Coast Guard families.

Outreach Foundation Helen Bonser Scholarship

This scholarship supports the educational aspirations of individuals from Spokane and Kootenai Counties who identify as LGBTQA+ or Allies, helping them achieve their academic and career goals while fostering a sense of community engagement. 

Applicants should demonstrate exceptional character, leadership, and/or LGBTQA+ community involvement. Recipients are eligible to re-apply and compete for the Outreach Foundation Helen Bonser Scholarship after a waiting period of 5 years.

AISD 125th Anniversary Consolidated Scholarship

Attending four-year university, two-year college or trade school.

Awards

• (16) $1,200.00

The Mobile Learning Fund provides grants to adult literacy programs in the U.S. and Canada, enabling access to digital learning solutions. These grants support various online learning tools, such as New Readers Press, Learning Upgrade, and EnGen, aimed at enhancing literacy, math, and digital skills. Eligible programs must implement the solutions within 30 days and ensure active learner engagement. This initiative empowers educators to expand their reach and improve student outcomes through innovative digital resources.

The Petfinder Emergency Medical Grant assists Petfinder members in providing urgent medical care for pets in need. Grants range from $100 to $1,000 and are awarded monthly until funds are depleted. Eligible expenses cover various emergency treatments, with a focus on saving one pet's life or improving its quality of life. Applicants must be active Petfinder members and agree to share their stories on social media, promoting both the grant and the pets they help.

The Investigator Award, offered by the Rheumatology Research Foundation, is a unique opportunity designed to support junior investigators in conducting innovative research. This award aims to empower researchers who have recently completed post-doctoral fellowship training, helping them secure competitive funding as they transition into independent investigators and establish their careers in the field of rheumatology.

The Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants, administered by the New York Foundation for the Arts, provide one-time funding up to $5,000 for artists facing unexpected medical emergencies. This program aims to alleviate financial burdens caused by medical costs, ensuring that artists can receive necessary care without delay. Eligible applicants must be practicing artists in visual arts, film, or choreography, and demonstrate financial need. This initiative supports artists of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those outside major coastal cities.

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 Partnership Grants, offered by Music Movement, provide funding between $2,500 and $5,000 for eligible entities such as academies, public schools, hospitals, and non-profit organizations within the United States. Applications are reviewed semi-annually, and existing non-profits must submit their 501(c)(3) TIN. Grants can be resubmitted for reconsideration annually, but international applications are not accepted.

Jerald W. Peterson Memorial Scholarship

To provide financial support to graduates of Groton, Webster, and Langford high schools.