Best Lake County Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

About The Community Foundation

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is a community-based social impact investor whose mission is to engage, invest, and lead—working toward a vision of community vibrancy with opportunity for all. Our team of experienced staff and dedicated trustees is committed to boldly leading and supporting transformational community investments. We channel charitable contributions from donors through nonprofit partners that are meeting current community needs and steward community resources responsibly to ensure greater capacity for the future.

Adirondack League Club Scholarship

Established by Adirondack League Club to award scholarships to students in the Central Adirondack region of the Adirondack Park.

Candidates are identified by a committee.

The Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program, led by The Minneapolis Foundation, supports community-based nonprofits in the Great Lakes region. With a focus on underserved communities, grants will total $40 million over three years, aiming to enhance environmental health, education, and resilience. The program prioritizes applications from federally recognized tribes and organizations with limited budgets, fostering inclusive community engagement and sustainable development. Eligible projects include environmental assessments, public health initiatives, and job training.

NM Community Impact Donations

Introduction

Northwestern Medicine provides financial support to designated nonprofit organizations and governmental and public entities that are working to address identified community health priorities. Many needs are determined during each hospital’s Community Health Needs Assessment, which is conducted every three years. View a list of priority health needs for each hospital.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust offers grants aimed at enhancing the lives of animals in the Ohio/Great Lakes region. It prioritizes projects that foster animal adoption, behavior training, and humane education. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and demonstrate a commitment to animal welfare. The Trust seeks innovative, collaborative initiatives that significantly improve the well-being of animals, particularly in underserved communities, ensuring a high quality of life for both individual animals and larger populations.

The Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County Grant aims to enhance healthcare access for low-income residents through targeted programs for the uninsured and underinsured. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that improve program effectiveness, organizational sustainability, and collaboration among local healthcare providers. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $100,000, focusing on strategic areas such as clinical care, linkage to care, and systems capacity building, ultimately fostering better health outcomes in the community.

The Youth Fund for Social Change Grant, provided by the Crossroads Fund, aims to empower youth in the Chicago area to address social justice issues. This initiative supports organizations and projects focused on advocacy and activism, enabling young people to challenge systemic inequalities. Grants prioritize collaborative efforts and innovative approaches, fostering grassroots leadership among youth. Eligible applicants include youth-led organizations and coalitions with a budget under $1 million, promoting impactful community-driven change.

The Palumbo Family Foundation, established by the Palumbo family, aims to support educational and wellness initiatives for children in the Chicagoland area. The foundation provides scholarships for underprivileged students and grants for organizations assisting medically challenged children. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, it operates entirely with volunteers, ensuring that all donations directly benefit those in need. The foundation encourages local charities to seek their support for future grants, enhancing community well-being and educational opportunities.

The Elea Institute's Education Grants Program aims to enhance hospice and palliative care education for healthcare providers, patients, and families in Illinois. With grant sizes ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, this initiative supports 1-3 projects over a period of up to two years. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and focus on the specified Illinois counties, fostering community outreach and educational efforts to improve patient care.

The Elea Institute's Integrative Therapy Grants Program aims to support charity care and integrative therapy within 13 Illinois counties, enhancing hospice and palliative care services. This initiative, established by the Elea Institute, focuses on funding innovative programs that improve care quality for patients and their families. Eligible nonprofit organizations can apply for grants ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, covering projects that align with the mission of increasing accessibility to compassionate care.

The Mead Montgomery Charity Care Grant, facilitated by the Elea Institute, aims to provide essential hospice and palliative care services to patients lacking insurance or financial means. With a focus on integrity, quality, and equitable access, this grant honors Mead Montgomery's legacy of compassion and leadership. The program offers funding for up to two years, supporting organizations that demonstrate financial responsibility and commitment to improving end-of-life care across designated counties in Illinois.

The Green Infrastructure Grant (IL) offers funding for projects aimed at reducing stormwater runoff and mitigating flooding in Illinois. Administered by the Illinois EPA, this grant supports best management practices (BMPs) that enhance natural water management systems. With grants ranging from $75,000 to $2.5 million, eligible applicants include individuals, nonprofits, and government entities. Projects focused on environmental justice areas may receive up to 85% funding, promoting sustainable practices statewide.

The PLTW Engineering - New Program, supported by Burns & McDonnell, aims to empower U.S. students through STEM education. By offering at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year, schools can enhance their curriculum and foster critical skills. This initiative not only increases access to valuable programs but also prepares students for future challenges in college and careers, ensuring they thrive in an evolving world.

The PLTW Gateway - New Program, in partnership with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM by providing teachers with essential resources and support. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, eligible schools can apply for grants to introduce and expand PLTW programs, fostering real-world skills through applied learning. This initiative targets schools with significant free and reduced-price lunch populations, promoting equity in education across various U.S. counties.

The PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion initiative, led by Burns & McDonnell in partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW), aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to PLTW programs for students in eligible communities. This program empowers students through real-world applied learning experiences, promoting essential skills for college and careers. Grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Gateway programs starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, fostering a brighter future through education.

The PLTW Launch - New Program initiative, sponsored by Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to eligible schools within specific U.S. counties. Schools must implement PLTW modules over two academic years, ensuring access to real-world learning experiences for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. This program emphasizes the importance of empowering educators and fostering student engagement in STEM fields to prepare them for future careers.

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion initiative by Burns & McDonnell aims to enhance access to STEM education in U.S. schools. This program focuses on empowering students by providing real-world learning experiences and essential skills. Grants will support schools in expanding PLTW programs during the 2026-2027 academic year, benefiting students from underserved communities. By fostering a deeper understanding of STEM, the initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

Overview

The Lake County Community Foundation asserts that the quality of life of Lake County can be improved through an earnest effort to bring organizations, government, businesses, corporations and civic leaders together to establish a common vision, adopt a shared set of measurable goals and pursue evidence-based activities that reinforce one another’s objectives as a means of addressing the most pressing needs of our community.

The Foundation envisions a county-wide health and human services delivery system that is robust and thriving with a network of providers capable of achieving the greatest impact on the urgent needs of the most vulnerable residents of the county.

The Foundation’s approach combines strategic community leadership with intentional organizational investment—ultimately leading to a more streamlined coordination of countywide efforts.

Growing Communities Priority Area

Two-Year Grants support nonprofit organizations in achieving strategic growth, program stability, and long-term planning by providing greater financial predictability and strengthening organizational capacity for deeper community impact. Funding prioritizes initiatives that promote equitable access in Lake County to affordable nutritious food, comprehensive health care including mental health services, safe and affordable housing, education and workforce opportunities, and immigration and legal support services. Preference is given to grassroots, community-based organizations that address barriers to accessing essential services and benefits, and to organizations serving unmet basic needs as the sole provider in their area.

The Rapier Education Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports high school seniors and college students pursuing degrees in the USA. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and be enrolled full-time. The fund covers tuition, fees, and books, and is renewable for up to three years. Since 1964, the foundation has awarded millions in grants to enhance community living through education and other initiatives, making a lasting impact on the San Antonio area.

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Tri Counties Bank Endowed Scholarship Fund

Income-Based and Merit Awards are offered from this scholarship fund to high school seniors living in counties around the State of California.

The Tri Counties Bank Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by the Board of North Valley Bank in memory of Don Carter, who served as President and CEO of North Valley Bancorp and North Valley Bank from 1986 to 1997. The fund provides scholarships to graduating high school seniors throughout California who are pursuing higher education. In 2014, the fund became the Tri Counties Bank Endowed Scholarship Fund with the completed merger between North Valley Bancorp and Tri Counties Bank.

The Tri Counties Bank Income-Based Scholarship

The Tri Counties Bank Income-Based Scholarship program seeks to advance higher education for economically-challenged, community-minded students. Tri Counties Bank competitively awards 60 $1,500 scholarships to graduating high school seniors with significant financial need, attending a trade school, a 4-year college/university, or community college. Awards will be made to high school seniors who demonstrate a keen interest in public service, community engagement, and business entrepreneurship – the three pillars of Tri Counties Bank’s mission to help to uplift people of all races, cultures and ethnicities – especially our economically-disadvantaged youth.

Overview

The Lake County Community Foundation asserts that the quality of life of Lake County can be improved through an earnest effort to bring organizations, government, businesses, corporations and civic leaders together to establish a common vision, adopt a shared set of measurable goals and pursue evidence-based activities that reinforce one another’s objectives as a means of addressing the most pressing needs of our community.

The Foundation envisions a county-wide health and human services delivery system that is robust and thriving with a network of providers capable of achieving the greatest impact on the urgent needs of the most vulnerable residents of the county.

The Foundation’s approach combines strategic community leadership with intentional organizational investment—ultimately leading to a more streamlined coordination of countywide efforts.

Nonprofit Capacity Building Priority Area Grants

The Lake County Community Foundation (LCCF) is relaunching its Capacity Building priority area for Spring 2026 to support nonprofits in strengthening their internal operations and organizational effectiveness. This funding is designed to enhance nonprofit sustainability, efficiency, and long-term growth so organizations are better equipped to serve the community. Capacity Building grants support one-time organizational costs and expenses; recurring salaries, fees, or ongoing operational costs are not eligible. Organizations that receive a Capacity Building grant may still apply for and receive funding under LCCF’s Growing Communities priority area, as participation in one does not preclude funding from the other.

The Dale A. Nordquist Family Scholarship, offered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, supports students from Clayton, Amery, or Clear Lake High Schools pursuing degrees or training in tech or trade fields. With a commitment to fostering local talent, this scholarship aims to empower future generations by investing in their education and career aspirations. The Foundation has a rich history of connecting local generosity with impactful initiatives that enhance community well-being across the St. Croix Valley.

The June G. Patton Memorial Graduate Scholarship, established by the Ashland University Rho Nu at Large chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, honors Dr. June G. Patton's legacy in nursing education. This scholarship supports graduate students with a BSN pursuing advanced degrees in nursing. Active members of Rho Nu at Large are eligible to apply, and past recipients may reapply. Most awards are designated for Ashland County residents, contributing to the community's educational advancement.

The Scholarships for Careers Endowment, established by a local family in connection with the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains, aims to support graduates of Elk Lake School District and the Susquehanna County Career & Technology Center. This scholarship prioritizes students with financial need and promise for future success, assisting them in pursuing vocational, technical, academic, or other post-secondary programs. Additionally, it contributes to special projects within the school district and community.

The Mary Eleanor Morris Scholarship, established by the estate of Mary Eleanor Leonard Morris, supports educational opportunities for graduating seniors from Logan County, Ohio. This scholarship reflects Morris's enduring commitment to community service, benefiting students from various local high schools. Eligible candidates must not hold significant national scholarships and must plan to attend an accredited educational institution in the U.S. This initiative aims to empower local youth and foster their educational aspirations.

The Robert W. and Martha D. Casciani Scholarship, managed by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools who have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and are pursuing degrees in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering at accredited colleges outside the county. This scholarship honors the legacy of Robert and Martha Casciani, who were committed to their community and education, encouraging future generations to achieve their academic goals.

Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

Established in 1998 as a Nevada nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada has distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships from over 300 charitable funds to strengthen our Nevada home. 

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Scholarship Program is intended to help students cover the ever-increasing cost of tuition. Some of our scholarships are based on financial need, but others represent an award for achievement. These scholarships typically go to students who have excelled in an academic area or have shown they can balance academics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. There are also scholarships designated for students who have overcome adversity, students pursuing degrees in high-need areas, and adult learners outside the traditional college age group. Community Foundation scholarships can help cover tuition, books, and on-campus housing.

John R Stockman Scholarship

The John R. Stockman Scholarship was created to provide a life-advancement opportunity to an ambitious, driven young person who may require financial assistance to achieve higher education.

The Asian Giving Circle (AGC) Grant, established in 2002, supports Asian and Pacific Islander nonprofits in the Chicago area by pooling donor resources to advance social justice. With over $800,000 in contributions, AGC prioritizes proposals from API organizations for general operating costs, emphasizing support for underrepresented communities and innovative projects. Applications will be reviewed from mid-June to August 2025, with awards announced by September.