Best Mercer County Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

Nonprofit organizations addressing community health emergencies or unforeseen barriers to service in Mercer County, Illinois can request up to US $8,000 in discretionary support. Better Health Foundation considers requests year-round for 501(c)(3) providers in its nine-county Quad Cities region, including Mercer County, to cover urgent needs like disaster impacts or critical equipment failures.

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Early-stage social impact nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits in Mercer County, Illinois can apply for Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation’s support; awards up to US $300,000 for scalable solutions serving underserved communities. Organizations working on issues like poverty, health, education, environment, or social justice with proven early impact and growth potential may be competitive.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology to tackle crisis response, education access, economic empowerment, or climate resilience can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help eligible groups worldwide, including Mercer County, Illinois, scale innovative programs serving predominantly economically underserved communities.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and other organizations working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability for urban low-income youth can seek more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling, including those serving Mercer County, Illinois. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds work in the U.S., India, and South Africa that measurably improves outcomes for children and families.

Nonprofit charities managing community, education, health, or arts programs in Mercer County, Illinois may be eligible for broad philanthropic support, including humanitarian, environmental, and cultural initiatives. Grants from Roche help accredited charities worldwide run sustainable development projects that can engage Roche expertise and employees and are coordinated locally through the company’s in-country affiliate offices.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Focused on environmental and human services work, Lawrence Foundation invites Mercer County, Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and libraries to request general operating or program support. Eligible U.S.-headquartered organizations may receive unrestricted awards of US $5,000 - US $10,000 for projects within the foundation’s stated areas of interest.

501(c)(3) organizations in Mercer County, Illinois can seek funding for education, youth services, recreation, medical and scientific research, and related community projects. Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust prioritizes initiatives in K–12 and higher education, youth development, recreation facilities, and innovative biomedical and scientific work within its Iowa–Illinois grantmaking region.

Nonprofit organizations running arts-centered projects with community engagement in Mercer County, Illinois can receive up to US $5,000 in Art Project Grants to support programming with long-term community benefit. Quad City Arts also funds eligible individual artists and nonprofits across the Quad Cities service area, as long as projects occur within designated Illinois and Iowa counties.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Nonprofit organizations and K-12 schools in Mercer County, Illinois can apply for Quad City Arts’ Arts Dollars K-12 Arts Education Grants, with awards up to US $5,000 for arts-centered projects serving K-12 students. Projects must occur within Quad City Arts’ service area and include payment to at least one eligible local artist.

Nonprofit organizations improving community health in Mercer County, Illinois and the greater Quad Cities region can apply for Better Health Foundation’s Innovation Grants, awarding US $100,000 - US $200,000 for creative, partnership-driven projects. Funding supports new methods, technologies, or collaborations that produce concrete, measurable health results for local residents.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Quality Life Services Healthcare Career Scholarship Fund

Quality Life Services has a long history of providing quality healthcare in Western Pennsylvania. In 1973, Kenneth R Tack Sr. and his sons Philip E. Tack and Kenneth R Tack Jr. founded Sugar Creek Rest in Worthington, PA. Quality Life Services has since expanded to include Chicora Medical Center in Chicora, PA; Trinity Living Center in Grove City, PA; Countryside in Mercer, PA; South Fayette Nursing Center in Markleysburg, PA; Henry Clay Villa in Markleysburg, PA; West Haven Manor in Apollo PA; Golden Hill Nursing and Rehab in New Castle, PA; Quality Pharmacy in Chicora, PA; and Fair Winds Manor in Sarver, PA.

Since its origination, Quality Life Services has been committed to providing exceptional healthcare services and career opportunities to thousands of people in our community. As a way of continuing that commitment to quality care and saying thanks to those who have helped to provide it, a scholarship has been established for current employees’ children and grandchildren who are pursuing a career in healthcare.

Scholarship Details

• Available to High School Seniors
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

Mercer County, Illinois nonprofits working with immigrant or refugee high school students may be eligible to help them access higher education through the Community Foundation of Rappahannock River Region’s William and Susanna Botts Scholarship. This program awards at least two annual $1,000 scholarships to foreign-born graduating seniors with financial need; renewals require reapplication.

Nonprofit organizations improving community health in Mercer County, Illinois can seek Solutions at Scale grants to expand proven, evidence-based initiatives across the broader Quad Cities region. Focused on community health access, disparities, and social determinants, Better Health Foundation supports 501(c)(3) grantees, including collaborative partnerships, with US $250,000 - US $350,000 to reach many people over a large geographic area.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

College-bound students pursuing undergraduate study can receive multi-year academic scholarships from the R A Bowen Trust to attend accredited four-year U.S. colleges or specific Macon, Georgia institutions. Grants from R A Bowen Trust help Mercer County, Illinois readers see an example of structured higher education scholarship support, including clear residency and renewal guidelines.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing education, poverty relief, family or youth services, health care, disaster relief, or related humanitarian programs in Mercer County, Illinois may be eligible for support, provided they serve the Southern region. Robinson Foundation supports these and similar efforts by funding single-year projects that demonstrate tangible, meaningful impact.

Nonprofit organizations serving Mercer County, Illinois can apply for Moline Regional Community Foundation’s Community Action Grant, awarding US $5,000 - US $24,999 for capital or program expenses. Funding supports work in arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental conservation, and health and human services within the foundation’s service region.

Nonprofit, charitable organizations seeking capital or program funding for arts and culture, education, environment, community development, or health and human services in Mercer County, Illinois can apply for the Giving in Action Make a Difference Grant. Moline Regional Community Foundation awards US $25,000 - US $50,000 for special initiatives, expanded programming, or capital expenses in its multi-county service area.

Nonprofit organizations improving community health in Mercer County, Illinois can apply for Better Health Foundation’s capacity building and service support grants, with awards from US $10,000 - US $75,000. Funding supports strengthening internal operations, expanding services, and improving access and quality of community health services, including for underserved populations, within the greater Quad Cities 9-county region.