Best Scouting Organization Grants in Illinois

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

The mission of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is to create equitable economic opportunities across the State of Illinois. By attracting and supporting major job creators, investing in communities, strengthening Illinois’ world-class workforce, fostering innovation, and ushering in the new clean energy economy, DCEO works to fortify Illinois’ reputation as a global economic powerhouse while ensuring Illinois is the best state to live, work and do business.

Illinois Economic Empowerment Centers (EEC) Program

Short Description

Pursuant to 20 ILCS 605/605-503, the purpose of the EEC program shall be to provide training, support, resources and opportunities to minority group members, women, individuals with a disability, dislocated workers, veterans, and youth entrepreneurs.

Objective

The objective is to create an inclusive business ecosystem for communities that have traditionally faced systemic barriers to entry and growth, including those who have been justice-involved. The Department will award grants to eligible applicants who provide Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SEDI) business owners, entrepreneurs and/or dislocated workers with technical assistance, training, and access to resources necessary for their start-ups or existing businesses.

The Illinois Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) program aims to enhance educational opportunities for students in high-poverty areas. It focuses on academic enrichment and offers various services including tutoring, youth development, and family engagement. Funded by the Illinois State Board of Education, the program supports partnerships to ensure equitable access to educational resources, with awards ranging from $50,000 to $600,000 to eligible entities serving low-income students and their families.

Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) ProgramDescription

Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) Program A. Program Description The Restore, Reinvest and Renew (R3) Program was established by the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act to make a significant portion of cannabis revenues available to communities that have been most impacted by the inequities created and perpetuated by harmful policies established during the war on drugs era. 

In SFY23, ICJIA was awarded a state appropriation of $75 million to administer the R3 program. A total of $30 million of this appropriation is available to eligible community organizations providing services in the areas of violence prevention, youth development, economic development, reentry, and civil legal aid.

Purpose

The Restore, Reinvest and Renew (R3) program targets significant portion of cannabis revenues to communities that have been ravaged by violence and have been disproportionately impacted by historical economic disinvestment.

• To address systemic disparities, aggressive approaches and targeted resources to support local design and control of community-based responses to these outcomes are required. To carry out this intent, the Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) Program serves to:
• Directly address the impact of economic disinvestment, violence, and the historical overuse of criminal justice responses to community and individual needs by providing resources to support local design and control of community-based responses to these impacts
• Substantially reduce both the total amount of gun violence and concentrated poverty in this state
• Protect communities from gun violence through targeted investments and intervention programs, including economic growth and improving family violence prevention, community trauma treatment rates, gun injury victim services, and public health prevention activities
• Promote employment infrastructure and capacity building related to the social determinants of health in the eligible community areas

Program funds will be used to reduce gun violence through intervention and prevention, improve re-entry and diversion services for people involved with the criminal justice system, provide access to legal representation and advice, encourage investment and economic growth, enhance youth development, and support programs that improve the social determinants of health

The Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, managed by CommunityGiving, supports central Minnesota student athletes and leaders to pursue higher education outside their home states. This scholarship aims to expand students' horizons and experiences, with a total award of $5,000 available. Open to high school seniors from specific schools, applicants are encouraged to apply online and demonstrate their leadership or athletic skills. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters personal growth among local youth.

The Harvey and Ethel Daeumer Foundation Grant, established in 2001 in memory of Harvey's late wife Ethel, aims to support local charitable initiatives focused on children's education, health, and welfare. Nonprofit organizations recognized under IRS 501(c)(3) can apply for funding, which must be fully utilized for approved programs. Any unspent funds must be returned or approved for retention by the Foundation. This grant continues the legacy of generosity left by Harvey and Ethel, benefiting the community.

The Youth Homelessness System Improvement Illinois Prevention Pilot aims to amplify the voices of youth and young adults (ages 18-24) in state governance while addressing youth homelessness. This initiative focuses on enhancing discharge planning, establishing partnerships with community organizations, improving assessment systems, and ensuring equitable responses to youth homelessness. By prioritizing youth leadership and collaboration, the program seeks to create sustainable solutions for at-risk youth, particularly those facing unique challenges such as being pregnant, parenting, or identifying as LGBTQIA.

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.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

The CHS Foundation's Ag Leadership Grant aims to enhance agricultural leadership and cooperative education. This program supports projects that cultivate a diverse pipeline for future agricultural leaders, focusing on education and career training for high school students to young professionals. Priority is given to initiatives that impact multiple states within the CHS trade area, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of the cooperative business model in agriculture.

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.

The NRA Foundation provides funding for charitable purposes as defined under IRS section 501(c)(3). Eligible organizations include government entities and IRS-recognized nonprofits. Grant requests must align with the Foundation's mission, which promotes firearms safety, education, and research. Ineligible organizations include labor unions and private businesses. The Foundation aims to support programs that enhance public benefit, particularly in the shooting sports and related educational activities.

The Big Bald Dave Adventure Scholarship, provided by the Yellowstone Club Community Foundation, honors Dave Mueller's passion for outdoor adventure. It offers a unique summer trip for Big Sky students in grades 9-11 who demonstrate leadership and a love for the outdoors. Supported by Adventures Cross Country, this scholarship is a wonderful opportunity for students to engage in enriching experiences while giving back to the community. Notably, it is not based on financial need.

McDonald’s Chicago Community Impact Grants aim to empower youth aged 16-24 by enhancing workforce readiness and addressing food insecurity. With an investment of $8.5 million since 2022, the program supports local organizations that demonstrate impactful community service. The initiative focuses on holistic approaches, including apprenticeships, training, and mentorship, ensuring young people have access to essential skills and resources. By fostering communities, McDonald’s reaffirms its commitment to creating pathways for empowerment and opportunity.

Maury and Betty Hull Endowed Scholarship

The Maury and Betty Hull Scholarship was created to honor their lives and appreciation for their hometown, Forks, WA. The scholarship was established to help community students pursue their higher education dreams.

Award Information

Awards begin at $2,000 and are at the discretion of the committee.

The Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation Scholarship, offered by CommunityGiving, aims to support high school seniors, college students, and non-traditional students from Benton, Stearns, or Sherburne County in Minnesota. Eligible applicants should have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and pursue a degree in Criminal Justice or First Responder programs. This scholarship fosters leadership and community involvement, ensuring a lasting impact on public safety and local services.

We are about helping children, right here in Marietta!

Kiwanis Club of Marietta members participate in service projects, hold fundraisers, and change children’s lives in our community. In addition, club members contribute to Kiwanis International initiatives helping clubs around the world assist children with education, basic needs, and medical care.

The Kiwanis Club of Marietta was chartered March 3, 1930 - Marietta, GA.

The Kiwanis Club of Marietta has proudly established and contributed to several scholarship endowments over the years to support deserving college students in our community. These scholarships are made possible through our club's Flag Project, which places over 1,300 American flags in front of homes and businesses five times each year.

Scott Chadwick Scholarship for Emerging Leaders

This memorial scholarship was established in 2020 by the Marietta Kiwanis Foundation in honor of former Club President and outstanding community servant leader, Scott Chadwick. 

Awards

•  (2) $2500

The BTCF: Simple Gifts Fund Grant supports young artists aged 13-19 in the Berkshire Taconic region, providing financial assistance for summer enrichment programs in the arts. Established in 1998 in memory of folk singer Bill Crofut, the fund aims to empower youth through small grants that can cover costs for tuition, art supplies, or living expenses. The grant fosters creativity and personal growth, ensuring that young individuals have opportunities to pursue their passions.

The Eleanor & Henry Jansen Foundation, established in 1998, supports nonprofit organizations in Whatcom County, focusing on youth programs. The foundation encourages proposals that directly impact the community and emphasizes the importance of a substantial volunteer base. Special consideration is given to projects that were significant to Eleanor and Henry Jansen. Applicants are encouraged to seek matching funds from multiple sources, with priority given to youth-serving initiatives.

About Us

The Youth Climate Justice Fund aims to support climate justice young leaders with trust-based funding, resources, and capacity strengthening, enabling them to amplify their voices and to keep their vision and influence alive.

Collectively, we have the power to ignite meaningful change and build equitable and sustainable futures. Despite the challenges posed by the current crisis, youth climate justice organizers remain determined to address current issues and explore new approaches.

Mission & Purpose

We work to strengthen existing organizing efforts and support emerging youth-led initiatives with a focus on bridging funders and organizers to enable flexible and impactful support. Through capacity strengthening and resource sharing, we empower and support young people to drive change and build a just and sustainable future.

How To Apply

The Youth Climate Justice Fund provides funding to emerging youth-led climate justice and socio-environmental groups through a participatory decision-making process.

The Champions for Change program, initiated by the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute, empowers Native youth through leadership opportunities. Founded in 2011, it selects 5-6 exceptional young leaders (ages 14-24) each year to inspire their communities and promote positive change. Participants engage in tailored advocacy training, fostering skills to create impactful stories from Indian Country, while all applicants join the CNAY network, enhancing their community involvement.

The Bezos Scholars Program, supported by the Bezos Family Foundation, is a transformative, no-cost leadership development initiative designed for high school juniors. Each year, selected scholars from the U.S. and Africa engage in a year-long program, developing leadership skills through civic engagement and community projects. Participants receive personalized college advising, funding for their projects, and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Aspen Ideas Festival, fostering a diverse community of changemakers committed to making a difference.

The Juliette Low’s Amazing Girls Scholarship, established in 2011 by the East Texas Communities Foundation, is aimed at female graduating seniors from Smith County who have been active in Girl Scouts. This scholarship supports educational pursuits for students attending any college in the U.S. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum GPA of 3.00. The award amount is $1,000, and preference is given to recipients of the Girl Scout Gold Award. Reapplication is encouraged.

AFL Community Grants aim to empower education, youth, and life advancement through targeted community support. The program is designed for non-profit organizations, focusing on STEM education, youth development, and the LEAP initiative for adult self-sufficiency. With grant applications opening in 2025, AFL Global seeks to make a lasting impact in communities by addressing their greatest needs and fostering growth through education and development initiatives.

The Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship Program, initiated by Quad City Arts, provides emerging artists aged 15-21 the opportunity to create public artwork while receiving mentorship and financial support. Since 2000, this program has enriched the Quad Cities' cultural landscape through various artistic disciplines, including mural painting and graphic design. Participants engage in collaborative projects, developing their skills under professional guidance, and receive stipends of $500 or $750 for senior apprentices, fostering personal and professional growth.

The Chick-fil-A Community Scholars program awards up to thirteen $25,000 scholarships annually to students demonstrating academic excellence, community service, and financial need. In addition to financial support, recipients participate in a year-long mentoring and leadership development program. This initiative aims to cultivate future leaders who are committed to serving their communities, while also alleviating educational costs associated with attending accredited colleges or vocational schools.

The Ecolab U.S. Regional NPO Grant Program supports 501(c)(3) organizations in specific geographic areas, focusing on youth education, community development, environmental conservation, and arts initiatives. Eligible nonprofits can apply for funding to enhance their services and impact in underserved communities. Notably, the program emphasizes hands-on learning and sustainable practices, aiming to foster a healthier environment and society. Organizations must align with Ecolab's mission of promoting sustainability and improving quality of life.

The Edward Jones Scholarship, offered by The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, provides $12,000 annually to low-income students engaged with youth development agencies. This renewable scholarship aims to support those demonstrating financial need, with eligibility criteria including a minimum 2.0 GPA and residency in the St. Louis metropolitan area. The foundation envisions accessible educational opportunities for all, fulfilling its mission since 1920 to empower individuals through education and foster a strong democratic society.