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Best Shelby County Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

Looking for grants for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations working in Shelby County, Illinois? Find the perfect grant for your nonprofit on Instrumentl.

9,000+

Available grants

$3.48B

Total funding

$5K

Median grant

9,000+ grants
$3.48B total
$5K median

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9,245 Results based on applied filters

STEM Education Funding from Project Lead The Way

Project Lead the Way inc.
Private
Adair County, Missouri, Adams County, Illinois +143 more
US $15,000
Public and charter K–12 schools in Shelby County, Illinois can receive US $15,000 to start new PLTW Launch STEM programs or expand existing ones with additional modules. Grants from Project Lead The Way help cover participation fees, required devices, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training, with preference for schools serving mostly high-need students.
STEM / STEAM Education

Healthy Communities Funding for Nonprofits from Lumpkin Family Foundation

The Lumpkin Family Foundation
Private
Bond County, Illinois, Champaign County, Illinois +15 more
US $2,500 - US $50,000
501(c)(3) organizations in Shelby County, Illinois can apply for US $2,500 - US $50,000 in Land, Health, Community support to strengthen rural health, food systems, and mental wellness through nature-based programs. The Lumpkin Family Foundation prioritizes rural projects that connect communities, expand sustainable agriculture, and promote outdoor engagement and healthy, affordable food access.
Rural Development Food Security Sustainable Agriculture & Agroecology +6 more

New Rural Teacher Funding from Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation

Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation
Private
Clark County, Illinois, Clay County, Illinois +9 more
US $200
With a mission to cultivate philanthropy, Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation provides new K–12 teachers in southeastern Illinois with US $200 classroom grants. First- and second-year teachers in Shelby County, Illinois and nearby counties can apply for support from the Central Illinois Rural Teacher Corps Fund to strengthen rural education, including STEM and special needs instruction.
Education Education - K through 12

Susan Cook House Educational Grants for Shelby County

Susan Cook House Educational Trust
Private
Adams County, Illinois, Brown County, Illinois +42 more
Unspecified amount
Focused on education, Susan Cook House Educational Trust invites Shelby County, Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits to seek support for charitable educational purposes. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt charities, and individuals may not apply. Nonprofits serving central Illinois counties, including Shelby County, may benefit from this funding opportunity.
Education

Sparklight Support for Shelby County Nonprofits

Sparklight
Corporate
Ada County, Idaho, Adair County, Missouri +291 more
Unspecified amount
Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities and government units in Shelby County, Illinois can apply for Sparklight’s Charitable Giving Fund to support education, digital literacy, food insecurity, and community development projects. Funding can back special projects, capital campaigns, or capacity-building initiatives for organizations serving areas where Sparklight or its brands do business.
Education Food Access & Hunger Community Development & Revitalization +2 more

Ameren Community Development Grants in Shelby County

Ameren Corporation
Corporate
Adair County, Missouri, Adams County, Illinois +149 more
Unspecified amount
Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities in Shelby County, Illinois can seek community program funding that supports education, civic engagement, economic services, and community development. Ameren Corporation supports local organizations and events in Missouri and Illinois communities where it has a business presence, with a mid-year grant cycle typically running 30 days.
Education Economic Services & Development Civic Engagement & Education +1 more

Shelby County Wellness Funding via Lumpkin Family Foundation

The Lumpkin Family Foundation
Private
Champaign County, Illinois, Clark County, Illinois +26 more
Up to US $10,000
Shelby County, Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting staff mental health and wellness can access funding through the Lumpkin Family Foundation for sabbatical leave or other wellness activities. Eligible recent Lumpkin grantees may receive up to US $10,000, with preference for organizations under $1 million in budget that have not previously received a Wellness Grant.
Mental Health & Psychiatric Diseases

DCEO Disaster Response Grants in Illinois

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)
State/Local Government
Adams County, Illinois, Alexander County, Illinois +81 more
Up to US $250,000
Units of local government in Shelby County, Illinois and other eligible Illinois counties can access funding for disaster response projects that address urgent threats to public health and safety. Grants from Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity help communities repair infrastructure, support low-to-moderate income residents, and meet critical community development needs, with awards up to US $250,000.
Disaster Relief / Humanitarian Aid Community / Public Safety

Shelby County Land Conservation Funding via NRCS

USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of Illinois
State/Local Government
Adams County, Illinois, Alexander County, Illinois +99 more
Unspecified amount
Private landowners with at least five contiguous acres of unimproved land in Shelby County, Illinois can apply for the Conservation Stewardship Program, which offers reduced property tax valuation in exchange for a habitat management plan. This USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Illinois program supports native habitat restoration, invasive species control, and improved wildlife and forest health.
Environmental Conservation Environmental Stewardship Firefighting & Fire Prevention +3 more

Computer Science Education Funding from Project Lead The Way

Project Lead the Way inc.
Private
Adair County, Missouri, Adams County, Illinois +143 more
US $20,000
Public and charter high schools in Shelby County, Illinois can access funding through Project Lead the Way to start or expand PLTW Computer Science programs. Grants of US $20,000 may cover participation fees, required computers or tablets, program equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training with related travel, room, and board costs.
Computer Science & Engineering STEM / STEAM Education

Project Lead the Way Computer Science Grants in Shelby County

Project Lead the Way inc.
Private
Adair County, Missouri, Adams County, Illinois +143 more
US $10,000
Public and charter high schools in Shelby County, Illinois expanding an existing PLTW Computer Science program can receive US $10,000 to add courses, sections, or trained teachers. Focused on STEM and computer science education, Project Lead the Way funding may cover PLTW fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and core training costs.
Computer Science & Engineering STEM / STEAM Education

Bayer Fund Nutrition Grants in Shelby County

Bayer Fund
Corporate
Ada County, Idaho, Adams County, Nebraska +488 more
Unspecified amount
Shelby County, Illinois nonprofits and public entities running food access and nutrition education programs can access funding through Bayer Fund to address malnutrition and hunger. Eligible, established 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and local governments in this legacy-Monsanto community may seek support for behavior-change nutrition education, food pantries, backpack programs, community gardens, and other healthy food distribution efforts.
Nutrition & Healthy Eating Food Access & Hunger

Ameren Grants for Shelby County Nonprofits

Ameren Corporation
Corporate
Adams County, Illinois, Alexander County, Illinois +81 more
Unspecified amount
Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations in the Ameren Illinois service area, including Shelby County, Illinois, can seek funding for arts and culture, community development, environment, health and human services, and youth and education programs. Grants from Ameren Corporation help strengthen quality of life for local residents and support vulnerable populations without a fixed application deadline each year.
Art & Culture Education - K through 12 Natural Resources +8 more

Rotary Purple Heart Scholarship

Northern New York Community Foundation
Private
United States
More than US $3,000

Scholarship Overview

Since 1980, the Northern New York Community Foundation has awarded more than $28 million in scholarships to students from Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.

Rotary Purple Heart Scholarship

The Community Foundation administers the Rotary Purple Heart Scholarship. This is available to Jefferson, Lewis or St. Lawrence County residents who were awarded a Purple Heart by the U.S. armed forces or are a dependent — spouse or child, or grandchild — of a U.S. military member or veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart. Purple Heart Scholarship applications are reviewed throughout the year until all available funds for the academic year are awarded.

Military & Veterans Services Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education

10th Mountain Division (Light) Scholarship

Northern New York Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Scholarship Overview

Since 1980, the Northern New York Community Foundation has awarded more than $28 million in scholarships to students from Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.

10th Mountain Division (Light) Scholarship

The Fort Drum Chapter of the National Association of the 10th Mountain Division has established the 10th Mountain Division (Light) Scholarship for active or former 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) members or family members — spouse or child — of an active or former 10th Mountain Division (LI) soldier. The applicant or their military sponsor must also be a member of the National Association of the 10th Mountain Division. Membership information is available from the Association. Scholarship applicants may live anywhere and be in any year of full-time undergraduate study.

Military & Veterans Services Education - Higher Education

Captain Ernest W. Fox Perpetual Scholarship

Coast Guard Foundation Inc.
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

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.

Coast Guard Foundation Captain Ernest W. Fox Perpetual Scholarship

Brief Description

This application is intended for qualified active duty Coast Guard, civil service employee personnel or their dependents (child or spouse) at the CG Aviation Logistic Center (ALC)

The scholarship will be used for preparatory, collegiate, postgraduate, professional and vocational education, formal or informal training which develops the talents and potential of the beneficiary.

The Fox family established this annual Perpetual Scholarship to honor the memory of their late son/brother Captain Ernest W. Fox, and as a means of expressing their appreciation to the men and women who work at the CG Aviation Logistic Center (previously Aircraft Repair & Supply Center).

Education - Higher Education

Bruce E. Hepke Memorial Scholarship

Chester County Community Foundation
Private
United States
US $1,500

Bruce E. Hepke Memorial Scholarship

Mission Statement

The Bruce E. Hepke Memorial Scholarship was established in 2021 to commemorate the life of a very special husband, father, and friend.

Devoted husband to wife Sue, and father to sons Darren and Connor, Bruce was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2016. He fought the disease bravely, until tragically, it took its final toll on February 18, 2021. The support that Bruce received from his family during this period, as well as his own personal courage and perseverance to live life to its fullest, were exceptionally inspirational.

A true gentleman, in every sense of the word, this memorial scholarship will be awarded each year to a college-bound candidate that demonstrates the characteristics that made Bruce such a remarkable and outstanding person-

Perseverance, Integrity, Leadership and Sportsmanship.

About the Scholarship

An avid golfer his entire life, Bruce loved the mental and physical challenges of the sport, the camaraderie, the competition, and the pure fun in traveling and playing on different courses. In 1998 he joined the West Chester Golf and Country Club, where he found a wonderful group of people with whom to socialize and play golf. Bruce was a true “renaissance man” with an incredibly wide range of interests but playing golf and being an active member of his Club were at the top of his list. This scholarship is intended to reflect his love for both the sport and his Club. It will be awarded annually to a high school senior and will be chosen from a candidate pool that includes the West Chester Golf and Country Club’s Ambassador Golf program as well as six surrounding high schools that have special meaning to the Hepke family. (The six high schools are Great Valley, Malvern Preparatory School, Marple Newtown, West Chester Bayard Rustin, West Chester East and West Chester Henderson.)

Education - Higher Education Golf

Jacquie Porter Scholarship for Aspiring Early Childhood Teachers in Austin ISD

Austin Community Foundation
Private
United States
US $5,000

Jacquie Porter Scholarship for Aspiring Early Childhood Teachers in Austin ISD

Aspirations of becoming an early childhood educator.

Awards

  • (1) $5,000.00
Education - Higher Education Education - Preschool / Early Learning

Emma E. Hill Memorial Scholarship Fund

Chester County Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Emma E. Hill Memorial Scholarship Fund

Mission Statement

The Emma E. Hill Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to memorialize Emma by helping female swimmers pursue their dreams of a college education. The scholarship awards will be granted on an annual basis to female graduating high school senior athletes in Southern Chester County.

About Emma

Emma was an excellent student as a sophomore at Unionville High School (UHS). She loved to swim and was a dedicated member of both the Kennett YMCA Sea Dragons and UHS swim teams. In her spare time, Emma was a lifeguard and also taught young children how to swim at the Y. As a younger child and teenager, Emma excelled on the ballfield in URA softball.

At the young age of 16, Emma passed away following complications caused by a rare type of gastric cancer, a form of the disease that was unheard of in a child and unfortunately found too late. Throughout Emma’s brief illness, she was strong and determined to get better, and did not let her health issues define her in any way.

Emma was beautiful in every sense of the word, and was loved throughout her community and beyond. She worked hard at whatever she was trying to accomplish, but always with a cheery, exuberant attitude and lovely smile. More than anything, her absolute kindness and warm heart are what made Emma our sweet girl.

Education - Higher Education Women & Girl Services Swimming +2 more

Keith Brabant Music Scholarship

Northern New York Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Keith Brabant Music Scholarship Application

The Keith Brabant Music Scholarship committee is interested in finding and assisting young aspiring musicians who are willing to put in the hard work to pursue their talent, but are in need of financial help. This scholarship is to assist those with a documented financial need. Monies may be used for a broad range of music related activities (college, lessons, instruments, books, summer music camp, etc.). If the money is for lessons, instruments, or other specific items, please include information on the costs below; payment may be made directly to provider.

Music Education Educational Access & Equity

Children of Commissioned Officers Scholarship - First-Time Applicants

Coast Guard Foundation Inc.
Private
United States
US $2,500 - US $5,000

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.

Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education

Jefferson County Sons of the American Legion Brian A. L’Huillier Memorial Scholarship

Northern New York Community Foundation
Private
United States
US $500

Jefferson County Sons of the American Legion Brian A. L'Huillier Memorial Scholarship

The Jefferson County Sons of the American Legion offers a scholarship of $500 to qualified high school graduates. The scholarships will be announced at graduation. Entry into college must occur by the second semester after high school graduation. The first $250 will be awarded at the time of high school graduation and the remainder of $250 will be contingent upon the recipient submitting_a transcript of their 1st semester college grades, which indicates a minimum average of "C", or a 2.0 cumulative index. If a "C" or 2.0 index is not obtained, then the remainder of the award is forfeited. Each candidate is required to complete a minimum of 12 semester credit hours per semester in order to receive this award.

Education - Higher Education College Success / Persistence

Children of Commissioned Officers Scholarship - Returning Applicants

Coast Guard Foundation Inc.
Private
United States
US $2,500 - US $5,000

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.

Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education

North Central Zone New York State Retired Teachers’ Association Inc. Scholarship

Northern New York Community Foundation
Private
United States
US $1,000

North Central Zone Covering Jefferson and Lewis Counties "Retired Educators Helping Future Educators" In Partnership with The Northern New York Community Foundation

Scholarship Awards for 2026

Three $1,000.00 scholarships will be awarded by the North Central Zone of the Retired Educators of New York (RENY) and the Northern New York Community Foundation (NNYCF) for students residing in Jefferson and/or Lewis Counties - These are a onetime award to help students get started with their college education

Any high school senior pursuing a career in the teaching profession is eligible

  • You must be a 2025-2026 high school senior
  • You must be accepted into a college program starting in the Fall of 2026
Education - Higher Education Teacher Development & Training Career / College Preparation

Evergreen STEM Scholarship

Northern New York Community Foundation
Private
United States
US $3,000

Scholarship Overview

Since 1980, the Northern New York Community Foundation has awarded more than $28 million in scholarships to students from Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.

Evergreen STEM Scholarship

The Evergreen STEM Scholarship is a $3,000 award for the first year of undergraduate study. Scholarship award decisions will be made in the summer 2026. Scholarship award checks are not presented until summer 2027 as students head to college.

STEM / STEAM Education Engineering Mathematics +2 more

Children of Enlisted Member Scholarship - First-Time Applicant

Coast Guard Foundation Inc.
Private
United States
US $2,500 - US $5,000

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..

Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education

Children of Enlisted Member Scholarship - Returning Scholar Application

Coast Guard Foundation Inc.
Private
United States
US $2,500 - US $5,000

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.

Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education

Shelby County Grants for Nonprofits Highlights

Looking for Shelby County grants for nonprofits?


Read more about each grant below or start your 14-day free trial to see all Shelby County grants recommended for your specific programs in Illinois.

Last updated: November 2, 2026. Next update: December 6, 2026.

Grant Insights : Grant Funding Trends in Illinois

Average Grant Size

What's the typical amount funded for Illinois?

Grants are most commonly $104,222.

$104,222

Total Number of Grants

What's the total number of grants in Shelby County Grants for Nonprofits year over year?

In 2024, funders in Illinois awarded a total of 104,158 grants.

2022 97,582

2023 97,805

2024 104,158

Top Grant Focus Areas

Among all the Shelby County Grants for Nonprofits given out in Illinois, the most popular focus areas that receive funding are Education, Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Foundations, and Human Services.

1. Education

2. Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Foundations

3. Human Services

Funding Over Time

How is funding for Shelby County Grants for Nonprofits changing over time?

Funding has increased by 16.08%.

2022 $8,503,243,276

2023 $9,316,300,812
9.56%

2024 $10,813,952,832
16.08%

Illinois Counties That Receive the Most Funding

How does grant funding vary by county?

Cook County, Lake County, and Macon County receive the most funding.

County Total Grant Funding in 2024
Cook County $6,893,460,213
Lake County $720,580,526
Macon County $544,478,272
Champaign County $541,704,331
Dupage County $496,099,366

Related Grants in Illinois

Browse Grants by Cities within Illinois

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