Best Volunteer Grants in Illinois

Nonprofit and community organizations in Illinois that engage adults 55+ in meaningful volunteer service can apply for Illinois Department on Aging’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, with awards from US $23,578 - US $81,521 to support these efforts. Grants from Illinois Department on Aging help Illinois volunteerism and philanthropy programs expand opportunities for older adult volunteers.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Illinois that run senior volunteer, tutoring, or mentoring programs can apply for Illinois Department of Aging grants of US $13,801 - US $76,945. Focused on intergenerational volunteer service, this funding helps match AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program dollars so older adults can mentor children with special needs in local settings.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations working on food security, water conservation, or local community quality of life in Illinois and other Mosaic operating areas can seek support for their programs. With a mission to help the world grow the food it needs, Mosaic Company Foundation provides community investment grants to eligible 501(c)(3) and equivalent organizations in North America.

Nonprofit Area Agencies on Aging serving rural older adults and caregivers in Illinois can apply for Illinois Department of Aging’s Rural Support Grant, with awards of US $800,000 for service improvements. Grants from Illinois Department of Aging help Illinois volunteerism and aging-network organizations expand transportation, broadband access, volunteer recruitment, and workforce development to better support older residents.

RBC Foundation USA provides Illinois nonprofit organizations with funding for workforce preparation, youth development, and community accessibility initiatives. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) public charities, operating for at least three years with $100,000+ annual budgets, located where RBC Wealth Management has a business presence; programs may incorporate volunteers to deliver services and expand impact.

Illinois 501(c)(3) public charities running safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability programs can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, with awards from US $5,000 - US $30,000. Eligible projects must primarily benefit Illinois communities served by Union Pacific and may include volunteer-driven services and capacity-building efforts.

Nonprofits partnered with U.S.-based financial advisors leading long-term volunteer efforts can receive up to US $100,000 to advance community service and nonprofit development, including work in Illinois. Grants from Invest in Others help charities supported by advisors with at least 20 years of distinguished service and a strong record of volunteerism and philanthropy.

Illinois nonprofits partnered with U.S.-based financial advisors can receive up to US $60,000 in grant support for volunteer-driven community service through the Invest in Others Volunteer of the Year Award. Invest in Others Charitable Foundation funds the advisor’s designated charity, supporting long-term, hands-on volunteer leadership and impact in volunteerism and philanthropy.

Illinois nonprofits supported by U.S.-based financial advisors can receive up to US $60,000 in grant funding for community service and volunteer-driven initiatives through the Emerging Impact Award. Advisors 45 or younger with at least three years of sustained, hands-on involvement may be nominated, helping strengthen volunteerism and philanthropy in their communities.

Nonprofits partnered with U.S.-based financial advisors can receive up to US $60,000 in grant funding through the Invest in Others Community Service Award to support impactful, long-term volunteer-driven community work. Advisors in Illinois and nationwide who meet professional and service criteria may be nominated, with grants paid directly to their designated charities.

Illinois nonprofits partnered with U.S.-based financial advisors can receive grant support for volunteerism, philanthropy, and nonprofit development through the Invest in Others Catalyst Award, with awards up to US $60,000. Grants from Invest in Others help organizations recognize advisors who drive transformational, long-term change and strengthen community service efforts through their leadership.

Pediatric surgeons providing humanitarian surgical care to underserved children, including those based in Illinois, can be nominated for the Donald E. Meier Surgical Humanitarian Award supporting volunteerism and philanthropy. This American Pediatric Surgical Association honor recognizes APSA members whose careers focus on charitable or missionary pediatric surgery, volunteer outreach, or founding organizations that deliver surgical care to underserved populations.

Big Sky high school students passionate about outdoor adventure and service can receive a summer trip experience through this scholarship, emphasizing leadership and volunteerism. Illinois volunteer-focused organizations may know eligible students with strong volunteer records and a love of the outdoors who can apply for the Yellowstone Club Community Foundation’s Big Bald Dave Adventure Scholarship.

Nonprofit organizations collaborating on initiatives that build trust in communities and strengthen volunteerism can apply for the Trust in Practice Awards, offering US $100,000 - US $1,000,000 in funding. With a mission to elevate trust-building efforts, Aspen Institute provides Illinois volunteer-focused nonprofits with support, national networking, storytelling platforms, and participation in the annual Trust in Practice Summit.

Robert and Margaret Pulliam Scholarship

This scholarship was established to encourage and reward academic excellence and community service.

Award Information

6 scholarships are awarded each year. Awards will likely be between $1,400-$1,600.

Graduating high school seniors committed to volunteerism and community service can receive scholarship support for higher education, including trade schools, from The Foundation for Enhancing Communities. Open to students in good academic standing with demonstrated civic engagement and financial need, this one-time award of up to US $500 may benefit Illinois youth-focused volunteer programs.

Illinois high school seniors planning to attend college or technical school may be eligible for this one-time academic scholarship supporting higher education and vocational training. The Foundation for Enhancing Communities manages the Big 33 Academic Scholarship Fund, which awards up to US $2,000 to students who demonstrate achievement, community service, leadership, and financial need.

About The NRA Foundation

The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.

The NRA Foundation Supports Freedom, Family, and the Future of the Shooting Sports

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans.

The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans. These activities are designed to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those participating in the shooting sports, and to educate the general public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context. Funds granted by The NRA Foundation benefit a variety of constituencies throughout the United States including children, youth, women, individuals with physical disabilities, gun collectors, law enforcement officers, hunters and competitive shooters.

The NRA Foundation Frontline Heroes Scholarship

The NRA Foundation Board of Trustees has established the Frontline Heroes Scholarship to institute a memorial to this distinguished group of First Responders, Law Enforcement Officers, and Military personnel*, who have served continuously and unselfishly in the highest tradition of our great nation.

The Frontline Heroes Scholarship will give a one-time annual award of up to $10,000** for one eligible candidate.

Graduating high school seniors with financial need who are active community volunteers and residents of Middle Paxton Township or Dauphin Borough can receive support for higher education through the Lynn E. Poffenberger Memorial Scholarship Fund. The Foundation for Enhancing Communities provides this one-time award of up to US $1,000, which may interest Illinois programs promoting youth volunteerism.

High school seniors pursuing higher education with demonstrated financial need and volunteer or extracurricular involvement can receive up to US $2,500 for college or trade/technical school through this one-time scholarship. Illinois students who attend Cedar Cliff or Northern York High School and engage in volunteerism may be eligible for support from The Foundation for Enhancing Communities.

Pennsylvania HOSA student members pursuing healthcare-related post-secondary education and demonstrating financial need can receive scholarships of US $2,500 to support tuition and training. With a mission to promote compassionate healthcare careers, the Penn HOSA Foundation also offers the Helen Heidelbaugh Aspire Award recognizing exceptional community service and volunteerism, which may interest service-minded students from Illinois chapters studying in Pennsylvania.

The Huether/Gillan Scholarship, established by the Niskayuna Community Foundation, supports community-minded students from Niskayuna or its school district. This need-based scholarship aims to assist those pursuing higher education while emphasizing academic achievement and community service. Mr. Huether initiated this scholarship in honor of his parents, promoting values of dignity, diversity, impact, inclusion, innovation, and integrity. Interested applicants should contact Mr. Vince Bianchi for further details.

The Capital Region Chamber Chuck Steiner Memorial Scholarship supports high school seniors from Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, or Schenectady counties who demonstrate diverse interests and local community service. This scholarship has no academic requirements, making it accessible to a wide range of students. The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region has been empowering local communities since 1968, providing meaningful giving opportunities to enhance the quality of life for all.

The Michael Gregory Boyd Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, supports high school seniors from Troy-area schools who aim to pursue higher education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to community service and belong to the African American or African descent groups. This scholarship opens doors for students seeking 2- or 4-year college programs or technical training, fostering educational growth and community involvement.

The Helen M. Free Award for Public Outreach, established by the American Chemical Society, recognizes outstanding volunteer achievements in public outreach that enhance public appreciation for chemistry. Awardees, selected based on their advocacy, creativity, and impact, receive a crystal award and a $2,000 prize. Nominees must be ACS members whose volunteer efforts have significantly increased public awareness of chemistry's importance. This annual award highlights activities that engage diverse audiences, promoting the significance of chemical sciences in everyday life.

The Gage County Agricultural Society Scholarship, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, awards four $500 scholarships to graduating seniors from Beatrice High School. Candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and have participated in Gage County Agriculture Society events. The foundation, established in 1987, supports educational opportunities and does not consider economic need in its selection process. Applications are available through local resources and online.

The Hays, Karla, Loving Heart Scholarship offers financial support to graduating seniors of Beatrice High School, with one to three scholarships available totaling up to $1,000. Administered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, this initiative aims to assist deserving students in pursuing higher education. The foundation, established in 1987, supports academic achievement and civic involvement in the community. Eligible students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate ethical scholarship application practices.