Where to Find Scholarships
Local scholarships may be available through private businesses, community organizations, and other groups, including:
- High school guidance offices
- Local chambers of commerce
- Businesses and employers
- Financial institutions
- Community groups or clubs
- Educational organizations
- Religious organizations
- Alumni associations
- Civic organizations
Private Outside Scholarship Opportunities
The following is a list of organizations that offer scholarship opportunities. Eligibility requirements, deadlines, and award availability vary by program.
- American Indian College Fund
- American Indian Science and Engineering Society
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Association of American Indian Affairs, Inc.
- Astronaut Scholarship Foundation – ASF 2026-2027 Student Nomination Consideration Form
- Elks National Foundation
- Fred S. Bailey Scholarship Fund
- Gates Millennium Scholars
- George M. Pullman Educational Foundation
- Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation
- Hillel Scholarships
- Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
- Hispanic Scholarship Fund
- Illinois Sheriffs’ Association
- Illinois Society of Professional Engineers
- Illinois Student Assistance Commission
- Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
- Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans
- Ron Brown Scholar Program
- Steven Phillips Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Wentcher Foundation
Additional Scholarship Search Resources
You can also explore free online scholarship search platforms to discover additional opportunities. These websites allow you to search for scholarships based on factors such as academic interests, background, and eligibility.
Private Outside Scholarships
Private outside scholarships are an important resource that can help students pay for college. The Office of Student Financial Aid works with students and scholarship donors to ensure scholarship funds are received and processed appropriately.
When to Notify Us
If you receive a private outside scholarship that is not listed on your Financial Aid Notification, you must report the scholarship source and amount by completing the Private Outside Scholarship Form.
Private outside scholarships may reduce loans or Federal Work-Study before reducing any grant aid.
If you receive need-based financial aid, you will receive an updated Financial Aid Notification after we process your private outside scholarship information.
For Students – How to Submit Your Scholarship
By Mail
Scholarship checks should be made payable to the University of Illinois and mailed to the Office of Student Financial Aid at the address below.
Please ensure the following information is included:
- Your full name
- Your University Identification Number (UIN)
- The academic term(s) to which the scholarship should be applied
If you have already received a scholarship check made payable to you, you must endorse the check and attach it to your completed Private Outside Scholarship Form when submitting it to our office.
Information for Private Outside Scholarship Donors
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign accepts private scholarship payments by mail and electronically.
Submitting Scholarship Payments
By Mail
Please make scholarship checks payable to the University of Illinois and mail them to:
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Office of Student Financial Aid
620 E. John MC/303
Champaign, IL 61820
To ensure funds are credited appropriately, please include the student’s full name and University Identification Number (UIN) with the payment, along with the academic term(s) to which the scholarship should be applied
Electronic Payments (ACH)
To arrange scholarship payments via Automated Clearing House (ACH), please email finaidscholarships@illinois.edu.
Request a W-9 Form
To request a copy of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s W-9 Form, please email finaidscholarships@illinois.edu.
Contact Us
For questions about private outside scholarships, payment processing, or donor documentation, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Email: finaidscholarships@illinois.edu
Mailing Address:
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Office of Student Financial Aid
620 E. John MC/303
Champaign, IL 61820