One of the primary purposes of The Illini Moms Association at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is to support Illini students in pursuing their academic goals. Each spring, during our annual meeting of the Illini Moms, the Illini Moms Association awards several $ 1,000-$ 2,000 scholarships to students who demonstrate both merit and need, as determined by the Moms Association.
Give & Get
Justice Walker Remembers Her Mother With Named Scholarship
Each year, I donate money sufficient to fund an Illini Moms Scholarship. This has significance for me because I grew up on a small family farm in West Central Illinois, one of six kids to be educated. My dad was a tenant farmer for the first 10 years of my life. We lived in a shack provided by the landlord. It didn’t even have an indoor bathroom. Education was of critical importance to my parents, but we were a family of limited means. Fortunately, I was valedictorian of my high school class and was able to secure an Illinois General Assembly tuition waiver for my first three years at the University of Illinois. I was also awarded small scholarships from the Fred S. Bailey Fund (affiliated with the University YMCA) and from my hometown Business & Professional Women’s Club, as well as a Basic Equal Opportunity Grant. These scholarships meant the world to me! I was fortunate to graduate with my bachelor’s degree in accounting without taking on debt. Now, I have the financial means to give back. The icing on the cake is that I have been able to name the Illini Moms Scholarship in memory of my mother, Marianna E. Walker, who was an Illini Mom times 4!
Giving to IL Moms is
Giving to Students
We invite you to join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign students. Each year, the Illini Moms proudly grant scholarships and special recognition awards to deserving students—helping them pursue their academic dreams, overcome financial challenges, and fully experience all that UIUC has to offer.
These scholarships are funded entirely through the generosity of supporters like you. Your gift—no matter the size—directly impacts students who inspire us with their hard work, leadership, and dedication to the Illini spirit.
Why Give Today?
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Support student success and relieve financial pressure
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Recognize outstanding student leaders through our annual awards
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Engage with the long-standing Illini Moms, a 501(c)3, tradition of giving to students
Please consider making a Giving Tuesday, tax-deductible contribution today. Your support truly matters—and our students feel the impact.
With gratitude,
Illini Moms
Kelley Kalinich, President 2025-2026
Why I Gave
When I first joined the Illini Moms Association, I knew that supporting the scholarship fund would be a passion of mine. As my twin daughters were the first in our family to attend UIUC, we were blown away by how exceptional their on-campus experience was. I also recognized that not many of their high school peers were choosing UIUC and I felt it was essential to spread the word about this fantastic opportunity in our home state.
Therefore, I looked up every local alum in our small town and asked them to crowdfund a scholarship with me. Of course, they were willing to help! These alums also had an amazing UIUC experience and hold their alma mater in high regard. It only took a few days, and my friends and community members had contributed enough to sponsor one scholarship.
In the spring, at the Illini Moms Annual Business meeting, I met the recipient of the Monmouth Scholarship, donated in honor of rural communities, like ours, to help promote the university and make enrollment more affordable.
Donating to the Illini Moms Scholarship Fund was the easiest and best decision I've made as a part of this board.
Stephanie S., Monmouth, IL
The Illini Moms Association is a 501 (c) (3) registered non-profit. All of your gifts are tax-deductible.