Illinois grants for Nonprofits

The Equitable Energy Future Grant Program, initiated by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, aims to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in historically disadvantaged communities. With an estimated total program funding of $25.5 million, the program offers grants ranging from $250,000 to $1 million. These grants are designed to support equity investment eligible communities, provide on-the-job training, and facilitate the development of projects that benefit low-income households and community-based businesses. The program encourages projects that generate or save energy, with a significant focus on involving equity eligible contractors and workforce from CEJA or FEJA programs. Applicants are encouraged to leverage other funding sources to enhance cost-effectiveness and project impact.

Arts Midwest is offering Cultural Sustainability: Equity-Based Operating Grants of up to $67,000 to small arts and culture organizations rooted in communities of color, providing general operating support for those with annual expenses up to $500,000 in selected states.

The Aurora’s Finish Line Grant Program offers gap financing solutions to commercial businesses and property owners seeking to complete permanent property rehabilitation and improvement projects. Donor Name: Invest Aurora State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/19/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Purpose of the Finish Line Grant Program is to increase the economic viability of the City of Aurora by assisting business and property owners in their completion of commercial rehabilitation projects. The Finish Line Grant Committee will consider each case on its individual merits. Funding Information A project up to a maximum grant amount of $50,000. Geographic Areas Eligible rehabilitation projects must be performed on commercial properties located within the limits of the City of Aurora. Qualified Expenses Qualified Expenses that are eligible for reimbursement under the Finish Line Grant are:  Build out costs for new or expanded retail space resulting in fixed capital improvements that will remain permanent to the property.  Building materials  Internal and external lighting  HVAC, electrical, and plumbing new system installation and upgrades only    Exterior signage  Repair/rehabilitation of building exterior, including tuckpointing Qualifications Eligibility Criteria The property proposed for rehabilitation must be zoned for commercial use and be located within the limits of the City of Aurora. To be eligible for reimbursement of project costs under this grant program, the following requirements and conditions must be met:  Control of the property must be proven.  Good Standing with the City of Aurora must be established.  No existing code violations on the subject property must be proven.  All required permits and certificates must be issued by the COA before funds will be distributed  Project cost must exceed $5,000  Only Qualified Expenses will be reimbursed.  Projects started prior to April 15, 2024 are not eligible  Business must generate retail sales tax (51% of annual revenue must generate sales tax – annual sales tax reporting required)  All work must be permanent to the building.  For more information, visit Invest Aurora Illinois.

The Donaldson Foundation dedicates its efforts to making a positive impact in communities where Donaldson Company employees reside, focusing on supporting educational initiatives. It extends grant invitations exclusively to applications with an educational aim, scrutinizing each based on criteria such as educational focus, the need of beneficiaries, impact, sustainability, and connection to communities near company locations. Eligible recipients are required to be IRS-recognized tax-exempt entities. Funding is available in the Twin Cities and several U.S. locations where Donaldson has significant operations, with grants reaching up to $20,000. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Cycle 2 deadline: January 15th

This NOFO/RFP solicits applications for 2024-25 regular school year projects to provide supplemental education and support services to eligible migratory children and youth. The MEP offers regular school year programs for migratory children from prekindergarten through high school and out‐of‐school youth. Educational support services fall into the following areas: reading and mathematics; school readiness; high school graduation and services to secondary‐aged youth, including dropouts and out‐of‐school youth; and ancillary and support services. The Illinois Migrant Education Program Service Delivery Plan and the Illinois Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) State Plan set the parameters for local projects. The measurable program outcomes and strategies contained in the Service Delivery Plan are listed in Exhibit A on page 15 of this document. The Service Delivery Plan is updated regularly to reflect changes in federal regulations, migratory population needs, and program evaluation results as part of a cycle of continuous improvement. Funded projects must carry out activities that align with the state Service Delivery Plan to address identified needs of migratory children and youth. The Service Delivery Plan includes broad statements of needs, and local projects document the strengths, interests, and need of the migratory children in their areas to tailor services to the population. All services must be culturally and linguistically appropriate for the migratory student population.

Deadline: May 31, 2024, at 4 p.m. CDT. Eligible Recipients: Not-for-profit organizations with preservation, conservation, cultural, historical, or archeological missions, including HBCUs, tribal nations, and government entities. Eligible Projects: Must be within the Delta Region, focusing on cultural heritage, public roads, regional music, museums, and more. Priority Criteria: Projects addressing immediate needs, new initiatives, completed within 18 months, and enhancing heritage tourism. Where: Projects within the Delta Region, not on federal property. When: Applications open April 15, 2024, and close May 31, 2024, at 4 p.m. CDT. Selected projects announced by September 2024. Webinar: Optional webinar on April 24 at 10 a.m. CDT. Register here. Contact: For project inquiries, email us. For technical support, contact [email protected].

This funding will be used to provide Immigrant Legal Support Program (ILSP). Specifically, professional, affordable immigration legal services, and it aims to bolster immigration legal services, and meet the growing needs of the immigrant population in Illinois. The program is designed to provide comprehensive immigration legal services at scale. The program consists of four integral components, which are as follows: 1) Scalable Intake and Screening, 2) Pro-se and Limited-Scope Legal Services 3) Workshops 4) Referral Networks By incorporating these components into a centralized program, IDHS is committed to streamlining the processes to enhance access to legal services and foster collaboration among stakeholders to address the changing needs of immigrant communities effectively

African American Legacy (AAL), an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, is a philanthropic and educational initiative led by Black civic and community leaders who share the common goal of improving the quality of life among Black people throughout metropolitan Chicago. Donor Name: The Chicago Community Trust State: Illinois County: Chicago County (IL), Cook County (IL), DuPage County (IL), Kane County (IL), Lake County (IL), McHenry County (IL), Will County (IL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/13/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: AAL engages leaders in philanthropy, collectively and individually, and provides support to nonprofit organizations that work at the community level to educate and engage communities, and to provide neighborhood-based services and solutions to address community problems. Grounded in the philosophies of collective giving, community engagement and grant making, AAL serves as a convener and catalyst to promote significant impact in Black communities through the organizations that it supports. Focus Areas AAL will support Black-led and Black-serving community organizations working in the following areas: Community and Civic Engagement They seek to support organizations doing work in the areas of leadership development, voting rights/access activism, and community organizing that actively dismantles anti-Black racism, and uplifts, empowers, and strengthens Black communities. Mental Health They seek to support organizations that prepare providers or community members to deliver or advocate for a broad range of mental health services, including trauma-informed care, and in doing so actively respond to the disproportionate burden of stress on Black people and Black communities due to employment instability, financial strain, family stress, trauma, and gun violence. Wealth Creation They seek to support organizations that are working to build wealth in and economically empower Black communities through financial management and literacy, entrepreneurship, workforce re-entry, and trade skills and training initiatives. Arts and Sciences Education They seek to support organizations that spur creativity and imagination and/or provide academic enrichment assistance to Black children and young adults in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). Environmental Justice They seek to support organizations that seek to protect, monitor, advocate for, or provide access to the built/natural environment or nature. These organizations might also work to ensure that people and communities of color are not disproportionately impacted by exposure to pollution and toxins, lack of access to clean water and air, or inadequate waste management. Funding Information Average AAL grants for 2024 will range in size between $10,000 to $20,000 based on the scope of the grantees’ general operations or project-based needs. Eligible organizations must have current and prior year annual operating budgets that are not less than $50,000 and not more than $2,000,000. Project Period Grants are for one year. Eligibility Criteria Eligible organizations are Black-led and Black-serving, responsive and rooted in community, and whose work is focused in one of the five programmatic areas are eligible to apply. To be eligible for a grant award, an applicant must be: A nonprofit organization with evidence that it (a) has been recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as an organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code; (b) is fiscally sponsored by a Section 501(c)(3) organization; (c) or is a governmental unit within the meaning of Section 170(c)(1) of the Code; and Described in Section 170(b)(1)(A) of the Code, other than a “disqualified supporting organization” within the meaning of Section 4966(d)(4) of the Code. Sponsored organizations without 501(c)(3) status clearly identify their fiscal sponsor and have the sponsoring agent complete an Organizational Profile in Grant Central prior to submitting a full request for funding. For more information, visit The Chicago Community Trust.

The United Way of the Wabash Valley has issued a new grant opportunity through their Community Health (UWWV CH) and Youth Success (UWWV YS) Impact Councils that are focused on projects that will address the overall health of area youth. Donor Name: United Way of the Wabash Valley State: Illinois, Indiana County: Clark County (IL), Clay County (IN), Parke County (IN), Sullivan County (IN), Vermillion County (IN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: In particular, they are looking for projects that will improve the mental, behavioral, and physical health and well-being of children ages 6 to 18 (K-12). The UWWV CH and YS councils are seeking proposals for innovative programs that address the overall health of the youth participants. Programs may be conducted during the school year, summer 2025, or another out-of-school time. Proposed projects can take a variety of approaches to addressing the overall health of students with a more holistic approach. Priority will be given to programs that show the following attributes: Program serves youth in outlying counties: Clay, Parke, Sullivan, and Vermillion counties in Indiana, and Clark County in Illinois. Programs form collaborations/partnerships among organizations. Physical exercise is integrated with one or more of the following: social/emotional well-being, mental health, life skills, and food and nutrition. Funding Information The UWWV has made available a total of $30,000 in funding to be provided to eligible qualifying applicants. Applicants may apply for $1,000 to $5,000 to be expended by August 31, 2025. Eligibility Criteria The following groups within the UWWV service area (Clay, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion and Vigo counties in Indiana and Clark County in Illinois) are invited to submit proposals: Youth-serving organizations, school organizations, and/or civic organizations Businesses, Local government entities (e.g. Parks Department) Faith-based organizations, committees/groups and/or ministries Non-profit health services organizations If counseling/therapy/life skills services are proposed, evidence that a licensed or certified counselor is performing the services must be provided. Services must be conducted in person. Virtual sessions will not be funded. For more information, visit UWWV.

This grant provides funding to organizations that improve healthcare access for underserved and uninsured residents in northern Lake County, Illinois.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) offers the Section 319(h) Grant Program to address nonpoint source (NPS) pollution affecting Illinois’ water resources. This program, funded through the Clean Water Act, supports projects that prevent, eliminate, or reduce water quality impairments caused by NPS pollution. Prioritized projects include those implementing approved watershed-based plans or Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Implementation Plans, with activities ranging from BMP implementation to monitoring and outreach efforts. The program encourages applications that demonstrate a comprehensive approach to NPS pollution control and offer sustainable environmental benefits. Grant renewed every year.

Technical Assistance Session August 5, 2024, 2:30-3:30 https://intranet.dhs.illinois.gov/oneweb/page.aspx?item=166292 Program Summary • The Grantee will provide outreach, engagement, training, and support to faith-based organizations serving communities that are underserved by mental and behavioral health resources. Furthermore, the Grantee will utilize all available resources to provide initial relationship building within community areas by delivering training to faith-based leadership and providing connection through personal stories from persons with lived expertise to the leadership of faith communities or their congregations. • The Division is seeking providers who can serve one or more of the following ZIP codes: 60409, 60411, 60419, 60426, 60428, 60458, 60469, 60472, 60473, 60608, 60609, 60612, 60615, 60619, 60620, 60621, 60622, 60623, 60624, 60627, 60628, 60636, 60637, 60639, 60643, 60644, 60647, 60649, 60651, 60653, 60827, 60901, 61832, 61833, 61834, 62002, 62024, 62201, 62202, 62203, 62204, 62205, 62206, 62207, 62208, 62626, 62801, 62832, 62896 Program Goals and Objectives Program Description • The Department of Human Services/Division of Mental Health shall contract with one or more community providers to provide outreach, engagement, training, and support to faith-based organizations serving communities that are underserved by mental and behavioral health resources. The Division shall identify the targeted communities. Under this program, the community providers shall utilize all available resources to provide initial relationship building within community areas by delivering training to faith-based leadership and providing connection through personal stories from persons with lived expertise to the leadership of faith communities or their congregations. The Division shall seek organizations that are providing services within targeted communities in awarding funding under the program. • The Division is seeking providers who can serve one or more of the following ZIP codes: 60409, 60411, 60419, 60426, 60428, 60458, 60469, 60472, 60473, 60608, 60609, 60612, 60615, 60619, 60620, 60621, 60622, 60623, 60624, 60627, 60628, 60636, 60637, 60639, 60643, 60644, 60647, 60649, 60651, 60653, 60827, 60901, 61832, 61833, 61834, 62002, 62024, 62201, 62202, 62203, 62204, 62205, 62206, 62207, 62208, 62626, 62801, 62832, 62896 Performance Requirements The Grantee shall: 1. Build relationships with faith-based communities in the targeted communities and ensure that those organizations are aware of the behavioral health resources available. 2. Build relationships with local community mental health centers (CMHCs) and other behavioral health providers to help facilitate linkage to mental health services for people in targeted communities. 3. Support faith-based communities in advocating for community members who are affected by behavioral health conditions to access mental health treatment and recovery services that shall assist them in living healthy and productive lives. 4. Deliver mental health training to faith-based leadership and provide connection through personal stories from persons with lived expertise to the leadership of faith communities or their congregations. 5. Ensure that consumers in the program experience a warm handoff between the grantee and the CMHC or other service provider. 6. Assist consumers in navigating or bypassing wait lists and other barriers to accessing care to the greatest possible extent. 7. Provide information about the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) credential to interested individuals. 8. Use their relationships with CMHCs and service providers to support expansion of services when needed and where possible.

The Promise Grant program, supported by the DeKalb County Community Foundation, provides funding to charitable community organizations that serve underserved populations in DeKalb County. The program aims to inspire, educate, and empower individuals facing challenges related to ethnicity, immigration status, and abilities. The grant is funded by two funds: The Promise Fund-El Fondo de la Promesa and the Howard and Mildred Eychaner Fund. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations in DeKalb County, school districts, schools, education facilities, churches (non-religious programs), and municipal or governmental entities. Grant applications open on August 15 with an October 1 deadline. Funding decisions are typically made within one month of the deadline. The maximum grant amount is $5,000, with the typical grant amount being under $800. Projects that increase participation of underserved populations, develop leadership skills in marginalized populations, increase understanding and tolerance, raise educational levels, enhance quality of life, and address healthcare and affordable housing needs within DeKalb Township are prioritized. Religious purposes, advertising purchases, capital or operation debt reduction, political campaigns or attempts to influence legislative issues are generally not funded. Grantees must submit a final grant report upon completion of the project or purpose for which the grant was requested. Any modifications to the originally proposed project require advance written approval from the Community Foundation. The grant application can be accessed online at https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=dekalbcountyfoundation

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in DuPage, Kane, Lake, and McHenry counties in Illinois to support educational, healthcare, and human services programs for underserved children and individuals with disabilities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that assist migrant and seasonal farmworkers with employment services, training, and housing solutions.

The Forecast Public Art’s Midwest Memory Grant, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, is open to non-profit organizations in rural Midwest communities, aiming to elevate and preserve the stories of BIPOC communities through monuments, with a focus on addressing systemic inequities and advancing racial justice.

Description: The Illinois Grocery Initiative aims to establish new grocery stores in food deserts to increase access to fresh food in underserved areas. This grant, under the funding opportunity number FY24-2 and CSFA number 420-35-3295, anticipates awarding 8 grants with a total program funding of $14,000,000. Eligible projects must involve capital expenditures, as operational costs are not covered. Grants will range from $160,000 to $2,400,000, and applicants are required to meet cost-sharing requirements. The application window opens on 04/09/2024 and closes on 05/24/2024. Indirect costs are allowed but restricted to capital-only expenditures. There are mandatory and optional technical assistance sessions provided to assist applicants, with registration required through provided links.

This funding opportunity provides matching grants to public charities and local government agencies in DuPage County, Illinois, to support creative public art projects that enhance the community's cultural landscape.

The Bioprocessing Research Infrastructure Program is a grant aimed at enhancing Illinois' bioprocessing sector by funding the development of infrastructure, capital equipment, technical staff, and providing affordable access to facilities for businesses and students.

The Illinois Energy Transition Navigators Program, funded by the state's Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, aims to establish a network of community-based providers throughout Illinois to facilitate community education, outreach, and recruitment. These providers will connect individuals to clean energy workforce and contractor development programs, with a focus on equity investment eligible communities and individuals. The program has a budget of $6 million and expects to award 13 grants ranging from $250,000 to $600,000. It targets specific hub regions and operates on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis.