Illinois for Nonprofits Grants

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois is currently accepting applications for its Community Needs Grants. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Central Illinois State: Illinois County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/04/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Grantmaking Principles The Community Foundation of Central Illinois (CFCI) invests in the community by supporting programs that address community needs and have lasting value. Therefore, CFCI’s grantmaking is: Focused by addressing established CFCI and donor designated priorities. Strategic by supporting programs with well defined objectives and measurable outcomes that improve the quality or scope of charitable work in the community. Collaborative by leveraging resources and cultivating partnerships. Elements CFCI Supports through Community Needs Grants: Community Development Capacity Building Education Funding Information Apply for up to $15,000. Eligibility Criteria Open to all organizations with tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, those that operate under a fiscal agent that is a 501(c)(3) organization, and to local units of local, county, state or federal government. Grant funding may support new or existing programs that positively benefit central Illinois. Program must be operated and organized in such a manner that no applicable anti-discrimination laws are violated. Organization must be current on all grant evaluations. If the organization is currently being funded by a CFCI grant, and the grant evaluation is not yet due, an interim report summarizing the progress of the grant must be submitted along with the application. For more information, visit Community Foundation of Central Illinois.

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois is inviting applicants for its Women’s Fund Success Grants to strengthen families and communities by providing grants to organizations whose programs help empower women and girls. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Central Illinois State: Illinois County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/04/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Since 1993, the Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois has been working to change the lives of women and children in central Illinois. Funding Information Apply for up to $5,000. Eligibility Criteria Open to all organizations with tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, those that operate under a fiscal agent that is a 501(c)3 organization, and to churches, schools, units of government, or other qualified organizations. Grant funding may support new or existing programs that positively benefit central Illinois. Program must be operated and organized in such a manner that no applicable laws are violated. Organization must be current on all grant evaluations. If the organization is currently being funded with a CFCI grant, and the grant evaluation is not yet due, an interim letter summarizing the progress of the grant must be submitted along with the application. For more information, visit CFCI.

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois is pleased to announce the Local Jobs Fund Grant to support projects that have a direct linkage to breaking the cycle of poverty by equipping people with the skills to earn significantly more than minimum wage. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Central Illinois State: Illinois County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/04/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Eligibility Criteria Open to all organizations with tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, those that operate under a fiscal agent that is a 501(c)3 organization, and to churches, schools, units of government, or other qualified organizations. Grant funding may support new or existing programs that positively benefit central Illinois. Program must be operated and organized in such a manner that no applicable laws are violated. Organization must be current on all grant evaluations. If the organization is currently being funded with a CFCI grant, and the grant evaluation is not yet due, an interim letter summarizing the progress of the grant must be submitted along with the application. For more information, visit CFCI.

This grant provides financial support for nonprofit organizations and public entities to undertake community projects that improve the quality of life for residents in DeKalb County, Illinois.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit and public organizations in Illinois, particularly in DeKalb County, to enhance music education initiatives for underserved communities.

The Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program offers progressive courses with one-on-one coaching to help clean energy contractors to develop a business plan. It provides operational support grants, tailored business coaching, mentorship, access to Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program services, assistance with certifications and vendor status, support in preparing bids, networking opportunities, and access to financial development assistance programs, including zero-interest and low-interest loans.

Through Illinois General Review Funds, funds will be appropriated for expenses related to Suicide Prevention, Education, and Treatment Program pursuant to Public Act 101-0331. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will provide funding to expand the implementation of strategies in the Illinois Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan. At the recommendation of the Illinois Suicide Prevention Alliance (ISPA), the IDPH Violence and Injury Prevention Section will provide funding to one entity for the purpose to organize and implement workforce development opportunities through implementing the ECHO approach, a Community of Practice (CoP), and offering evidence-based trainings to build workforce development for professionals.

The Skokie Community Foundation (SCF) seeks to invest in organizations and projects that are poised to make a difference in the lives of Skokie residents and strengthen the community beyond the grant period. Donor Name: Skokie Community Foundation State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/04/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Skokie Community Foundation (SCF) places particular priority on proposals that: Use a Collective Impact model, which is a network of community members, organizations, and institutions who advance equity by learning together, aligning, and integrating their actions to achieve population and systems level change.  Bring about unity in diversity and emphasize the importance of breaking down barriers, building relationships, and working toward a shared vision of unity and mutual respect and understanding in the Skokie community. Grant Period Grants will be made for one year for the period of January 1 through December 31, 2025. Type of Grant Program: Applications may be based upon new initiatives, pilot projects, or continuing improvements to projects that have shown long-term, positive impact. Funding: SCF typically funds grants in the amount of $5,000. Proposals may requestup to $10,000. Areas of Funding: Preference will be given to proposals that directly address how the project will benefit Skokie residents in areas of clearly identified needs. SCF fosters a supportive, engaged and dynamic community in Skokie through meaningful giving, collaboration and community programming. Eligibility Criteria  Each proposal must be submitted by at least two organizations working together to benefit Skokie residents. Each organization must submit a joint written statement (which can be brief) detailing that each organization jointly supports the project, and detailing their responsibilities or how they will support the proposed project. One of the co-applicants must be a 501(c)(3) organization, a school, or a government entity or must have a fiscal sponsor that qualifies as a tax-exempt organization under Sec. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All proposals must address issues, concerns and/or opportunities for Skokie and its residents. Proposals must primarily benefit Skokie residents and the majority of those benefiting must be Skokie residents. Applicants need not be based in Skokie. Evaluation Criteria SCF will evaluate proposals according to the following criteria: Does the proposal address a significant concern, need, or opportunity in Skokie? Can it be scaled? Does the proposal clearly show how the grant will be used to foster collaboration between organizations to make a positive change in Skokie that would not otherwise occur? Does the proposal address the role to be played by each co-applicant, the qualifications of each co-applicant, and the division of responsibilities between each co-applicant? If applicable, does the proposal address the recruitment of participants from Skokie? Is the project budget appropriate to the goals, objectives, and expected outcomes? Is the evaluation plan sufficient to track progress and determine success? How important is the funding to the project? Would the project move forward without it? For more information, visit Skokie Community Foundation.

The Lumpkin Family Foundation is currently accepting letters of inquiry for its Land, Health, Community (LHC) Grant Program. Donor Name: The Lumpkin Family Foundation State: Illinois County: Coles County (IL), Effingham County (IL) Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Land, Health, Community (LHC) is the Foundation’s primary and largest grantmaking program and reflects the Lumpkin family’s historic connection and commitment to the community. A minimum of 50 percent of its annual grantmaking budget is spent on projects in East Central Illinois. Through Land, Health, Community we work toward a long-term vision of holistically healthy communities. The Lumpkin Family Foundation makes grants in East Central Illinois that reflect the vision: The community has a strong local food system and agricultural economy, resilient businesses, and amenities that attract new businesses and retain local talent. They are prosperous. The community is physically active, values healthy eating, and prioritizes overall wellbeing. They are mentally well and physically fit. The community has strong leadership and the capacity for collaboration. They are socially engaged. The community works to conserve, protect and preserve the natural environment. They value the natural beauty of the area. Mental Health The Lumpkin Family Foundation has now expanded the program’s focus to include efforts that contribute to mental wellness through individual and community engagement with the natural environment. Researchers have posited that “contact with nature is associated with increases in happiness, subjective well-being, positive affect, positive social interactions and a sense of meaning and purpose in life, as well as decreases in mental distress.” Specifically, the foundation aims to fund programs that: Demonstrate and promote a connection between engagement with nature and positive mental health outcomes; Create opportunities for youth and young adults to disengage from technology and engage in outdoor programs and activities designed to improve their mental wellness; Support mental health practitioners by increasing opportunities for self-care or personal renewal; Provide opportunities for those impacted by trauma (i.e., foster youth) to engage in nature-based healing activities. Focus Areas  Successful proposals will represent a synergy of as many of the following aims as possible: Promote personal health through widespread availability and consumption of healthy, affordable food; Support mental wellness through individual and community engagement with the natural environment; Grow the local agricultural economy, sustaining and creating new viable farm and farm-related businesses; Develop, promote and scale innovative green practices that add productive value to farms while protecting the land for future generations; and, Encourage community engagement and collaboration, policy development and research around agriculture and rural development. Geographic Areas of Interest  The Foundation encourages applicants from organizations across East Central Illinois. The foundation gives preference to rural organizations and those operating in Coles and the surrounding counties. For more information, visit TLFF.

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

The Genetic Counseling grant program aims to increase the availability of statewide genetic services for Illinois’ children and family members with heritable conditions or at risk for genetic concerns. Supported by the Newborn Screening fund, the program aids in early detection and continuous treatment of disorders detected through newborn screening. The program seeks to enhance awareness, access to care, and prevention strategies for potentially preventable conditions. Applicants can apply for various components, including general pediatric/prenatal services, education and promotion, outreach, and biochemical genetic counseling. Eligible applicants are genetic counseling centers providing consultation, evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment services for Illinois residents. Applications are due by July 5, 2024, with awards ranging up to $250,000 per fiscal year.

The Illinois Equal Justice Foundation makes grants to provide legal advice and referral services in civil matters to Illinois residents via regional legal services hotlines. Donor Name: Illinois Equal Justice Foundation State: Illinois County: Cook County (IL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/26/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: A regional legal services hotline is an Illinois-based not-for-profit organization that: Provides callers with general information on how to use the legal system; Offers free legal advice and self-help materials to low-income callers; Refers low-income callers to appropriate civil legal services providers. Provides coordinated intake and referral services. Uses Of Grant Funds Grants will be made to support the operating expenses of regional legal services hotlines.  These operating expenses include staff salaries and benefits, and other costs directly related to providing advice and referral services to callers. Eligibility Criteria In the Telephone Advice and Referral Services category, the IEJF will only consider applications from Illinois-based not-for-profit organizations that: Provide free legal advice and referral services to low-income persons. Serve Cook County or have a designated service area of at least 25 Illinois counties; Provide legal advice and referral services on one or more civil legal issues. Use licensed attorneys to provide legal services to callers. For more information, visit IEJF.

The Illinois Equal Justice Foundation makes grants to provide Illinois residents using the court system with legal advice and brief legal assistance to help them effectively navigate the legal system. Donor Name: Illinois Equal Justice Foundation State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  07/26/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: In the Self-Help Legal Assistance Project category, the IEJF will consider support for projects that meet the following definition: Self-help Legal Assistance Project: Self-Help Legal Assistance Projects are programs based at or near courthouses or in other appropriate community spaces that provide legal advice and assistance about particular substantive areas of the law to litigants or potential litigants in noncriminal or traffic matters who are unable to obtain or do not have legal representation for a dispute involving one of those particular substantive areas of the law.  Due to COVID-19 restrictions, virtual projects in this category will be considered. Uses Of Grant Funds In the Self-Help Legal Assistance category, the IEJF will make grants to support operating costs for self-help legal assistance projects, including personnel costs. Eligibility Criteria In the Self-Help Legal Assistance Project category, the IEJF will only consider applications from Illinois-based not-for-profit organizations that: Provide self-help legal assistance free of charge. Provide legal advice or self-help assistance as described in the Purpose section of these guidelines. Provide legal advice or self-help assistance in areas of the law that include problems commonly faced by members of the public (e.g., family law, consumer and credit issues, housing, immigration), specifically areas of the law that affect lower-income Illinois residents. Provide legal advice or self-help assistance in a location that is accessible to the public, like a courthouse, library or community organization. Due to COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings, proposals that include virtual projects are permitted. Use licensed attorneys to provide services, who can be supplemented by law-students or other non-attorneys acting under the supervision of licensed attorneys, or for legal matters where accredited non-attorney representatives are permitted to provide services (e.g., immigration and tax matters), a representative accredited by the appropriate administrative agency to provide services in matters pending before that agency. In the Self-Help Legal Assistance category, the IEJF will not consider proposals for: Telephone-based services; Civil legal services programs’ efforts to provide legal information and self-help assistance as part of their screening and intake systems; General efforts to inform the public about the law, such as Law Day activities; the development and dissemination of law-related curricula to schools; essay contests; or other community legal education initiatives that are not designed to help people address specific legal problems; and Legal information and self-help projects involving issues of criminal law. For more information, visit IEJF.

The Illinois Equal Justice Foundation makes grants to provide mediation services to Illinois residents, as an efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional legal processes.  Donor Name: Illinois Equal Justice Foundation State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/26/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The IEJF will support selected mediation programs whose purpose is to improve access to just resolutions of disputes for those who might not otherwise have such access. Grants to support mediation services will be made to dispute resolution centers, which are not-for-profit organizations that offer free mediation services to the public that are provided by trained volunteers.  Due to COVID-19 restrictions, virtual mediation services and centers will be considered. Uses Of Grant Funds In the Mediation Services category, the IEJF will consider support for: New Dispute Resolution Centers To increase the availability of mediation services throughout Illinois, the IEJF will consider applications for “start-up” grants to new dispute resolution centers – including those that have begun operation and those that will begin offering services during the grant period – that can demonstrate the ability to provide mediation services in accordance with these guidelines. Existing Dispute Resolution Centers The IEJF will consider applications for operating support from existing dispute resolution centers. These operating expenses include staff salaries and benefits, as well as other costs directly related to providing mediation services including activities required to measure success, effectiveness and efficiency as it relates to organizational mission and that are used for learning and improvement. Eligibility Criteria In the Mediation Services category, the IEJF will only consider applications from Illinois-based not-for-profit organizations that: Provide free mediation services to disputants. Provide mediation services using volunteers who have received at least 30 hours of training as mediators. Have operating procedures in place that demonstrate compliance with Section 5 of the Illinois Not-for-Profit Dispute Resolution Center Act (710 ILCS 20/5), including: Operating an ongoing peer review program for mediators; Scheduling mediations within 30 days of the commencement of a case; Maintaining records on mediated cases; Advising parties of the objectives of mediation, their roles and the mediator’s role; Considering disputes resolved when there is a written agreement. For more information, visit IEJF.

The Illinois Equal Justice Foundation (IEJF) makes grants to help Illinois residents understand how to use the legal system to resolve a problem. Donor Name: Illinois Equal Justice Foundation State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/26/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: In the Legal Information for the Public category, the IEJF will consider support for two types of projects: Legal Information Centers: Legal information centers are designed to operate as a “starting point” for people who are considering the use of the legal system to resolve a problem. A legal information center will offer printed, video and/or Internet -based materials on topics such as the operation of the court system; how to obtain legal representation; legal rights and responsibilities in various substantive areas of the law; and alternatives to litigation.  Legal information centers should be located in libraries, courthouses, or other locations that are accessible to the public.  Due to COVID-19 restrictions, virtual information centers and projects under this category will be considered. Legal Information Projects:  Legal Information projects are efforts that complement legal information centers by helping Illinois residents who are unable to obtain or do not have legal representation to understand and resolve their legal problems in accordance with applicable law and court procedures.  Legal information projects can include:  the preparation and distribution of self-help packets that include legal information, forms and instructions; pro se classes taught by attorneys; and/or other creative efforts to help give Illinois residents the information and resources to resolve their legal problems on their own when appropriate.  Due to COVID-19 restrictions, virtual information projects and projects under this category will be considered. Uses of Grant Funds In the Legal Information for the Public category, the IEJF will make grants to support: Operating costs for legal information centers and legal information projects, including personnel costs. The creation and distribution of legal information and self-help materials. Eligibility Criteria In the Legal Information for the Public category, the IEJF will only consider applications from Illinois-based not-for-profit organizations that: Provide legal information free of charge. Provide legal information as described in the Purpose section of these guidelines under the supervision of a licensed attorney, the court, or for legal matters where accredited non-attorney representatives are permitted to provide services (e.g., immigration and tax matters), a representative accredited by the appropriate administrative agency to provide services in matters pending before that agency. Provide legal information in areas of the law that include problems commonly faced by members of the public (e.g., family law, consumer and credit issues, housing, immigration), including areas of the law that affect lower-income Illinois residents. Provide legal information in a location that is accessible to the public. In the Legal Information for the Public category, the IEJF will not consider proposals for: Telephone-based services; Civil legal services programs’ efforts to provide legal information and self-help assistance as part of their screening and intake systems; General efforts to inform the public about the law, such as Law Day activities; the development and dissemination of law-related curricula to schools; essay contests; or other community legal education initiatives that are not designed to help people address specific legal problems; and Legal information and self-help projects involving issues of criminal law. For more information, visit IEJF.

The Illinois Equal Justice Foundation makes grants to provide legal assistance to low-income Illinois residents who cannot afford to hire an attorney. Donor Name: Illinois Equal Justice Foundation State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/26/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Priority Areas The IEJF grants will focus on two priority areas: Legal Assistance to Families in Crisis This includes civil legal assistance in cases involving family law (eg., orders of protection, child custody, guardianships, school disciplinary hearings,  is solution of marriage and post-decree matters), consumer law, and veterans and disability benefits.  Housing will not be a priority for funding this year due to IEJF’s eviction and foreclosure grant programs funded via IDHS and IHDA. Legal Assistance to Older Illinoisans This includes efforts to provide civil legal assistance to protect people 65 and older from physical and financial abuse and financial hardship. It includes civil legal assistance in cases involving orders of protection; guardianships; health care; consumer and credit issues; housing; and public benefits programs such as Social Security and Medicare. Uses of Grant Funds Grants will be made to support direct service staff positions at eligible legal services providers, including attorneys, paralegals and/or pro bono coordinators, and social/caseworkers that are performing duties directly supporting to the civil legal services being delivered by direct service staff. Grant funds can be used to pay for salaries, benefits, and limited overhead costs (10%) directly related to supporting the position.  The applicant must demonstrate how the proposed staff position will help the organization provide efficient and effective legal assistance to persons in one or both of the priority areas. Eligibility Criteria In the Civil Legal Assistance category, the IEJF will only consider applications from Illinois-based not-for-profit organizations that: Serve persons in one or both of the two priority areas listed above (Legal Assistance to Families in Crisis and Legal Assistance to Older Illinoisans). Have been in continuous operation for at least two years prior to the date the application is submitted to the IEJF. Have received and expended at least $200,000 for the provision of civil legal assistance to low-income persons in its most recently completed fiscal year. Employ four or more full-time, licensed attorneys who provide civil legal assistance to low-income persons at the time the application is submitted to the IEJF; or have provided legal representation to at least 200 low-income persons through the services of pro bono attorneys in their most recently completed fiscal year. For more information, visit IEJF.

The Governor and the General Assembly direct the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to administer grants for specific miscellaneous purposes to bolster the state’s economy, promote a clean environment, and improve the overall quality of life throughout the state of Illinois. This grant program is available to any entity receiving funding via lump sum appropriation. Eligible costs for this program are bondable costs associated with new construction and/or renovation of buildings, additions, or structures, including associated parking lots, sidewalks, driveways, etc. This includes exterior work to surface, structure, or foundation to extend useful life; roof work – limited to removal of the system to the decking as well as stone, metal, or other work to control water damage or ice formation; as well as – if done as part of a larger bondable grant-funded project – interior work such as painting, plastering, sanding, replacement of electrical and light fixtures, handicapped accessible improvements, fire alarms, smoke detectors, automatic door closures, etc.

This grant provides financial support to local non-profit organizations that serve children in the St. Charles area, focusing on specific programs rather than administrative costs.

The State of Illinois administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) which helps low-income individuals obtain proper access to food and nutrition. States must also provide employment and training services (E&T) to SNAP program participants. The SNAP JP/SNAP to Success is a program to help customers acquire education and employment related skills and to assist in finding and maintaining employment and is a federally funded SNAP E&T program. The program also helps customers with work-related expenses and continued case management for 90 days after obtaining a job, through their participation in SNAP E&T. Participation in SNAP E&T enables participants to gain education, work skills and work experience, to meet the federal work requirement, and to improve self-sufficiency. The purpose of SNAP E&T is to help individuals receiving SNAP benefits obtain employment through participation in supervised job search, skills training, education and work-based learning activities that lead to greater independence and self-sufficiency. The program is open to any SNAP recipient who volunteers to participate in SNAP E&T to improve their skills or advance in their career. The program delivers services through grants and a third-party reimbursement model, which consists of contractual partnerships between the State of Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) and community-based organizations (CBOs). Individuals will participate in specific components based upon their individual assessments, identifying strengths and areas for development. All individuals who participate in the SNAP JP/SNAP to Success program must participate in an approved, appropriate component based on their individual assessment and receive case management. Approved components include: Supervised Job Search Job Search Training Job Retention Education (Basic Education, Vocational Training, English Language Acquisition, Work Readiness Training) Work Experience (Internship, On-The-Job-Training, Pre-Apprenticeship, Apprenticeship)

To ensure that employment & training programs are providing exceptional services to SNAP and TANF customers and their families in Illinois, E&T Training, Technical Assistance(E&T-TTA) is provided to community-based organizations, direct service workers, units of local government, system stakeholders, etc. in regard to Department program models, data collection systems, best practices in collaborative career planning, employability assessments, employment placement, education & training, trauma-informed motivational interviewing, principles and practices of racial equity and various other provider identified trainings and support activities. Additional E&T-TTA functions include an online resource center, networking activities, a training advisory group and the capacity to provide the staff support for various ad-hoc committees to ensure provider input related to program development and improvement activities.