Illinois for Nonprofits Grants

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has launched the Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program, aimed at supporting the pre-development and development of community solar projects. With an allocation of $8.5 million, the program offers grants ranging from $50,000 to $1,000,000 to facilitate community ownership and energy sovereignty in Illinois, particularly in equity investment eligible communities. These include areas affected by economic exclusion and pollution, as identified in the Restore Reinvest Renew (R3) Areas and Environmental Justice Communities. The program emphasizes community benefits, local wealth building, and addresses capital barriers in disadvantaged populations. Activities eligible for funding include early stage planning, team organization, site identification, financing, and customer outreach, with a focus on creating sustainable community solar cooperatives.

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.

The Fall 2024 Grant Cycle, running from July 1 – September 30, will award grants to organizations in two categories: Housing and Economic & Workforce Development. In each area, the Charitable Trust Board will consider a range of programs such as but not limited to the following: Housing: Short Term Housing and Supportive Services Emergency Financial Support to prevent homelessness Foreclosure Prevention Counseling Affordable Housing advocacy/construction/rehabilitation Accessibility in Housing Fair Housing Counseling/Education Homeownership Counseling Renters Rights Workforce & Economic Development: Small Business Development Councils Entrepreneurship Training or Services Resume Preparation Interview Training Placement and Retention Services GED Classes Vocational Training Apprenticeship Training Industry Certifications Workforce Development for People with Disabilities Grant Eligibility Information Only applicants that meet all the following requirements will be considered: A not-for-profit corporation that is exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the federal Internal Revenue Code: A not-for-profit organized under the Illinois General Not for Profit Corporation Act of 1986 for the purpose of providing charitable services to the community: The organization is domiciled in the State of Illinois, and provides charitable services exclusively in the State of Illinois. The organization has the equivalent of at least one full-time paid employee. The organization has an operating budget of $1 Million or less. The organization has adopted a policy of non-discrimination on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, family status, or religion. Additionally, non-for-profits with a person, or immediate family member (including but not limited to a spouse/domestic partner, sibling or child) holding an elective office making in excess of $60,000, where any such person holds a position of paid staff, consultant, director, officer, or board member of an organization will not be eligible. The total grant request should not be more than 30% of the organization’s budget, and should not exceed 25% overhead costs, unless the grant will be used for a one-time expenditure. Previous grant recipients are eligible to apply if the term of their grant has been complete for at least one calendar year. A grantee may not receive a grant award in more than 2 consecutive calendar years. Fiscal sponsors, sub-grantees, and other applications on behalf of another organization will not be considered. Organizations that do not file AG990-IL forms on a regular basis due to an exemption must provide a recent audited financial statement in order to be considered.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for healthcare programs that serve medically underserved communities in the Chicago area, prioritizing initiatives led by nurses.

Equitable Energy Future Grant Program (Notice of Funding Opportunity 3054-2638): The Equitable Energy Future Grant Program, administered by the Commerce And Econ Opp agency, aims to provide seed funding and pre-development funding opportunities to eligible contractors for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in historically disadvantaged communities. The program is designed to remove barriers caused by lack of capital and promote project, community, and business development. The anticipated number of awards is 40, with an estimated total program funding of $25,500,000. The award range is between $250,000 and $1,000,000. The source of funding is the state government of Illinois. There are no cost-sharing or matching requirements, but indirect costs are not allowed. The application period is from November 16, 2023, to June 30, 2024 at 5:00 PM. Technical assistance sessions are offered on November 30, 2023 at 12:00 PM and registration can be done through a provided link. Applicants must be pre-qualified entities registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal. For more information on eligibility criteria and application requirements, please visit the grant application link provided in the description above.

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

CDBG COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Grant – Illinois: The City of Danville is offering up to $139,820 in funding through its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to support small businesses within the city in addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant aims to supplement existing federal or state programs and provide targeted assistance to help Danville businesses effectively navigate the impact of the pandemic.

This funding opportunity supports arts organizations and community initiatives in the Peoria region to stimulate economic growth through arts tourism and engagement.

Grant Opportunity: Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program (Illinois) The Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program in Illinois supports elementary schools, community centers, and public libraries in engaging teaching artists for short-term residencies. The program prioritizes advancing equity and access in the arts, particularly for underserved audiences such as BIPOC communities, individuals with disabilities, older adults, and those with limited access to the arts. Eligible applicants can request a minimum of $250 and a maximum of $4,500 to cover 75% of residency costs. Additional percentages can be added under specific conditions. Applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or units of government in Illinois, while the selected artists must be based in Illinois. The application deadline is at least eight weeks before the project start date. For more information, visit Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program.

This funding is designed to assist nonprofit organizations and community groups in DeKalb County, Illinois, with urgent needs that do not include ongoing operational costs or direct financial aid to individuals.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the greater Aurora, Illinois area that empower women, particularly women of color, through programs focused on education, economic empowerment, and racial equity.

This grant opportunity from Grand Victoria Foundation is focused on supporting organizations in Elgin that are dedicated to inclusive civic engagement and high-functioning human services, education, and economic systems. The foundation awards Mission Grants to organizations meeting the needs of the community and Partnership and Collaboration Grants to those working with local institutions to bring about positive community change. Eligible organizations must be registered as a 501(c)(3) public charity or partnered with a fiscal sponsor, demonstrate high quality and impact, good governance and management, and fiscal health. The foundation does not fund individuals, political campaigns, religious purposes, or governmental entities. They welcome multi-year requests from organizations with which they have an existing or prior funding relationship and generally consider proposals for two-year grants. The application process begins with the submission of a Letter of Inquiry (LOI), which can be submitted throughout the year. Potential applicants are encouraged to review the program areas and eligibility requirements before completing the online LOI application. For more information about this grant opportunity and to begin your application, please visit: https://grandvictoriafoundation.givingdata.com/portal/campaign/gvfletterofinquiry

The Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Grant Program supports government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other eligible entities in developing, operating, maintaining, and acquiring land for off-highway vehicle parks and trails. It also funds restoration of areas affected by unauthorized OHV use. The program is funded by the State Treasurer's Off-Highway Vehicle Trails Fund, sourced from OHV usage stamps, aiming to enhance accessible OHV recreational facilities for the public. This is a reimbursement grant. Grant renewed every year.

The FY 2025 Early Childhood Block Grant (ECBG) RFP, managed by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), targets new and current grantees looking to increase service capacity. The grant focuses on preschool education and prevention initiatives, supporting entities outside of Chicago in providing educational, health, social, and child development services to young children and their families. Applications must meet GATA prequalification requirements and are due by 4:00 p.m. on May 16, 2024. Grant renewed every year.