Illinois Diversity Equity and Inclusion Grants

Grant Name: Technology Industry Grant Donor: City of Peoria, Illinois Type: Grant Deadline: Ongoing Grant Size: $10,000 - $25,000 Description: The Technology Industry Grant offers funding to technology-related businesses looking to establish or expand within the city of Peoria. Eligible industries include Agricultural Technology (AgTech), Biological Medical Technology (BioTech), Medical Technology (MedTech), and other technological advancements. Applicants should demonstrate established seed funding, a proof of function prototype, and a plan for further product development. The program aims to attract technology businesses, stimulate public and private investment, introduce new technology to the area, and support commercial space activity in business districts. Priority locations for funding include the Medical District, Central Business District, and West Main Street within the city boundaries. Eligible uses of the grant include lease or mortgage assistance, operational expense support, and other business costs related to the newly opened location. Small businesses with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees are eligible to apply if they meet all criteria outlined by the City of Peoria. For more information and application details, visit City of Peoria website.

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].

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 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.

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.

General Operating Support (GOS) Grants are offered to established not-for-profit organizations that provide arts programming to their defined communities in a manner that supports the mission of the organization. Donor Name: Illinois Arts Council Agency (IACA) State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/19/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The aims of the initiative are to: Analyze the demographic distribution of IAC’s general operating support awards. Engage IAC constituents in providing feedback about their needs, experiences, and perceptions. Identify equity strengths and weaknesses in the IAC’s approach to general operating support funding. Recommend applied actions the IAC can take to work toward greater grant making equity. Serve as an evidence base in IAC’s case for the resources needed to reach more Illinois communities with state support. Focus Areas Under-resourced communities of rural, high poverty, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), and disability will contribute. Funding Information Applicants do not request a specific amount. The IAC anticipates that the minimum award will be $1,000. Grant Period FY25 General Operating Support Grant supports activities occurring no sooner than November 1, 2024, and extending until August 31, 2025. Allowable Expenses  Fees for artists and contractual personnel Position support / salaries Facilities costs, such as rent and utilities Supply costs, office supplies, printing, art supplies, etc. Generally, equipment costs. For durable equipment with a useful life of more than one-year equipment may not exceed $5,000 per unit. Information Technology (e.g., computer software/hardware, captioning, streaming – including increased bandwidth, hardware, specialized audio-visual equipment, etc.) Marketing and promotion costs General overhead/administrative costs Building maintenance, cleaning services, security, personal protective equipment Indirect costs (general overhead/administrative costs may not be claimed as direct AND indirect costs) Eligibility Criteria Registered 501(c)(3) Not-For-Profit Organizations in good standing with the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State Branches of Government (e.g., Municipal, County, Libraries, Park Districts, etc.) Charitable Trusts Institutions of higher education and Religious Organizations PTOs, PTAs and other School Affiliate Organizations. Applicants must: Have been providing public arts programming and are able to provide operational financial information for at least one full fiscal year prior to the date of application. Apply utilizing a Salesforce account registered to the organizational applicant. Have a valid FEIN and UEI number entered in the IAC grant portal Submit all required application materials by the deadline. Be pre-qualified in the state’s Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) system. For more information, visit IACA.

Program Summary • The Grantee shall deliver mental health services to individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing or DeafBlind by utilizing a culturally affirmative approach. This approach will adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act. The culturally affirmative approach shall serve these populations in an individualized manner and shall provide any level of outpatient mental health service delivered by staff who directly provide such in the individual's language and communication mode. Additionally, these staff will exhibit a distinct knowledge base, specialized clinical skills, and specialized cultural linguistic skills. The service delivery may also include staff who exhibit a knowledge base in serving these minority populations and utilize reasonable accommodations for the individual's language needs and communication modes. The Grantee's staff providing mental health services may include case managers, therapists, counselors, and/or psychiatrists. The Grantee shall communicate in an accessible manner, by utilizing Video Phones, TTYs, licensed sign language interpreters and/or other reasonable accommodations according to the individual's needs. Funding Priorities or Focus Areas • IDHS is working to counteract systemic racism and inequity, and to prioritize and maximize diversity throughout its service provision process. This work involves addressing existing institutionalized inequities, aiming to create transformation, and operationalizing equity and racial justice. It also focuses on the creation of a culture of inclusivity for all regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or ability. Project Description • The Grantee must deliver mental health services to individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing or DeafBlind by utilizing a culturally affirmative approach. This approach will adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Each of these minority populations have unique cultural and linguistic needs, which are not exclusively homogeneous. Therefore, the culturally affirmative approach must serve these populations in an individualized manner. An individual who is Deaf, Hard of Hearing or DeafBlind, that is served by this grant funding, may reside or be originally from any county in Illinois. The cultural affirmative service delivery must provide any level of outpatient mental health service delivered by staff who directly provide such in the individual’s language and communication mode. Additionally, these staff will exhibit a distinct knowledge base, specialized clinical skills, and specialized cultural linguistic skills. The service delivery may also include staff who exhibit a knowledge base in serving these minority populations, and utilize reasonable accommodations for the individual’s language needs and communication modes. The Grantee’s staff providing mental health services may include, but are not limited to: case managers, therapists, counselors, and/or psychiatrists. The Grantee must communicate in an accessible manner, by utilizing Video Phones, TTYs, licensed sign language interpreters and/or other reasonable accommodations according to the individual’s needs. There are community networks across the state of Illinois that serve as a separate referral source for these populations. In these networks, information is communicated on how and where to access these services that are delivered in a cultural affirmative approach. The Grantee must serve as an embedded entity of these community networks as it relates to their cultural affirmative service delivery of mental health services. The Grantee’s staff will outreach, collaborate, and network across various service systems to effectively address these challenges. As part of this, the Grantee will assist individuals served in addressing the complex language, cultural, clinical, and administrative challenges when navigating the various service systems and their associated processes. Most often, these systems’ information is not readily accessible in the population’s native language and communication mode. Specifically, the Grantee’s staff will assist individuals in identifying and linking to other applicable providers, how to access their services, and/or apply for applicable benefits. Additionally, there is an absence of any evidence-based mental health treatment developed for or evaluated for use with these populations. The grantee must adapt evidence-based mental health treatment using an effective and culturally affirmative approach. This must include but is not limited to: consideration of the individual’s culture, community, beliefs, thinking and learning style, communication mode(s), and language needs. This funding is designated to support costs associated with cultural affirmative service delivery approach; the necessary outreach, networking, and collaboration necessary as an embedded entity providing for these populations; adaptation of evidence-based mental health treatment; and paying for licensed sign language interpreter services. The mental health services provided are billed to Healthcare and Family Services’ Illinois Medicaid as well as any of their associated Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). Therefore, the Grantee must also have certification as (Comprehensive) Community Mental Health Center (CMHC), as defined in Part 132, Subparts B and C.

This grant provides funding to expand Community Support Team services for individuals in nine counties who are eligible for the Northwest Crisis Care System but currently lack financial support for mental health treatment.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community organizations to educate and assist underserved communities in Illinois with accessing clean energy programs and initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local health departments, nonprofits, and educational institutions in Illinois to develop partnerships and implement public health strategies that address health disparities in underserved communities outside of Cook County and Chicago.

This grant provides funding to local health departments, community organizations, and health centers in Illinois to implement culturally relevant programs that reduce the risk of sudden infant deaths, particularly in high-risk communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to eligible contractors for developing renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that benefit low-income communities and promote workforce training in Illinois.

This funding opportunity provides $10,000 to individual artists in Illinois to support their professional development and enhance community engagement through their creative practices.

This grant provides financial support to non-profit organizations focused on social betterment, including disaster relief, basic needs, education in STEM fields, health initiatives, and programs for individuals with disabilities.

The 501vc® Investment Fund is seeking to invest $200,000 to $300,000 in early-stage climate tech startups in the Greater Midwest region, focusing on sectors like advanced materials, renewable energy, and agriculture technologies.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to launch the Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program (the “Program”). Donor Name: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity State: Illinois County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Program Deadline: 07/02/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: This NOFO sets forth the requirements for funding for the Primes Program Leads who will deliver the Illinois Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program, as specified by the Energy Transition Act (“Climate and Equitable Jobs Act,” or CEJA), 20 ILCS 730/5-55 Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program. The Program will support the development and growth of clean energy contractor businesses. Program services will be offered in 3 Program delivery areas: Northern Illinois Central Illinois Southern Illinois Primes Program Leads will provide services to a small cohort of participant businesses to help them grow their businesses, building their capacity to: Apply for appropriate State and private business opportunities. Apply for Minority Business Enterprise certification and other relevant certifications and approved vendor status for programs offered by utilities or other entities. Prepare bids and responses to Requests for Proposals. Become listed in any relevant directories and databases organized by the Department of Central Management Services. Connect with and participate in the Illinois Power Agency’s Illinois Shines Program (also referred to as the Adjustable Block Program) and Solar for All Programs and utility programs. Apply for financial development assistance programs such as zero-interest and low-interest loans of the Climate Bank. Services provided by Primes Program Leads to participant contractors will include: Business coaching based on the participant’s needs and opportunities to connect with participants in other Department programs Dispensing of operational support grants to support the growth of participant contractors (included in Primes Program Leads’ budget). Grants should not exceed $1,000,000 annually and are to be used for upfront project costs and pre-development funding, among others. The amount of the grant will be based on the anticipated project size and scope. Providing progressive, one-on-one business coaching based on participant needs. This will include monthly review of participant metrics and advice on achieving goals. Assistance in developing business plans, including a 5-year business strategy. Technical assistance and training. Assignment and supervision of mentors for a minimum of two years by a qualified company in the declared field for participant contractors. Connections to Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Services and other Department programs. Funding Information Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this NOFO is up to $Total is,000,000 for the first twelve (12) months of the award. Awards will range from $1,000,000 to $3,000,000 for the delivery of the Clean Energy Primes Accelerator Program in each region.  Project Period The period of performance is expected to be September 1, 2024 through August 31, 2025. Eligibility Criteria An entity must be registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, at the time of grant application. The portal will verify that the entity: Has a valid FEIN number Has a valid UEI number Has a current SAM.gov registration; Is not on the Federal Excluded Parties List Is in Good Standing with the Illinois Secretary of State, as applicable Is not on the Illinois Stop Payment list (verified once entity is registered in GATA Grantee Portal); and Is not on the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Provider Sanctions list For more information, visit DCEO.

This grant provides $40,000 to small businesses in Springfield, Illinois, that have suffered revenue losses due to construction disruptions near the Capitol Complex.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to technology incubators in Illinois to improve their facilities and services, ultimately promoting economic growth and innovation in the state.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and local government units in McLean County, Illinois, to enhance health and well-being initiatives that address health equity and social determinants of health for underserved populations.

Envisioning Justice Grants supports collectives, non-profit organizations, and other groups that use the arts and humanities to work toward a truly just society. Donor Name: Illinois Humanities State: Illinois City: Selected Cities Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Prison education programs, independent media, community dialogues, and conferences are just a few of the impactful initiatives they fund to create understanding about mass incarceration and its impact on communities in Illinois. By supporting those doing this important work, they build more affirming, engaged, and empowered communities. Funding Information Organizations can apply for grants of up to $10,000. No matching funds are required. Eligibility Criteria Must be a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization or have a fiscal sponsor Based anywhere in Illinois; individuals from the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply: East St. Louis, Decatur, Carbondale, Galesburg, Urbana-Champaign, and the Bloomington-Normal Metro Area. However, applicants from anywhere in Illinois are eligible. Priority will be given to projects that are: regional or statewide in scope partnership oriented centering impacts of mass incarceration on the following populations: currently or formerly incarcerated individuals people serving long-term sentences young people, particularly those who are justice involved women, particularly women of color and/or impacted by gendered violence LGBTQAI+ community migrants, asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants elderly populations people with disabilities Indigenous populations Or that focus on communities that are: The site of a prison or jail Experiencing significant incarceration; and/or Experiencing significant demographic change as a result of the criminal legal system For more information, visit Illinois Humanities.