Illinois Education Grants

The Route 66 Grant Program is designed to support the promotion and marketing of regions along the historic Route 66 corridor in Illinois. The program is specifically aimed at certified Convention & Visitor Bureaus (CVBs) and local tourism bureaus, which are eligible to apply for grants ranging from $20,000 to $300,000. The total program funding is $4 million. There is no cost-sharing requirement, and indirect costs are not allowed to prevent potential double dipping. Applications for the Route 66 grants will be accepted until September 16, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Additionally, qualified entities can apply for International Tourism grants ranging from $10,000 to $250,000, with a separate application deadline of September 3, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.

This program provides capital funding to nonprofit organizations in Kane and Kendall counties, Illinois, for projects that improve their facilities and infrastructure, such as technology and equipment upgrades.

The Boone County Community Foundation awards grants for projects that enhance the quality of life in Boone County. Donor Name: Boone County Community Foundation State: Illinois County: Boone County (IL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Foundation Funds Health and social services Educational programs Community and neighborhood projects Children, youth, and family projects Cultural and arts-related projects The Foundation looks for a Projects Addresses a community need Celebrates the diversity in the community Articulates reasonable, measurable outcomes Outlines a specific plan for project Encourages cooperation with other organizations Demonstrates quality, vision, effectiveness, and good management. Eligibility Criteria Be a not-for-profit or public sector service organization that carries out charitable projects or provides services in Boone County, IL Operate an organization that does not violate anti-discrimination laws Have submitted a final report or progress report from any previous year if the organization received a grant. The Foundation does not funds Fundraisers Budget deficits Scholarships. For more information, visit BCCF.

The Chicago Community Trust is requesting proposals for its LGBTQ Community Fund’s 2024. Donor Name: The Chicago Community Trust State: Illinois County: Cook County (IL), DuPage County (IL), Kane County (IL), Lake County (IL), McHenry County (IL), Will County (IL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/26/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: LGBTQ Community Fund grants are designed for a wide variety of initiatives that respond to identified LGBTQ+ community needs. Focus Areas  For 2024, the Fund seeks to support organizations with operating budgets of less than $2 million, doing work focused on one or more of the following priority areas: Seniors: Proposals that address the unique needs of LGBTQ+ seniors, including affordable housing, access to government and nonprofit resources, vocational services, healthcare, age discrimination, and community and belonging. Youth: Proposals that address the unique needs of LGBTQ+ youth, including affordable housing, access to government and nonprofit resources, vocational services, healthcare, age discrimination, community and belonging, leadership development, and safety issues. Arts: Proposals that provide LGBTQ+ inclusive arts and culture opportunities. Intersectionality: Priority will be given to proposals that address the compounded effects of multiple (or intersecting) systems of oppression experienced by those holding multiple marginalized identities within the LGBTQ+ community (i.e. heterosexism and racism, heterosexism and ableism, heterosexism and cis-sexism, etc.). Inequities: Priority will be given to proposals focused on serving historically marginalized and underserved groups within the LGBTQ+ community, including older adults, people living with disabilities, youth, trans and gender non-conforming people, People of Color, and women/femmes. Funding Information For 2024, grants may be requested for general operating support. Grants will generally range from $20,000 to $40,000 and the Fund will award up to $400,000 in grants. The grant term is one year. Eligibility Criteria  To be eligible for funding from the LGBTQ Community Fund, applicants must meet all of the following criteria: Have a current year operating budget of less than $2,000,000; 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; or (c) is a governmental unit within the meaning of Section 170(c)(1) of the Code; Be 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; and Be located within or primarily serving residents of the Chicago metropolitan area (City of Chicago, Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties). For more information, visit The Chicago Community Trust.

The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation is seeking applications for its Impact100 Grant Program Donor Name: Heart of Illinois Community Foundation State: Illinois County: Macon County (IL), Moultrie County (IL), Piatt County (IL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  09/13/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Types of Projects or Programs Supported The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation invites proposals in the areas of arts/culture/recreation, social services, conservation/environment, health, youth, and education. This application accepts proposals for operating funds. What is your organization’s greatest need right now? Do you have a one-time project that would address a critical need? Are you starting a new program or expanding a current one? Do you have an improvement project that’s beyond your organization’s means? Funding Information $200,000 available funding for 2024. Funding range per grant: no minimum to $50,000. Eligibility Criteria Have 501(c) 3 status from the Internal Revenue Service or be a qualified charitable, religious or government organization. Organization must be located in Macon, Piatt, or Moultrie counties or Paris, IL The grantmaking process of The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation prioritizes 501c3 organizations that are recognized by the IRS as operating public charities for a minimum of 3 years. For more information, visit HICF.

The Community Foundation of East Central Illinois is accepting applications for the 2024 Community Commitment Grant. Donor Name: Community Foundation of East Central Illinois State: Illinois County: Champaign County (IL), DeWitt County (IL), Ford County (IL), Grundy County (IL), Iroquois County (IL), LaSalle County (IL), Livingston County (IL), McLean County (IL), Shelby County (IL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Community Foundation of East Central Illinois invites proposals in the areas of arts and humanities, environment, education, health and human services, urban affairs and youth activities. While applications in any of these categories will be considered, awards may not be made in every category. Successful proposals will address problems to be solved or opportunities to be seized upon in the east central Illinois area. You are encouraged to submit proposals that: Suggest practical approaches to addressing community problems. Promote collaboration and cooperation among agencies. Generate community support, both professional and volunteer. Strengthen an agency’s effectiveness or stability. Funding Information Grants have historically ranged from $500 to $7,500. Eligibility Criteria  Any organization with an IRS Letter of Determination of a charitable tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status or other comparable non-profit public charity that serves the residents of east central Illinois is eligible to apply. For more information, visit CFECI.

Mandated by legislation to develop an internship program for preservice agricultural education teachers. This internship is a summer internship program for the preservice teachers to gain agricultural industry field experience and content knowledge. The funds awarded are to pay for the internship expenses for each participant and fund an administrator for the program. The awarded applicant will have partnership(s) with postsecondary institution(s) that offer credit-bearing internship program(s) and will provide a program plan and supporting documentation as outlined in this NOFO/RFP that support the purposes and intent of the Agricultural Education Pre-service Teacher Internship Program.

The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) is requesting proposals for grants for the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP). This program aims to develop and implement effective and equitably targeted Firearm Restraining Order (FRO) public information, outreach, and training strategies. The focus is on supporting FRO partner agencies (courts, law enforcement, and behavioral health providers), potential FRO petitioners, individuals and organizations in contact with persons at risk, and the general public. Grants can be used to subaward to local governments and non-profits. A total of $655,741 is available for a 12-month period from December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2025.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to various organizations to create after-school programs that enhance academic achievement and offer enrichment activities for children in low-income and underperforming schools.

In alignment with Center for Disease Control (CDC) viral hepatitis goals and current epidemiology, the Illinois Department of Public Health Office of Disease Control Viral Hepatitis Program is requesting applications for Hepatitis B (HBV) outreach, education, and linkage to care programs targeting populations disproportionately impacted by hepatitis B (foreign born Asian and/or African immigrant or refugee population, and persons who use drugs (PWUD). Through the provision of outreach and education services, this funding seeks to increase the priority population(s)’s knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B, increase hepatitis B screening, link people who are chronically infected with hepatitis B into care and decrease viral hepatitis-related morbidity and mortality within priority populations. This funding opportunity will allow organizations to expand their reach through partnering with community partners focused on health equity to enhancing their ability to reach disproportionately affected populations at high risk for hepatitis B. The Initiative is funded through State of Illinois general revenue funding to establish relationship with stakeholders, individuals, and organizations for the purpose of providing Hepatitis B outreach and education programs to underserved foreign born Asian and African immigrant, refugee communities, and persons who use drugs (PWUD) with educational messaging and referral linkages to screening and vaccination services. In 2021, approximately 880,000 to 1.89 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B in the U.S. Chronic hepatitis B can lead to serious health problems, including cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death. Currently, data on the HBV seroprevalence among foreign born and refugee populations from Asian and African communities is not recorded systematically in the US. However, the prevalence of HBV among Asian and African immigrant, refugee communities tend to reflect the prevalence in their country of origin. HBV is highly prevalent (>8%) in East Asian, sub-Saharan African nations, and tend to have high rates of chronic viral hepatitis. The focus of any funded program shall not be screening and vaccination, or treatment efforts, but the outreach to, and the education of, the target population regarding Hepatitis B and referral and linkage opportunities for screening, vaccination, and treatment services. These populations face unique problems that place them at greater risk for Hepatitis B infection, mistrust of traditional western medicine, stigma associated with viral hepatitis, barriers to accessing medical care (Language, insurance, undocumented). Programs should be unique, culturally innovative to the specified target group, and increase ongoing efforts of the Department to eliminate the disparities in screenings, vaccinations, medical management, transmission, and overall health outcomes experienced by Asian and African immigrant, refugee communities, and persons who use drugs (PWUD) relative to Hepatitis B.

Through Illinois General Review Funds, 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 IDPH director-appointed advisory group, 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 a statewide suicide prevention summit, in addition to a Zero Suicide Academy. The project builds upon the following efforts: 1. Under previous funding, IDPH offered a statewide suicide prevention conference for several years. IDPH identified the conference as a strategy to sustain after the funding ended. In following years, a virtual and regional approach was taken. 2. Under previous funding, IDPH offered a Zero Suicide workshop to introduce the Zero Suicide approach to health and behavioral health care systems in Illinois. In a continuous effort to seek funding to support the Zero Suicide model, IDPH sought federal funding (approved but not funded) support systems in Illinois to implement the Zero Suicide model and establish a statewide network to provide technical assistance and support to systems currently or pursuing implementing the model.

This grant provides financial support to Illinois artists and non-profit organizations for various arts-related projects, programming, events, and professional development opportunities.

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 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 program supports the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. The program helps students meet state and local student standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and math; offers students a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement their regular academic programs; and offers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children.

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.

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 CHIditarod Foundation is accepting grant applications to fund local non-profits fighting to end hunger. Donor Name: CHIditarod Foundation State: Illinois County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Opens 2025 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The CHIditarod is offering two distinct funding opportunities this year:  The CHIditarod Program Development Grant  The CHIditarod Infrastructure Investment Grant Eligibility Criteria Operates programs focusing on: Innovative educational opportunities Building partnerships with other organizations and policy-relevant leaders engaged in local issues Health nutrition or creative work on some aspect of food Innovation to address challenges to food access and availability Is recognized by the IRS as 501(c)(3) organization, or has a written agreement of fiscal sponsorship from a 501(c)(3) organization Operates in Northern Illinois Is in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State Is registered with the Illinois Attorney General For more information, visit CHIditarod Foundation.