Illinois Employment Labor and Training Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions for projects that protect coastal habitats, improve public access, and enhance community resilience along the Illinois Lake Michigan shoreline.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has introduced the Home Illinois Workforce Pilot as part of the Job Training Economic Development Program, with a $5 million budget to address homelessness and workforce development. This grant targets Continuum of Care (COC) areas, aiming to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with employment opportunities, thereby enhancing financial stability and access to permanent housing. The program prioritizes employment navigation, partnerships, support services, work readiness, and training and education. It seeks to create a system where homeless individuals can secure and retain quality jobs, contributing to their long-term economic and housing stability.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Illinois-based nonprofit organizations focused on job training for underserved populations in the clean energy sector, promoting equitable workforce development and partnerships with industry employers.

The City of Evanston is seeking applications for its Small Business Recovery Program to protect small business economy and preserve Evanston’s economic and cultural fabric. Donor Name: City of Evanston State: Illinois City: Evanston Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: All Time Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Small, independently owned businesses define Evanston’s economic and cultural identity. The Small Business Recovery Program will help existing small businesses, particularly minority, disadvantaged, and veteran-owned businesses, recover from the sustained negative economic impacts of the pandemic. Funding Information The maximum grant amount per applicant is $25,000. All other expenses are eligible for up to $10,000. Eligible Services  Eligible applicants may request any of the following services: Facade improvements Rehabilitation or renovation of a commercial property Signage, including blade signs Professional Services (accounting, tax, insurance, legal) Marketing / communications technical assistance (including social media and paid advertising expenditures) Capital expenditures, including tools and equipment (software, hardware, process-specific tools or equipment) Training and certifications Relocation and expansion within Evanston (if located in qualified census tracts) Hiring and training of new employees Other expenses may be considered on a case by case basis Eligibility Criteria  Brick and mortar businesses who were open and operating on or before March 13, 2020. The business must have a physical location in Evanston which is also properly registered and/or licensed with the City of Evanston. The business has 50 or fewer employees. Completed applications must include three quotes for each service or expense for which funding assistance is requested, including at least one quote from an Evanston-based provider whenever possible. The business must demonstrate they were negatively impacted by the pandemic and how the requested expenses will aid recovery. In the event applications exceed available funding, priority will be given to M/W/D/EBE businesses or those located in qualified census tracts For more information, visit City of Evanston.

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 program provides funding to organizations in Illinois to develop and expand apprenticeship opportunities, particularly for underrepresented populations, by fostering collaboration among employers, educational institutions, and community organizations.

This grant provides funding for community-based projects in Urbana that promote sustainability, climate resiliency, and inclusive participation among diverse residents.

This grant provides funding for public art projects in Waukegan, Illinois, that promote cultural appreciation, artistic expression, and community engagement among its residents.

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.

The Job Training and Economic Development - Teachers Apprenticeship Program aims to provide targeted job training and development opportunities through a state-funded grant. Eligible entities are encouraged to apply for funding to establish or enhance apprenticeship programs for teachers. This opportunity supports efforts to develop the educational workforce and improve economic opportunities within the community. The program is anticipated to award 4 grants, with a total funding amount of $2,000,000 available. Grants will be awarded ranging from $50,000 to $500,000. Applications are accepted from the announcement date until the specified closing date. Technical assistance sessions are available for prospective applicants. These are not mandatory but are offered to provide additional support. The session is scheduled for 03/28/2024 at 1:00 PM, and registration can be completed online.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local workforce areas in Illinois to train staff for a new case management system aimed at improving workforce services and policy implementation.

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations that empower youth aged 12 to 20 through established, youth-led urban greening initiatives focused on social and environmental justice in select states.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that train a diverse workforce for Illinois' film and television industry, focusing on underrepresented and underserved populations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations focused on developing a skilled workforce in Illinois' clean energy sector, particularly for underserved communities.

This program provides financial and technical support to community investment vehicles and worker cooperatives in Chicago, enabling them to develop commercial real estate projects that empower local residents and promote equitable economic growth.

The Rockford is currently accepting applications for its Restaurant Relief Grants to provide vital relief to restaurants in Rockford and Winnebago County. Donor Name: Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau State: Illinois County: Winnebago County (IL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing and management organization for Rockford and Winnebago County and is responsible for promoting the Rockford region as an attractive travel destination and enhancing its public image as a dynamic place to live and work. Funding Information The maximum award a restaurant may receive, as set by the State of Illinois, is $100,000. Eligibility Criteria To qualify to apply, an authorized representative of a restaurant will need to certify that: The restaurant’s principal place of business is located within the geographical boundaries of Winnebago County, Illinois. The restaurant complied with the indoor dining closure mandates enacted by the State of Illinois during the first quarter of 2021 via Executive Orders 2021-01, 2021-02, 2021-03, 2021-04, and 2021-05.  In complying with indoor dining closure mandates in Q1 of 2021 the restaurant laid off staff and, as a result, has experienced an increase in state unemployment insurance charges. The restaurant incurred and/or will incur a higher rate of state unemployment benefit charges in 2022, 2023 and 2024, because of the higher unemployment benefit charges in Q1 of 2021. The restaurant remains operational today. For more information, visit RACVB.

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

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.

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

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