Illinois Food and Nutrition Grants

This program provides funding to Chicago-based nonprofits that empower youth aged 16 to 24 through workforce readiness and food security initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for construction or major renovations of community facilities in rural areas of Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, focusing on projects that promote agriculture, education, and food security.

This funding initiative supports community organizations in Chicago that promote equitable access to health resources, focusing on projects that enhance physical activity, healthy eating, and mental wellness, particularly for historically marginalized communities.

This program provides financial assistance to small commercial and mixed-use property owners and tenants in Aurora, Illinois, for essential property improvements and renovations.

This program provides $40 million in funding to support environmental and public health initiatives in underserved communities across the Great Lakes region, prioritizing tribal governments, small nonprofits, and local organizations addressing environmental challenges.

This grant provides funding for projects that address loneliness and isolation in the Evanston community, supporting organizations that create meaningful connections among residents.

This program provides funding to projects that improve tourism attractions in Illinois, helping local communities increase visitor traffic and boost economic growth.

This funding opportunity is designed for private sector businesses in Illinois to develop projects that boost tourism and drive economic growth in the state.

Advancing Nonprofits is thrilled to announce an opportunity for nonprofits to apply for the AMPT grant. Donor Name: Advancing Nonprofits State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Advancing Nonprofits is a capacity-building initiative committed to strengthening the organizational health and supporting long-term development of small nonprofits on Chicago’s West and South sides. AMPT prioritizes Black/Latinx leaders working to amplify, build power within, support communities of color in thriving and living happy healthy lives while simultaneously working to transform philanthropy by addressing systemic racial inequities and serving as a model for anti-racist systems and processes. Examples of projects include: supplementing program expenses, developing a new program, professional development for staff, or fees related to hiring external consultants. Funding Information $5,000 capacity-building grant. Priority Organizations  Less than $2,000,000 budget Black and Latine-led organizations Serves Black and/or Latine neighborhoods in Chicago Organizations serving communities of South and/or West side of Chicago Organizations that have not previously received a grant from AMPT or another funding entity. Eligiblity Criteria All 501(c)3 and Fiscally Sponsored organizations can apply; valid IRS standing required. For more information, visit Advancing Nonprofits.

This grant provides funding to support the establishment of new grocery stores in underserved areas of Illinois, aiming to improve access to fresh and affordable food in food deserts.

The Jackson National Life Insurance Company (Jackson) is seeking applications for its Community grants to strengthen families and/or increase economic opportunities. Donor Name: Jackson National Life Insurance Company (Jackson) State: Michigan, Tennessee, Illinois City: Selected Cities Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/12/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Focus Areas  Economic Opportunities Building on stability, Jackson also supports non-profits that change individual trajectories with access to finance, employment and education. Career Pathways and Job Skills Financial Education and Coaching Homeownership and Wealth Building Strong Families Support start with nonprofits that help families break generational cycle of poverty and trauma by providing stability in their most critical needs. Emergency Shelter Access to Food Intervention and care after crisis Resilient Parenting and accessible Childcare Youth Mentoring Eligibility Criteria Jackson awards funding to local nonprofits in the Lansing, MI, Nashville, TN, and Chicago, IL, areas through a competitive grant process. Funding Restrictions Jackson will not review corporate funding requests for: Individuals Private foundations Health clinics, treatment centers or hospitals Disease and/or disorder-specific organizations Sectarian, denominational, or religious organizations (except for programs that are broadly promoted, available to anyone and free from religious orientation) Public or private elementary or secondary schools, school districts, or school foundations School-district affiliated sports teams or clubs Any tax-exempt organization that does not fall under IRS tax code 501(c)3 including but not limited to civic leagues (501(c)4), labor organizations (501(c)5), social clubs (501(c)7), fraternal societies (501(c)8), veterans’ organizations (501(c)19), or political organizations (527) For more information, visit Jackson.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to provide grant funding for establishment of an incentive grant program used by eligible entities to attract new out-of-state events to Illinois when competing with other states’ destinations. Donor Name: Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 5 Years Details: The program can be developed at the local level and may include, but not limited to: Event space/venue rental: Room rental, event staging – build, setup, trussing, lighting, pipe and draping, power and sound, security, traffic control. If the applicant is a venue that owns the facility and controls any assets outlined in this example those costs are not allowable. Event rentals: Tables, seating, décor, tents, dinnerware, flatware, glassware, linens Food/Beverage: Meals, beverages (excluding alcoholic beverages), service labor fees Audio/Visual Support: Microphones, screens/projectors, other specialized equipment, internet access, service labor fees Entertainment (as part of an otherwise planned event): Speakers, DJs, performing acts Registration & Event Management: Event management technology software that handles online event registration; virtual, hybrid and onsite solutions and attendee engagement Transportation: Shuttle service provided to move overnight guests to and from the event/venue space on a master account (individual guest receipts are not eligible). Shuttle service to pick up overnight guests at the airport and drop them off at the hotel and vice versa upon the conclusion of the meeting/event; this is for guests on a master account as individual guest receipts are not eligible. Bid fees associated with attracting a new event to Illinois Room night credits that are actualized, contracted, revenue-generating group room nights directly sourced by the bureau and must exceed 300 for outside the City of Chicago and 5000 for the City of Chicago Performance Goals and Measures Program goals or performance measures must include, but not limited to: Estimated hotel room nights booked as a result of the events. Economic impact of the events. Attract or retain events to Illinois that would not have otherwise occurred in Illinois. Funding Information Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this NOFO is $15,000,000. Awards will range from $50,000 to $5,000,000. Project Period The period of performance is expected to be January 25th, 2024 through January 31st, 2029. 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 current SAM.gov registration, SAM.gov registrations must be marked as “public” to allow the GATA Grantee Portal to expedite the review of the federal information; Has a valid UEI number Is not on the Federal Excluded Parties List Is in Good Standing with the Illinois Secretary of State Is not on the Illinois Stop Payment list Is not on the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Provider Sanctions list Eligible Applicants include Unit of local government Local promotion group, Not-for-profit organization; For-profit organization; Convention center authority For more information, visit DCEO.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)/ Center for Food and Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) is announcing its intention to receive and consider a single source application for the award of a cooperative agreement in fiscal year 2024 to the Illinois Institute of Technology to support the Institute for Food Safety and Health (IFSH). The purposes of this continued support are to:1. Carry out multidisciplinary applied research projects on pre- and postharvest processing preventive control measures, on food processing and packaging technologies, on the impact of these processing strategies on the nutritional quality of food, and on laboratory method performance (including method validation) that address research needs associated with FDA-regulated products, fill knowledge gaps identified in prevention strategies, and that are consistent with the Deputy Commissioner of Foods vision for the implementation of the new Human Foods Program (HFP) Science and Research Strategic Plan;2. Maintain and facilitate the further development of the IFSH collaborative research program by leveraging resources among U.S. government agencies, universities (including other IIT components), and the food industry to achieve practical Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)-based, technology-enabled New Era of Food Safety solutions to food safety and food processing issues.3. Engage with stakeholders to develop and implement training, outreach and communication programs, to identify research needs, and to facilitate the use of the information produced by the research program; and4. Support the implementation of the new unified HFP FSMA-based New Era of Food Safety priorities through research, education, and outreach, with emphasis on the development of strategies for prevention, exploration of opportunities for data sharing, and adoption of root cause analysis (RCA) into agency post-response efforts associated with the safe and sustained manufacturing, processing, packing, and holding of food.

Will County has allocated $225,000 in grant dollars to support the important work of early child care providers in Will County. Donor Name: Will County State: Illinois County: Will County (IL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/22/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Child care providers pursue grant funding for educational materials, developmental support services, and/or improvements to physical space and technology. The Program will provide grants to eligible Applicants including, but not limited to, the following improvements: Educational Materials Books, paper, crayons, art supplies, fine motor toys, STEAM/STEM resources, etc. Physical Environment Safety and sanitation (e.g. kitchenware, baby gates, outlet covers, door locks, safe cleaning supplies, gloves, changing tables, cubbies, etc.); Furniture, rugs, inviting child friendly environment; Paint, air filtration, water filtration; Signage; Gross motor materials/safe playground/fencing  Technology Security system(s)-Inside/Out & installation; Computer software to enhance services/tracking, enrollment, meals, waitlists, parent communication, screenings for children, etc.; Hardware for faculty (smartboard, tablets, laptops, projector/screen); Upgrading parent communication systems; Webpage software/updates Developmental Supports Developmental Screening Tools; Hiring consultant(s)/trainer(s) to meet the needs of workforce, families, children; Social emotional program enhancement; Sensory related program enhancements (e.g. soundproofing, weighted blankets, etc.); Health screenings (mobile dental/health van, hearing and vision, medical checkup, remote services); Hiring remote services that target children’s needs (gross motor, language, fine motor, dramatic play, etc.); Healthy meal programming/food purchases  Funding Information Award Ceiling: $10,000.00 Award Floor: $2,000.00 Project Period The period of performance is expected to be June 14, 2024 through October 31, 2024, pre-award costs may be permitted with approval. Use of funds Child care providers can pursue grant funding for educational materials, developmental support services, and improvements to physical space and technology. Allowable use of funds include, but are not limited to, the following: Educational Materials Physical Environment Technology Developmental Supports Targeted Population Providers who serve the following populations will also receive priority: DCFS Licensed childcare providers in the Will County R3 Zones who serve children ages birth to five years of age DCFS Licensed Providers who receive Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) funds DCFS Licensed Providers who serve children 0-5 years of age whose families speak English as a Second Language (ESL) DCFS Licensed Providers who qualify for the Early Intervention program (program serves children birth to 2 years 11 months with developmental delays) DCFS Licensed Providers who serve children with a developmental or medical diagnosis (children birth to five years) DCFS Licensed Providers who serve children with an active Individually Education Plan (IEP) in the public school system (ages 3-5 years) Eligibility Criteria All applicants must be a DCFS Licensed Childcare Provider located in Will County. For more information, visit Will County.

This initiative provides financial support and mentorship to minority-owned small businesses in specific West Side neighborhoods of Chicago, helping them grow and contribute to their communities.

This program provides funding to local organizations in Iroquois County to enhance their existing food, shelter, and emergency assistance services for individuals and families in need.

This program provides funding to community-based food banks in Illinois to improve access to nutritious food for adults by enhancing food offerings and implementing nutrition-focused policies.

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 opportunity provides financial support for small and mid-sized manufacturers in Illinois to develop internship and workforce training programs that enhance skills and address labor shortages.

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.