Illinois Infrastructure Grants

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.

Through the Community Grant program, the Community Foundation seeks to honor the intent of the endowments that fund the program while strengthening nonprofit services to ultimately enhance the quality of life throughout the region that they serve. Donor Name: Community Foundation of the Quincy Area State: Illinois, Missouri County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Community Foundation annually awards grants through its Community Grant process to meet needs and advance opportunities in its 12-county region. Priorities  Through the Community Grant program, the Community Foundation seeks to award grants that will: Enable unique, innovative, or proven solutions to demonstrated community needs and opportunities; Make a significant impact on the success of the overall request; Assist the organization in expanding or enhancing the delivery of its mission, particularly for underserved or atrisk populations; Leverage community collaborations to maximize the impact on the community and population served; Reach a significant number of community members or specific groups of underserved community members throughout its 12-county service area. Funding Information 2024 grants will range from $1,000 to $7,500 for both program/project support and general support grant requests. Geographical Areas  Applicant organizations and grants awarded must serve at least one of the following 12 counties: Adams, Brown, Hancock, or Pike in Illinois; Clark, Knox, Lewis, Marion, Monroe, Pike, Ralls, or Shelby in Missouri. Eligibility Criteria Grants are awarded to: Registered 501(c)(3) charitable organizations Units of government or municipalities for public/charitable purposes Faith-based organizations for programs/projects that are open to the community, regardless of religion, and do not promote or require religious doctrine. For more information, visit CFQA.

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 program provides funding and leadership opportunities for high school students in DeKalb County, Illinois, to engage in philanthropy and support initiatives that improve the quality of life for local youth.

This program provides funding to local fire departments and districts in Illinois for the rehabilitation or construction of fire stations to improve their service capabilities.

The Regional Site Readiness Program’s Planning Grant, funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, offers $100,000 to $500,000 to local governments, economic development organizations, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, and private landowners for planning and due diligence activities aimed at preparing industrial and manufacturing sites for future development across all counties in Illinois.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local public agencies in Illinois for improving safety at rail-highway crossings through various infrastructure enhancements and safety measures.

This initiative provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Chicago to create or improve youth and community centers, addressing the urgent need for safe spaces for young people in areas with high youth populations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments affected by the closure or reduced operation of the Zion Nuclear Plant, aimed at fostering economic development and addressing community impacts through various initiatives.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is offering a grant of over $1 million, with a total funding of $10,000,000, to educational and non-profit organizations in Urbana, Illinois, to promote bioprocessing through infrastructure and capital equipment expansion, increased training opportunities, and short course offerings, with the project having been partially funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Tech Hubs program.

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.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is seeking proposals for the 2024 Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund to advance pollinator conservation. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The goal of the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) is to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators.  The most competitive projects will demonstrate clear benefits to both monarch butterfly and additional at-risk native insect pollinator species (i.e., federally listed, candidate, or proposed native insect pollinator species). Special consideration will be given to projects benefiting rusty patched bumble bee, Franklin’s bumble bee, Karner blue butterfly, Dakota skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, and Mitchell’s satyr. Categories Grants will be awarded in two categories:  Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands Funding in this category will support implementation of technical assistance to increase the number of private landowners voluntarily engaged in monarch butterfly and pollinator conservation practices on private working lands. Up to $2 million is expected to be available for grants ranging from $150,000 to $500,000. Funding will be awarded for projects up to three years in length following finalization of the grant agreement. This category aims to support conservation planning and practice design with private landowners to advance voluntary conservation efforts on working lands that align with NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife frameworks or initiatives, and especially increase Working Lands for Wildlife participation among farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. The 2024 Pollinator Fund RFP will support projects that: Direct staff resources to help agricultural producers design and implement conservation practices. Increase Farm Bill program participation and conservation practice implementation among agricultural producers, especially farmers and ranchers in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. Funding in this category will support the following two strategies: Hiring additional staff or contractors, based on demonstrated need, including staff to assist private landowners and NRCS with developing pollinator habitat management plans and implementation of new and existing NRCS financial assistance contracts. Targeting outreach to landowners and other partners to prioritize, plan, and deliver financial assistance available through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and other Farm Bill programs to improve pollinator habitat and support at-risk pollinator species. Habitat Improvement Funding in this category will support on-the-ground work to increase the quality, quantity, and connectivity of habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators. Up to $3.1 million is expected to be available for grants ranging from $200,000 to $300,000. Funding will be awarded for projects up to two years in length following finalization of the grant agreement. Applicants in this category should define a step-by-step restoration plan including site preparation, equipment used, planting techniques, size of the project area, description of target native plant community, and maintenance plan (e.g., prescribed burning, mowing, grazing schedules). Projects proposed to benefit other at-risk native insect pollinators should specify habitat needs for those species and how the proposed work will support their breeding, nectaring, nesting, or other habitat needs. Funding in this category will support the following two strategies: Restore and enhance pollinator habitat, with an emphasis on regionally appropriate milkweed and a diversity of native nectar plants. Increase native seed and seedling supply, with an emphasis on improving the sustainability and affordability of regionally appropriate, local ecotypes. Program Priorities  All proposals must specifically address how the proposed project will directly and measurably contribute to the accomplishment of the Pollinator Fund’s goals as outlined in NFWF’s Monarch Butterfly Business Plan. As such, all proposals must provide the number of acres restored or enhanced as a result of the project. Proposals must include plans to restore or enhance a minimum of 100 acres in California or 500 acres in all other eligible states. Acres may be counted from multiple sites; the sites do not need to be contiguous. Since 2015, successful proposals have included a median of 960 acres and an average of 2,120 acres restored or enhanced.  Funding Information The Pollinator Fund will award up to $5.1 million in grants in 2024: up to $2 million for Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands and up to $3.1 million for Habitat Improvement. Funding is provided by Bayer Crop Science, Danone North America, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS).  Geographical Areas  Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands  Grant funding will be awarded in the following eligible states: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. Within eligible states, priority will be given to projects located in the North Core, South Core, West Core, and Overwintering Monarch Conservation Units. Projects are restricted to private working lands. Habitat Improvement Grant funding will be awarded in the following eligible states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Within eligible states, priority will be given to projects located in the North Core, South Core, West Core, and Overwintering Monarch Conservation Units. West of the Rocky Mountains, priority will be given to projects on or adjacent to the following: monarch butterfly overwintering sites, BLM lands, and USFS lands. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible and Ineligible Entities: Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c) organizations, U.S. federal government agencies, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, tribal governments and organizations, and educational institutions. Ineligible applicants include businesses, unincorporated individuals, and international organizations. For more information, visit NFWF.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust invites applications for projects to advance the quality of life for companion animals and native wildlife. Donor Name: Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust State: Selected States County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: It is focused on helping organizations go beyond basic care with innovative projects that provide an enhanced quality of life today and in the future. Program Areas  The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust’s priority is helping organizations go beyond basic care to support initiatives that will provide an enhanced quality of life for homeless and abused companion animals today and in the future. Funding applications should address one of the following program areas: Animal Adoption, Behavior Training, and Fostering Continuing Education and Training Humane and Wildlife Education Medical Care, Rehabilitation, and Wellness Care for Animals Pet and Feral Animal Population Control through Spay/Neuter Equipment Other Animal Care Initiatives Examples of projects preferred by the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust include: Animal Adoption, Behavior Training, and Fostering – projects to increase successful adoptions or other non-capital means of expanding shelter capacity. Continuing Education and Training – opportunities for staff and volunteers to improve delivery of care and retain employees. Humane and Wildlife Education – school and community programs that address respecting animals, humane care, health issues and human/wildlife conflicts. Medical Care, Rehabilitation, and Wellness Care for Animals – improving access to care for native wildlife and owned companion animals in under-resourced urban/rural areas, as well as those owned by socially vulnerable populations. Pet and Feral Animal Population Control through Spay/Neuter – assistance for owned pets from under resourced households, incentive programs encouraging adoptions from shelters and humane control numbers of community cats or dogs. Equipment – items that directly benefiting homeless or injured animals Other Animal Care Initiatives – projects that celebrate the human-animal bond. Eligibility Criteria  Types of organizations supported by the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust are limited to: Humane societies Animal welfare organizations focused on companion animals Nonprofit spay/neuter clinics Native wildlife rehabilitation and nature centers Educational institutions Equine organizations providing therapeutic programs or focused on adoption Other state or community organizations dedicated to companion animals Eligible organizations must: Have a current 501(c)(3) ruling from the IRS. Be in Ohio or selected counties in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York and Wisconsin. Provide evidence of proper financial stewardship Financial support from 100% of board members Pursue a high quality of life for individual animals and improve the situation of significant numbers of animals. Deliver outstanding humane care, in facilities that meet or exceed accepted health and safety standards Have written policies on adoption procedures, spaying/neutering companion animals leaving the agency, display/release of wildlife, and keep records on intake/disposition of all animals. Annual revenue for basic animal sheltering, rescue, and care activities from sustainable sources. Preference will be given to organizations established for more than five years with an annual budget exceeding $50,000. For more information, visit KASCT.

This grant provides matching funds to commercial property owners and businesses in specific zoning districts of Libertyville, Illinois, to improve the appearance and condition of their buildings and sites.

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 Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) administers grants for various purposes such as boosting the economy, promoting a clean environment, and enhancing quality of life in Illinois, covering costs related to land or building acquisition, including potential construction or renovation post-purchase.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to volunteer-driven nonprofit organizations in Golconda, Illinois, for the redevelopment and stabilization of a historic building to enhance community safety and economic activity.

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.

This grant invites professional artists based in Illinois to create a permanent public art installation at the University of Illinois Springfield Library Commons, enhancing the space's focus on student success and sustainability.