Illinois Recreation Grants

This grant provides financial support for projects that improve economic development and quality of life in rural Illinois communities, encouraging collaboration among local organizations to address challenges like funding shortages and infrastructure needs.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to local public agencies in Madison and St. Clair Counties, Illinois, for developing comprehensive plans focused on parks, recreation, and environmental management.

This program provides financial assistance to coalitions of local governments, organizations, and stakeholders in Illinois to plan and develop greenways and trails that promote conservation, recreation, and community connectivity.

This grant provides funding for youth-led projects in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties that empower young people to address community challenges and develop leadership skills.

This program provides funding to local governments and qualified organizations in Madison and St. Clair Counties, Illinois, for the development and improvement of public parks, trails, and recreational facilities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to U.S. states, territories, and eligible Indian tribes for implementing approved plans to prevent and manage invasive aquatic species.

The Jackson National Life Insurance Company (Jackson) offers Community grants aimed at strengthening families and increasing economic opportunities. These grants align with Jackson's mission to support non-profits that positively impact individual trajectories and provide stability for families. The program has two main focus areas: Economic Opportunities and Strong Families, reflecting the foundation's strategic priorities to build on stability and help break cycles of poverty and trauma. Under the Economic Opportunities focus, Jackson supports non-profits that provide access to finance, employment, and education. This includes initiatives related to Career Pathways and Job Skills, Financial Education and Coaching, and Homeownership and Wealth Building. The expected outcome is to change individual trajectories by providing the tools and resources necessary for financial independence and stability. While specific measurable results are not explicitly stated, the focus on tangible areas like job skills and homeownership implies a theory of change where targeted interventions lead to improved economic well-being. The Strong Families focus is dedicated to supporting non-profits that help families overcome generational poverty and trauma by addressing their most critical needs. This encompasses programs providing Emergency Shelter, Access to Food, Intervention and care after crisis, Resilient Parenting and accessible Childcare, and Youth Mentoring. The goal is to provide stability and support, leading to a break in cycles of poverty and trauma. The foundation's theory of change here is that by providing foundational support and care, families can achieve greater resilience and well-being. Jackson awards funding to local nonprofits in specific geographic areas, including Lansing, MI, Nashville, TN, and Chicago, IL, through a competitive grant process. The eligibility criteria emphasize support for 501(c)3 tax-exempt organizations, with specific restrictions against funding individuals, private foundations, certain health and disease-specific organizations, religious organizations (unless broadly accessible and free from religious orientation), and schools or school-affiliated sports teams/clubs. This highlights Jackson's commitment to partnering with established non-profits that align with their community-focused mission and strategic priorities.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and public entities in Sangamon County, Illinois, to create accessible recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Will County has allocated $225,000 in grant funding to support early child care providers within the county. This grant program aims to enhance the quality of child care services by funding improvements in educational materials, physical environments, technology, and developmental support services. The program's mission aligns with fostering a robust early childhood education ecosystem, recognizing the critical role these providers play in child development and community well-being. The grant targets DCFS Licensed Childcare Providers located in Will County. Priority is given to providers serving specific populations, including children ages birth to five in Will County R3 Zones, those receiving Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) funds, children 0-5 years of age whose families speak English as a Second Language (ESL), children in the Early Intervention program, children with developmental or medical diagnoses, and children with active Individually Education Plans (IEP) in the public school system. The impact goal is to strengthen the capacity of these providers to offer high-quality care, particularly to vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to developmental and educational resources. The program prioritizes several key areas for funding. These include the acquisition of educational materials such as books, art supplies, and STEAM/STEM resources; improvements to the physical environment including safety, sanitation, furniture, and air/water filtration; technology upgrades for security systems, computer software for administrative tasks, and parent communication; and developmental supports like screening tools, consultant hiring, social-emotional program enhancements, and health screenings. The focus is on creating safe, stimulating, and technologically advanced environments that cater to the holistic developmental needs of young children. Expected outcomes include improved learning environments, enhanced safety and health standards, more efficient administrative processes, and increased access to specialized developmental support services for children. Measurable results will be seen through the implementation of new educational tools, upgraded facilities, advanced technology systems, and the provision of targeted developmental interventions. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the overall well-being and readiness for school of Will County's young children, thereby supporting the county's broader strategic priorities in early childhood development and community health.

This program provides matching grants to local businesses in Libertyville to support growth and sustainability through various improvements, excluding general operational costs.

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 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 grant provides financial support to licensed daycare centers and home daycare programs in Decatur to improve facilities, retain staff, and enhance outdoor spaces for infants and toddlers, particularly those serving families receiving childcare assistance.

Grants are available through the Metro East Park and Recreation District for events that promote the use of public parks, trails, and outdoor recreation facilities in Madison and St. Clair Counties in Illinois. The Event Sponsorship Grant Program offers funding of up to $2,500 for public organizations and up to $1,000 for 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations. Eligible events include walking, running, hiking, biking, biathlons, and triathlons that take place within MEPRD's jurisdiction and contribute at least ten percent of event proceeds towards funding improvements or developments to public parks or trails in the designated counties. Eligible applicants must be public organizations or 501(c)3 organizations headquartered within MEPRD's jurisdiction or within 15 miles of it. Only one event sponsorship grant award is allowed per MEPRD fiscal year. For more information, visit MEPRD's website.

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 City of Naperville in Illinois is offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, funded by the National Multistate Opioid Settlement, for approved opioid remediation programs and services that benefit Naperville residents, with applications open to a wide range of organizations including school districts, medical providers, and non-profits.

The Operations and Program Grant program by the Quad Cities Community Foundation aims to provide essential general operating or program support to successful ongoing efforts. This initiative aligns with the Community Foundation’s strategic commitment to effective grantmaking practices by offering flexible and reliable funding. A key aspect of this alignment is the preference given to general operating support requests, acknowledging their crucial role in the long-term success of nonprofit organizations. The program allows for both one-year and two-year funding requests, enabling organizations to secure stable support for their critical work. The program targets nonprofit organizations located in Scott County, IA, or Rock Island County, IL. Organizations outside these counties but within a 60-mile radius of Rock Island, IL, are eligible for funding from the Amy Helpenstell Foundation Fund only. The program's impact goals are broad, covering various fields of interest including Animals & Environment, Arts & Culture, Community Development, Education, Health, and Youth Development. By supporting these diverse areas, the Community Foundation aims to address a wide range of community needs and foster overall well-being in the Quad Cities region. The Operations and Program Grant program prioritizes several key areas. Preference is given to applications seeking general operating support and those supporting existing successful organizations or programs. The program also focuses on organizations and programs that meet an identified community need in at least one of the six fields of interest, demonstrate effectiveness in achieving their goals, and strongly contribute to overall success. Furthermore, a significant focus is placed on organizations that advance racial and other forms of equity in the Quad Cities region through their actions and leadership, and those with a track record of success and positive community impact. Expected outcomes include enhanced organizational stability and effectiveness for nonprofits, improved community well-being across various sectors, and the advancement of equity in the Quad Cities region. Measurable results are tied to the effectiveness of programs, the achievement of organizational goals relative to dollars used, and the demonstrated positive community impact. The Community Foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are evident in its commitment to flexible and reliable funding, its focus on general operating support, and its emphasis on supporting established, successful initiatives that address identified community needs and promote equity. Each fund within the program maintains its original purposes and donor intent, ensuring that grants are awarded in alignment with specific areas such as risk management, arts and culture, or youth development.

The Lumpkin Family Foundation’s **Land, Health, Community (LHC) Grant Program** serves as its core philanthropic initiative, advancing the family’s long-standing commitment to holistic community well-being in East Central Illinois. At least half of the foundation’s annual grantmaking is directed to this region, with a focus on fostering prosperity, health, leadership, and environmental stewardship. Through the LHC program, the foundation seeks to nurture communities that are economically strong, physically and mentally healthy, socially engaged, and environmentally conscious—each element reinforcing the others to create long-term resilience and vitality. A central vision of the program is to strengthen local food systems and agricultural economies while supporting residents’ physical and mental health. The foundation encourages projects that promote access to healthy, affordable food, strengthen local farm businesses, and integrate sustainable land use practices. Equally important is the cultivation of social cohesion and civic capacity—empowering communities to collaborate on shared goals, retain talent, and attract new opportunities. The emphasis on leadership development and collaborative problem-solving underscores the foundation’s belief in community-driven progress. In response to growing awareness of mental health challenges, the Lumpkin Family Foundation has expanded the LHC program to include **nature-based mental wellness initiatives**. These efforts support programs that demonstrate the connection between engagement with nature and improved mental well-being. Priority is given to projects that help youth and young adults reduce screen time through outdoor experiences, provide self-care opportunities for mental health practitioners, and create healing environments for trauma-impacted individuals such as foster youth. The foundation recognizes the strong research-based link between time spent in nature and improvements in happiness, social connectedness, and emotional balance. Successful proposals often integrate multiple LHC focus areas, combining personal health, environmental stewardship, agricultural innovation, and mental wellness. The foundation particularly values programs that promote sustainable farming, develop green practices that add productivity while protecting the land, and build community capacity through education and collaboration. Preference is given to rural organizations and those located in **Coles County** and surrounding areas, reflecting the foundation’s deep roots in East Central Illinois. Through the Land, Health, Community Grant Program, the Lumpkin Family Foundation continues to invest in the long-term vitality of its home region. By uniting efforts in agriculture, health, the environment, and mental wellness, the program fosters communities that are not only economically stable but also socially vibrant and emotionally healthy—a living model of the foundation’s belief in the interdependence of land, people, and place.

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.

A grant program for certified local tourism and convention bureaus to develop, coordinate and promote international tourism marketing efforts. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to provide grants to certified convention and visitors bureaus outside the City of Chicago to assist with international marketing efforts in markets identified by the Office of Tourism for its FY 25 marketing plan. For FY 25, those markets include Mexico, Canada, UK/Ireland, German-speaking countries of Germany, Austria and Switzerland, France, India, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand.