GrantExec

Illinois Recreation Grants

Explore 93 grant opportunities

Land, Health, Community-Chicago Program
$50,000
The Lumpkin Family Foundation
Private

Application Deadline

Oct 31, 2025

Date Added

Aug 26, 2025

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.

Health
Nonprofits
Tourism Private Sector Grant Program
$50,000
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
State

Application Deadline

Nov 3, 2025

Date Added

Oct 3, 2025

This program provides financial support to Illinois-based businesses and organizations for new or improved tourism events that attract visitors from outside the state, promoting regional economic development.

Community Development
For profit organizations other than small businesses
Community Planning Grant
$40,000
Metro East Park and Recreation District (MEPRD)
Local

Application Deadline

May 29, 2026

Date Added

Jul 28, 2025

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.

Recreation
City or township governments
Route 66 Grant Program
$1,000,000
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
State

Application Deadline

Oct 15, 2025

Date Added

Sep 26, 2025

This funding opportunity provides financial support to certified convention and visitors bureaus in Illinois for enhancing and promoting the historic Route 66 tourism experience in preparation for its centennial celebration in 2026.

Recreation
Nonprofits
Greenway and Trails Technical Assistance Program
$20,000
Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
State
Rolling

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Jun 13, 2025

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.

Recreation
State governments
Micro-Grants
$5,000
River City Outdoors
Local

Application Deadline

Oct 24, 2025

Date Added

Sep 16, 2025

This program provides funding to community organizations in the Greater St. Louis area for outdoor recreation projects that promote access and engagement with nature.

Recreation
Nonprofits
Park & Trail Grant
$300,000
Metroeast Park and Recreation District (MEPRD)
Local

Application Deadline

May 29, 2026

Date Added

Jun 13, 2025

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.

Recreation
City or township governments
Clean Vessel Act Grant Program (CVA)
$50,000
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
State
Rolling

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Apr 2, 2024

This program provides financial assistance to private marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs for the construction of sewage pumpout and dump stations to help reduce pollution from recreational boating.

Environment
City or township governments
Tourism Attraction Grant Program
$200,000
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
State

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Nov 6, 2024

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

Science and Technology
City or township governments
F25AS00283 2025 State and Interstate Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan Grant Program
$150,000
U.S. Department of the Interior (Fish and Wildlife Service)
Federal

Application Deadline

Dec 15, 2025

Date Added

Aug 5, 2025

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.

Environment
State governments
Tourism Attraction Grant Program
$200,000
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
State

Application Deadline

Nov 3, 2025

Date Added

Oct 3, 2025

This program provides funding to municipalities, non-profits, and businesses in Illinois for developing and improving tourism attractions that draw visitors from outside the local area.

Community Development
Nonprofits
Route 66 Grant Program
$1,000,000
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
State

Application Deadline

Oct 15, 2025

Date Added

Sep 16, 2025

This program provides funding to certified convention and visitors bureaus in Illinois to enhance tourism and promote activities related to the 100th anniversary of Route 66.

Arts
Exclusive - see details
Tourism Private Sector Grant Program
$50,000
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
State

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Nov 6, 2024

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

Food and Nutrition
City or township governments
International Tourism Grant Program
$150,000
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
State

Application Deadline

Oct 15, 2025

Date Added

Sep 26, 2025

This program provides funding to certified local tourism organizations outside Chicago to boost international marketing efforts and attract global travelers to Illinois.

Recreation
Nonprofits
Jackson Community Grants
Contact for amount
Jackson National Life Insurance Company (Jackson)
Private

Application Deadline

Sep 12, 2024

Date Added

Jul 15, 2024

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 AreasΒ  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 theΒ 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-districtΒ 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.

Infrastructure
Nonprofits
2025 Access to Recreation Program
$3,000
Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln
Private

Application Deadline

Jul 11, 2025

Date Added

Jun 4, 2025

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

Recreation
Nonprofits
Will County Child Care Provider Grant Program in Illinois
$10,000
Will County
Local

Application Deadline

May 22, 2024

Date Added

Apr 25, 2024

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/fencingΒ  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 purchasesΒ  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)Β 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 developmentalΒ 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.

Education
City or township governments
Business Resiliency Grant
$5,000
Village of Libertyville
Private

Application Deadline

Feb 1, 2025

Date Added

May 20, 2024

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

Environment
Small businesses
2025 Youth Engaged in Philanthropy Grants Program
$15,000
DeKalb County Community Foundation
Local

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Dec 4, 2024

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.

Recreation
Nonprofits
Thriving Youth, Stronger Communities Grant
$1,000,000
Lohengrin Foundation
Private

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Nov 14, 2024

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.

Recreation
Nonprofits