Illinois Science and Technology Grants

This program provides financial support to established and new tech incubators in Illinois to modernize facilities and enhance resources for startups, particularly in underserved areas.

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 program provides financial support to Illinois-based for-profit businesses that have received a federal Phase I SBIR or STTR grant, helping them advance their innovative research and pursue further funding opportunities.

This grant provides financial and in-kind support to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that promote social good, global health, and assistance for military members.

This program provides funding to organizations for projects that improve broadband access in underserved and unserved communities across Illinois, promoting digital equity and economic growth.

The Islamic Scholarship Fund (ISF) initiated the Film Grant program in 2014 with the core mission of creating a stronger narrative of Muslim stories and supporting Muslim filmmakers. This aligns directly with ISF's broader goal of changing the narrative and empowering Muslim voices. Since its inception, the program has grown significantly, awarding $510,000 to promising filmmakers and cultivating a pipeline of over 96 American Muslim filmmakers, demonstrating a clear commitment to fostering talent within the community. The grant specifically targets emerging Muslim filmmakers who are creating artistic, engaging, and positive stories about their community. This focus on emerging talent aims to diversify storytelling and empower new voices within the film industry. The program's impact goals include not only providing financial support but also offering crucial mentorship and networking opportunities from industry professionals, thereby contributing to the long-term career advancement and success of grant recipients. The program prioritizes projects that are either narrative or documentary, and it supports various formats including feature-length films, short films, and animation (web series are not accepted). Key focuses for eligibility include that the filmmaker must be a U.S. citizen, at least one member of the creative team (producer or director) must be Muslim, and the content must feature American Muslim characters or themes. Additionally, at least 50% of the project must be filmed in the U.S., emphasizing the grant's commitment to American Muslim storytelling. Expected outcomes of the ISF Film Grant include the production of high-quality films that offer positive and authentic portrayals of American Muslim experiences. Measurable results include the number of grants awarded (ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 per category), the provision of creative support, and the facilitation of networking opportunities. The ISF also organizes screenings after film completion, providing a platform for visibility and audience engagement. This comprehensive approach reflects ISF's strategic priority of cultural empowerment through media, aiming to shift perceptions and build understanding through the power of storytelling.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations in DeKalb, Illinois, that provide essential services to help homeless individuals, low-income residents, the elderly, and people with disabilities achieve greater independence and self-sufficiency.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity issues a Notice of Funding Opportunity to establish an incentive grant program to attract new out of state events to Illinois when competing with other destinations. The program supports local development of competitive packages to secure events that generate hotel room nights and economic impact. Allowable costs may include venue rental and staging, event rentals, food and non alcoholic beverages and service labor, audio visual support and service labor, entertainment as part of an otherwise planned event, registration and event management software and services, transportation shuttles tied to master accounts, bid fees, and room night credits that exceed stated thresholds. Disallowed costs include venue owned items when the applicant controls the facility and assets. Performance goals include hotel room nights booked, economic impact, and attraction or retention of events that would not otherwise occur in Illinois. Eligible applicants include units of local government, local promotion groups, not for profit organizations, for profit organizations, and convention center authorities. Entities must be registered in the state’s GATA grantee portal with valid identifiers, good standing, and absence from exclusion lists. Awards will range from 50,000 to 5,000,000 dollars from a total expected pool of 15,000,000 dollars. The period of performance is expected to run from January 25, 2024 through January 31, 2029. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the department’s process. Proposals should document public benefit and compliance with eligibility and performance measures. Additional information is available from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation Grants is currently accepting applications for its 2024 CommunityWorks Grant Program. This program is designed to provide a coordinated, systems-based approach toward achieving community aspirations. The foundation's mission, as evidenced by this program, is to foster community development and address critical needs within its service area. The CommunityWorks Grant Program specifically targets organizations operating in Macon, Piatt, or Moultrie counties in Illinois, or Paris, IL. Eligible applicants include those with 501(c)(3) status or qualified charitable or government organizations. The program's impact goals are to support initiatives that contribute to workforce development, education, and environmental sustainability, ultimately improving the quality of life and opportunities within these communities. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined: workforce development, education, and environmental sustainability. Proposals are invited in these three key areas, indicating the foundation's strategic commitment to these pillars of community well-being. This focused approach suggests a theory of change where investment in these sectors leads to a stronger, more resilient community. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the program aims for the achievement of "community aspirations" through a "coordinated, systems-based approach." The funding range of $10,000 to $100,000 per grant, with a total of $400,000 available, suggests a significant investment intended to yield tangible improvements in the targeted areas. Successful outcomes would likely include enhanced employment opportunities, improved educational attainment, and demonstrable progress in environmental conservation within the supported regions.

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 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.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is offering two grant programs: the Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets (RDMS) Capital Grant Program and the Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery (RISE) Implementation Grant Program. Both programs aim to accelerate Illinois' economic recovery and promote long-term, sustainable, and inclusive growth, aligning with a mission to revitalize communities and foster economic development. The total funding expected is $20 million for RDMS and $10 million for RISE Implementation, with individual grants ranging from $250,000 to $2 million. The RDMS program specifically targets communities that have experienced disinvestment, particularly those hardest-hit by the COVID-19 crisis. The goal is to facilitate investment to revitalize commercial corridors and downtown areas in Illinois through capital grants. Eligible applicants for both programs include economic development organizations (EDOs), local units of government (e.g., municipalities, counties, townships), and private businesses. Special purpose local units of government are not eligible. The priorities for RDMS include supporting capital projects that improve and repair roads, sidewalks, and lighting; develop public spaces to attract events; improve water and sewer infrastructure; and facilitate mixed-use development to add vitality to commercial corridors and downtowns. These priorities are aimed at tangible infrastructure and development projects that directly contribute to the revitalization of downtown areas. Expected outcomes for these programs include accelerated economic recovery and the promotion of long-term, sustainable, and inclusive growth throughout Illinois. Measurable results will likely involve the number and scale of capital projects completed, the revitalization of commercial corridors, increased economic activity in targeted areas, and improvements in public infrastructure. The grant duration is 2 years, with the period of performance expected to be late calendar year 2024 through the end of calendar year 2026. The DCEO's strategic priority is clearly to stimulate economic recovery and growth through targeted investments in key community infrastructure and development.

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 funding opportunity is designed for partners affiliated with the Great Lakes-Northern Forest CESU to conduct research that supports the restoration and management of coastal ecosystems in the Great Lakes Basin, focusing on issues like invasive species and nutrient dynamics.

This grant provides valuable website and digital marketing services to nonprofit organizations in the Chicagoland area to help them enhance their community impact.

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 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.

CDBG COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Grant – Illinois: The City of Danville is offering up to $139,820 in funding through its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to support small businesses within the city in addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant aims to supplement existing federal or state programs and provide targeted assistance to help Danville businesses effectively navigate the impact of the pandemic.

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.