Illinois Science and Technology Grants

This grant provides financial support and mentorship to early-stage cleantech entrepreneurs in the Midwest who are developing innovative solutions to promote economic growth and environmental sustainability.

This program provides funding to local governments and nonprofit organizations in Waukegan for public infrastructure and facility improvements that benefit low- and moderate-income residents.

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 program provides funding to local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations in areas where Meta operates data centers, focusing on technology-driven community development and enhancing STEAM education.

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

This grant provides $25,000 and mentorship to early-stage climate technology companies in Illinois, helping them develop innovative solutions that positively impact the environment.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Great Lakes states and tribes for collaborative projects aimed at preventing and managing aquatic invasive species across state and tribal boundaries.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Illinois-based organizations that assist small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs with essential services like business planning, financial analysis, and access to capital, particularly in underserved and rural areas.

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

This grant provides urgent financial assistance to nonprofit and public sector organizations facing unexpected emergencies that disrupt their ability to deliver essential services.

The CFLL Historic Preservation Fund, established by the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, is dedicated to supporting the physical improvement of structures and promoting historic preservation within Springfield, IL. This grant program aligns directly with the foundation's mission by investing in the cultural and economic vitality of the community through the preservation of its historical assets. By focusing on historic properties, the fund aims to maintain the unique character and heritage of Springfield, contributing to a sense of place and community pride. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, faith-based organizations (provided proposals benefit all regardless of religion and are non-religious in nature), public or private schools with projects exceeding their budget funding, and certain government entities or municipalities. The impact goals include the successful rehabilitation, renovation, and upkeep of historic properties, as well as those with significant historic, economic development, or community value. The fund seeks to empower these organizations to undertake projects that might otherwise be financially unfeasible, thereby ensuring the long-term preservation of important community structures. The grant prioritizes historic preservation projects specifically within Springfield, IL. The focus is on tangible improvements to structures and initiatives that raise awareness and support for historic preservation efforts. While not explicitly detailed as a "theory of change," the foundation's strategic priority is evident in its commitment to local community development through preserving its historical infrastructure. This implicitly assumes that by investing in historic preservation, they contribute to economic development, tourism, and community well-being. Expected outcomes include improved conditions of historic buildings, increased public engagement with historic preservation issues, and enhanced community value derived from well-maintained historical sites. The grant awards, typically ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, with one or more grants up to $6,000, serve as measurable results of the fund's direct financial impact on these projects. The success of the program can be measured by the number of properties restored, the scope of the improvements, and the broader community benefits realized through these preservation efforts.

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.

This program provides funding to tech incubators in Illinois to improve their facilities and support services for startups in key growth industries like life sciences and artificial intelligence.

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.