Illinois Science and Technology Grants

The Regional Site Readiness Program’s Capital Ready Grant Program, funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, offers between $250,000 to $3,000,000 to local governments, economic development organizations, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, and private landowners for infrastructure and capital improvements to prepare sites for future industrial and manufacturing development across all counties in Illinois.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to eligible contractors for developing renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that benefit low-income communities and promote workforce training in Illinois.

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.

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The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is accepting applications for its Manufacturing Retention Grant Program to retain a company’s operating presence in Illinois by encouraging investments in its employees, facilities, equipment, technologies, and infrastructure. Donor Name: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity State: Illinois County: McDonough County (IL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/25/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: This is a new program with limited awards, supported though the Enterprise Fund administered by DCEO. Enterprise Fund grants may encompass a wide range of economic development projects including infrastructure, capital equipment purchases and any employee related expenditures that will result in job retention in Illinois.  The primary goal of this grant is to retain the company’s manufacturing campus in Bushnell at operating production levels that support the minimum employment level of 100 employees at this site.  Funding Information Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this NOFO is $5,000,000. Grant Period The period of performance is expected to be from September 1, 2024 through August 31, 2026.  Eligible Expenses Eligible expenses for these funds include: Employee payroll for existing employees, including unpaid backpay incurred from 5/14/2024 through the time of grant period. Invoices for services incurred from 5/14/2024 through the time of grant period. Training expenses for existing employees.  Machinery, Equipment, Tooling Refurbishment /Replacement (e.g., forging hammers & dies, Swiss lathes, forklift maintenance, EDM mills & dies). Facility Repairs (e.g., roof repair, air compressor installation, safety & electrical upgrades, site demolition & clean-up). Productivity/Innovation (e.g., robotics reprogramming & expansion, induction heat furnaces, material storage redesign). Replenishment of Inventory (e.g., maintain stocking levels at standard amounts to support daily production). Eligibility Criteria Must be a private for-profit business entity.  Must be the legal owner of and have the authority to implement investments in a major manufacturing complex located in Bushnell, IL. Must have extensive direct applicable experience in operating a successful tool manufacturing firm. Business entity must have less than 1,000 employees.  Must have acquired a tool manufacturing firm in McDonough County that has a minimum 100 full-time equivalent employees.  For more information, visit DCEO.

The Chicago Community Trust is requesting proposals for its LGBTQ Community Fund’s 2024. Donor Name: The Chicago Community Trust State: Illinois County: Cook County (IL), DuPage County (IL), Kane County (IL), Lake County (IL), McHenry County (IL), Will County (IL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/26/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: LGBTQ Community Fund grants are designed for a wide variety of initiatives that respond to identified LGBTQ+ community needs. Focus Areas  For 2024, the Fund seeks to support organizations with operating budgets of less than $2 million, doing work focused on one or more of the following priority areas: Seniors: Proposals that address the unique needs of LGBTQ+ seniors, including affordable housing, access to government and nonprofit resources, vocational services, healthcare, age discrimination, and community and belonging. Youth: Proposals that address the unique needs of LGBTQ+ youth, including affordable housing, access to government and nonprofit resources, vocational services, healthcare, age discrimination, community and belonging, leadership development, and safety issues. Arts: Proposals that provide LGBTQ+ inclusive arts and culture opportunities. Intersectionality: Priority will be given to proposals that address the compounded effects of multiple (or intersecting) systems of oppression experienced by those holding multiple marginalized identities within the LGBTQ+ community (i.e. heterosexism and racism, heterosexism and ableism, heterosexism and cis-sexism, etc.). Inequities: Priority will be given to proposals focused on serving historically marginalized and underserved groups within the LGBTQ+ community, including older adults, people living with disabilities, youth, trans and gender non-conforming people, People of Color, and women/femmes. Funding Information For 2024, grants may be requested for general operating support. Grants will generally range from $20,000 to $40,000 and the Fund will award up to $400,000 in grants. The grant term is one year. Eligibility Criteria  To be eligible for funding from the LGBTQ Community Fund, applicants must meet all of the following criteria: Have a current year operating budget of less than $2,000,000; Be a nonprofit organization with evidence that it (a) has been recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as an organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code; (b) is fiscally sponsored by a Section 501(c)(3) organization; or (c) is a governmental unit within the meaning of Section 170(c)(1) of the Code; Be described in Section 170(b)(1)(A) of the Code, other than a “disqualified supporting organization” within the meaning of Section 4966(d)(4) of the Code; and Be located within or primarily serving residents of the Chicago metropolitan area (City of Chicago, Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties). For more information, visit The Chicago Community Trust.

Applications are now being accepted for the Lake County Community Foundation Fall Grant. Donor Name: The Lake County Community Foundation State: Illinois County: Lake County (IL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Priority Areas Leadership Development Through this priority area, the Foundation funds projects that provide quality leadership development opportunities for cohorts of nonprofit leaders throughout the sector. LCCF values coalition building and collaboration and will fund projects and opportunities that benefit Lake County’s greater nonprofit sector, rather than individual nonprofit organizations solely. Grant funds for Leadership Development are prioritized for work that:  Provides leadership development opportunities that help build a pipeline of competent, emerging leaders for the county’s nonprofit sector  Increases access for leaders of color and other underrepresented groups to quality programming  Helps leaders better serve their non-profit organization, clients and communities Animal Welfare Organizations that attend to the needs of animals in Lake County are invited to apply for grants made through the Lake County Humane Society Fund. 16% of this restricted fund’s spending allocation is designated for this purpose annually. Grant funds are prioritized for work that:  Cultivates new and innovative approaches to support animal welfare in Lake County  Addresses otherwise unmet needs as the only service provider in the area Funding Information Available funds: $20,000 Grant requests of $1,000 – $5,000 will be considered. Eligibility Criteria The Foundation considers applications from organizations that demonstrate success and sustainability with program goals and outcomes. Eligible organizations are:  Nonprofit agencies with evidence of tax exempt status under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or those using a 501 (c)(3) fiscal agent  Eligible applicants MUST be in good standing with the IRS  Located within and/or primarily serving residents of Lake County, except for regional, statewide or national projects or research that may benefit a substantial portion of Lake County residents Non-discriminatory in the hiring of staff or in providing services on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin or ability Evaluation Criteria Applications will be evaluated using the following criteria:  Request aligns with the Foundation’s mission and values and with its strategic pillars of Economic Justice, Community Ownership and Rapid Community Response.  Request responds to a high priority need based on current Lake County specific data  The applicant’s staff, leadership and board are reflective of the community it serves. If not, the organization is taking meaningful steps to prioritize and support diversity and equity.  Applicants either have their own diversity statement or will adopt the Foundation’s Diversity Statement if there is not one in place.  Strong, documented partnerships currently in place  Request has potential to leverage other resources or donor support  High probability of affecting significant change over the next 3 years  Cost-effective delivery of direct services or advocacy  Likelihood of success and a track record of provider(s)/partners in achieving outcomes  Strong methods for tracking outcomes For more information, visit LCCF.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to solicit applications for Business Resiliency program funded by the federal Community Development Block Grant-Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) Funds through the State of Illinois’ Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Community Development. Donor Name: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity State: Illinois County: Cook County (IL), DuPage County (IL), Kane County (IL), Lake County (IL), Madison County (IL), McHenry County (IL), Saint Clair County (IL), Will County (IL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  07/31/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The objective of this program is to fund construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or acquisition of property for Homeless (as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Shelters dedicated to the provision of stable, safe and adequate housing; with a goal of increasing capacity to pre-COVID levels. Performance Goals and Measures  The Community Development Block Grant-Coronavirus program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and requires that all projects awarded must tie back to the to the prevention, preparation, and response to coronavirus. All grants must meet the National Objective of Low to Moderate Income for the benefiting business The number of grants will be determined based on the amounts requested. Funding Information Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this NOFO is has yet to be determined but will be at least $15 million. Awards will range from $500,000 to $2 million. Project Period The period of performance is expected to be January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2026. Eligibility Criteria An entity must be registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, at the time of grant application. The portal will verify that the entity: Has a valid FEIN number Has a current SAM.gov registration, SAM.gov registrations must be marked as “public” to allow the GATA Grantee Portal to expedite the review of the federal information; Has a valid UEI number Is not on the Federal Excluded Parties List Is in Good Standing with the Illinois Secretary of State Is not on the Illinois Stop Payment list Is not on the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Provider Sanctions list Eligible Applicants include Be a unit of local government receiving, or in an area receiving direct “Entitlement” Community Development Block Grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Have a current Shelter Funding Strategy identifying needs, and plans to meet the needs. Have a strong collaborative relationship with all relevant local entities (service providers, community organizations, etc.) and have letters of support from a minimum of 5 community homelessness support services; Remain compliant with all applicable provisions of State and Federal laws and regulations pertaining to nondiscrimination, sexual harassment and equal employment opportunity including, but not limited to: The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq.), For more information, visit DCEO.

This grant provides financial support to Illinois artists and non-profit organizations for various arts-related projects, programming, events, and professional development opportunities.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications for its Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Grants. Donor Name: Illinois Department of Natural Resources State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/13/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Program is a state-financed grant program that provides funding assistance to local government agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and open space. Funding Information Grant awards up to $1,725,000.00 are available for acquisition projects, while development/renovation projects are limited to a $600,000 grant maximum. Eligible Projects Example of Eligible Projects include: Acquisition of land for new park sites or park expansion, water frontage, nature study, and natural resource preservation. Development/Renovation of: Picnic and playground facilities; Outdoor nature interpretive facilities; Sports courts and play fields; Swimming pools, beaches and bathhouses; Campgrounds and fishing piers; winter sports facilities; Park roads and paths, parking, utilities and restrooms; and Architectural/engineering (A/E) services necessary for proper design and construction of approved project components. Eligibility Criteria OSLAD grants are available to units of local government that are authorized by Illinois law to expend public funds for the acquisition and development of land for public outdoor park, recreation, or conservation purposes are eligible to apply for funding assistance. School districts are not eligible. For more information, visit IDNR.

This grant provides financial support for nonprofit organizations and public entities to undertake community projects that improve the quality of life for residents in DeKalb County, Illinois.

The Lumpkin Family Foundation is currently accepting letters of inquiry for its Land, Health, Community (LHC) Grant Program. Donor Name: The Lumpkin Family Foundation State: Illinois County: Coles County (IL), Effingham County (IL) Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Land, Health, Community (LHC) is the Foundation’s primary and largest grantmaking program and reflects the Lumpkin family’s historic connection and commitment to the community. A minimum of 50 percent of its annual grantmaking budget is spent on projects in East Central Illinois. Through Land, Health, Community we work toward a long-term vision of holistically healthy communities. The Lumpkin Family Foundation makes grants in East Central Illinois that reflect the vision: The community has a strong local food system and agricultural economy, resilient businesses, and amenities that attract new businesses and retain local talent. They are prosperous. The community is physically active, values healthy eating, and prioritizes overall wellbeing. They are mentally well and physically fit. The community has strong leadership and the capacity for collaboration. They are socially engaged. The community works to conserve, protect and preserve the natural environment. They value the natural beauty of the area. Mental Health The Lumpkin Family Foundation has now expanded the program’s focus to include efforts that contribute to mental wellness through individual and community engagement with the natural environment. Researchers have posited that “contact with nature is associated with increases in happiness, subjective well-being, positive affect, positive social interactions and a sense of meaning and purpose in life, as well as decreases in mental distress.” Specifically, the foundation aims to fund programs that: Demonstrate and promote a connection between engagement with nature and positive mental health outcomes; Create opportunities for youth and young adults to disengage from technology and engage in outdoor programs and activities designed to improve their mental wellness; Support mental health practitioners by increasing opportunities for self-care or personal renewal; Provide opportunities for those impacted by trauma (i.e., foster youth) to engage in nature-based healing activities. Focus Areas  Successful proposals will represent a synergy of as many of the following aims as possible: Promote personal health through widespread availability and consumption of healthy, affordable food; Support mental wellness through individual and community engagement with the natural environment; Grow the local agricultural economy, sustaining and creating new viable farm and farm-related businesses; Develop, promote and scale innovative green practices that add productive value to farms while protecting the land for future generations; and, Encourage community engagement and collaboration, policy development and research around agriculture and rural development. Geographic Areas of Interest  The Foundation encourages applicants from organizations across East Central Illinois. The foundation gives preference to rural organizations and those operating in Coles and the surrounding counties. For more information, visit TLFF.

This grant provides financial assistance to nonprofit organizations in Illinois for unexpected expenses or new opportunities that were not included in their budgets.

The City of Rockford’s Business Growth Program offers forgivable loans to for-profit businesses for advancement of business operations. Donor Name: City of Rockford State: Illinois City: Rockford Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The City of Rockford’s Business Growth Program (Program) offers up to $25,000 in gap funding to business growth projects. The Program is to encourage business development and advancement with job creation for low-to-moderate income individuals. Business must be located in an eligible census tract to apply. Eligible Projects  Eligible Projects Include: Purchase of equipment. Operating expenses associated with business expansion (inventory, employee salaries, rent, operating expenses and advertising/marketing expenses). Eligibility Criteria  Eligible Applicants Include: For-profit businesses legally established and operating within the City of Rockford’s municipal boundaries. Business is located in a property zoned Commercial or Industrial Business was established by May 1, 2024 documented through registration by the State or County. Business is registered with the Official U.S. Government System for Award Management (SAM.gov), and will have an Active status at the time of assistance. Ineligible Applicants Include: Home-based businesses. Businesses established after May 1, 2024. Businesses that primarily engage in speculative activities that develop profits from fluctuations in price rather than through normal course of trade. Non-profits. For more information, visit City of Rockford.

The City of Chicago Department of Planning & Development accepts applications for grant funding to support local commercial, mixed-use, and light manufacturing projects. Donor Name: Department of Planning and Development State: Illinois City: Chicago Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The City of Chicago is committed to strengthening local business corridors and enhancing neighborhood vitality. The Chicago Recovery Plan provides opportunities for the City to invest in catalytic developments that expand upon DPD’s existing investments and support. City staff prioritizes projects in areas of Chicago with a history of disinvestment or limited private investment. Eligible capital projects will be considered for all applicable funding sources, including: Chicago Recovery Plan Community Development (Large Grants). Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (Large Grants). Tax Increment Financing. Funding Information $250,000 is available. Eligibility Criteria  Grant funding can be used for pre-development, construction, or renovation costs for permanent capital improvement projects. Open to community developers, business owners and entrepreneurs, and property owners. Site control is preferred, but not required. Residential-only development is not eligible, but mixed-use projects are eligible. Priority is given to catalytic projects with a strong local impact that are able to leverage local talents, capacities and institutions to strengthen and contribute to the community. Applicants from all areas of Chicago are eligible to apply. Priority projects are located in historically disinvested areas and/or build upon existing efforts and community safety initiatives. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate momentum and are expected to break ground within six months of grant acceptance. For more information, visit City of Chicago DPD.

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 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.

The CFLL Historic Preservation Fund seeks projects that support the physical improvement of structures and/or to promote the issue of historic preservation in Springfield, IL. Donor Name: Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln State: Illinois City: Springfield Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Grant awards may be made to organizations for the rehabilitation, renovation, and upkeep of historic properties or for properties with certain historic, economic development, or community value. Funding Information One or more grant up to $6,000 may be awarded. Geographic Limitations Historic preservation projects in Springfield, IL. Who can apply? Organizations submitting a funding request to any grant program must be a: 501(c)(3) charitable organization; OR faith-based organization (proposals must benefit all, regardless of religion, and be for a service provided which is not religious in nature), OR public or private school (proposals must be for projects that exceed the school’s budget funding); OR some government entities or municipalities may be eligible. For more information, visit CFLL.

The Access to Recreation Program assists nonprofit organizations with accessible recreation projects, which include adaptive sports; games; programs; and capital projects for persons with disabilities and special needs such as sensory disabilities; physical disabilities and mobility impairments; cognitive and developmental disabilities; and/or emotional and psychological disorders. Donor Name: Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln State: Illinois County: Sangamon County (IL) Type of Grant: Endowment | Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This program supports accessible recreation that provides people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in indoor or outdoor recreation activities without barriers. We seek requests that support programs that are specifically designed for and/or about people with disabilities but also available to the general public. Funding Information Multiple grant awards totaling $6,000 may be available, and requests should not exceed $3,000. Geographic Limitations Funds must be used for programs primarily assisting residents of Sangamon County, IL. Who can apply? Applications are generally accepted from: registered 501(c)(3) charitable organizations faith-based organizations (proposals must benefit all, regardless of religion, and be for service provided which is not religious in nature) public or private schools (proposals must be for projects that exceed the school’s budget funding) units of government or municipalities. For more information, visit CFLL.

General Operating Support (GOS) Grants are offered to established not-for-profit organizations that provide arts programming to their defined communities in a manner that supports the mission of the organization. Donor Name: Illinois Arts Council Agency (IACA) State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/19/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The aims of the initiative are to: Analyze the demographic distribution of IAC’s general operating support awards. Engage IAC constituents in providing feedback about their needs, experiences, and perceptions. Identify equity strengths and weaknesses in the IAC’s approach to general operating support funding. Recommend applied actions the IAC can take to work toward greater grant making equity. Serve as an evidence base in IAC’s case for the resources needed to reach more Illinois communities with state support. Focus Areas Under-resourced communities of rural, high poverty, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), and disability will contribute. Funding Information Applicants do not request a specific amount. The IAC anticipates that the minimum award will be $1,000. Grant Period FY25 General Operating Support Grant supports activities occurring no sooner than November 1, 2024, and extending until August 31, 2025. Allowable Expenses  Fees for artists and contractual personnel Position support / salaries Facilities costs, such as rent and utilities Supply costs, office supplies, printing, art supplies, etc. Generally, equipment costs. For durable equipment with a useful life of more than one-year equipment may not exceed $5,000 per unit. Information Technology (e.g., computer software/hardware, captioning, streaming – including increased bandwidth, hardware, specialized audio-visual equipment, etc.) Marketing and promotion costs General overhead/administrative costs Building maintenance, cleaning services, security, personal protective equipment Indirect costs (general overhead/administrative costs may not be claimed as direct AND indirect costs) Eligibility Criteria Registered 501(c)(3) Not-For-Profit Organizations in good standing with the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State Branches of Government (e.g., Municipal, County, Libraries, Park Districts, etc.) Charitable Trusts Institutions of higher education and Religious Organizations PTOs, PTAs and other School Affiliate Organizations. Applicants must: Have been providing public arts programming and are able to provide operational financial information for at least one full fiscal year prior to the date of application. Apply utilizing a Salesforce account registered to the organizational applicant. Have a valid FEIN and UEI number entered in the IAC grant portal Submit all required application materials by the deadline. Be pre-qualified in the state’s Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) system. For more information, visit IACA.