Illinois Science and Technology Grants

The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation Grants is currently accepting applications for the 2024 CommunityWorks Grant Program. Donor Name: Heart of Illinois Community Foundation State: Illinois County: Macon County (IL), Moultrie County (IL), Piatt County (IL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/07/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The overall purpose of CommunityWorks is to provide a coordinated, systems-based approach toward the achievement of community aspirations. CommunityWorks invites proposals in the areas of workforce development, education and environmental sustainability. Purpose & Types of Projects Supported CommunityWorks invites proposals in the areas of workforce development, education and environmental sustainability. Funding Information $400,000 available. Funding range per grant: $10,000 to $100,000. Criteria Have 501(c) 3 status from the Internal Revenue Service or be a qualified charitable or government organization in Macon, Piatt, or Moultrie counties or Paris, IL. For more information, visit HICF.

Applications are now being accepted for its Action Grants. Donor Name: Illinois Humanities State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Action Grants cover projects or initiatives that explore the digital humanities, apply new techniques in audience engagement, and build new and diverse audiences. Priority is given to projects that spark more risk-taking and experimental and engaging public humanities work on the part of Illinois nonprofits. Project budgets can cover project expenses as well as engagement activities. Projects must utilize the humanities. Media projects such as oral history, filmmaking, journalism, storytelling, and other disciplines are all a part of this field. Funding Information Up to $4,000. Eligibility Criteria Must be a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization or have a fiscal sponsor Organizations or projects must be Illinois-based The project must be rooted in the humanities Priority given to organizations with an annual budget of $1 million or less Can not have an open Vision, Action, or General Operating grant For more information, visit Illinois Humanities.

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/fencing  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 purchases  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) 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 developmental 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.

This program, initiated by the Commerce And Economic Opportunity department of Illinois, aims to accelerate the adoption and implementation of clean energy solutions by engaging prime contractors. The program anticipates awarding 3 grants totaling $9,000,000, with individual grants ranging from $1,000,000 to $3,000,000. Eligible projects should align with the state's goals to enhance clean energy infrastructure and capabilities. A technical assistance session is offered on 04/10/2024 at 3:00 PM. Registration is required via the provided link.

Junior League of Springfield Capacity Building Grants are up to $1,500 for attendance by nonprofit staff and board members at trainings and professional development programs of their choosing. Donor Name: Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln State: Illinois County: Cass County (IL), Christian County (IL), Logan County (IL), Macoupin County (IL), Menard County (IL), Montgomery County (IL), Morgan County (IL), Sangamon County (IL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/03/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Community Foundation encourages nonprofit organizations in Cass, Christian, Logan, Macoupin, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, and Sangamon counties to apply for funding from the competitive grantmaking funds when eligible. Capacity building grants are strategic investments in people and organizations to be used to defray the cost of attending programs targeted at improving the management, governance and leadership of the applicant organization. Capacity building grants can be used to send staff or board members to a specific workshop or conference or to engage a consultant to provide customized training to one or more organizations. Organizations may include all costs related to their participation in the proposed professional development opportunity, including: registration or consulting fees, travel, meals, lodging, and other applicable costs. Who can apply? Each grant program at the Foundation is unique in what it funds and who is eligible to apply. Please review the grant information for each program carefully to make sure your organization meets the specific criteria. 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 CFLOL.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to provide grant funding for establishment of an incentive grant program used by eligible entities to attract new out-of-state events to Illinois when competing with other states’ destinations. Donor Name: Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 5 Years Details: The program can be developed at the local level and may include, but not limited to: Event space/venue rental: Room rental, event staging – build, setup, trussing, lighting, pipe and draping, power and sound, security, traffic control. If the applicant is a venue that owns the facility and controls any assets outlined in this example those costs are not allowable. Event rentals: Tables, seating, décor, tents, dinnerware, flatware, glassware, linens Food/Beverage: Meals, beverages (excluding alcoholic beverages), service labor fees Audio/Visual Support: Microphones, screens/projectors, other specialized equipment, internet access, service labor fees Entertainment (as part of an otherwise planned event): Speakers, DJs, performing acts Registration & Event Management: Event management technology software that handles online event registration; virtual, hybrid and onsite solutions and attendee engagement Transportation: Shuttle service provided to move overnight guests to and from the event/venue space on a master account (individual guest receipts are not eligible). Shuttle service to pick up overnight guests at the airport and drop them off at the hotel and vice versa upon the conclusion of the meeting/event; this is for guests on a master account as individual guest receipts are not eligible. Bid fees associated with attracting a new event to Illinois Room night credits that are actualized, contracted, revenue-generating group room nights directly sourced by the bureau and must exceed 300 for outside the City of Chicago and 5000 for the City of Chicago Performance Goals and Measures Program goals or performance measures must include, but not limited to: Estimated hotel room nights booked as a result of the events. Economic impact of the events. Attract or retain events to Illinois that would not have otherwise occurred in Illinois. Funding Information Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this NOFO is $15,000,000. Awards will range from $50,000 to $5,000,000. Project Period The period of performance is expected to be January 25th, 2024 through January 31st, 2029. 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 Unit of local government Local promotion group, Not-for-profit organization; For-profit organization; Convention center authority For more information, visit DCEO.

The City of Evanston is seeking applications for its Small Business Recovery Program to protect small business economy and preserve Evanston’s economic and cultural fabric. Donor Name: City of Evanston State: Illinois City: Evanston Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: All Time Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Small, independently owned businesses define Evanston’s economic and cultural identity. The Small Business Recovery Program will help existing small businesses, particularly minority, disadvantaged, and veteran-owned businesses, recover from the sustained negative economic impacts of the pandemic. Funding Information The maximum grant amount per applicant is $25,000. All other expenses are eligible for up to $10,000. Eligible Services  Eligible applicants may request any of the following services: Facade improvements Rehabilitation or renovation of a commercial property Signage, including blade signs Professional Services (accounting, tax, insurance, legal) Marketing / communications technical assistance (including social media and paid advertising expenditures) Capital expenditures, including tools and equipment (software, hardware, process-specific tools or equipment) Training and certifications Relocation and expansion within Evanston (if located in qualified census tracts) Hiring and training of new employees Other expenses may be considered on a case by case basis Eligibility Criteria  Brick and mortar businesses who were open and operating on or before March 13, 2020. The business must have a physical location in Evanston which is also properly registered and/or licensed with the City of Evanston. The business has 50 or fewer employees. Completed applications must include three quotes for each service or expense for which funding assistance is requested, including at least one quote from an Evanston-based provider whenever possible. The business must demonstrate they were negatively impacted by the pandemic and how the requested expenses will aid recovery. In the event applications exceed available funding, priority will be given to M/W/D/EBE businesses or those located in qualified census tracts For more information, visit City of Evanston.

The City of Evanston’s “Sustain Evanston” Incentive Program is a funding tool to assist small business owners to implement sustainability measures that align with the goals of the City’s Climate Action & Resilience Plan while reducing their operating costs and better serving their customers. Donor Name: City of Evanston State: Illinois City: Evanston 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 provides a rebate of the total cost of qualifying interior or exterior improvements. The Economic Development Division and Sustainability & Resilience Division manage the program. Funding Information Eligible applicants will receive assistance from $1,000 to $25,000. Eligible Expenses Capital Projects such as: Heat Pumps EV Charging Infrastructure Solar PV Waste Collection Enclosures Balers/Compactors Green Infrastructure Green Roofs Insulation Windows Equipment such as: Containers Reusable containers Lighting/Fixtures Appliances (dishwasher, refrigerator, induction stove) Services such as: Composting Services Recycling Services Energy/Water Benchmarking Services Consulting Education Materials such as: Signage Labels Eligibility Criteria Eligible participants of the program include: Commercial property owners Tenants of commercial buildings Business Districts Coalition of businesses Tenants must have:  A written commitment to operating within the City of Evanston: A current lease with a minimum of five (5) years remaining from the date of application or; Evidence that the business has operated in Evanston for over five (5) years or; A combination of historical operation and remaining lease time totaling at least five (5) years Written approval from the property owner to participate in the Program Proper business license and/or registration with the City No outstanding debt with the City Business Districts or Coalitions must have:  List of businesses that the project would benefit; Participating business owners’ signed letter of support or signature Proper business license and/or registration with the City No outstanding debt with the City Commercial Property Owners must have:  Proof of ownership No outstanding debt with the City For more information, visit  City of Evanston.

Grant Name: Technology Industry Grant Donor: City of Peoria, Illinois Type: Grant Deadline: Ongoing Grant Size: $10,000 - $25,000 Description: The Technology Industry Grant offers funding to technology-related businesses looking to establish or expand within the city of Peoria. Eligible industries include Agricultural Technology (AgTech), Biological Medical Technology (BioTech), Medical Technology (MedTech), and other technological advancements. Applicants should demonstrate established seed funding, a proof of function prototype, and a plan for further product development. The program aims to attract technology businesses, stimulate public and private investment, introduce new technology to the area, and support commercial space activity in business districts. Priority locations for funding include the Medical District, Central Business District, and West Main Street within the city boundaries. Eligible uses of the grant include lease or mortgage assistance, operational expense support, and other business costs related to the newly opened location. Small businesses with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees are eligible to apply if they meet all criteria outlined by the City of Peoria. For more information and application details, visit City of Peoria website.

This funding opportunity supports projects in the Peoria region that leverage the arts to drive economic growth, enhance tourism, and strengthen community engagement.

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.

Grant Opportunity: Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program (Illinois) The Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program in Illinois supports elementary schools, community centers, and public libraries in engaging teaching artists for short-term residencies. The program prioritizes advancing equity and access in the arts, particularly for underserved audiences such as BIPOC communities, individuals with disabilities, older adults, and those with limited access to the arts. Eligible applicants can request a minimum of $250 and a maximum of $4,500 to cover 75% of residency costs. Additional percentages can be added under specific conditions. Applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or units of government in Illinois, while the selected artists must be based in Illinois. The application deadline is at least eight weeks before the project start date. For more information, visit Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program.