GrantExec

Illinois Social Advocacy Grants

Explore 59 grant opportunities

Seeding the Future Grants
$20,000
Deaconess Foundation
Private

Application Deadline

Oct 31, 2025

Date Added

May 8, 2025

This funding opportunity provides unrestricted financial support to nonprofit organizations in Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois that focus on grassroots advocacy, community organizing, and policy initiatives aimed at achieving racial equity and community well-being.

Social Advocacy
Nonprofits
Community Resilience Fund
$30,000
Crossroads Fund
Private

Application Deadline

Nov 11, 2025

Date Added

Aug 29, 2025

This funding opportunity provides financial support to grassroots organizations in the Chicago area that are actively engaged in urgent social justice efforts and need resources to respond quickly to community challenges.

Social Advocacy
Nonprofits
Community Involvement Program
Contact for amount
Hallmark Cards, Inc. and Hallmark Corporate Foundation
Private
Rolling

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Nov 22, 2023

This program provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in specific areas to promote children's well-being, cultural enrichment, and essential community services.

Community Development
Nonprofits
Let Good Take Flight
Contact for amount
American Airlines
Private
Rolling

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Nov 17, 2023

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.

Science and Technology
Nonprofits
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
Pink Warriors Foundation Grant
$250
Pink Warriors Foundation
Private

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Mar 27, 2025

This grant provides temporary financial assistance to individuals in Illinois and Indiana undergoing breast cancer treatment who are facing financial hardship due to their medical expenses.

Health
Individuals
Juvenile Justice Councils and Juvenile Justice Youth Serving Programs
$85,000
Illinois Human Services
State

Application Deadline

Jun 20, 2024

Date Added

May 24, 2024

Title II Juvenile Justice Council grants are specifically awarded to local juvenile justice councils to implement programs, policies and practices that improve the effectiveness of local juvenile justice systems, reduce unnecessary juvenile justice system involvement and/or analyze and reduce Racial and Ethnic Disparities (RED) in each council’s local system. Because this model of local governance, collaboration and data-driven decision-making has proven effective, the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission is allocating funding to support local juvenile justice councils and the development of data-driven, collaborative local juvenile justice plans which guide future system improvement efforts. The Illinois Juvenile Court Act provides that each county or group of counties may establish a local juvenile justice council [705 ILCS 405/6-12]. The purpose of this council, according to the Act, is “to provide a forum for the development of a community based interagency assessment of the local juvenile justice system, to develop a county juvenile justice plan for the prevention of juvenile delinquency, and to make recommendations to the county board, or county boards, for more effectively utilizing existing community resources in dealing with juveniles who are found to be involved in crime, or who are truant or have been suspended or expelled from school.” Through juvenile justice councils, the Act prescribes a response to juveniles in conflict with the law that is comprehensive, driven by data and analysis, and collaborative across all systems that touch these youth. As embodied in the Juvenile Court Act, Juvenile Justice Councils provide a structure to ensure that local jurisdictions respond to youth in conflict with the law in a manner which is data-driven, strategic, and focused on serving youth, families and communities in the most effective ways possible. Unfortunately, very few jurisdictions in Illinois have developed councils that operate in the manner envisioned in the Act. In some communities, youth become involved in the juvenile justice system unnecessarily because alternatives do not exist, or are not embedded within the system decision-making process. Because the needs and resources are different in each community in Illinois, a one-size-fits-all approach is not likely to be very effective. Local councils are in the best position to craft solutions that meet the local community’s needs and take into account local resources. Empowering and supporting local juvenile justice councils can also stem the tide of racial and ethnic disparity in the juvenile justice system at the front door and help ensure that no youth enters the juvenile justice system unnecessarily. Such local ownership is the best way to ensure more effective long-term programming and sustained systemic change. This, in turn, will reduce the costs associated with incarcerating youth in correctional facilities, reduce rates of recidivism, reduce the number of crime victims, and ultimately create safer communities in Illinois. Juvenile Justice Youth Serving Programs: The federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) provides funding directly to states through its Title II Formula Grants Program (Title II) to support state and local delinquency prevention, intervention efforts and juvenile justice system improvements. These funds are used to help states implement comprehensive state juvenile justice plans based on detailed studies of needs in their jurisdictions. State Advisory Groups, comprised of members appointed by the governor, set priorities for funded activities. The State Advisory Group for Illinois, the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission (IJJC), administers the Title II funds. These funds support a broad range of juvenile justice activities at the state and local level that are designed to improve the juvenile justice system through the development of more effective education, training, research, prevention, diversion, treatment, and rehabilitation programs in the area of juvenile delinquency. These programs or projects can be designed to be developed, implemented and evaluated directly or through grants and contracts with public and private agencies. Title II also funds state and local activities designed to ensure and maintain the state's compliance with the Core Requirements of the JJDPA. • Deinstitutionalization of Status Offenders (DSO) • Adult Jail and Lock-Up Removal (Jail Removal) • "Sight and Sound" Separation • Address Racial and Ethnic Disparities (RED); In some communities, youth become involved in the juvenile justice system unnecessarily because alternatives do not exist or are not embedded within the system decision-making process. Because the needs and resources are different in each community in Illinois, a one-size-fits-all approach is not likely to be very effective. Local juvenile justice systems and community-based providers are in prime position to craft solutions and develop youth serving programs that meet the local community's needs and take into account local resources. Empowering and supporting local youth programming can also stem the tide of racial and ethnic disparity in the juvenile justice system at the front door and help ensure that no youth enters the juvenile justice system unnecessarily. Investing in local communities will reduce the costs associated with incarcerating youth in correctional facilities, reduce rates of recidivism, reduce the number of crime victims, and ultimately create safer communities in Illinois.

Community Development
Nonprofits
2024 Carl R. Hendrickson Family Foundation Grants
$50,000
Carl R. Hendrickson Family Foundation
Private

Application Deadline

Jun 1, 2024

Date Added

Apr 22, 2024

The Carl R. Hendrickson Family Foundation, established in 1991, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of educational, human services, and healthcare programs for underprivileged communities. With a deep-rooted Christian faith, the foundation offers special consideration to initiatives that not only cater to the basic needs of individuals but also embrace spiritual growth. Emphasizing innovative approaches, it provides financial support to organizations striving to make a significant impact through entrepreneurial methodologies. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 are available for either program or general operating support, with the condition that program support requests do not exceed 30% of the program's budget. Organizations with annual budgets under $10 million are eligible to apply. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: June 1st

Education
Nonprofits
Hospital Health Protection Grant Program (HHPGP-Equity25)
$9,000,000
Illinois Department of Public Health
State

Application Deadline

Aug 30, 2024

Date Added

Jul 26, 2024

The Hospital Health Protection Grant Program (HHPGP-Equity25) for State Fiscal Year 2025 provides funding to named safety-net hospitals in Illinois. The aim is to improve health equity, access to quality care, and reduce health disparities in underserved communities. Funding will support ordinary and contingent expenses for hospitals participating in the State’s Medicaid managed care program. The grant is authorized under the Safety-Net Hospital Health Equity and Access Leadership Grant Program. The total funding available is $71,430,640.00, with individual awards ranging from $646,600.00 to $9,000,000.00. Applications are due by August 30, 2024.

Health
Exclusive - see details
The Lake County Community Foundation Grant 2024
$10,000
The Lake County Community Foundation
Local

Application Deadline

Sep 6, 2024

Date Added

Aug 9, 2024

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.

Natural Resources
Nonprofits
2024 Highland Area Community Foundation Grant
Contact for amount
Highland Area Community Foundation
Private

Application Deadline

Jun 30, 2024

Date Added

May 9, 2024

Value: The Highland Area Community Foundation (H.A.C.F.) appears to be offering a grant for community-related projects. Applicants are required to submit a proposal narrative that includes a description of the organization's general purpose, objectives, and operational scope; a statement of the problem addressed; details on the purpose and expectations of the specific project for which funding is sought, including its relevance to community needs; a proposed program design; and a detailed project budget including other funding sources. Funds must be used specifically for the purpose stated in the grant award, and a progress report with photos is required within 12 months of receiving the award.

Community Development
Nonprofits
575 Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH)
$85,000
Illinois Human Services
State

Application Deadline

Jun 17, 2024

Date Added

May 24, 2024

Program Summary The PATH program is designed to reduce and/or eliminate homelessness for individuals who may be experiencing (SMI) serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders. Our goal is to ensure that individuals are connected to mainstream MH services and eventually transitioned into stable housing improve their health, and live a self-directed, purposeful life. Funding Priorities or Focus Areas • IDHS is working to counteract systemic racism and inequity, and to prioritize and maximize diversity throughout its service provision process. This work involves addressing existing institutionalized inequities, aiming to create transformation, and operationalizing equity and racial justice. It also focuses on the creation of a culture of inclusivity for all regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or ability. Project Description The Grantee will operate the Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) formula grant providing flexible, community-based services throughout the State of Illinois to address the needs of adults ages 18-65+ and families, with serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders, who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless. PATH links the population of individuals with serious mental illnesses (SMI)/co-occurring substance use disorders (COD), who experience persistent and pervasive health disparities, to mainstream and other supportive services. Collectively the PATH resources help individuals experiencing or at risk for homelessness with SMI/COD secure safe and stable housing, improve their health, and live a self-directed, purposeful life.

Law Justice and Legal Services
County governments
Rooted in Justice 2024-2025
$25,000
Cedar Tree Foundation
Private

Application Deadline

Oct 31, 2024

Date Added

Sep 27, 2024

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations that empower youth aged 12 to 20 through established, youth-led urban greening initiatives focused on social and environmental justice in select states.

Law Justice and Legal Services
Nonprofits
Non-Profit Security Program
$450,000
Illinois Emergency Mgt Agency
State

Application Deadline

Jun 1, 2024

Date Added

May 24, 2024

The Non-Profit Security Program, administered by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS), aims to support nonprofit organizations at high risk of terrorist or extremist attacks. The program provides funding for physical and cybersecurity enhancements and other security-related activities. The total program funding is $274,500,000 for FY 2024, with a maximum award of $150,000 per site and up to $450,000 per sub-applicant. Eligible applicants must apply through their State Administrative Agency (SAA), and applications are due by June 1, 2024, at 5 PM CDT. The program targets nonprofit organizations described under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, including those automatically exempt such as churches, mosques, and synagogues. The funding can be used for target-hardening activities like the purchase or installation of security equipment. Performance metrics focus on enhancing the protection of soft targets and crowded places through planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercises.

Safety
Nonprofits
Hospital Health Protection Grant Program (HHPGP-Sustain25)
$2,645,360
Illinois Department of Public Health
State

Application Deadline

Aug 30, 2024

Date Added

Jul 26, 2024

The Hospital Health Protection Grant Program (HHPGP-Sustain25) for State Fiscal Year 2025 provides funding to named safety-net hospitals in Illinois to support their sustainability. The aim is to preserve their operations and ensure continued provision of healthcare services, particularly for those participating in the State’s Medicaid managed care program. The grant is authorized under the Safety-Net Hospital Health Equity and Access Leadership Grant Program. The total funding available is $11,513,900.00, with individual awards ranging from $211,160.00 to $2,645,360.00. Applications are due by August 30, 2024.

Health
Exclusive - see details
Harry S. Black & Allon Fuller Fund Program
$2,600,000
Harry S. Black & Allon Fuller Fund
Private

Application Deadline

Jun 30, 2024

Date Added

May 15, 2024

The Harry S. Black & Allon Fuller Fund is seeking applications to support quality health care and human services programming for underserved populations. Donor Name: Harry S. Black & Allon Fuller Fund State: Illinois and New York City: Chicago, New York City Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The grantmaking focus is in the following areas: Health Care The Fund supports access to health care; health education; and health policy analysis and advocacy. Emphasis will be placed on programs serving low-income communities. Physical Disabilities The Fund supports access programs for physically disabled individuals; disability policy analysis and advocacy; workforce development programs; and programs that improve quality of life for the disabled. Program Types Health Human Services Criteria Applicant organizations must both serve and be geographically located within the city limits of New York City or Chicago. For more information, visit Bank of America.

Health
Nonprofits
515-RDSP Regions Deaf Special Program
$58,000
Illinois Human Services
State

Application Deadline

Jun 18, 2024

Date Added

May 24, 2024

Program Summary • The Grantee shall deliver mental health services to individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing or DeafBlind by utilizing a culturally affirmative approach. This approach will adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act. The culturally affirmative approach shall serve these populations in an individualized manner and shall provide any level of outpatient mental health service delivered by staff who directly provide such in the individual's language and communication mode. Additionally, these staff will exhibit a distinct knowledge base, specialized clinical skills, and specialized cultural linguistic skills. The service delivery may also include staff who exhibit a knowledge base in serving these minority populations and utilize reasonable accommodations for the individual's language needs and communication modes. The Grantee's staff providing mental health services may include case managers, therapists, counselors, and/or psychiatrists. The Grantee shall communicate in an accessible manner, by utilizing Video Phones, TTYs, licensed sign language interpreters and/or other reasonable accommodations according to the individual's needs. Funding Priorities or Focus Areas • IDHS is working to counteract systemic racism and inequity, and to prioritize and maximize diversity throughout its service provision process. This work involves addressing existing institutionalized inequities, aiming to create transformation, and operationalizing equity and racial justice. It also focuses on the creation of a culture of inclusivity for all regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or ability. Project Description • The Grantee must deliver mental health services to individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing or DeafBlind by utilizing a culturally affirmative approach. This approach will adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Each of these minority populations have unique cultural and linguistic needs, which are not exclusively homogeneous. Therefore, the culturally affirmative approach must serve these populations in an individualized manner. An individual who is Deaf, Hard of Hearing or DeafBlind, that is served by this grant funding, may reside or be originally from any county in Illinois. The cultural affirmative service delivery must provide any level of outpatient mental health service delivered by staff who directly provide such in the individual’s language and communication mode. Additionally, these staff will exhibit a distinct knowledge base, specialized clinical skills, and specialized cultural linguistic skills. The service delivery may also include staff who exhibit a knowledge base in serving these minority populations, and utilize reasonable accommodations for the individual’s language needs and communication modes. The Grantee’s staff providing mental health services may include, but are not limited to: case managers, therapists, counselors, and/or psychiatrists. The Grantee must communicate in an accessible manner, by utilizing Video Phones, TTYs, licensed sign language interpreters and/or other reasonable accommodations according to the individual’s needs. There are community networks across the state of Illinois that serve as a separate referral source for these populations. In these networks, information is communicated on how and where to access these services that are delivered in a cultural affirmative approach. The Grantee must serve as an embedded entity of these community networks as it relates to their cultural affirmative service delivery of mental health services. The Grantee’s staff will outreach, collaborate, and network across various service systems to effectively address these challenges. As part of this, the Grantee will assist individuals served in addressing the complex language, cultural, clinical, and administrative challenges when navigating the various service systems and their associated processes. Most often, these systems’ information is not readily accessible in the population’s native language and communication mode. Specifically, the Grantee’s staff will assist individuals in identifying and linking to other applicable providers, how to access their services, and/or apply for applicable benefits. Additionally, there is an absence of any evidence-based mental health treatment developed for or evaluated for use with these populations. The grantee must adapt evidence-based mental health treatment using an effective and culturally affirmative approach. This must include but is not limited to: consideration of the individual’s culture, community, beliefs, thinking and learning style, communication mode(s), and language needs. This funding is designated to support costs associated with cultural affirmative service delivery approach; the necessary outreach, networking, and collaboration necessary as an embedded entity providing for these populations; adaptation of evidence-based mental health treatment; and paying for licensed sign language interpreter services. The mental health services provided are billed to Healthcare and Family Services’ Illinois Medicaid as well as any of their associated Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). Therefore, the Grantee must also have certification as (Comprehensive) Community Mental Health Center (CMHC), as defined in Part 132, Subparts B and C.

Health
Nonprofits
2025 Disability Accessibility Improvement Grant
Contact for amount
Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to JU.S.tice (ATJ Commission)
State

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Sep 27, 2024

This grant provides funding to Illinois courts and related offices to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they can fully participate in court activities and receive necessary accommodations.

Law Justice and Legal Services
County governments
Hospital Health Protection Grant Program (HHPGP-24Extended25)
$2,000,000
Illinois Department of Public Health
State

Application Deadline

Aug 30, 2024

Date Added

Jul 26, 2024

The Hospital Health Protection Grant Program (HHPGP-24Extended25) for State Fiscal Year 2025 provides funding to named hospitals to support their ordinary and contingent expenses. The aim is to improve health equity, access to quality care, and reduce health disparities in underserved communities, in accordance with the Safety-Net Hospital Health Equity and Access Leadership Grant Program. The total funding available is $3,000,000.00, with individual awards ranging from $1,000,000.00 to $2,000,000.00. Applications are due by August 30, 2024.

Health
Exclusive - see details
AmeriCorps Southern Border Arrivals Assistance Corps
$3,000,000
Illinois Human Services
State

Application Deadline

Jun 12, 2024

Date Added

May 24, 2024

The mission of AmeriCorps is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic participation through service and volunteering. The following non-federal entities (all of which are defined in 2 CFR 200.1) are eligible to apply: - Indian Tribes - Institutions of higher education - Local governments, including school districts - Nonprofit organizations - State of Illinois agencies, departments, and commissions Organizations that propose to operate only in Illinois must apply through Serve Illinois Organizations that propose to operate AmeriCorps programs in more than one State or Territory must apply directly to AmeriCorps. Serve Illinois works under the leadership of the Commission of Volunteerism and Community Service to distribute and administer Illinois AmeriCorps State funding from AmeriCorps, the federal agency. AmeriCorps and Serve Illinois' legal authority to award these grants is found in the National and Community Service Act of 1990, as amended, (NCSA) (42 U.S.C. 12501 et seq.) Serve Illinois considers new cost reimbursement proposals from any eligible applicant, as defined above, to: - Assess the feasibility and fit to AmeriCorps with applicants’ ideas. - In close partnership and assistance from select Serve Illinois staff: develop internal controls, hire and train new staff and/or re-focusing and training existing staff, develop AmeriCorps specific policies and procedures, train in the areas of AmeriCorps member recruitment, enrollment, member supervision, and cost-reimbursement grant management. These various products will be developed in a structured, iterative process during the planning period using Serve Illinois’s Program Manual.

Social Advocacy
Nonprofits