Illinois Workforce Development 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 grant provides funding to support training programs for HVAC and plumbing supply chain manufacturers in St. Clair County, Illinois, aimed at enhancing workforce skills and job readiness.

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 funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that assist socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and very small businesses in Northern Illinois, helping them access capital and improve their financial readiness through legal, accounting, and advisory services.

This funding opportunity supports academic enrichment and youth development programs for students in high-poverty, low-performing schools during non-school hours, while also providing family literacy and educational support.

This program provides financial support to businesses looking to relocate or expand in Illinois, encouraging significant job creation and investment in key industries like life sciences and advanced manufacturing.

This funding opportunity supports community-based organizations and public entities in Illinois to develop and plan community solar projects that benefit low-income households and historically disadvantaged communities.

This initiative provides financial support to students in manufacturing and skilled trades programs at institutions near Dow facilities, helping them overcome financial barriers to complete their education and advance their careers.

This grant provides funding to local governments in Illinois for roadway improvements that facilitate job creation and retention by supporting new or expanding businesses.

This program provides financial support to Illinois-based companies in strategic sectors for job training initiatives that enhance employee skills and promote economic growth.

This program provides funding to support renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in Illinois, specifically targeting disadvantaged communities and organizations that serve them.

This program provides substantial funding to support the development of commercial, cultural, industrial, and mixed-use projects in Chicago, aimed at enhancing community infrastructure and services.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for healthcare programs that serve medically underserved communities in the Chicago area, prioritizing initiatives led by nurses.

This program provides training and job placement support in clean energy for individuals in Illinois Department of Corrections facilities who are nearing their release, helping them secure employment in the clean energy sector.

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.

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.

To ensure that employment & training programs are providing exceptional services to SNAP and TANF customers and their families in Illinois, E&T Training, Technical Assistance(E&T-TTA) is provided to community-based organizations, direct service workers, units of local government, system stakeholders, etc. in regard to Department program models, data collection systems, best practices in collaborative career planning, employability assessments, employment placement, education & training, trauma-informed motivational interviewing, principles and practices of racial equity and various other provider identified trainings and support activities. Additional E&T-TTA functions include an online resource center, networking activities, a training advisory group and the capacity to provide the staff support for various ad-hoc committees to ensure provider input related to program development and improvement activities.

The Jackson National Life Insurance Company (Jackson) offers Community grants aimed at strengthening families and increasing economic opportunities. These grants align with Jackson's mission to support non-profits that positively impact individual trajectories and provide stability for families. The program has two main focus areas: Economic Opportunities and Strong Families, reflecting the foundation's strategic priorities to build on stability and help break cycles of poverty and trauma. Under the Economic Opportunities focus, Jackson supports non-profits that provide access to finance, employment, and education. This includes initiatives related to Career Pathways and Job Skills, Financial Education and Coaching, and Homeownership and Wealth Building. The expected outcome is to change individual trajectories by providing the tools and resources necessary for financial independence and stability. While specific measurable results are not explicitly stated, the focus on tangible areas like job skills and homeownership implies a theory of change where targeted interventions lead to improved economic well-being. The Strong Families focus is dedicated to supporting non-profits that help families overcome generational poverty and trauma by addressing their most critical needs. This encompasses programs providing Emergency Shelter, Access to Food, Intervention and care after crisis, Resilient Parenting and accessible Childcare, and Youth Mentoring. The goal is to provide stability and support, leading to a break in cycles of poverty and trauma. The foundation's theory of change here is that by providing foundational support and care, families can achieve greater resilience and well-being. Jackson awards funding to local nonprofits in specific geographic areas, including Lansing, MI, Nashville, TN, and Chicago, IL, through a competitive grant process. The eligibility criteria emphasize support for 501(c)3 tax-exempt organizations, with specific restrictions against funding individuals, private foundations, certain health and disease-specific organizations, religious organizations (unless broadly accessible and free from religious orientation), and schools or school-affiliated sports teams/clubs. This highlights Jackson's commitment to partnering with established non-profits that align with their community-focused mission and strategic priorities.