Illinois Local Grants

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 assistance to new small businesses in Evanston, helping them cover essential operating costs and equipment expenses to foster job creation and sustainability.

This grant provides funding to local governments and nonprofit organizations to support affordable housing, homelessness prevention, and community development initiatives for low- and moderate-income residents in Waukegan and Lake County.

This program provides immediate financial assistance to nonprofit and public sector organizations in DeKalb County to address urgent community needs caused by unexpected events.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to local public agencies in Madison and St. Clair Counties, Illinois, for developing comprehensive plans focused on parks, recreation, and environmental management.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to municipalities, counties, and state entities in the St. Louis metropolitan area for various transportation infrastructure projects, including road improvements, bridge rehabilitation, and the development of bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

This program provides funding to local governments and qualified organizations in Madison and St. Clair Counties, Illinois, for the development and improvement of public parks, trails, and recreational facilities.

This program provides financial incentives to commercial property owners in Carbondale's BPR Primary Business District to convert unused upper stories into livable apartments, promoting urban revitalization.

This grant provides financial support for businesses and nonprofit organizations to develop and improve commercial and cultural spaces in underserved neighborhoods of Chicago.

This grant provides financial assistance to nonprofit organizations in McHenry County facing urgent, unexpected challenges that threaten their operations or mission.

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 provides financial support for small businesses and property owners in Chicago to make permanent improvements and repairs to their commercial and industrial properties.

This program provides federal funding to local governments, schools, nonprofits, and other eligible entities for projects that improve transportation options, safety, and environmental quality in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

The DeKalb County Community Foundation Promise Grants, ranging from $1000 to $10,000, aim to support charitable organizations in DeKalb County, Illinois, that empower underserved populations, with a focus on projects related to healthcare, affordable housing, and enhancing quality of life.

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 Community Foundation of the Quincy Area awards Community Grants to strengthen nonprofit services and enhance quality of life across a 12 county region in Illinois and Missouri. The program honors donor intent while supporting projects that meet needs and advance opportunities throughout the service area. Priority is given to proposals that enable unique, innovative, or proven solutions to community needs; make a significant impact on the overall request; expand or enhance mission delivery, especially for underserved or at risk populations; leverage community collaborations; and reach a significant number of residents across the region. Grants in 2024 will generally range from 1,000 to 7,500 dollars and may support programs, projects, or general operations as specified. Eligible applicants include registered 501(c)(3) organizations, units of government or municipalities for public or charitable purposes, and faith based organizations for community programs that do not promote or require religious doctrine. Projects must serve at least one of the following counties: Adams, Brown, Hancock, or Pike in Illinois and Clark, Knox, Lewis, Marion, Monroe, Pike, Ralls, or Shelby in Missouri. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the foundation’s process. Official details and instructions are available from the Community Foundation of the Quincy Area.

This program provides financial support to social equity-licensed cannabis businesses in Cook County to help cover startup and operational costs, prioritizing those in historically marginalized communities.

Will County has allocated $225,000 in grant funding to support early child care providers within the county. This grant program aims to enhance the quality of child care services by funding improvements in educational materials, physical environments, technology, and developmental support services. The program's mission aligns with fostering a robust early childhood education ecosystem, recognizing the critical role these providers play in child development and community well-being. The grant targets DCFS Licensed Childcare Providers located in Will County. Priority is given to providers serving specific populations, including children ages birth to five in Will County R3 Zones, those receiving Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) funds, children 0-5 years of age whose families speak English as a Second Language (ESL), children in the Early Intervention program, children with developmental or medical diagnoses, and children with active Individually Education Plans (IEP) in the public school system. The impact goal is to strengthen the capacity of these providers to offer high-quality care, particularly to vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to developmental and educational resources. The program prioritizes several key areas for funding. These include the acquisition of educational materials such as books, art supplies, and STEAM/STEM resources; improvements to the physical environment including safety, sanitation, furniture, and air/water filtration; technology upgrades for security systems, computer software for administrative tasks, and parent communication; and developmental supports like screening tools, consultant hiring, social-emotional program enhancements, and health screenings. The focus is on creating safe, stimulating, and technologically advanced environments that cater to the holistic developmental needs of young children. Expected outcomes include improved learning environments, enhanced safety and health standards, more efficient administrative processes, and increased access to specialized developmental support services for children. Measurable results will be seen through the implementation of new educational tools, upgraded facilities, advanced technology systems, and the provision of targeted developmental interventions. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the overall well-being and readiness for school of Will County's young children, thereby supporting the county's broader strategic priorities in early childhood development and community health.

This program provides funding and leadership opportunities for high school students in DeKalb County, Illinois, to engage in philanthropy and support initiatives that improve the quality of life for local youth.