Illinois Private Grants

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.

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

This funding opportunity provides financial support to educational institutions and organizations to develop programs that prepare students for careers in the clean energy sector, focusing on skills development and workforce readiness.

This program provides funding to local organizations in Iroquois County to enhance their existing food, shelter, and emergency assistance services for individuals and families in need.

Illinois Humanities is accepting applications for its Action Grants, which are designed to support projects that delve into the digital humanities, introduce innovative audience engagement techniques, and cultivate new and diverse audiences. These grants align with Illinois Humanities' broader mission to foster public humanities work and promote civic engagement throughout the state. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are Illinois-based nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations or those with a fiscal sponsor. Priority is given to smaller organizations with an annual budget of $1 million or less, aiming to empower a wider range of community-based initiatives. The impact goal is to stimulate more risk-taking, experimental, and engaging public humanities work, ultimately enriching the cultural landscape of Illinois. The program prioritizes projects that are deeply rooted in the humanities, including various media projects such as oral history, filmmaking, journalism, and storytelling. This focus ensures that the funded initiatives contribute to a deeper understanding and appreciation of human culture, history, and values. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of projects that explore digital humanities, engage new audiences, and apply innovative techniques. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the project's successful execution, the emphasis on "engaging public humanities work" suggests an outcome of increased public participation and appreciation for humanities-based initiatives. The maximum funding available per project is up to $4,000. Organizations cannot have an open Vision, Action, or General Operating grant to be eligible.

The Operations and Program Grant program by the Quad Cities Community Foundation aims to provide essential general operating or program support to successful ongoing efforts. This initiative aligns with the Community Foundation’s strategic commitment to effective grantmaking practices by offering flexible and reliable funding. A key aspect of this alignment is the preference given to general operating support requests, acknowledging their crucial role in the long-term success of nonprofit organizations. The program allows for both one-year and two-year funding requests, enabling organizations to secure stable support for their critical work. The program targets nonprofit organizations located in Scott County, IA, or Rock Island County, IL. Organizations outside these counties but within a 60-mile radius of Rock Island, IL, are eligible for funding from the Amy Helpenstell Foundation Fund only. The program's impact goals are broad, covering various fields of interest including Animals & Environment, Arts & Culture, Community Development, Education, Health, and Youth Development. By supporting these diverse areas, the Community Foundation aims to address a wide range of community needs and foster overall well-being in the Quad Cities region. The Operations and Program Grant program prioritizes several key areas. Preference is given to applications seeking general operating support and those supporting existing successful organizations or programs. The program also focuses on organizations and programs that meet an identified community need in at least one of the six fields of interest, demonstrate effectiveness in achieving their goals, and strongly contribute to overall success. Furthermore, a significant focus is placed on organizations that advance racial and other forms of equity in the Quad Cities region through their actions and leadership, and those with a track record of success and positive community impact. Expected outcomes include enhanced organizational stability and effectiveness for nonprofits, improved community well-being across various sectors, and the advancement of equity in the Quad Cities region. Measurable results are tied to the effectiveness of programs, the achievement of organizational goals relative to dollars used, and the demonstrated positive community impact. The Community Foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are evident in its commitment to flexible and reliable funding, its focus on general operating support, and its emphasis on supporting established, successful initiatives that address identified community needs and promote equity. Each fund within the program maintains its original purposes and donor intent, ensuring that grants are awarded in alignment with specific areas such as risk management, arts and culture, or youth development.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is offering the 2024 Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) to advance pollinator conservation. The core mission of this fund is to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators. This aligns with NFWF’s broader Monarch Butterfly Business Plan, indicating a strategic, long-term commitment to these species. The fund aims to support both technical assistance for private working lands and direct habitat improvement projects. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include monarch butterflies and other at-risk native insect pollinator species, such as the rusty patched bumble bee, Franklin’s bumble bee, Karner blue butterfly, Dakota skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, and Mitchell’s satyr. The program also indirectly benefits private landowners, farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners, especially those in Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories, by providing resources and incentives for conservation practices on their lands. The overall impact goal is to significantly enhance the quality, quantity, and connectivity of pollinator habitat across eligible states. The Pollinator Fund has two main categories of focus. The first is Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands, which prioritizes increasing voluntary engagement of private landowners in conservation practices through staff resources and targeted outreach for Farm Bill programs like CSP and EQIP. The second category, Habitat Improvement, focuses on on-the-ground restoration and enhancement of pollinator habitat, emphasizing regionally appropriate milkweed and diverse native nectar plants, as well as increasing the supply of native seeds and seedlings. These priorities align with NFWF's strategic goal of fostering sustainable ecosystems through direct habitat restoration and incentivizing private land stewardship. Expected outcomes and measurable results are central to this program. All proposals must demonstrate how they will directly and measurably contribute to the Pollinator Fund's goals, specifically by providing the number of acres restored or enhanced. A minimum of 100 acres in California or 500 acres in all other eligible states must be restored or enhanced. Historically, successful projects have averaged 2,120 acres, indicating a substantial scale for expected impact. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial assistance and technical support, and by focusing on key geographical areas and species, NFWF can effectively reverse declines in monarch and other native pollinator populations, thereby contributing to broader ecosystem health and biodiversity. The total funding of up to $5.1 million in 2024, contributed by a diverse group of partners, underscores the collaborative and impactful nature of this strategic initiative.

The Lumpkin Family Foundation’s **Land, Health, Community (LHC) Grant Program** serves as its core philanthropic initiative, advancing the family’s long-standing commitment to holistic community well-being in East Central Illinois. At least half of the foundation’s annual grantmaking is directed to this region, with a focus on fostering prosperity, health, leadership, and environmental stewardship. Through the LHC program, the foundation seeks to nurture communities that are economically strong, physically and mentally healthy, socially engaged, and environmentally conscious—each element reinforcing the others to create long-term resilience and vitality. A central vision of the program is to strengthen local food systems and agricultural economies while supporting residents’ physical and mental health. The foundation encourages projects that promote access to healthy, affordable food, strengthen local farm businesses, and integrate sustainable land use practices. Equally important is the cultivation of social cohesion and civic capacity—empowering communities to collaborate on shared goals, retain talent, and attract new opportunities. The emphasis on leadership development and collaborative problem-solving underscores the foundation’s belief in community-driven progress. In response to growing awareness of mental health challenges, the Lumpkin Family Foundation has expanded the LHC program to include **nature-based mental wellness initiatives**. These efforts support programs that demonstrate the connection between engagement with nature and improved mental well-being. Priority is given to projects that help youth and young adults reduce screen time through outdoor experiences, provide self-care opportunities for mental health practitioners, and create healing environments for trauma-impacted individuals such as foster youth. The foundation recognizes the strong research-based link between time spent in nature and improvements in happiness, social connectedness, and emotional balance. Successful proposals often integrate multiple LHC focus areas, combining personal health, environmental stewardship, agricultural innovation, and mental wellness. The foundation particularly values programs that promote sustainable farming, develop green practices that add productivity while protecting the land, and build community capacity through education and collaboration. Preference is given to rural organizations and those located in **Coles County** and surrounding areas, reflecting the foundation’s deep roots in East Central Illinois. Through the Land, Health, Community Grant Program, the Lumpkin Family Foundation continues to invest in the long-term vitality of its home region. By uniting efforts in agriculture, health, the environment, and mental wellness, the program fosters communities that are not only economically stable but also socially vibrant and emotionally healthy—a living model of the foundation’s belief in the interdependence of land, people, and place.

The Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln is inviting nonprofit organizations to apply for its Community Grants Program. This program aims to support charitable initiatives within specific geographic limitations, aligning with the Foundation's mission to strengthen the communities in the Land of Lincoln. The grant program seeks to fund projects that address community needs and enhance the quality of life for residents within the designated counties. The target beneficiaries for this program are the residents of Cass, Christian, Logan, Macoupin, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, and Sangamon Counties in Illinois. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, faith-based organizations (provided proposals benefit all regardless of religion and are not religious in nature), public or private schools (for projects exceeding their budget funding), and some government entities or municipalities. The program focuses on supporting a wide array of community-benefiting projects. While specific impact goals and expected outcomes are not explicitly detailed in terms of measurable results, the program's general objective is to foster community improvement and address local challenges. The funding information indicates multiple grant awards of up to $5,000 each, implying a strategy to support various smaller-scale projects that collectively contribute to broader community well-being. The selection criteria suggest a priority for well-structured proposals from eligible organizations that demonstrate a clear benefit to the community. The Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this program, appear to center on broad community support and capacity building for local organizations. By offering grants to a diverse range of entities, the Foundation likely aims to create a ripple effect of positive change across the specified counties. The theory of change seems to be that by providing financial resources to local organizations, these organizations can then effectively implement programs and services that directly benefit the community, thereby contributing to the overall strength and vitality of the Land of Lincoln.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust's grant program aims to enhance the quality of life for companion animals and native wildlife. This mission aligns with the foundation's core belief in supporting innovative projects that go beyond basic care, providing long-term benefits for animals today and in the future. The trust focuses on helping organizations deliver an enhanced quality of life for homeless and abused companion animals. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include homeless and abused companion animals, native wildlife, and owned companion animals in under-resourced urban/rural areas or those owned by socially vulnerable populations. Impact goals include increasing successful adoptions, improving staff and volunteer care delivery, promoting humane education, enhancing access to medical care, and controlling pet and feral animal populations through spay/neuter initiatives. The program prioritizes several key areas: animal adoption, behavior training, and fostering; continuing education and training for staff and volunteers; humane and wildlife education; medical care, rehabilitation, and wellness care for animals; pet and feral animal population control through spay/neuter; equipment directly benefiting animals; and other animal care initiatives that celebrate the human-animal bond. Preferred projects include non-capital means of expanding shelter capacity, opportunities for staff and volunteer development, school and community programs addressing humane care, and assistance for owned pets from under-resourced households. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increased successful adoptions, improved delivery of care by staff and volunteers, enhanced community understanding of animal welfare, better access to medical care for vulnerable animal populations, and a reduction in unwanted pet populations. The foundation's strategic priorities are centered on supporting initiatives that lead to a high quality of life for individual animals and significant improvements for large numbers of animals. Their theory of change is that by funding innovative projects and supporting eligible organizations, they can foster better humane care, improve animal well-being, and address critical issues such as overpopulation and lack of access to care, ultimately creating a more compassionate environment for animals.

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 Route 66 Black Experiences Grant Program provides direct grant awards to African-American owned/operated businesses and attractions along Route 66, and funding to support research and programs designed to tell the stories of Black experiences related to Route 66. The program, celebrating the Route 66 Centennial, aims to help Black-owned businesses and attractions stay in operation, reopen, and expand, while also supporting research and storytelling efforts related to Black experiences on Route 66. Eligible applicants include Black-owned/operated businesses located along Route 66 with fewer than 20 employees. The 2024 grant round offers a total of $50,000 in awards, with applications due by July 14, 2024, and awards announced the week of August 5, 2024.

Illinois Humanities' Multiplier Grants program supports project-based partnerships that foster broader community engagement, place-based community building, and coalition or network development within Illinois. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to strengthen the humanities throughout the state by championing collaboration and making valuable connections. The program emphasizes that buy-in from all partners is crucial before proposal submission, underscoring a strategic priority for collaborative efforts that amplify the impact of humanities work. The grants target nonprofit organizations, including those with a fiscal sponsor, that are based in Illinois and have projects rooted in the humanities. Priority is given to organizations with an annual budget of $1 million or less, ensuring support for smaller entities that may have limited access to funding. The primary beneficiaries are under-funded and under-served communities, as well as those whose histories and stories are often overlooked or forgotten. The program aims to empower these communities through humanities initiatives, fostering a more inclusive and representative understanding of Illinois's diverse heritage. The program's priorities and focuses include projects that impact under-funded, under-served communities and initiatives that tell stories of forgotten or uncovered history and themes. These preferences reflect Illinois Humanities' strategic priorities to address historical inequities and promote public access to humanities scholarship and programming. The foundation's theory of change likely centers on the belief that by supporting collaborative, community-driven humanities projects, they can foster stronger community bonds, enhance cultural understanding, and create a more equitable and engaged citizenry across Illinois. Expected outcomes include increased collaboration among nonprofits and humanities groups, greater community engagement with humanities topics, and the successful telling of diverse historical narratives. Measurable results could include the number of partnerships formed, the reach of the projects within targeted communities, and the creation of new humanities content or programs. The grants, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 (up to $10,000), provide vital financial support for these endeavors, enabling organizations to implement impactful projects that align with the foundation's vision for a vibrant and accessible humanities landscape in Illinois.

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.

This grant provides financial support and professional opportunities to contemporary visual artists in select regions, helping them advance their careers and gain exposure in the art community.

This program provides financial support to educators in Boone and Winnebago Counties to fund innovative projects that enhance the quality of education for students from Early Childhood through Grade 12.

The CHIditarod Foundation is actively accepting grant applications to support local non-profit organizations dedicated to combating hunger. Their mission is deeply aligned with fostering innovative solutions and strengthening community resources to address food insecurity. The foundation provides two distinct funding opportunities: The CHIditarod Program Development Grant and The CHIditarod Infrastructure Investment Grant, both designed to empower organizations working towards a hunger-free community. The grants target non-profits operating in Northern Illinois that are recognized as 501(c)(3) organizations or have fiscal sponsorship from one. These organizations should be in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State and registered with the Illinois Attorney General. The ultimate impact goal is to create a more food-secure environment within these communities. The foundation prioritizes programs that focus on a range of critical areas. These include innovative educational opportunities, building strong partnerships with other organizations and policy-relevant leaders engaged in local issues, and initiatives centered around health, nutrition, or creative work on various aspects of food. A key focus is on innovation that addresses challenges related to food access and availability, ensuring that creative and effective solutions are brought to the forefront. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the foundation's strategic priorities implicitly aim for improved food access, enhanced nutritional outcomes, and strengthened community capacity to address hunger. By supporting program development and infrastructure, the CHIditarod Foundation operates on a theory of change that by investing in innovative and collaborative local efforts, significant strides can be made in eradicating hunger and fostering sustainable solutions within Northern Illinois.

The Illinois Humanities Microgrants program supports individuals and small organizations that engage the public with local and regional history collections. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to foster an appreciation for the humanities and historical understanding within communities. By providing financial assistance, Illinois Humanities empowers stewards of history to educate and enlighten their communities, emphasizing the value of archives, texts, stories, and photography. The target beneficiaries include individuals, nonprofit organizations, and public institutions such as schools, government institutions, libraries, museums, and churches. The program prioritizes applicants, historical content, or audiences focused within Illinois, with a particular emphasis on organizations having annual budgets less than $400,000. The impact goal is to strengthen historical engagement and education at the local level, ensuring that diverse communities have opportunities to connect with and learn from their past. The program's priorities and focuses revolve around supporting grassroots efforts to bring history to the public. It provides grants of $750, with optional additional stipends: up to $250 for accessibility services like ASL interpretation or captioning, and up to $100 for media services such as documentation and photography. These optional funds highlight the program's commitment to inclusive access and effective dissemination of historical knowledge, reflecting a strategic priority to make history broadly available and engaging. Expected outcomes include an increase in public programs and events that utilize local and regional history collections, enhanced community engagement with historical narratives, and greater accessibility for diverse audiences. Measurable results could include the number of events supported, audience attendance, and the adoption of accessibility and media documentation practices. This program serves as a practical application of Illinois Humanities' strategic goal to support community-driven humanities projects and their theory of change, which posits that by empowering local actors, historical understanding and civic engagement will flourish.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to dairy farms and processing facilities in select Midwestern states to promote product development, diversification, and value-added dairy innovations.

The Eastside Arts Initiative (EAI) is a grant-making program administered by LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes (LA Plaza). Its core mission is to support arts initiatives and foster collaborations to advance the arts specifically within eastern Los Angeles County. This aligns directly with LA Plaza's broader goal of promoting culture and arts within the community. The EAI aims to play a crucial role in enhancing the arts landscape of Eastern LA County by providing funding for visual, literary, and performance arts programs, while also nurturing local artists and arts organizations to create innovative work. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are individual artists and arts organizations serving communities in Eastern LA County. This includes areas such as Westlake/Rampart/Downtown LA to East L.A., Northeast LA to the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys, and the Southeast LA/Gateway communities. The impact goals are centered around filling arts/cultural needs, fostering long-lasting value, and opening pathways to opportunities in the visual and performing arts for these communities and their residents. By supporting local artists and organizations, the EAI seeks to strengthen the artistic infrastructure and provide enriching cultural experiences. Funding priorities for the EAI grants are based on a competitive process, evaluating proposals on several key merits. These include Significance, where the program must address a community arts/cultural need and demonstrate long-lasting value; Distinction/Innovation, emphasizing creative and unique concepts; Approach, requiring well-thought-out implementation and outreach plans; Suitability, ensuring realistic budgets and goals; and EAI Partner, focusing on programs that further the arts in Eastern LA County and create opportunities. These priorities collectively guide the selection of projects that are most likely to achieve the EAI's objectives and generate a positive impact. The EAI expects several measurable outcomes from its grants. Successful programs should demonstrate how they fill an arts/cultural need and have long-lasting value in the community. They should also showcase creative and innovative concepts, along with well-executed implementation and outreach plans. Grants range from $2,500 to $10,000 for individual artists (requiring a fiscal agent) and $10,000 to $25,000 for 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organizations. The total funding available for this cycle is up to $150,000. Expected results include increased participation in the arts, development of innovative creative work, and strengthened arts organizations within the targeted communities. All grants must be utilized within one year of award, with closing reports due two months after program conclusion, ensuring accountability and measurable progress.