Illinois Private Grants

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.

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.

This program provides funding to organizations in Illinois to develop and expand apprenticeship opportunities, particularly for underrepresented populations, by fostering collaboration among employers, educational institutions, and community organizations.

This grant opportunity from Grand Victoria Foundation is focused on supporting organizations in Elgin that are dedicated to inclusive civic engagement and high-functioning human services, education, and economic systems. The foundation awards Mission Grants to organizations meeting the needs of the community and Partnership and Collaboration Grants to those working with local institutions to bring about positive community change. Eligible organizations must be registered as a 501(c)(3) public charity or partnered with a fiscal sponsor, demonstrate high quality and impact, good governance and management, and fiscal health. The foundation does not fund individuals, political campaigns, religious purposes, or governmental entities. They welcome multi-year requests from organizations with which they have an existing or prior funding relationship and generally consider proposals for two-year grants. The application process begins with the submission of a Letter of Inquiry (LOI), which can be submitted throughout the year. Potential applicants are encouraged to review the program areas and eligibility requirements before completing the online LOI application. For more information about this grant opportunity and to begin your application, please visit: https://grandvictoriafoundation.givingdata.com/portal/campaign/gvfletterofinquiry

This grant provides funding for public art projects in Waukegan, Illinois, that promote cultural appreciation, artistic expression, and community engagement among its residents.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide stable housing and empower low- and moderate-income communities, focusing on vulnerable populations such as working families, youth, seniors, and veterans.

This grant provides $20,000 to filmmakers based in or connected to Chicago, supporting innovative and impactful storytelling that reflects the local community's diverse perspectives.

The Landmarks Illinois Banterra Bank Preserve Southern Illinois Grant Program is designed to support the preservation of historic properties for economic development purposes. This grant program, funded by Landmarks Illinois, aligns with the foundation's mission to protect and preserve valuable historic structures, particularly those facing significant threats. By focusing on commercial properties, the program aims to stimulate economic growth within Southern Illinois while ensuring the longevity of its architectural heritage. The primary beneficiaries of this program are owners of significant structures located near commercial corridors in the DCEO Southern Region of Illinois. Eligible applicants include commercial property owners, nonprofits, and governmental bodies who have legal control over the structure or site and possess the capacity to manage grant funds effectively. The impact goal is to empower these beneficiaries to undertake critical preservation work, contributing to both the cultural richness and economic vitality of their communities. The program prioritizes projects that benefit identified Eligible Structures and address critical preservation issues, with a strong emphasis on properties listed on the Most Endangered Historic Places list. The focus is specifically on preserving commercial properties to foster economic development. All preservation work funded through the program must adhere to the Secretary of Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, ensuring high-quality, historically sensitive interventions. Services covered by the grant include various stages of preservation, from studies and assessments to stabilization, rehabilitation, surveys, and nominations. Expected outcomes include the successful preservation of historic commercial properties, leading to their continued use and contribution to local economies. Measurable results will include the number of projects completed, the types of services rendered, and the overall impact on economic development within the targeted counties. The grants are awarded on a matching basis, ranging from $500 to $2,500, requiring applicants to demonstrate commitment through their own financial contributions. A follow-up report is required from all grant recipients to document the project's progress and outcomes, allowing Landmarks Illinois to assess the program's effectiveness and impact in line with its strategic priorities for historic preservation and community development.

This grant provides financial support to public agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations for the preservation and interpretation of historic sites along the Route 66 corridor, with a focus on underrepresented communities.

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.

This funding opportunity provides educators in Missouri and Illinois with financial support to acquire essential technology and equipment needed to enhance innovative teaching and improve student learning.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations focused on developing a skilled workforce in Illinois' clean energy sector, particularly for underserved communities.

This program provides financial and technical support to community investment vehicles and worker cooperatives in Chicago, enabling them to develop commercial real estate projects that empower local residents and promote equitable economic growth.

This grant provides funding to Illinois nonprofit organizations to create legal information centers and projects that help residents understand and navigate the legal system, particularly in areas like family law, housing, and immigration.

Arts Midwest is offering Cultural Sustainability: Equity-Based Operating Grants of up to $67,000 to small arts and culture organizations rooted in communities of color, providing general operating support for those with annual expenses up to $500,000 in selected states.

The Donaldson Foundation dedicates its efforts to making a positive impact in communities where Donaldson Company employees reside, focusing on supporting educational initiatives. It extends grant invitations exclusively to applications with an educational aim, scrutinizing each based on criteria such as educational focus, the need of beneficiaries, impact, sustainability, and connection to communities near company locations. Eligible recipients are required to be IRS-recognized tax-exempt entities. Funding is available in the Twin Cities and several U.S. locations where Donaldson has significant operations, with grants reaching up to $20,000. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Cycle 2 deadline: January 15th

The African American Legacy (AAL) is an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, dedicated to improving the quality of life for Black people throughout metropolitan Chicago. Led by Black civic and community leaders, AAL functions as a philanthropic and educational initiative, aligning with the Trust's broader mission of fostering community well-being. Its strategic approach is grounded in the philosophies of collective giving, community engagement, and grant-making, serving as a convener and catalyst to drive significant impact in Black communities. AAL's primary beneficiaries are Black-led and Black-serving community organizations that are responsive and rooted in their communities. The overarching impact goal is to empower and strengthen Black communities by addressing systemic challenges and promoting equitable opportunities. This is achieved by supporting organizations that educate and engage communities, and provide neighborhood-based services and solutions to community problems, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and thriving metropolitan Chicago. The program focuses on five key areas: Community and Civic Engagement, Mental Health, Wealth Creation, Arts and Sciences Education, and Environmental Justice. In Community and Civic Engagement, AAL supports work in leadership development, voting rights/access activism, and community organizing to dismantle anti-Black racism. For Mental Health, it backs organizations preparing providers or community members to deliver or advocate for mental health services, especially trauma-informed care, in response to the disproportionate stress burden on Black communities. Wealth Creation initiatives aim to build economic empowerment through financial literacy, entrepreneurship, workforce re-entry, and trade skills. Arts and Sciences Education supports academic enrichment in STEAM for Black children and young adults, fostering creativity. Finally, Environmental Justice focuses on protecting and advocating for the built/natural environment and ensuring communities of color are not disproportionately impacted by environmental hazards. AAL's theory of change posits that by supporting Black-led and Black-serving organizations working in these critical focus areas, it can drive measurable improvements in community well-being and dismantle anti-Black racism. Expected outcomes include increased civic participation, improved access to mental health services, enhanced economic stability, greater educational attainment in STEAM fields, and more equitable environmental conditions. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $20,000 for one year, with eligible organizations having annual operating budgets between $50,000 and $2,000,000. Eligibility also requires 501(c)(3) status, fiscal sponsorship, or governmental unit status.

The United Way of the Wabash Valley (UWWV) has announced a new grant opportunity through its Community Health (UWWV CH) and Youth Success (UWWV YS) Impact Councils. This initiative is designed to support projects that address the overall health of area youth. The program aligns with the UWWV's mission by investing in the well-being of the community's youngest members, fostering a healthier future for the Wabash Valley. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are children aged 6 to 18 (K-12) within the UWWV service area, which includes Clay, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion, and Vigo counties in Indiana, and Clark County in Illinois. The impact goal is to improve the mental, behavioral, and physical health and well-being of these youth. Programs are encouraged to take a holistic approach to health, with an emphasis on innovative solutions that can be implemented during the school year, summer 2025, or other out-of-school times. Priority will be given to programs that serve youth in outlying counties (Clay, Parke, Sullivan, and Vermillion in Indiana, and Clark in Illinois), demonstrate strong collaborations and partnerships among organizations, and integrate physical exercise with social/emotional well-being, mental health, life skills, and/or food and nutrition. The focus is on creating comprehensive programs that address multiple facets of youth health. The UWWV's strategic priorities are evident in the grant's emphasis on youth health and community collaboration. The theory of change suggests that by investing in innovative, holistic programs for youth, the UWWV can contribute to a healthier and more resilient community. Expected outcomes include improved mental, behavioral, and physical health among participants, enhanced life skills, and better nutritional habits. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, successful applicants would likely be expected to track participant engagement, improvements in health indicators, and the development of key skills. A total of $30,000 in funding is available, with individual applicants eligible to apply for $1,000 to $5,000, to be expended by August 31, 2025. This funding structure allows for a broad range of impactful projects. Eligible applicants include youth-serving organizations, school and civic organizations, businesses, local government entities (e.g., Parks Departments), faith-based organizations, and non-profit health services organizations. A key requirement for counseling, therapy, or life skills services is the provision of evidence that a licensed or certified counselor will perform these services in person, as virtual sessions will not be funded.

The Promise Grant program, supported by the DeKalb County Community Foundation, provides funding to charitable community organizations that serve underserved populations in DeKalb County. The program aims to inspire, educate, and empower individuals facing challenges related to ethnicity, immigration status, and abilities. The grant is funded by two funds: The Promise Fund-El Fondo de la Promesa and the Howard and Mildred Eychaner Fund. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations in DeKalb County, school districts, schools, education facilities, churches (non-religious programs), and municipal or governmental entities. Grant applications open on August 15 with an October 1 deadline. Funding decisions are typically made within one month of the deadline. The maximum grant amount is $5,000, with the typical grant amount being under $800. Projects that increase participation of underserved populations, develop leadership skills in marginalized populations, increase understanding and tolerance, raise educational levels, enhance quality of life, and address healthcare and affordable housing needs within DeKalb Township are prioritized. Religious purposes, advertising purchases, capital or operation debt reduction, political campaigns or attempts to influence legislative issues are generally not funded. Grantees must submit a final grant report upon completion of the project or purpose for which the grant was requested. Any modifications to the originally proposed project require advance written approval from the Community Foundation. The grant application can be accessed online at https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=dekalbcountyfoundation

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in DuPage, Kane, Lake, and McHenry counties in Illinois to support educational, healthcare, and human services programs for underserved children and individuals with disabilities.