Illinois Private Grants

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.

Multiplier Grants support projects that represent partnerships of a wider scope, place-based community-building efforts, and/or coalition or network building efforts. Donor Name: Illinois Humanities State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Nonprofit organizations carrying out partnerships and collaborations with other nonprofits, humanities groups, or directly with their audience or community are candidates for this project-based grant. From projects that impact under-funded, under-served communities, to telling stories of forgotten history, these initiatives champion collaboration in the public humanities. Partnering with organizations in this work helps us all to make valuable connections for the humanities throughout Illinois. Preference goes toward projects that impact under-funded, under-served communities, and toward telling stories of forgotten or uncovered history and themes.  Funding Information Up to $10,000 Eligibility Criteria Must be a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization or have a fiscal sponsor Organizations or projects must be Illinois-based The project must be rooted in the humanities Priority given to organizations with an annual budget of $1 million or less Applicants can have an open Activate History, Vision, Action, General Operating, Envisioning Justice, or Foreground Rural Initiative grant Buy-in by all partners before submitting a proposal is a must. Preference will go toward initiatives that impact under-funded, under-served communities. For more information, visit Illinois Humanities.

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 accepting grant applications to fund local non-profits fighting to end hunger. Donor Name: CHIditarod Foundation State: Illinois County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Opens 2025 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The CHIditarod is offering two distinct funding opportunities this year:  The CHIditarod Program Development Grant  The CHIditarod Infrastructure Investment Grant Eligibility Criteria Operates programs focusing on: Innovative educational opportunities Building partnerships with other organizations and policy-relevant leaders engaged in local issues Health nutrition or creative work on some aspect of food Innovation to address challenges to food access and availability Is recognized by the IRS as 501(c)(3) organization, or has a written agreement of fiscal sponsorship from a 501(c)(3) organization Operates in Northern Illinois Is in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State Is registered with the Illinois Attorney General For more information, visit CHIditarod Foundation.

Microgrants support individuals and small organizations that invite the public to experience collections of local and regional history. Donor Name: Illinois Humanities State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/03/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: From archives and texts to stories and photography, they support stewards of history so that they can teach and enlighten their communities and impart the value of archives. Funding Information Grants awards are $750. Optional Accessibility Fund: An additional stipend of up to $250 for services such as American Sign Language interpretation or captioning to help make events more accessible to everyone. Optional Media Fund: An additional stipend of up to $100 for services such as documentation, photography, videography, etc.  Eligibility Criteria  Any individual, nonprofit organization, or public institution (e.g., school, government institution, library, museum, or church) can apply. The applicant, the history you are engaging with, or the audience engaged should be focused in Illinois. Priority is given to organizations with annual budgets of less than $400,000. For more information, visit Illinois Humanities.

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 Waukegan Arts Council (WAC) is currently accepting applications for the 2024 Public Art Grant program to promote art in Waukegan. Donor Name: Waukegan Arts Council State: Illinois City: Waukegan Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Grants will be awarded to projects which support high quality public art experiences, encourage artistic expression, energize public participation, and promote cultural appreciation for diverse community. Preference will be given to applicants who show multiple sources of funding. Ongoing or repeat events should demonstrate an ability to continue independent of grant funds. Funding Information WAC 2024 grant program is $5000. The project must take place between June 15, 2024 and June 14, 2025. Eligibility Criteria Projects must take place within the City of Waukegan. The project must primarily benefit residents of Waukegan. The proposed project must encourage artistic awareness, public participation, and/or cultural arts appreciation. The application must provide evidence of artistic merit. The application must include a detailed budget for the project which is complete and accurate, which specifies how the grant fund will be used and which allocates adequate resources to the project. The project must recognize the support of the Waukegan Arts Council. Letters of recommendation are encouraged but not required. For more information, visit WAC.

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.

Grant Name: Landmarks Illinois Banterra Bank Preserve Southern Illinois Grant Program Donor: Landmarks Illinois State: Illinois County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Grant Size: $500 to $2,500 Details: - Projects must benefit identified Eligible Structures and preservation issues, with priority given to those on the Most Endangered Historic Places list. - Projects must be for preserving commercial properties for economic development. - Preservation work should conform to the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. - Services covered include studies, assessments, stabilization, rehabilitation, surveys, and nominations. Funding Information: - Grants are awarded on a matching basis ranging from $500 to $2,500 based on project need. Eligibility Criteria: - Eligible beneficiaries are owners of significant structures near a commercial corridor in the DCEO Southern Region. - Commercial property owners, nonprofits, or governmental bodies are eligible applicants with legal control of the structure or site and capacity to manage grant funds prudently. A follow-up report is required.

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.