Illinois Private Grants

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

African American Legacy (AAL), an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, is a philanthropic and educational initiative led by Black civic and community leaders who share the common goal of improving the quality of life among Black people throughout metropolitan Chicago. Donor Name: The Chicago Community Trust State: Illinois County: Chicago County (IL), Cook County (IL), DuPage County (IL), Kane County (IL), Lake County (IL), McHenry County (IL), Will County (IL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/13/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: AAL engages leaders in philanthropy, collectively and individually, and provides support to nonprofit organizations that work at the community level to educate and engage communities, and to provide neighborhood-based services and solutions to address community problems. Grounded in the philosophies of collective giving, community engagement and grant making, AAL serves as a convener and catalyst to promote significant impact in Black communities through the organizations that it supports. Focus Areas AAL will support Black-led and Black-serving community organizations working in the following areas: Community and Civic Engagement They seek to support organizations doing work in the areas of leadership development, voting rights/access activism, and community organizing that actively dismantles anti-Black racism, and uplifts, empowers, and strengthens Black communities. Mental Health They seek to support organizations that prepare providers or community members to deliver or advocate for a broad range of mental health services, including trauma-informed care, and in doing so actively respond to the disproportionate burden of stress on Black people and Black communities due to employment instability, financial strain, family stress, trauma, and gun violence. Wealth Creation They seek to support organizations that are working to build wealth in and economically empower Black communities through financial management and literacy, entrepreneurship, workforce re-entry, and trade skills and training initiatives. Arts and Sciences Education They seek to support organizations that spur creativity and imagination and/or provide academic enrichment assistance to Black children and young adults in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). Environmental Justice They seek to support organizations that seek to protect, monitor, advocate for, or provide access to the built/natural environment or nature. These organizations might also work to ensure that people and communities of color are not disproportionately impacted by exposure to pollution and toxins, lack of access to clean water and air, or inadequate waste management. Funding Information Average AAL grants for 2024 will range in size between $10,000 to $20,000 based on the scope of the grantees’ general operations or project-based needs. Eligible organizations must have current and prior year annual operating budgets that are not less than $50,000 and not more than $2,000,000. Project Period Grants are for one year. Eligibility Criteria Eligible organizations are Black-led and Black-serving, responsive and rooted in community, and whose work is focused in one of the five programmatic areas are eligible to apply. To be eligible for a grant award, an applicant must be: A nonprofit organization with evidence that it (a) has been recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as an organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code; (b) is fiscally sponsored by a Section 501(c)(3) organization; (c) or is a governmental unit within the meaning of Section 170(c)(1) of the Code; and Described in Section 170(b)(1)(A) of the Code, other than a “disqualified supporting organization” within the meaning of Section 4966(d)(4) of the Code. Sponsored organizations without 501(c)(3) status clearly identify their fiscal sponsor and have the sponsoring agent complete an Organizational Profile in Grant Central prior to submitting a full request for funding. For more information, visit The Chicago Community Trust.

The United Way of the Wabash Valley has issued a new grant opportunity through their Community Health (UWWV CH) and Youth Success (UWWV YS) Impact Councils that are focused on projects that will address the overall health of area youth. Donor Name: United Way of the Wabash Valley State: Illinois, Indiana County: Clark County (IL), Clay County (IN), Parke County (IN), Sullivan County (IN), Vermillion County (IN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: In particular, they are looking for projects that will improve the mental, behavioral, and physical health and well-being of children ages 6 to 18 (K-12). The UWWV CH and YS councils are seeking proposals for innovative programs that address the overall health of the youth participants. Programs may be conducted during the school year, summer 2025, or another out-of-school time. Proposed projects can take a variety of approaches to addressing the overall health of students with a more holistic approach. Priority will be given to programs that show the following attributes: Program serves youth in outlying counties: Clay, Parke, Sullivan, and Vermillion counties in Indiana, and Clark County in Illinois. Programs form collaborations/partnerships among organizations. Physical exercise is integrated with one or more of the following: social/emotional well-being, mental health, life skills, and food and nutrition. Funding Information The UWWV has made available a total of $30,000 in funding to be provided to eligible qualifying applicants. Applicants may apply for $1,000 to $5,000 to be expended by August 31, 2025. Eligibility Criteria The following groups within the UWWV service area (Clay, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion and Vigo counties in Indiana and Clark County in Illinois) are invited to submit proposals: Youth-serving organizations, school organizations, and/or civic organizations Businesses, Local government entities (e.g. Parks Department) Faith-based organizations, committees/groups and/or ministries Non-profit health services organizations If counseling/therapy/life skills services are proposed, evidence that a licensed or certified counselor is performing the services must be provided. Services must be conducted in person. Virtual sessions will not be funded. For more information, visit UWWV.

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.

The Forecast Public Art’s Midwest Memory Grant, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, is open to non-profit organizations in rural Midwest communities, aiming to elevate and preserve the stories of BIPOC communities through monuments, with a focus on addressing systemic inequities and advancing racial justice.

This funding opportunity provides matching grants to public charities and local government agencies in DuPage County, Illinois, to support creative public art projects that enhance the community's cultural landscape.

The Harry S. Black & Allon Fuller Fund is seeking applications to support quality health care and human services programming for underserved populations. Donor Name: Harry S. Black & Allon Fuller Fund State: Illinois and New York City: Chicago, New York City Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The grantmaking focus is in the following areas: Health Care The Fund supports access to health care; health education; and health policy analysis and advocacy. Emphasis will be placed on programs serving low-income communities. Physical Disabilities The Fund supports access programs for physically disabled individuals; disability policy analysis and advocacy; workforce development programs; and programs that improve quality of life for the disabled. Program Types Health Human Services Criteria Applicant organizations must both serve and be geographically located within the city limits of New York City or Chicago. For more information, visit Bank of America.

Applications are now being accepted for the Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship Grant Program. Donor Name: Illinois Department of Natural Resources State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship Grant Program provides grants to Conservation Land Trusts to Increase stewardship on dedicated Illinois Nature Preserves and registered Land and Water Reserves, and Increase stewardship capacity within Conservation Land Trusts. Funding for this grant program is derived from the Illinois Natural Areas Acquisition Fund (NAAF) and must be used by the Department of Natural Resources for the acquisition, protection, and stewardship of natural areas, including habitats for endangered and threatened species (Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Act, 525 ILCS 35/14). The Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship Grant Program was established to make grants to conservation land trusts for the purpose of promoting stewardship actions on eligible lands. The goal of the grant program is to increase the delivery of much needed stewardship activities to natural areas protected within the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission (INPC) system. Stewardship needs on natural areas throughout the state have continued to outpace the ability to deliver these services by individuals, volunteers, organizations, and government agencies. This grant program is designed to fund projects that immediately address this deficiency and begin to expand on the stewardship capacity of conservation land trusts through grants that will expand their staff and equipment for these activities. Funding Information Grant Amount: Up to $100,000. What types of projects are eligible for grants? All projects must be on eligible lands. This includes Illinois Nature Preserves, dedicated buffers, and Land and Water Reserves. Project sites must have a current and approved management schedule and must be either owned by the applicant or there must be an executed agreement between the Conservation Land Trust and the property owner. Eligible expenses include: Stewardship Activities Contractual Services Purchase or Rental of Necessary Equipment Staff Time (excluding fringe/benefits) Indirect Costs. Eligible Applicants  Conservation Land Trusts exempt from taxation under Section 501 (c) (3) of the federal Internal Revenue Code and include in its purposes the restoration and stewardship of land for conservation purposes. For more information, visit DNR.

The Skokie Community Foundation (SCF) seeks to invest in organizations and projects that are poised to make a difference in the lives of Skokie residents and strengthen the community beyond the grant period. Donor Name: Skokie Community Foundation State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/04/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Skokie Community Foundation (SCF) places particular priority on proposals that: Use a Collective Impact model, which is a network of community members, organizations, and institutions who advance equity by learning together, aligning, and integrating their actions to achieve population and systems level change.  Bring about unity in diversity and emphasize the importance of breaking down barriers, building relationships, and working toward a shared vision of unity and mutual respect and understanding in the Skokie community. Grant Period Grants will be made for one year for the period of January 1 through December 31, 2025. Type of Grant Program: Applications may be based upon new initiatives, pilot projects, or continuing improvements to projects that have shown long-term, positive impact. Funding: SCF typically funds grants in the amount of $5,000. Proposals may requestup to $10,000. Areas of Funding: Preference will be given to proposals that directly address how the project will benefit Skokie residents in areas of clearly identified needs. SCF fosters a supportive, engaged and dynamic community in Skokie through meaningful giving, collaboration and community programming. Eligibility Criteria  Each proposal must be submitted by at least two organizations working together to benefit Skokie residents. Each organization must submit a joint written statement (which can be brief) detailing that each organization jointly supports the project, and detailing their responsibilities or how they will support the proposed project. One of the co-applicants must be a 501(c)(3) organization, a school, or a government entity or must have a fiscal sponsor that qualifies as a tax-exempt organization under Sec. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All proposals must address issues, concerns and/or opportunities for Skokie and its residents. Proposals must primarily benefit Skokie residents and the majority of those benefiting must be Skokie residents. Applicants need not be based in Skokie. Evaluation Criteria SCF will evaluate proposals according to the following criteria: Does the proposal address a significant concern, need, or opportunity in Skokie? Can it be scaled? Does the proposal clearly show how the grant will be used to foster collaboration between organizations to make a positive change in Skokie that would not otherwise occur? Does the proposal address the role to be played by each co-applicant, the qualifications of each co-applicant, and the division of responsibilities between each co-applicant? If applicable, does the proposal address the recruitment of participants from Skokie? Is the project budget appropriate to the goals, objectives, and expected outcomes? Is the evaluation plan sufficient to track progress and determine success? How important is the funding to the project? Would the project move forward without it? For more information, visit Skokie Community Foundation.

The Community Foundation of East Central Illinois is accepting applications for the 2024 Community Commitment Grant. Donor Name: Community Foundation of East Central Illinois State: Illinois County: Champaign County (IL), DeWitt County (IL), Ford County (IL), Grundy County (IL), Iroquois County (IL), LaSalle County (IL), Livingston County (IL), McLean County (IL), Shelby County (IL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Community Foundation of East Central Illinois invites proposals in the areas of arts and humanities, environment, education, health and human services, urban affairs and youth activities. While applications in any of these categories will be considered, awards may not be made in every category. Successful proposals will address problems to be solved or opportunities to be seized upon in the east central Illinois area. You are encouraged to submit proposals that: Suggest practical approaches to addressing community problems. Promote collaboration and cooperation among agencies. Generate community support, both professional and volunteer. Strengthen an agency’s effectiveness or stability. Funding Information Grants have historically ranged from $500 to $7,500. Eligibility Criteria  Any organization with an IRS Letter of Determination of a charitable tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status or other comparable non-profit public charity that serves the residents of east central Illinois is eligible to apply. For more information, visit CFECI.

This grant provides funding to Illinois communities designated as Tree City USA to remove dead or diseased trees and support future replanting efforts in disadvantaged areas.

This contest invites photographers of all skill levels to showcase their images of the Cook County Forest Preserves, with a focus on capturing the area's natural beauty and outdoor activities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to charitable nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, education, and health, to help them implement programs or expand initiatives within the community.

The Hubbell-Waterman Foundation is seeking grant applications from nonprofit organizations in Scott County, Iowa, and Rock Island Country, Illinois. Donor Name: Hubbell-Waterman Foundation State: Illinois, Iowa County: Rock Island County (IL), Scott County (IA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The foundation has three long-term funding priorities: Culture and the arts Cultivating and supporting the visual and performing arts Investing in landmark cultural institutions Supporting new and innovative programs and initiatives that enrich their community Education Supporting pre-K–12 education through: After-school and summer programs Creative learning initiatives Life skills and career training Environmental education with a focus on sustainability Mental health programs for students and their families Social welfare Supporting programs that are accessible to individuals and families through: At-risk and low-income family services Food and nutrition support Housing security Immigrant and refugee community support Physical and mental health services. Funding is awarded to support three areas of focus: culture and the arts, education, and social welfare. Within these areas, they provide support for: Capital campaigns and capital acquisitions, including construction and renovations. Operational and/or program grants not to exceed three years resulting from the completion of a capital campaign grant. Multi-year program grants not to exceed three years. Program grants may include general operating expense reimbursement. The Foundation does not fund Because Foundation believes in transparency, they have also identified projects that the foundation will not fund, including: Debt retirement Membership or affiliation campaigns, dinners, or special events Conferences, symposia, and related travel Grants that further political doctrine Grants that further religious doctrine Grants to individuals Individual scholarships or sponsorships Medical, scientific, or academic research Endowments Organizations that discriminate based on race, color, religion (creed), gender, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or military status, except to serve an historically disadvantaged group. (Note: Inclusiveness is one of the Hubbell-Waterman Foundation’s values. Therefore, they wish to fund organizations that are inclusive in their policies and practices.) For more information, visit Hubbell-Waterman Foundation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in select U.S. markets that focus on youth education, storytelling, and community engagement initiatives.

The Waukegan Arts Council (WAC) 2024 micro grant program is to provide a subsidy to working Waukegan artists for the production of their art. Donor Name: Waukegan Arts Council State: Illinois City: Waukegan Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  06/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Grants up to $500 will be awarded to artists who are actively engaged in their chosen medium and who demonstrate a need for funds to purchase supplies or equipment, secure a venue, attend a class or obtain necessary resources to engage in the applicant’s art form. The grant cannot be used to pay salaries or benefits.  Total funding for the Waukegan Arts Council 2024 micro grant program is $2500 to be divided among the grant recipients. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must be artists with a Waukegan connection. Applicants must provide a description and a recent example of their art form. Applicants must provide a description of how the grant funds will be used. Applicants must demonstrate how the grant funds will benefit the Waukegan community. For more information, visit WAC.

Topfer Family Foundation Grant Program focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations within the program areas of Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment, Youth Enrichment, Children’s Health, Aging In Place, and Job Training & Support. Eligible applicants must be exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. The foundation primarily invests in communities where the family resides, including the greater Austin, Texas and greater Chicago, Illinois metropolitan areas. Additionally, they have started providing grants to organizations in Denver, CO and Broward County, FL. For more information and to apply for a grant, visit Topfer Family Foundation's website.