Illinois Private Grants

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in the Greater St. Louis region for projects that improve transportation, safety, and access to services for seniors aged 55 and older.

The Harry S. Black & Allon Fuller Fund is dedicated to supporting quality health care and human services programming for underserved populations. This grant program aligns directly with the foundation's mission to address critical needs in communities, specifically focusing on improving access to essential services for those who face significant barriers. The fund's strategic priorities are rooted in the belief that robust health care and human services are fundamental to individual well-being and community strength. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are underserved populations within the city limits of New York City and Chicago. This includes low-income communities requiring health care access, health education, and health policy advocacy, as well as physically disabled individuals who need access programs, disability policy advocacy, workforce development, and initiatives to enhance their quality of life. The impact goals are to foster healthier, more equitable communities by empowering individuals through improved access to vital resources and support. The grantmaking focus areas clearly define the fund's priorities. In health care, the fund supports access, education, and policy analysis and advocacy, with a specific emphasis on programs serving low-income communities. For physical disabilities, the fund prioritizes access programs, disability policy analysis and advocacy, workforce development, and programs that improve the quality of life for disabled individuals. These areas reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing systemic inequities and promoting inclusive community development. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, it can be inferred that the fund seeks to achieve tangible improvements in the health and well-being of the target populations, increased access to services for the physically disabled, and greater equity through policy advocacy and workforce development. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in organizations that provide direct services and advocate for systemic change, they can create a lasting positive impact on the lives of underserved individuals in their designated geographic areas.

The 2024 Community Connections Fund, offered by Naturally Lewis, aims to strengthen community ties, foster relationships, and stimulate economic growth and development within Lewis County, NY. This grant specifically supports projects that enhance public gathering places or services, aligning with Naturally Lewis's broader mission of community placemaking. The fund seeks creative proposals that contribute to a "good sense of place" in the county. The target beneficiaries of this grant are 501c3 non-profit organizations, municipalities, or schools located in Lewis County, NY. The ultimate impact goal is to improve the quality of life for the greater community by creating accessible, comfortable, vibrant, and sociable public spaces. This is achieved through programs or projects that create a "good sense of place" and contribute to Lewis County's placemaking efforts, ultimately leading to stronger community bonds and economic development. The grant prioritizes projects that contribute to at least one of four placemaking facets: Access & Linkages (creating accessible and well-connected public spaces), Comfort & Image (enhancing comfortable and visually appealing public spaces), Uses & Activities (fostering vibrant and dynamic public spaces), and Sociability (creating opportunities for in-person interaction and collaboration). A key focus is on new, creative approaches to connecting the community, explicitly excluding funding for existing projects or operations. Expected outcomes include enhanced public gathering places and services, increased community engagement, improved social dynamics, and spurred economic growth. Measurable results will be based on how effectively projects contribute to the placemaking facets and demonstrate a clear plan for community engagement, partnerships, and sustainability. Projects must be completed within one year and demonstrate feasibility and long-term sustainability beyond the grant period, reflecting Naturally Lewis's strategic priority of fostering lasting community impact. The Community Connections Fund embodies Naturally Lewis's theory of change by investing in tangible improvements to public spaces and services, which are believed to be catalysts for deeper community connections, stronger relationships, and sustained economic vitality. By focusing on placemaking, the fund aims to create environments where residents feel a greater sense of belonging and opportunities for social and economic interaction are amplified, ultimately contributing to a more prosperous and cohesive Lewis County.

The Skokie Community Foundation (SCF) grant program aims to invest in organizations and projects that significantly benefit Skokie residents and strengthen the community, extending impact beyond the grant period. This aligns with SCF's broader mission to foster a supportive, engaged, and dynamic community in Skokie through meaningful giving, collaboration, and community programming. The foundation's strategic priority is to create lasting positive change by supporting initiatives that address identified needs within the community and demonstrate a clear path to impact. The target beneficiaries are primarily Skokie residents, with a specific focus on projects where the majority of those benefiting reside in Skokie. The program's impact goals include strengthening the community, breaking down barriers, building relationships, and working towards unity and mutual respect and understanding within Skokie's diverse population. SCF supports projects that contribute to population and systems-level change, seeking to advance equity through collaborative efforts. SCF places particular priority on proposals that utilize a Collective Impact model, which involves a network of community members, organizations, and institutions learning together, aligning, and integrating their actions. Another key focus is on initiatives that bring about unity in diversity. The program also prioritizes proposals that directly address clearly identified needs of Skokie residents. Grant funding typically ranges from $1,000 to $10,000, with an average grant size of $5,000, and is for a one-year period from January 1 through December 31, 2025. Expected outcomes and measurable results are crucial for SCF. Proposals are evaluated based on whether they address a significant concern or opportunity, demonstrate collaboration between organizations, clarify the roles and responsibilities of co-applicants, address participant recruitment from Skokie, have an appropriate budget, and include a sufficient evaluation plan to track progress and determine success. The foundation's theory of change emphasizes that by funding collaborative, community-focused projects with clear objectives and evaluation metrics, they can achieve sustainable positive change and strengthen the fabric of the Skokie community.

This grant provides $25,000 and mentorship to early-stage climate technology companies in Illinois, helping them develop innovative solutions that positively impact the environment.

The Community Foundation of East Central Illinois (CFECI) is offering the 2024 Community Commitment Grant, a program designed to support various essential sectors within the east central Illinois region. This grant aligns directly with the foundation's mission to address community problems and seize opportunities in the areas of arts and humanities, environment, education, health and human services, urban affairs, and youth activities. While all these categories are considered, the foundation seeks proposals that demonstrate practical approaches to community challenges, foster collaboration among agencies, and generate broad community support through both professional and volunteer engagement. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are charitable tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations or comparable non-profit public charities serving residents of east central Illinois. The impact goals are to strengthen the effectiveness and stability of these agencies and to improve the quality of life within the targeted communities. The grant specifically prioritizes proposals that promote cooperation, community involvement, and sustainable solutions to local issues. By supporting these organizations, the CFECI aims to cultivate a more resilient and vibrant community ecosystem. The focus of the Community Commitment Grant is broad, encompassing several key areas crucial for community well-being. These include cultural enrichment through arts and humanities, environmental stewardship, educational advancement, improved health and human services, positive urban development, and robust youth programs. The foundation encourages innovative proposals that not only identify problems but also offer actionable solutions, thereby contributing to a comprehensive approach to community development. Expected outcomes include enhanced services and programs offered by recipient organizations, increased collaboration among local agencies, and greater community engagement in addressing shared challenges. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the qualitative impact of strengthening agency effectiveness and generating community support, the historical grant range of $500 to $7,500 indicates a commitment to providing impactful, albeit varied, levels of financial assistance. The CFECI's strategic priority is clearly to empower local organizations to effect positive change, operating on a theory of change that by investing in practical, collaborative, and community-supported initiatives, significant and lasting improvements can be made across diverse sectors within east central Illinois.

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 actively seeking grant applications from nonprofit organizations operating within Scott County, Iowa, and Rock Island County, Illinois. The foundation's mission is deeply rooted in enhancing community well-being through strategic investments in three key areas: culture and the arts, education, and social welfare. This aligns with their overarching goal of fostering a vibrant, educated, and supportive community by addressing critical needs and enriching local life. Within the realm of culture and the arts, the foundation prioritizes cultivating and supporting both visual and performing arts, investing in landmark cultural institutions, and backing new, innovative programs that contribute to community enrichment. For education, their focus extends to pre-K–12 education, encompassing after-school and summer programs, creative learning initiatives, life skills and career training, environmental education with a sustainability emphasis, and crucial mental health programs for students and their families. Social welfare initiatives are designed to support accessible programs for individuals and families, specifically targeting at-risk and low-income family services, food and nutrition support, housing security, immigrant and refugee community support, and physical and mental health services. The foundation's funding strategies support a variety of grant types to achieve its impact goals. These include capital campaigns and acquisitions for construction and renovations, operational and/or program grants for up to three years following a capital campaign, and multi-year program grants, also not exceeding three years. These program grants may also cover general operating expense reimbursement. The target beneficiaries are primarily nonprofit organizations serving the specified counties, and through these organizations, individuals and families who will benefit from improved access to cultural experiences, educational opportunities, and social support. Expected outcomes include a more culturally vibrant community, improved educational outcomes and access, enhanced life skills, increased environmental awareness, better mental health support for students and families, and stronger social safety nets for vulnerable populations. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly laid out in its long-term funding priorities and its defined areas of focus. Their theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in these three core areas through various grant mechanisms, they can catalyze positive, sustainable change within the communities of Scott County, Iowa, and Rock Island County, Illinois, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and thriving society.

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 District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is accepting applications for its Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Bicycle and Pedestrian Education Program, a grant initiative aimed at enhancing safety and promoting active transportation. This program aligns with the broader mission of moveDC, DDOT's strategic plan, which seeks to strengthen the multimodal network for all roadway users and support goals in safety, mobility, and sustainability. The grant, ranging from $500,000 to $1 million over a four-year duration, focuses on providing comprehensive education to reduce injuries and fatalities related to walking and bicycling in the District of Columbia. The target beneficiaries of this program include DC charter school students, adults, families, and children who will benefit from various safety courses and events. The impact goals are multifaceted: to reduce the number of injuries and deaths, promote healthy and active lifestyles that can lower healthcare costs, and further the moveDC objectives of safety, mobility, and sustainability. By addressing critical areas of bicycle and pedestrian safety, the program aims to foster a culture of safe and active transportation within the District. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined. These include providing in-school pedestrian and bike safety classes for DC charter schools, establishing a Bike Ambassador program, offering "learn to ride" and bicycle safety courses for adults, families, and children, and organizing pedestrian and bicycle safety events. Furthermore, the initiative emphasizes maintaining a pedestrian and bicycle safety website with a calendar of events and a dashboard for Bike Ambassador activities, providing necessary equipment, and distributing printed educational materials. Expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around increased participation in safety education, a reduction in pedestrian and bicycle-related incidents, and greater adoption of active transportation methods. The program's success will be tracked through metrics such as the number of participants in courses and events, engagement with the safety website, and ultimately, a decline in injury and fatality rates. This continuous commitment reflects DDOT's strategic priority to enhance the safety and functionality of its multimodal network, operating under the theory that comprehensive education and outreach are critical drivers for achieving a safer, healthier, and more sustainable urban environment.

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.

The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation's Impact100 Grant Program is currently seeking applications, inviting proposals across a broad spectrum of community needs. While the explicit mission alignment and strategic priorities of the foundation are not detailed in the provided text, the grant program itself demonstrates an implicit commitment to fostering positive change in areas vital to community well-being. By supporting projects in arts/culture/recreation, social services, conservation/environment, health, youth, and education, the foundation aligns with a general philanthropic mission to enhance the quality of life for residents within its service area. The program's openness to operating funds, one-time projects addressing critical needs, new or expanding programs, and improvement projects beyond an organization's means, indicates a flexible and responsive approach to community investment. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are primarily non-profit organizations that serve the residents of Macon, Piatt, and Moultrie counties, or Paris, IL. Specifically, organizations with 501(c)(3) status or other qualified charitable, religious, or government organizations are eligible. A prioritization is given to 501(c)(3) organizations recognized by the IRS as operating public charities for a minimum of three years, suggesting a focus on established and sustainable entities. The overarching impact goal is to address critical needs within these communities by funding projects that fall within the designated categories. The grant program focuses on a diverse range of project types and subject areas. These include arts/culture/recreation, social services, conservation/environment, health, youth, and education. This broad scope indicates a desire to support a holistic improvement of community life. The funding also specifically supports operating funds, one-time projects addressing critical needs, new or expanding programs, and improvement projects. These priorities highlight the foundation's understanding that effective community support can take many forms, from sustaining ongoing operations to catalyzing new initiatives and addressing urgent needs. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the nature of the supported project types implies a desire for tangible community benefits. For instance, funding for social services would likely aim for improved well-being for vulnerable populations, while education grants would seek enhanced learning opportunities. Similarly, support for conservation/environment would aim for improved ecological health, and health grants for better public health outcomes. Organizations applying are likely expected to articulate their own specific, measurable outcomes that align with the foundation's broad areas of interest, demonstrating how their proposed projects will generate positive, quantifiable change within the communities served. With $200,000 available funding for 2024 and individual grants ranging from no minimum to $50,000, the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation is strategically investing in local organizations that are working to address the most pressing issues in Macon, Piatt, and Moultrie counties, and Paris, IL. Their theory of change, while not explicitly stated, appears to be rooted in empowering local non-profits to effect positive change through direct service, program development, and critical infrastructure improvements. By providing financial resources to a diverse array of projects, the foundation aims to strengthen the social fabric and overall vitality of the communities it serves, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more vibrant region.

This grant provides funding for K-12 schools in Missouri and Illinois to implement innovative educational projects that enhance student engagement and prepare them for a technology-driven future.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofits in Illinois and Missouri that are addressing critical community needs through innovative or emergent programs, with a focus on areas such as basic needs, health, and youth success.

The Access to Recreation Program, an initiative of the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, is designed to support accessible recreation projects for individuals with disabilities and special needs. This includes adaptive sports, games, and programs, as well as capital projects, addressing various needs such as sensory, physical, mobility, cognitive, developmental, emotional, and psychological disabilities. The foundation's mission, as evidenced by this program, aligns with fostering inclusive community participation and removing barriers to recreation. The program primarily targets nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, public or private schools, and units of government or municipalities that serve residents of Sangamon County, IL. The goal is to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in indoor or outdoor recreation activities without barriers. The program seeks to fund initiatives that are specifically designed for and/or about people with disabilities but are also available to the general public, promoting broader community inclusion. The program prioritizes requests that support accessible recreation, focusing on activities that enable participation for individuals with disabilities. This includes projects that facilitate adaptive sports, games, and various recreational programs. The emphasis is on creating an environment where disabilities do not hinder access to recreational activities, thereby enhancing the quality of life for individuals with special needs within Sangamon County. Expected outcomes include increased participation of people with disabilities in recreational activities, the development of more inclusive recreational programs, and the establishment of accessible facilities. Measurable results could include the number of individuals served, the types of adaptive programs implemented, and the improvements made to existing facilities to enhance accessibility. The foundation's strategic priorities appear to revolve around community well-being and equitable access, with a theory of change that posits by funding accessible recreation, they can directly improve the health, social integration, and overall life satisfaction of people with disabilities in their service area.

This grant provides financial support to non-profit organizations focused on social betterment, including disaster relief, basic needs, education in STEM fields, health initiatives, and programs for individuals with disabilities.