Illinois Private Grants

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.

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 CFLL Historic Preservation Fund seeks projects that support the physical improvement of structures and/or to promote the issue of historic preservation in Springfield, IL. Donor Name: Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln State: Illinois City: Springfield Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Grant awards may be made to organizations for the rehabilitation, renovation, and upkeep of historic properties or for properties with certain historic, economic development, or community value. Funding Information One or more grant up to $6,000 may be awarded. Geographic Limitations Historic preservation projects in Springfield, IL. Who can apply? Organizations submitting a funding request to any grant program must be a: 501(c)(3) charitable organization; OR faith-based organization (proposals must benefit all, regardless of religion, and be for a service provided which is not religious in nature), OR public or private school (proposals must be for projects that exceed the school’s budget funding); OR some government entities or municipalities may be eligible. For more information, visit CFLL.

The Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln encourages nonprofit organizations to apply for the Community Grants Program. Donor Name: Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln State: Illinois County: Cass County (IL), Christian County (IL), Logan County (IL), Macoupin County (IL), Menard County (IL), Montgomery County (IL), Morgan County (IL), Sangamon County (IL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information Multiple grant awards of up to $5,000 each will be made from the Community Grants Program. Geographic Limitations Cass, Christian, Logan, Macoupin, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, and/or Sangamon County, IL. Who can apply? Organizations submitting a funding request to any grant program must be a: 501(c)(3) charitable organization; OR faith-based organization (proposals must benefit all, regardless of religion, and be for a service provided which is not religious in nature), OR public or private school (proposals must be for projects that exceed the school’s budget funding); OR some government entities or municipalities may be eligible. For more information, visit CFLL.

The Access to Recreation Program assists nonprofit organizations with accessible recreation projects, which include adaptive sports; games; programs; and capital projects for persons with disabilities and special needs such as sensory disabilities; physical disabilities and mobility impairments; cognitive and developmental disabilities; and/or emotional and psychological disorders. Donor Name: Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln State: Illinois County: Sangamon County (IL) Type of Grant: Endowment | Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This program supports accessible recreation that provides people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in indoor or outdoor recreation activities without barriers. We seek requests that support programs that are specifically designed for and/or about people with disabilities but also available to the general public. Funding Information Multiple grant awards totaling $6,000 may be available, and requests should not exceed $3,000. Geographic Limitations Funds must be used for programs primarily assisting residents of Sangamon County, IL. Who can apply? Applications are generally accepted from: registered 501(c)(3) charitable organizations faith-based organizations (proposals must benefit all, regardless of religion, and be for service provided which is not religious in nature) public or private schools (proposals must be for projects that exceed the school’s budget funding) units of government or municipalities. For more information, visit CFLL.

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.

General Operating Grants support organizations that are firmly rooted in the humanities. Donor Name: Illinois Humanities State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: From cultural and ethnic organizations to museums, libraries, and consortiums, these organizations broaden possibilities and increase access to the public humanities. These unrestricted funds empower growth and sustainability by providing recipients with more flexibility and freedom to allocate resources wherever they need them most. Funding Information Up to $10,000. Eligibility Criteria  Must be a humanities-based organization Must be a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization or have a fiscal sponsor Organizations must be Illinois-based Organizations must have an annual budget of $250,000 or less Can not have an open Vision, Action, or General Operating grant. For more information, visit Illinois Humanities.

Envisioning Justice Grants supports collectives, non-profit organizations, and other groups that use the arts and humanities to work toward a truly just society. Donor Name: Illinois Humanities State: Illinois City: Selected Cities Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Prison education programs, independent media, community dialogues, and conferences are just a few of the impactful initiatives they fund to create understanding about mass incarceration and its impact on communities in Illinois. By supporting those doing this important work, they build more affirming, engaged, and empowered communities. Funding Information Organizations can apply for grants of up to $10,000. No matching funds are required. Eligibility Criteria Must be a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization or have a fiscal sponsor Based anywhere in Illinois; individuals from the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply: East St. Louis, Decatur, Carbondale, Galesburg, Urbana-Champaign, and the Bloomington-Normal Metro Area. However, applicants from anywhere in Illinois are eligible. Priority will be given to projects that are: regional or statewide in scope partnership oriented centering impacts of mass incarceration on the following populations: currently or formerly incarcerated individuals people serving long-term sentences young people, particularly those who are justice involved women, particularly women of color and/or impacted by gendered violence LGBTQAI+ community migrants, asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants elderly populations people with disabilities Indigenous populations Or that focus on communities that are: The site of a prison or jail Experiencing significant incarceration; and/or Experiencing significant demographic change as a result of the criminal legal system For more information, visit Illinois Humanities.

This program provides matching grants to local businesses in Libertyville to support growth and sustainability through various improvements, excluding general operational costs.

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.

The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation Grants is currently accepting applications for the 2024 CommunityWorks Grant Program. Donor Name: Heart of Illinois Community Foundation State: Illinois County: Macon County (IL), Moultrie County (IL), Piatt County (IL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/07/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The overall purpose of CommunityWorks is to provide a coordinated, systems-based approach toward the achievement of community aspirations. CommunityWorks invites proposals in the areas of workforce development, education and environmental sustainability. Purpose & Types of Projects Supported CommunityWorks invites proposals in the areas of workforce development, education and environmental sustainability. Funding Information $400,000 available. Funding range per grant: $10,000 to $100,000. Criteria Have 501(c) 3 status from the Internal Revenue Service or be a qualified charitable or government organization in Macon, Piatt, or Moultrie counties or Paris, IL. For more information, visit HICF.

Applications are now being accepted for its Action Grants. 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: Action Grants cover projects or initiatives that explore the digital humanities, apply new techniques in audience engagement, and build new and diverse audiences. Priority is given to projects that spark more risk-taking and experimental and engaging public humanities work on the part of Illinois nonprofits. Project budgets can cover project expenses as well as engagement activities. Projects must utilize the humanities. Media projects such as oral history, filmmaking, journalism, storytelling, and other disciplines are all a part of this field. Funding Information Up to $4,000. 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 Can not have an open Vision, Action, or General Operating grant For more information, visit Illinois Humanities.

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.

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.

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.

The Carl R. Hendrickson Family Foundation, established in 1991, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of educational, human services, and healthcare programs for underprivileged communities. With a deep-rooted Christian faith, the foundation offers special consideration to initiatives that not only cater to the basic needs of individuals but also embrace spiritual growth. Emphasizing innovative approaches, it provides financial support to organizations striving to make a significant impact through entrepreneurial methodologies. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 are available for either program or general operating support, with the condition that program support requests do not exceed 30% of the program's budget. Organizations with annual budgets under $10 million are eligible to apply. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: June 1st

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.

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 funding opportunity provides financial support for healthcare programs that serve medically underserved communities in the Chicago area, prioritizing initiatives led by nurses.

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