Illinois Grants

This program provides financial assistance to new small businesses in Evanston, helping them cover essential operating costs and equipment expenses to foster job creation and sustainability.

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

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the greater Quad Cities region that are focused on improving community health through innovative services and partnerships.

The FY 2025 Early Childhood Block Grant (ECBG) RFP, managed by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), targets new and current grantees looking to increase service capacity. The grant focuses on preschool education and prevention initiatives, supporting entities outside of Chicago in providing educational, health, social, and child development services to young children and their families. Applications must meet GATA prequalification requirements and are due by 4:00 p.m. on May 16, 2024. Grant renewed every year.

This grant provides funding to Great Lakes states and tribes for projects that prevent and control aquatic invasive species, benefiting the Great Lakes ecosystem.

This grant provides funding to Great Lakes states to implement their plans for managing and preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species, benefiting both the states and the Great Lakes ecosystem.

Grant Name: Technology Industry Grant Donor: City of Peoria, Illinois Type: Grant Deadline: Ongoing Grant Size: $10,000 - $25,000 Description: The Technology Industry Grant offers funding to technology-related businesses looking to establish or expand within the city of Peoria. Eligible industries include Agricultural Technology (AgTech), Biological Medical Technology (BioTech), Medical Technology (MedTech), and other technological advancements. Applicants should demonstrate established seed funding, a proof of function prototype, and a plan for further product development. The program aims to attract technology businesses, stimulate public and private investment, introduce new technology to the area, and support commercial space activity in business districts. Priority locations for funding include the Medical District, Central Business District, and West Main Street within the city boundaries. Eligible uses of the grant include lease or mortgage assistance, operational expense support, and other business costs related to the newly opened location. Small businesses with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees are eligible to apply if they meet all criteria outlined by the City of Peoria. For more information and application details, visit City of Peoria website.

Equitable Energy Future Grant Program (Notice of Funding Opportunity 3054-2638): The Equitable Energy Future Grant Program, administered by the Commerce And Econ Opp agency, aims to provide seed funding and pre-development funding opportunities to eligible contractors for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in historically disadvantaged communities. The program is designed to remove barriers caused by lack of capital and promote project, community, and business development. The anticipated number of awards is 40, with an estimated total program funding of $25,500,000. The award range is between $250,000 and $1,000,000. The source of funding is the state government of Illinois. There are no cost-sharing or matching requirements, but indirect costs are not allowed. The application period is from November 16, 2023, to June 30, 2024 at 5:00 PM. Technical assistance sessions are offered on November 30, 2023 at 12:00 PM and registration can be done through a provided link. Applicants must be pre-qualified entities registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal. For more information on eligibility criteria and application requirements, please visit the grant application link provided in the description above.

This program provides financial incentives to commercial property owners in Carbondale's BPR Primary Business District to convert unused upper stories into livable apartments, promoting urban revitalization.

CDBG COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Grant – Illinois: The City of Danville is offering up to $139,820 in funding through its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to support small businesses within the city in addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant aims to supplement existing federal or state programs and provide targeted assistance to help Danville businesses effectively navigate the impact of the pandemic.

Grants are available through the Metro East Park and Recreation District for events that promote the use of public parks, trails, and outdoor recreation facilities in Madison and St. Clair Counties in Illinois. The Event Sponsorship Grant Program offers funding of up to $2,500 for public organizations and up to $1,000 for 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations. Eligible events include walking, running, hiking, biking, biathlons, and triathlons that take place within MEPRD's jurisdiction and contribute at least ten percent of event proceeds towards funding improvements or developments to public parks or trails in the designated counties. Eligible applicants must be public organizations or 501(c)3 organizations headquartered within MEPRD's jurisdiction or within 15 miles of it. Only one event sponsorship grant award is allowed per MEPRD fiscal year. For more information, visit MEPRD's website.

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 funding opportunity supports projects in the Peoria region that leverage the arts to drive economic growth, enhance tourism, and strengthen community engagement.

This initiative provides financial support to students in manufacturing and skilled trades programs at colleges near Dow facilities, helping them overcome financial barriers to complete their education and advance their careers.

The 501vc® Investment Fund is seeking to invest $200,000 to $300,000 in early-stage climate tech startups in the Greater Midwest region, focusing on sectors like advanced materials, renewable energy, and agriculture technologies.

This program provides immediate financial assistance to nonprofit and public sector organizations in DeKalb County to address urgent community needs caused by unexpected events.

Grant Opportunity: Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program (Illinois) The Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program in Illinois supports elementary schools, community centers, and public libraries in engaging teaching artists for short-term residencies. The program prioritizes advancing equity and access in the arts, particularly for underserved audiences such as BIPOC communities, individuals with disabilities, older adults, and those with limited access to the arts. Eligible applicants can request a minimum of $250 and a maximum of $4,500 to cover 75% of residency costs. Additional percentages can be added under specific conditions. Applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or units of government in Illinois, while the selected artists must be based in Illinois. The application deadline is at least eight weeks before the project start date. For more information, visit Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the greater Aurora, Illinois area that empower women, particularly women of color, through programs focused on education, economic empowerment, and racial equity.

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.

This program provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in specific areas to promote children's well-being, cultural enrichment, and essential community services.