Best Grants for Conflict Resolution in Illinois

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund is a Princeton, New Jersey-based endowment fund providing grants to individuals, young adults who volunteer or intern for progressive social action projects or programs in an area of their interest and commitment. The Amy Adina Fund also sponsors a lecture each year on a relevant and timely topic related to its educational mission.

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund was started in 1987 one year after Amy Adina, 20, died suddenly while a student and activist at Rutgers University. It is a realization of her family and her communities’ desire to celebrate her life, to fulfill her dreams and her potential. Since its inception, almost 1,500 grants have been awarded for work in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and the United States—nearly $1,000,000 in total. The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

About Our Grants

Small grants (depending on length of service), are awarded to as many applicants as possible rather than giving larger amounts to fewer individuals. The number of awards has grown each year thanks to annual contributions as well as to gifts sent to the Fund to honor special occasions and life cycle events.

Graduate students in fields like conflict resolution, natural resources, or communications can receive paid Conservation Connect fellowships supporting collaborative conservation work, including projects affecting Illinois. With a mission to build next-generation conservation leaders, National Forest Foundation provides practicum-based, mentored experience and professional development that may benefit students focused on peacebuilding and conflict resolution around public lands.

Illinois students focused on peacebuilding and conflict resolution may be eligible if they are Hawai‘i residents graduating from a Hawai‘i public high school and planning to attend an accredited mainland U.S. college. Focused on history, government, and related social sciences, Hawai'i Community Foundation invites applicants committed to world cooperation and peace to apply.

Graduate-level American and Australian students focused on security, technology, diplomacy, or peacebuilding can receive up to US $40,000 for study or research between the U.S. and Australia, including applicants from Illinois. Focused on AUKUS-related fields, the American Australian Association supports tuition, travel, living, and other educational or research costs.

Illinois 501(c)(3) organizations, municipalities, and public schools can access funding for peacebuilding, community development, and related programs through Sorenson Legacy Foundation. Grants support projects in education, health care, innovation, and community initiatives such as conflict resolution, youth alternatives to crime, affordable housing, and promoting understanding and tolerance; organizations in Illinois may be eligible alongside those in Utah.

Organizations serving Coles County residents in Illinois can receive US $1,000 - US $7,000 for peacebuilding, social justice, and cross-cultural understanding projects. The Coles County Peace and Justice Fund, managed by Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation, supports programs like public speakers, diversity training, collaborations, and educational materials, with preference for initiatives engaging local youth and addressing root causes of conflict.

Illinois 501(c)(3) organizations working on peacebuilding, conflict resolution, human rights, or violence prevention can seek project support from the H. C. Gemmer Family Christian Foundation. This national funder offers up to US $3,000 for one-time or start-up programs advancing peace with justice, social and economic justice, and immigrant and vulnerable population rights.

Nonprofit organizations in Illinois working on peacebuilding, community safety, and violence prevention can apply for $1,000 - $10,000 to run summer activities that build cohesion and promote safe, peaceful neighborhoods. With a mission to strengthen communities, The Chicago Community Trust provides rapid-response support for smaller, neighborhood-based groups through the Chicago Fund for Safe and Peaceful Communities.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups engaged in activist organizing can seek funding for U.S.-based projects and operating costs that advance human rights and systemic change. Focused on peacebuilding and related justice work, AJ Muste Foundation invites Illinois conflict resolution and organizing efforts to apply for up to US $10,000, prioritizing small-budget groups.

Nonprofits, charities, and similar organizations working on peacebuilding, human rights, and anti–human trafficking initiatives can access funding through Humanity United; awards are approximately US $150,000. This global funder supports work in regions including the U.S., so Illinois conflict resolution efforts that fit its portfolios may be considered, though unsolicited proposals are generally not accepted.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored projects led by people of color working on restorative or transformative justice, indigenous peacemaking, or land-based peacebuilding in Illinois may be eligible for Life Comes From It support. Tides Foundation’s circle funds U.S.-based efforts replacing criminalization and incarceration with community-rooted approaches to address violence and repair harm.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits and equivalent charities working in health, education, or community services can seek support for programs like food pantries, healthcare access, STEM education, and preventive health. Illinois peacebuilding or conflict resolution groups that also address these community health and welfare needs can apply through the Labcorp Charitable Foundation.

Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profits can seek funding to tell powerful stories about their work in preservation, education, or wellness. The Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant supports communications projects that highlight real-world impact; organizations doing peacebuilding or conflict resolution within these pillars may be eligible for awards of more than US $50,000.

Illinois peacebuilding and conflict resolution nonprofits that lead strong cross-sector partnerships can access funding through the Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award. U.S.-based organizations whose collaborative programs measurably improve communities and can be replicated elsewhere may be recognized through one of several annual awards for significant social impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with youth, family, food security, housing, or environmental programs in Illinois and other eligible regions can seek US $30,000 - US $350,000 for community-impact projects. Chick Fil A Foundation supports initiatives that care for people, address hunger, strengthen communities, and promote environmental stewardship; peacebuilding or conflict resolution efforts serving youth may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Illinois working on basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven programs can seek support for hunger relief, shelter, economic development, financial literacy, arts access, or workforce readiness. Focused on strengthening communities, Ameriprise Financial invites U.S.-based nonprofits with strong volunteer engagement and measurable outcomes to apply; national organizations and those near Ameriprise employee centers receive priority.

Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations providing health, education, or disaster relief services can seek support for marginalized communities worldwide, including Illinois. Focused on improving human welfare, the Semnani Family Foundation invites groups working in areas like healthcare access, child welfare, and humanitarian aid to partner on impactful programs and services.

Nonprofits and education-focused organizations working on K–12 conflict resolution programs in Illinois can apply for support to develop or expand youth peacebuilding and dispute resolution initiatives. With a mission to strengthen conflict resolution education, Jams Foundation provides up to US $40,000 for projects serving middle school youth and the adults who work with them.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.