Best Grants for Education Nonprofits in Illinois

Andrew Family Foundation supports education initiatives in Illinois by offering grants to 501(c)(3) organizations that foster individual growth and community enhancement through educational programs. Education nonprofits in Illinois with annual budgets between $1–4 million and strong board engagement may be eligible for funding to advance their missions.

The Auto Club Group Foundation provides Illinois education nonprofits with funding for traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy initiatives. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $15,000 and support K-12 school districts, nonprofit organizations, and other community groups. Education-focused organizations in Illinois may be eligible for these opportunities.

With a mission to drive collective action, The Minneapolis Foundation provides Illinois education nonprofits with support for environmental justice and public health initiatives. Grants fund projects related to environmental health, pollution, food access, and disaster preparedness in underserved communities. Education-focused organizations addressing these issues may be eligible for funding through this program.

GreenState Credit Union supports financial education and children's health in Illinois by funding local nonprofits and schools. Organizations focused on financial literacy, economic empowerment, or youth health may be eligible. Education nonprofits across Illinois working to improve community well-being are encouraged to apply for projects benefiting underserved groups.

Illinois education nonprofits can access funding through Chicago Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Inc. This grant offers free legal assistance to nonprofits advancing race equity or serving underserved communities, helping them strengthen their operations and impact. Education-focused organizations meeting these criteria may be eligible for critical legal support.

Grants from Old National Bank help Illinois organizations advance economic development, workforce preparation, and financial literacy. Education nonprofits in Illinois working with underrepresented groups or serving low-to-moderate income communities may be eligible for sponsorships that support impactful community events and initiatives.

Green Mountain Energy supports environmental sustainability in Illinois by funding nonprofit initiatives focused on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and resource conservation. Education nonprofits in Illinois that promote sustainability, environmental stewardship, or awareness may be eligible for awards ranging from $50,000 to $400,000. Projects should demonstrate measurable environmental, social, and financial impact.

The Penn National Gaming Foundation Grants support various community initiatives across North America, emphasizing education, health services, and cultural affairs. Launched post-Hurricane Katrina, the foundation aids local nonprofits, enhancing community development, public safety, and veteran support. The grants cater to organizations that address the needs of children, senior citizens, and disadvantaged populations, ensuring a broad impact in areas where Penn National Gaming operates. This commitment reflects the foundation's dedication to uplifting communities and fostering resilience.

The A. Montgomery Ward Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations that enhance educational and cultural programs in Chicago and surrounding areas. Established in 1959, it aims to empower local communities through quality programming. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, focusing on arts, culture, and education. Grants typically last for one year, with a commitment to fostering community growth and development.

With a mission to advance equity in education, The Joyce Foundation provides Illinois education nonprofits with funding for teacher development, policy reform, and economic mobility initiatives. Organizations focused on improving educational access and outcomes for underserved communities may be eligible for support, particularly those working on policy and systemic change.

Dana Brown Charitable Trust supports educational programs for underprivileged children in Illinois by funding initiatives that improve health, academic enrichment, and exposure to nature and zoology. Education nonprofits serving financially disadvantaged youth, especially those collaborating with other organizations, may be eligible for grants focused on enhancing learning and well-being in the St. Louis metro area.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley provides Illinois education nonprofits with capital funding for projects in arts, humanities, education, health care, and social services. Eligible organizations in Kane and Kendall counties may apply for grants typically ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 to support project-ready initiatives that enhance their educational impact.

Retirement Research Foundation provides Illinois caregiver support nonprofits with funding for knowledge sharing and awareness projects focused on aging. Education nonprofits in Illinois that engage in programs related to caregiving, age equity, or social connection for older adults may be eligible to apply for these grants.

Focused on arts and culture, Arts Midwest invites Illinois organizations to apply for funding that supports creative projects and educational events. Eligible nonprofits can use grants to present professional artists, cover programming costs, and engage the community through educational activities. Education nonprofits offering arts programming may be eligible for these flexible grants.

The Kjellstrom Family Foundation provides Illinois education nonprofits with funding for programmatic initiatives, capital expenditures, and capacity building. Organizations in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties, especially those serving youth or involved in the arts, may be eligible. Education-focused nonprofits can apply for grants up to $40,000 to strengthen their impact.

Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust provides Illinois education nonprofits with funding opportunities to support K-12 and higher education, youth services, and educational enrichment. Organizations focused on academic programming, scholarships, or youth development in Illinois may be eligible for grants to enhance resources, expand access, and foster innovative learning experiences.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust offers grants aimed at enhancing the lives of animals in the Ohio/Great Lakes region. It prioritizes projects that foster animal adoption, behavior training, and humane education. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and demonstrate a commitment to animal welfare. The Trust seeks innovative, collaborative initiatives that significantly improve the well-being of animals, particularly in underserved communities, ensuring a high quality of life for both individual animals and larger populations.

Susan Cook House Educational Trust provides Illinois education nonprofits with funding to support charitable initiatives in Central Illinois. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations working in a wide range of educational areas across multiple counties may benefit from this opportunity. Grants are aimed at strengthening educational programs and services in the region.

Illinois education nonprofits can access funding through Illinois Humanities Council Incorporated for innovative projects rooted in the humanities and social sciences. This grant supports Illinois-based nonprofits and individuals working to engage audiences and strengthen civic engagement through public humanities programming. Education-focused organizations incorporating humanities may be eligible to apply.

Old National Bank supports education initiatives in Illinois by funding nonprofit organizations that enhance educational access, financial literacy, and workforce readiness. Education nonprofits focused on affordable housing, economic development, or financial empowerment for underrepresented communities may be eligible for support. Priority is given to programs with measurable outcomes and lasting community impact.

Illinois Prairie Community Foundation provides Illinois education nonprofits with funding for programs focused on education, health and wellness, youth, and the environment. Eligible organizations must serve residents of McLean, DeWitt, Livingston, or Logan Counties. Projects that demonstrate sustainability and measurable results are especially encouraged to apply for these grants.

Bayer Fund supports cancer and cardiovascular health programs in Illinois by providing grants to organizations focused on education, awareness, and support services for patients and at-risk populations. Education nonprofits in Illinois with initiatives addressing cancer or cardiovascular disease may be eligible for funding, especially those serving communities with high incidence rates.

Focused on Black community advancement, The Chicago Community Trust invites Illinois organizations serving Black communities to apply for support in community wealth building, mobilization, and care. Education nonprofits addressing issues like education inequity or related community needs may be eligible for funding to improve the quality of life for Black residents in metropolitan Chicago.

Enterprise Community Partners

Enterprise Community Partners is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of families without one. Home is where life happens, where plans are made, and futures begin. It is the foundation for dignity, health, education, wealth, and community. Yet rents keep going up, paychecks don’t keep pace, and good homes in strong neighborhoods are increasingly out of reach.

The system doesn’t work. It must be changed, and it must be changed by us.

Enterprise has the breadth, scale, and expertise to do it. We support community development organizations on the ground. We aggregate and invest billions to improve housing and strengthen communities across the U.S. We advance housing policy at every level of government. We build and manage communities ourselves. Everything we do is informed by the residents we serve.

Together with our partners, we focus on the greatest need — the massive shortage of affordable rental homes — to achieve three goals:

• Increase the supply of affordable homes
• Advance racial equity after decades of systematic racism in housing
• Support residents and strengthen communities to be resilient to the unpredictable, and make upward mobility possible

Since 1982, we have invested $92.0 billion and created 1.1 million homes across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We do all this to make home and community places of pride, power, and belonging.

National Housing Innovation Grant Competition

Home is foundational. It’s where we plant roots, raise and care for our families, and build community bonds. Yet in every corner of the country, millions of people of all ages and backgrounds need a home they can afford.

Wells Fargo is meeting this moment with a powerful grant opportunity. Together with Enterprise, Wells Fargo has launched the third iteration of the Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge. The 2026 cycle of the housing innovation competition will identify and propel proven, ready-to-scale solutions that transform current practices and increase housing choice and access.

Eligible applicants will compete for five individual grants of $2 million to advance their innovation and drive meaningful, systems-level change in the housing and adjacent industries. Winners will gain access to mentorship and coaching from industry leaders and experts and join a powerful network of Breakthrough Challenge innovators.

Focus Areas

This third cycle of the Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge aims to meet the nation’s affordable housing challenges across all types of communities: Native, rural, suburban, tribal, and urban.

Proposals must encompass one or more of three focus areas:

• Design and Construction
• Finance
• Service Delivery and Programs

Applicants will be asked to show how their proof of concept or pilot program has achieved clear outcomes and success, and provide a clear pathway to expanding the innovation’s reach and impact

Round 1: Criteria and Scoring

Your innovation must meet the criteria below to advance to the official scoring stage.

Type of Community

Innovations can serve all types of communities:

• Rural
• Urban
• Suburban
• Tribal

Location

Priority scoring will be given to applications from entities that are based in – or whose innovations are designed for – one or more of these 28 states, plus D.C.:

• Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C.

Affordability

Innovations must serve residents at these income levels:

• Rental: 80% AMI or below
• Homeownership: 120% AMI or below
• Workforce housing: 120% AMI or below

Illinois Humanities Council Incorporated supports humanities and social science initiatives in Illinois by funding nonprofit organizations, including education nonprofits, that use arts and humanities to promote justice and civic engagement. Education nonprofits addressing topics like mass incarceration, community dialogue, or prison education may be eligible for grants up to $10,000.

The Universal Leaf Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations primarily in areas where Universal Leaf Tobacco Company operates. Focus areas include education for at-risk individuals, higher education, civic/community arts, and environmental initiatives. The Foundation emphasizes good corporate citizenship and community engagement through financial support and employee volunteerism. Organizations must operate within designated geographic areas and cannot be involved in political advocacy or restrict services based on demographics. Grants aim to enhance community well-being and educational opportunities.

The Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Charitable Fund Grant is a private foundation based in Pittsburgh, established in 1992. It focuses on philanthropy, specifically supporting K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations. The foundation directs its grants primarily to regions preferred by donors, including several states in the Northeast and Midwest, aiming to improve educational opportunities and foster community development in underserved populations.