Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Illinois

Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation

The Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation (ILCHF) has a single vision that: every child in Illinois grows up healthy. Working with grantee partners across the state, ILCHF focuses its grant making on identifying and funding solutions to address the barriers that prevent children from accessing the ongoing healthcare they need, with a primary focus on children’s oral health and mental health.

ILCHF was created in December 2002 through an action of then-Attorney General Jim Ryan and an Illinois insurance carrier. This action and a settlement of approximately $125 million established Illinois’ only statewide private foundation focused solely on the health needs of children. Since inception, ILCHF has awarded approximately $149 million in nearly 900 grants to more than 300 organizations across the state.

“Bright Minds, Bright Smiles”: Mental and Oral Health Integration Initiative

The Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation (ILCHF) seeks to provide 20 three-year grants of up to $300,000 each (for a total investment of $6,000,000) to eligible children’s safety-net organizations that are sustaining and enhancing the coordination of existing children’s mental health or oral health services for Illinois children from vulnerable communities.

Examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to, sustaining direct service provision to children, strengthening care coordination, enhancing referral networks, expanding co-located services in community settings, and building capacity to better serve children enrolled in Medicaid.

ILCHF is proud to support organizations working to strengthen the children’s healthcare safety net across Illinois and ensure that every child in Illinois grows up healthy.

The Huntington Impact Investment Philanthropy Grant Program aims to strengthen communities by supporting nonprofit organizations that enhance self-sufficiency and social equality. With a focus on areas such as community revitalization, affordable housing, and economic development, the program prioritizes initiatives that serve low- and moderate-income individuals. Organizations with IRS tax-exempt status can apply for funding to address critical community needs, fostering a more equitable environment for all.

The National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF) aims to protect coastal communities through nature-based solutions, enhancing habitats while addressing the growing threats of climate change. Established in 2018, the fund focuses on restoring vital ecosystems like marshes and reefs to mitigate flooding impacts. With rising sea levels and increasing storm intensity, NCRF invests in community-led projects that foster resilience, ensuring both people and wildlife can adapt to changing environmental conditions.

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

The Express Health Information Outreach Awards aim to enhance public health by increasing access to biomedical information for U.S. health professionals and the general public. These awards support projects that improve health information literacy among consumers and caregivers, ensuring they can effectively find and utilize health information. Focused on partnerships and outreach to underrepresented communities, the initiative seeks to promote healthy behaviors, prevent illness, and improve health outcomes through informed decision-making.

The MRC/SOT Young Investigator Award, presented by the Society of Toxicology, recognizes outstanding undergraduate and graduate research proposals at the MRC/SOT Spring meeting. Eligible students submit proposals alongside a reference letter. Awardees present their research at the Annual Meeting and receive funding to support their educational endeavors in toxicology, including travel to conferences and research-related expenses. This initiative promotes educational growth and scientific advancement in the field of toxicology.

CON Level of Care Support Services Grant Program

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the construction, renovation, rehabilitation, expansion, and improvement of facilities that serve youth and families. Through this investment, the Department seeks to strengthen service capacity, improve safety and accessibility, address facility deficiencies, and enhance the quality of environments in which services are delivered.

Funding may be used to support projects that improve the availability, condition, functionality, security, accessibility, or suitability of facilities used to provide residential, treatment, supportive, or other Department approved services. The Department intends to invest in projects that demonstrate a clear need, readiness for implementation, and the potential to improve outcomes for youth and families served.

Examples of allowable grant activities include:

• Demolition (in preparation for additional work)
• Site preparation and improvement
• New construction of buildings and structures
• Reconstruction or improvement of existing buildings or structure
• Specialized furnishings and equipment
• Replacement of currently utilized assets by a better asset
• Expansion of existing buildings or facilities
• Direct costs which significantly increases the service potential of a current building or structure
• Work that contains repairs, maintenance, remodeling, or rehabilitation

Funding Information

• Opportunity Funding - $30,000,000.00
• Award Ceiling - $10,000,000.00
• Award Floor - $250,000.00

Illinois organizations, preferably 501(c)(3) nonprofits, can seek funding to deliver parenting counseling and education programs focused on families in the child welfare system. With a mission to strengthen families, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services provides support for Nurturing Parenting Program classes, home visits, and therapeutic family-centered services to prevent abuse and neglect.

Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Grant Program 

Objective

The objective of the EOC Grant Program is to improve EOC operations through funding the EOC projects of this funding notice. These projects fund equipping, upgrading, and/or construction of emergency operations centers to provide fully capable facilities to ensure continuity of operations and continuity of government in major disasters or emergencies.

Description 

The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Grant Program is intended to improve emergency management and preparedness capabilities by supporting flexible, sustainable, secure, strategically located, and fully interoperable EOCs with a focus on addressing identified deficiencies and needs. Fully capable emergency operations facilities at the state and local levels are an essential element of a comprehensive national emergency management system and are necessary to ensure continuity of operations and continuity of government in major disasters or emergencies caused by any hazard. Among the five basic homeland security missions noted in the DHS Strategic Plan, the EOC Grant Program supports the goal to Strengthen National Preparedness and Resilience.

The 2022-2026 FEMA Strategic Plan outlines three bold, ambitious goals in order to position FEMA to address the increasing range and complexity of disasters, support the diversity of communities we serve, and complement the nation’s growing expectations of the emergency management community. The EOC Grant Program supports Goal 3: Promote and Sustain a Ready FEMA and a Prepared Nation.

Per the National Fire Protection Association, an EOC is defined as a “facility or capability from which direction and control is exercised in an emergency. This type of center or capability is designated to ensure that the capacity exists for leadership to direct and control operations from a centralized facility or capability in the event of an emergency.” “Construction,” as defined in this program, refers to building a new facility or any changes to the footprint of an existing facility, while “upgrading” refers only to internal improvements to an existing facility.

The FNBO Impact Grant Program aims to empower nonprofit organizations that eliminate barriers to economic and social opportunities. Focusing on Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, and Financial Literacy, this initiative supports projects that enhance community well-being and promote personal economic self-sufficiency. While the 2025 grant cycle is closed, interested applicants should check back in early 2026 for updates on future funding opportunities.

The IDNR State Pheasant Funding aims to enhance pheasant wildlife habitat in Illinois. Grantees must register with the State of Illinois and complete a prequalification process. This competitive grant encourages organized groups of volunteers from non-profits and governmental entities to develop and submit projects for funding. The initiative focuses on managing and conserving Illinois' natural resources while promoting public understanding and appreciation of these vital habitats.

The Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant Program- Option Three, managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, funds projects that engage students in creating educational wildlife habitats on school grounds. This initiative targets schools in Chicago and East St. Louis lacking soil for planting, promoting environmental education through the development of native species container gardens. Projects must be publicly accessible, maintained for at least five years, and adhere to specific program guidelines.

The Mosaic Company Foundation Community Investment Grant aims to create a lasting impact in communities by supporting initiatives in three key areas: Food, Water, and Local Community. With an annual investment of approximately $12 million, the foundation addresses food security, promotes water conservation, and enhances community sustainability. Eligible applicants must be recognized charitable organizations, primarily in North America, committed to improving quality of life through innovative solutions and partnerships.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

Louis Vago Scholarship Fund

This fund was created by Louis N. Vago (1925-2015) to provide scholarships to students in the Fox River Valley Area.

These scholarships are reserved for graduates of Aurora Central Catholic, Aurora Christian, East Aurora, Marmion, Metea Valley, Rosary, Waubonsie Valley or West Aurora High School.

Students must attend Aurora University, DePaul University or Hillsdale College.

Mr. Vago received his law degree from DePaul University.

He was a certified public accountant and an agent for the Internal Revenue Service.

He then founded and was president of General Aluminum Corporation from 1960-1986.

Louis Vago was a director of the Community Foundation for twenty-two years.

He also maintained memberships in numerous professional and civic organizations including the Illinois Bar Association, Kane County Bar Association, Elks Lodge and the Knights of Columbus.

FY27 480-10-3700 Early Childhood Block Grant: Prevention Initiative 0-3

To provide funds for intensive, research-based, and comprehensive child development and family support services for expectant parents and families with children from birth to age 3 to help them build a strong foundation for learning and to prepare children for later school success.

Opportunity Funding

• $169,199,113.00

Funding Sources

• State

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

Drs. Sara & Daniel Susmano Scholarship Fund

In 1989 Aurora physicians, Dr. Sara and Dr. Daniel Susmano, created a scholarship fund within the Community Foundation to assist area Hispanic students entering vocational fields of study.

Dr. Daniel Susmano was an urologist at Dreyer Medical Clinic. He is now retired.

Dr. Sara Susmano was a pediatrician and chief of medical staff at Northern Illinois University Health Services. Sara passed away on October 9, 2013.

Students graduating from East Aurora, West Aurora, or Waubonsie Valley High Schools are eligible for these scholarships.

In establishing this award, the Susmanos were primarily interested in encouraging students to enter vocations related to the field of health care.

Examples of such vocations include service and long-term care workers, physical therapists, medical records administrators and technicians, occupational therapists, and radiologists.

Illinois Capital Development Board

CDB oversees the construction of new state facilities, such as prisons, state parks, mental health institutions, and college and university projects. In addition, CDB is responsible for renovation and rehabilitation projects at over 8,770 state-owned buildings spread over more than 100 million square feet of floor space.

CDB Mission

Provide high-quality and sustainable facilities for Illinois and the public interest.

Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park

The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is a funding opportunity for quantum research office and labs. The Capital Development Board is awarding a maximum of $136,900,000.00 for this project. The grant agreement will be issued for a maximum contract period of five years, and all projects must be operational at the end of the grant term. The grantee must comply with various requirements, including the Illinois Grant Funds Recovery Act, the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities Act, and the Illinois Procurement Code. Some key aspects of the project include:

• Funding for quantum research office and labs
• Grant agreement for a maximum of five years
• Compliance with various state and federal regulations
• Requirement for grantees to have an open-door policy for periodic visits by CDB monitors
• Grantee must provide documentation upon request and maintain contact with CDB staff

The Diminished Tree Species Grant Program focuses on restoring native tree species crucial for biodiversity and forest health. By funding scientific research, seed orchard development, and land preservation, the program aims to combat climate change through effective tree restoration projects. The Oak Hill Fund, a private entity, encourages project-specific applications, prioritizing organizations that meet eligibility criteria under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS. This initiative is vital for sustaining healthy ecosystems and mitigating environmental impacts.

The Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, managed by CommunityGiving, supports central Minnesota student athletes and leaders to pursue higher education outside their home states. This scholarship aims to expand students' horizons and experiences, with a total award of $5,000 available. Open to high school seniors from specific schools, applicants are encouraged to apply online and demonstrate their leadership or athletic skills. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters personal growth among local youth.

About the Illinois Department on Aging

The mission of the Illinois Department on Aging is to serve and advocate for older Illinoisans and their caregivers by administering quality and culturally appropriate programs that promote partnerships and encourage independence, dignity, and quality of life.

Title V Senior Community Service Employment Program - Competitive

Description

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a program administered by the US Department of Labor (USDOL) and the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) that serves unemployed low-income persons who are 55 years of age and older and who have poor employment prospects by training them in part-time community service assignments and by assisting them in developing skills and experience to facilitate their transition to unsubsidized employment.

Placing older individuals in community service positions strengthens the ability of the individuals to become self-sufficient, provides needed support to organizations that benefit from increased civic engagement, and strengthens the communities that are served by such organizations.

Grantees will administer SCSEP in assigned geographic areas within Illinois per the requirements of the IDoA and USDOL.

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) VAWA – Culturally Specific 2026 NOFO # 1744-0618

The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority is requesting proposals for NOFO # 1744-0618, VAWA Culturally Specific grants. A total of $825,000 in funding in Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is available through this solicitation for use over a period of 12 months.

The Culturally Specific Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will support the development, enhancement, and expansion of culturally specific victim services. This funding opportunity supports efforts to raise public awareness of victim services, particularly for culturally specific communities. The goal of the Culturally Specific Program is to establish, maintain, and expand sustainable, culturally appropriate services that address the unique needs and challenges of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking from culturally specific communities.

This funding opportunity addresses an important need and service gap identified in Illinois: culturally specific services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking.

The Kott Gerontology Scholars Program, established by the Russell & Josephine Kott Memorial Charitable Trust, provides funding to advanced degree students in the field of aging attending Chicagoland universities. This initiative aims to enhance opportunities and quality of life for older adults through educational internships and skill development. Scholars receive a $10,000 scholarship, gaining hands-on experience by completing a 600-hour internship, fostering a pipeline of professionals committed to supporting the senior community.

Working adults in Illinois pursuing higher education can receive $500 - $5,000 for tuition or related post-secondary costs through the Giving Branch Scholarship. Focused on adult and continuing education, the Giving Branch Foundation supports individuals age 25+ who meet employment, enrollment, and residency requirements in communities where Flat Branch has offices.

Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority

Created in 1983, the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) is a state agency dedicated to improving the administration of criminal justice. ICJIA brings together key leaders from the justice system and the public to identify critical issues faced by the criminal justice system in Illinois and to propose and evaluate policies, programs, and legislation that address those issues. The agency also works to ensure the criminal justice system in Illinois is efficient, effective, and equitable.

In the area of grants administration, ICJIA: 1. Implements and funds criminal justice and violence prevention programs under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), Adult Redeploy Illinois (ARI), Restore, Reinvest, Renew (R3) Program, and other state and federal grant programs. 2. Monitors program activity, ensures accountability, and provides technical assistance to grantees.

Institute to Innovate (i2i) Capacity Building and Violence Prevention Grant Program

The Institute to Innovate (i2i) program invests in organizations working to prevent violence and improve public safety throughout Illinois. The program recognizes that effective violence prevention depends on both strong community-based services and the organizational infrastructure needed to support those services. Applicants must select one of the following project pathways:

• Capacity Building Activities: Projects that strengthen organizational leadership, governance, financial management, workforce, technology, policies, evaluation practices, or other internal systems.
• Violence Prevention Activities: Projects that provide or expand eligible community-based violence prevention services.
• Combined Capacity Building and Violence Prevention Activities: Projects that strengthen organizational systems while also providing, expanding, or improving violence prevention services.

Casey’s Donation Requests support vital community needs in Education, Hunger, and Community Servants. Eligible 501(c)3 organizations within Casey’s communities can apply through the online Donation Request Form. Requests are reviewed continuously, with feedback provided via email within one month. Priority is given to organizations that haven't received donations in the current giving calendar year, which runs from May 1 to April 30.

Illinois entities needing capital improvements for utilities and public infrastructure can apply for Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) grants, with awards of US $1,000,000 for bondable projects. Focused on permanent utility installation or replacement, including water, electrical, sewer, and related roadway work, this program may benefit schools upgrading campus systems that support educational environments.

About Us

Our Mission

We create lasting impact through asset development, nonprofit capacity building, and community leadership. 

Our Vision

To enrich the lives of Wabash County residents by fostering opportunity, inspiring generosity, and building a thriving connected community. 

Our Scholarships

For High School Seniors & Non Traditional Students who are beginning college more than one year after high school.

The Community Foundation of Wabash County offers a wide variety of post-secondary education scholarships to traditional, non-traditional, and graduate students. With nearly 70 different scholarship endowments created through the generosity of our donors, many students are eligible to apply.    

Roy B. Craver Scholarship Endowment

Roy B. Craver was a veteran of World War I. He established a scholarship for residents of Wabash County and graduates of a Wabash County high school who like himself are willing to serve in the armed forces even if they do not intend to enlist.