Best Technology Grants in Illinois

Area Agencies on Aging in rural Illinois can apply for Illinois Department of Aging’s Rural Support Grant, awarding US $800,000 to improve transportation, broadband and internet access, volunteer engagement, and workforce development for older adults and caregivers. Grants may support technology access and digital literacy efforts that reduce social isolation and expand virtual program participation.

Currently funded Title II adult education and IELCE providers in Illinois can use this grant to upgrade technology infrastructure, integrate digital tools into instruction, and expand distance learning for adult learners. With a mission to strengthen community college access, Illinois Community College Board provides Illinois technology access and digital literacy programs with US $25,000 - US $75,000 to enhance services and digital skills development.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) status serving Illinois communities within Huntington’s footprint can seek program-specific funding for digital inclusion and technology access efforts. Focused on community revitalization, community services, affordable housing, and economic and community development, Huntington National Bank prioritizes programs benefiting low- and moderate-income individuals and advancing racial and social equity.

Municipal governments in Illinois and other eligible Great Lakes and Southern states seeking federal funding for technology access, digital literacy, housing, transportation, health, education, workforce, or economic development can apply for National League of Cities’ free Federal Grant Navigation Program. Participants receive one-on-one assistance, data support, and peer cohorts to strengthen competitive ARPA and IIJA grant applications.

Eligible Illinois 9-1-1 Authorities outside municipalities over 500,000 residents can apply for Illinois State Police NG9-1-1 Expenses Grants, with awards up to Up to US $12,000,000 for non-recurring technology upgrades. Funding can cover NG9-1-1 call handling, multimedia recording, GIS readiness, CAD and EMD integration, CAD-to-CAD interfaces, and indoor K-12 school mapping projects.

The Festus & Helen Stacy Foundation provides grants to non-profit organizations worldwide, especially those focusing on evangelism, leadership development, holistic ministries, and media outreach. Established in 1980, the foundation aims to support projects that address the needs of the marginalized and promote generous giving. Grants are typically awarded for specific initiatives in South Florida, nationally, and internationally, particularly in emerging nations. Organizations must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) to be eligible.

The DuPage Foundation's Capacity Building Grant aims to enhance the effectiveness of local not-for-profit organizations. With a total funding of $100,000, this grant supports projects focused on donor engagement, fund development, technology upgrades, and implementation. Eligible applicants include public charities exempt under section 501(c)(3) that primarily serve DuPage County residents and have received a grant in the past three years. This initiative fosters long-term organizational performance and sustainability.

The Community Connect Grants Program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants aiming to deliver broadband services in rural areas where access is limited. This initiative fosters economic growth and enhances educational, healthcare, and public safety benefits, improving the quality of life in underserved communities. By supporting projects that create better market opportunities and promote equitable access, the program plays a vital role in advancing rural development and addressing environmental justice.

The Affirm Cares Employee Foundation Grant, established by Affirm, aims to support non-profit organizations making a significant impact in financial literacy, community enrichment, and technology education. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, focusing on sustainable initiatives that empower communities and alleviate housing insecurity. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) designated non-profits operating within the U.S. The foundation prioritizes measurable outcomes in its funding efforts, fostering civic engagement and vibrant communities.

Focused on STEM and technology disciplines, eligible U.S. undergraduate students in NOAA mission-related majors can receive up to US $40,000 plus a paid internship through the Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship. Students in Illinois and nationwide studying areas like engineering, computer science, meteorology, or environmental science may benefit from this academic and experiential support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on STEM education, digital literacy, and workforce skills can apply for sponsorship support from C Spire Wireless Foundation, including groups in Illinois. With a mission to strengthen tech education and broadband access, the foundation provides grants and event sponsorships, giving preference to organizations based in its service region.

501(c)(3) organizations focused on STEM education, digital literacy, technology, and workforce development may be eligible for funding that can benefit communities in Illinois and across the region. With a mission to inspire excellence and transform communities, C Spire Wireless Foundation provides grants primarily for STEM-focused projects and related community events.

Illinois 501(c)(3) public charities and eligible government units can seek funding for technology access, digital literacy, and related education or community development projects that benefit local families. Sparklight provides support for special projects, capacity-building initiatives, and capital campaigns in Illinois communities where its Cable One family of brands operates.

Elementary school PTAs in Illinois interested in in-person digital safety and well-being programs can apply for National Congress of Parents & Teachers’ PTA Connected: Ready, Tech, Go! grants, awarding US $1,500 per PTA. Funding supports peer-to-peer family discussions on screen readiness, healthy device use, and broader technology access and digital literacy efforts.

Illinois students pursuing technology, engineering, science, mathematics, or medicine degrees may be eligible for scholarships that support college or graduate study. Hawai'i Community Foundation provides U.S. students who are Hawaii residents and high school graduates with need-based funding, which may benefit those focused on technology access and digital literacy careers.

U.S.-based nonprofits, fiscally sponsored projects, and charitable LLC initiatives working at the intersection of disability rights, justice, and technology can apply for US $25,000 - US $70,000 from Borealis Philanthropy. This national fund supports disabled-led efforts like tech-focused activism, equitable digital infrastructure, and inclusive design, which may benefit Illinois groups advancing technology access and digital literacy.

Local churches in the Kentucky Conference can seek up to US $500 per application to strengthen stewardship, technology, or leadership development ministries, including AV upgrades for worship and discipleship. Grants from The Kentucky Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church may benefit Illinois faith communities connected to this conference working on technology access and digital ministry needs.

The OpenAI A People-First AI Fund supports U.S.-based nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on AI literacy, community innovation, and economic opportunity. It aims to enhance public understanding of AI, promote participatory design in AI applications by communities, and expand access to meaningful work through inclusive practices. Organizations at all stages of AI adoption are encouraged to apply, especially those addressing the needs of traditionally marginalized populations. This initiative emphasizes equitable distribution of AI benefits.

Promega Corporate Giving is dedicated to advancing science and improving life globally. With over 45 years of experience, Promega supports initiatives in science, education, and creativity, focusing on innovative solutions and community wellness. They fund organizations in the U.S. and Canada that prioritize experimental initiatives while steering clear of political, religious, and fraternal causes. Their commitment lies in fostering long-term contributions from scientists to meet future global needs.

Nonprofits and for-profit organizations in Illinois focused on technology access, digital literacy, youth, on-demand workers, or small businesses may be eligible for this national Future of Work Accelerator program. Grants from Hewlett Packard Enterprise Foundation help U.S. organizations with US $100,000 in funding, HP technology and solutions, and a six-month virtual capacity-building program.

Arnold Ventures

Arnold Ventures (AV) is a philanthropy dedicated to improving the lives of Americans through evidence-based policy solutions that maximize opportunity and minimize injustice. We focus on improving systems where outcomes are falling short, incentives are misaligned, and the time is right for change.

To advance this mission, we invest in rigorous research to better understand the root causes of problems and strengthen the evidence base on what works to solve them. Using this evidence, we advocate for policy reforms at all levels of government and help build durable, bipartisan coalitions for lasting change.

Causal Research on the Impacts of Cell Phone Policies in K-12 Schools

The Opportunity

Smartphones are nearly universal among children and adolescents in the United States: 95% of teens reported having access to a smartphone, giving them regular exposure to social media, gaming, and video streaming platforms. While smartphones can support learning and social connection, emerging evidence suggests that using phones during school may also interfere with important educational goals, including student engagement, attendance, and academic performance.

In response, more than 30 states have passed laws restricting cell phone use in K-12 schools in recent years. These policies vary widely, ranging from “bell-to-bell” policies to classroom-level bans on phones only during instructional time. Despite the rapid adoption of these policies, rigorous evidence on academic, behavioral, and mental health impacts remains limited. In the absence of strong research, federal and state policymakers, as well as school and district leaders, lack the information needed to make informed decisions that effectively support student success. Building a robust evidence base is critical for shaping policies and practices that improve learning and well-being in both the short- and long-term.

This RFP seeks to address these gaps by supporting rigorous, causal research on the academic, behavioral, and mental health impacts of cell phone policies in K-12 schools in the United States. We seek studies that generate actionable insights for policymakers, as well as school and district leaders, who are deciding whether and how to implement or refine such policies. This RFP will support both Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and Quasi-Experimental Designs (QEDs) that can credibly estimate causal effects. While we are open to a range of research questions, we highlight 2 areas of particular interest below.

What are the overall impacts of policies restricting cell phone use in K-12 schools?

• What are the short- and long-term impacts of cell phone policies on student-level outcomes, including academic achievement and attainment (e.g., standardized test scores, graduation rates), behaviors (e.g., engagement, attendance, disciplinary actions), and/or mental health (e.g., depression, anxiety, loneliness)?

• What are the short- and long-term impacts of cell phone policies on school-level outcomes, including school safety (e.g., reported incidents), school climate (e.g., bullying, social connections), and administrative factors (e.g., costs, logistics, communications with parents)?

• Do initial impacts persist, fade, or grow as schools refine their practices over time?

What factors explain variation in the impacts of cell phone policies?

• Which students, schools, and districts are most impacted by cell phone policies?

• Which policy design features (e.g., what devices are banned, when devices are banned, how devices are stored/locked) make cell phone policies more — or less — effective?

• Which implementation strategies (e.g., training and supports for school staff, consistent approaches for enforcement) make cell phone policies more — or less — effective?

• How do the resource and operational implications of different policy approaches (e.g., costs, staff time, infrastructure needs) influence their effectiveness? How do these factors affect the scalability and sustainability of effective approaches?

Beyond the Net Grant Program

The Internet Society Foundation’s Beyond the Net Grant Program offers funding to support Internet Society Chapters to implement innovative projects that make a local impact by providing meaningful access to an open, trusted, and globally-connected Internet, as well as strengthening the Chapters’ presence in the surrounding community. 

Program Objectives

• Strengthen the impact of the Internet Society and the Internet Society Foundation’s mission and global initiatives with complementary local activities. 
• Develop new and strengthen existing relationships and partnerships at the local level.

Focus Areas

The Foundation will support Internet Society Chapters to implement initiatives within one or more of the following thematic areas:

Projects that support community-centered connectivity for unconnected and under-connected populations by providing easy, sustainable solutions, and training on productive use of the Internet.

Projects that make access affordable and resilient for unconnected and under-connected populations by improving, supporting, or advocating for the development of local Internet interconnection infrastructure (e.g., IXPs).

Projects that equip recently connected people with knowledge and skills to protect themselves and their communities online.

Projects that advocate for and educate policy makers, courts, decision makers, and commercial entities about threats to the Internet as an open and accessible platform for free expression and the exchange of ideas, safeguarding fundamental rights, ensuring the well-being of users, and fostering trust in digital technologies.

TechAccess: AI-Ready America is a nationwide initiative aimed at enhancing AI readiness across the U.S. by fostering collaboration and resource sharing. It targets businesses, organizations, and individuals, ensuring widespread access to AI tools and knowledge. The program includes State Coordination Hubs to connect stakeholders, a National Lead for collaboration, and AI-Ready Catalyst Award Competitions to drive innovative solutions. This comprehensive approach seeks to prepare all sectors for an AI-driven economy, benefiting Americans through practical implementation and workforce development.

The Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship was established in 2010, in memory of Freeland resident and business owner Bernie Smillie. Bernie passed away in 2000, due to complications from a lung transplant he had received in 1994. In 2005, family and friends of Bernie established the Bernie Smillie Memorial Golf Outing. Proceeds of this outing has helped to promote organ donor support and awareness and establish this scholarship fund.

Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship - Michigan Resident

Evaluation Criteria

• Financial need (20)
• Work experience (20)
• Overall involvement at work, school and community activities (20)
• Career goals as demonstrated in essay (20)
• Letters of recommendation

Women of Colors Scholarship

Women of Colors (WOC) was founded in 1993 by a group of women that believed it would take a cooperative effort of women of all nationalities, ages and socioeconomic status to address issues plaguing the Saginaw Community. The founders believed that women should take a more active role in addressing issues of crime, blight and poverty. WOC began by providing support, community outreach services and facilitating discussions within the community. WOC’s mission promotes multi-cultural diversity and enhances community relations in Saginaw County by performing community service, mentoring youth, and collaborating with other organizations.

The Women of Colors Scholarship will be awarded each year to a Great Empowering Motivational Sessions (GEMS) member that is an area high school senior actively involved in efforts to empower young women and in activities that address issues affecting young women in the Saginaw Community. If no GEMS members are high school seniors, applications will be accepted from non-GEMS applicants.

The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) aims to enhance broadband access and adoption on Tribal lands, supporting initiatives for remote learning, telework, and telehealth. Administered by NTIA, this program provides vital funding to eligible entities under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. This funding is crucial for fostering digital inclusion and improving connectivity in underserved Tribal communities.

The Native Entities Grant Program, initiated by NTIA under the Digital Equity Act of 2021, aims to support Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, and Native Hawaiian organizations. This program streamlines funding through a unified application for two significant initiatives: the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant and the Digital Equity Competitive Grant. By focusing on reducing administrative burdens, it enhances access to digital resources and equity in underserved communities.