Best Grants for Free Clinics in Illinois

Illinois health and community organizations offering breast cancer education and outreach can seek funding to promote equity in breast cancer outcomes through the Carolyn Adams Ticket for the Cure program. With a mission to improve women’s health, the Illinois Department of Public Health provides up to US $50,000 for community health education, especially in high-mortality counties like Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kankakee, Peoria, and St. Clair.

Illinois health care providers and community organizations can apply for Illinois Department of Public Health’s Carolyn Adams Ticket for the Cure grants, awarding up to US $300,000 for breast cancer patient navigation and support services. Programs statewide, especially in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kankakee, Peoria, and St. Clair counties, may be eligible.

Municipal governments in Illinois and other eligible Great Lakes and Southern states seeking help accessing federal health care and related funding can apply for the National League of Cities’ free Federal Grant Navigation Program. This pilot offers one-on-one assistance and peer cohorts to improve applications for ARPA and IIJA grants supporting local services and infrastructure.

Nonprofit Area Agencies on Aging serving rural Illinois can use this grant to improve transportation, broadband access, volunteer engagement, and workforce recruitment for older adults and caregivers. Grants from Illinois Department of Aging help Illinois health care access and senior service providers strengthen rural aging networks and reduce social isolation through targeted community-based initiatives.

Nonprofit health and education organizations in Illinois and across the U.S. can receive US $10,000 - US $75,000 to expand proven programs improving health care access, mental health, or educational outcomes for underserved groups. L B Research and Education Foundation prioritizes mid-sized, established 501(c)(3)s addressing disparities through innovative, research-informed, and scalable models.

Illinois health care and community organizations, including nonprofits, clinics, schools, governments, and small businesses, can access funding through the Illinois Department of Public Health to strengthen community networks that support family well-being and crisis prevention. Awards up to US $150,000 help convene diverse partners and connect families with needed health and support resources across Illinois.

Free and charitable clinics and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Illinois can seek funding to expand health care access, education, and community services. Grants from Cleveland Cliffs Foundation help organizations in company operating communities improve health outcomes, support underserved populations, and contribute to safe, vibrant neighborhoods through eligible programs and initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations providing wellness and health services to people who live or work on the backstretch of Illinois pari-mutuel racetracks can receive funding for medical, dental, counseling, and related programs. Illinois Racing Board offers up to US $767,193 to support on-site clinics, staffing, equipment, and wellness initiatives that may overlap with free clinic services in Illinois.

501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental units providing health care access, basic human needs, or community programs in Illinois can apply for Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation’s charitable grants. Free clinics and similar providers may be eligible if they serve communities in Illinois and align with priorities like health and wellness, affordable housing, food, or community betterment.

Illinois nonprofit organizations undertaking capital campaigns or major projects to improve community health and wellbeing can apply for First National Bank of Omaha’s capital or major donations program. Funding supports restricted capital needs such as construction, renovation, or other large-scale projects, and free clinics may be eligible if their initiatives align with FNBO’s community focus areas.

Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits collaborating with participating CommonSpirit Health hospitals can seek funding to improve community health, health equity, and local health service systems. With a mission to improve health for vulnerable people, CommonSpirit Health provides grants up to US $150,000 for defined health care access, delivery, and community health education projects identified in community health needs assessments.

Illinois nonprofit organizations hosting community events or raising general operating funds can seek community sponsorship support that advances FNBO’s focus areas. Focused on health care access and community wellbeing, First National Bank of Omaha invites eligible groups to request unrestricted sponsorships for free clinics, health initiatives, and related community programs in its Illinois service communities.

Federally Qualified Health Centers and FQHC Look-Alikes in Illinois can seek capital funding for health care facility construction, renovation, new sites, or equipment purchases, with awards up to US $3,000,000. With a mission to expand health care access, Illinois Capital Development Board supports projects serving Medically Underserved Areas or Populations, which may include free and community clinics.

Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits and qualifying public entities can seek funding for health care access, early childhood education, conservation, and family empowerment projects, including capital campaigns and special initiatives. Grants from James M Cox Foundation help organizations in Cox service areas expand facilities, purchase equipment, or build capacity; Illinois applicants outside metro Atlanta need a local Cox endorsement letter.

Illinois medical students at schools with active Alpha Omega Alpha chapters can receive support for 2–12 month health research projects through this fellowship. Projects may address clinical investigation, basic science, epidemiology, health services, leadership, or professionalism, and can complement work in free and charitable clinics. Awards provide US $7,000 plus limited travel reimbursement.

Free and charitable clinics and other U.S.-based 501(c) nonprofits in Illinois can seek funding for community programs improving health care access, nutrition, STEM education, or climate and nature-related health. Grants from Astrazeneca Foundation help address health disparities for historically excluded and disenfranchised populations, with awards up to US $30,000.

ICAHN Workforce Funding Framework

Expanding a Resilient Rural Healthcare Workforce

ICAHN Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP)

Purpose:

• Expand and strengthen the rural healthcare workforce
• Support sustainable workforce solutions for rural hospitals
• Improve access to high-quality healthcare across rural communities

ICAHN's Role:

• Identified as the subrecipient to administer workforce funding
• Provide resources and guidance to participating rural hospitals
• Empower hospitals to determine their own workforce priorities

ICAHN Educational Award Funding

Growing Our Own Workforce

Supports both future healthcare professionals and current employees.

• Design education awards are targeted at three key groups:
  • Graduating high school seniors interested in healthcare careers.
  • Current entry-level healthcare workers (like CNAs or support staff) looking to advance.
  • Individuals seeking a career change into high-need roles.

Prioritizing fields with the greatest shortages ensures the investment aligns with workforce needs. These awards can include tuition, books, housing, and transportation. 

ICAHN Workforce Funding Framework

Expanding a Resilient Rural Healthcare Workforce

ICAHN Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP)

Purpose:

• Expand and strengthen the rural healthcare workforce
• Support sustainable workforce solutions for rural hospitals
• Improve access to high-quality healthcare across rural communities

ICAHN's Role:

• Identified as the subrecipient to administer workforce funding
• Provide resources and guidance to participating rural hospitals
• Empower hospitals to determine their own workforce priorities

Retention Funding

Growing Our Own Workforce

Supporting and strengthening the existence workforce

• Retention Bonuses
• Develop or continue Career Ladder programs
• Paid Mentors or preceptors
• Develop or expand creative retention and onboarding programs

ICAHN Workforce Funding Framework

Expanding a Resilient Rural Healthcare Workforce

ICAHN Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP)

Purpose:

• Expand and strengthen the rural healthcare workforce
• Support sustainable workforce solutions for rural hospitals
• Improve access to high-quality healthcare across rural communities

ICAHN's Role:

• Identified as the subrecipient to administer workforce funding
• Provide resources and guidance to participating rural hospitals
• Empower hospitals to determine their own workforce priorities

ICAHN Recruitment Funding

Building the Rural Healthcare Workforce

Recruitment funding supports innovative and sustainable workforce strategies.

• Recruitment of providers (stipends, short-term housing assistance (up to six months), and other financial supports to attract and retain clinicians)
• Expansion of specialty access services
• Develop an apprenticeship program

The Health Information Outreach Award, funded by the National Library of Medicine, aims to enhance access to essential health information for underrepresented populations and healthcare professionals. This initiative focuses on improving health literacy and equity through diverse projects, including training, technology access, and community outreach. Eligible organizations from select Midwestern states can apply, prioritizing innovative solutions that address health disparities and promote informed health decisions among vulnerable communities.

Home

The Middle Run Foundation is a family-governed foundation based in Newark, Delaware. The Board of the foundation is chaired by Sarah Ives Gore, its founder, and includes her children, grandchildren, and non-family members who bring experience and expertise to our work.

About

Purpose:

The purpose of the foundation is to fund and support non-profit programs which focus on building healthy, self-sufficient families.

Apply

The Middle Run Foundation makes grants up to $500,000 annually with individual grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

NAFC Response & Emergency Needs Fund

The NAFC Response & Emergency Needs Fund is designed to address urgent and unforeseen challenges that threaten operations or patient access to care within NAFC member organizations. These organizations often operate with limited reserves, making them especially vulnerable to unexpected repairs, equipment failures, workforce disruptions, or community emergencies. This fund provides rapid, flexible support to help stabilize operations and ensure continuity of care for uninsured and underserved patients.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund

The NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund supports the launch or expansion of clinical programs and new service areas that increase access to care for underserved patients. This funding is designed to help NAFC members introduce new services or grow existing programs that address unmet community health needs and improve access to comprehensive, patient-centered care.

Mission

To empower worthy nonprofits by providing critically needed, unrestricted funding that helps them fulfill their missions with confidence and sustainability.

How We Serve Nonprofits

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The GoodRx Helps Community Catalyst Grants support community-led nonprofits dedicated to enhancing health and well-being for under-resourced groups. This funding aims to improve healthcare access, education, and essential services, addressing systemic barriers faced by these communities. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to community empowerment and possess a minimum annual operating budget of $250K. This initiative underscores the importance of fostering sustainable health improvements through targeted, inclusive support.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

NAFC Capacity Fund

The NAFC Capacity Fund supports investments that strengthen clinic and pharmacy infrastructure and organizational effectiveness. This funding is designed to help NAFC members build the systems, tools, and capabilities needed to operate more efficiently, improve quality, and expand their ability to serve patients over time.

At Genentech, we invest in bold ideas and innovative solutions that address systemic inequities in science and medicine to advance a more just healthcare system. We focus on efforts that diversify the scientific and medical workforce, advance health equity, and help our communities thrive. We also further advance excellence in medicine and healthcare through our grants for independent medical education. Including efforts to advance health equity, support patient needs, engage the scientific community, and provide co-pay assistance. 

There are multiple ways to apply for funding. Before you submit an application, we encourage you to explore the following materials to learn more about our opportunities for funding, eligibility requirements and considerations, and the process for submitting a proposal within our Funding Request System (gFRS).