Best Grants for Museums in Illinois

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

The Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

Community Health Center Construction Grants - Rebuild Illinois

Pursuant to 30 ILCS 766, the Community Health Center Construction Act ("Act"), the Capital Development Board ("CDB") (in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Public Health) is authorized to make grants available to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) and FQHC Look-Alikes which serve, in whole or in part, a designated Medically Underserved Area (“MUA”) or Medically Underserved Population (“MUP”) both as defined in the Act, for health center construction projects.

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) engages individuals aged 55 and older in meaningful volunteer service to address critical community needs. This initiative, supported by the Illinois Department on Aging, enhances the quality of life for volunteers while providing essential services to the community. With a focus on utilizing the skills and experiences of older adults, RSVP fosters partnerships with various organizations to ensure impactful volunteer opportunities. The program exemplifies a commitment to dignity, independence, and the enrichment of lives.

The Foster Grandparent Grant Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Aging, empowers seniors aged 55 and older to tutor and mentor children with special needs in various educational settings. By providing a small stipend and training, the program encourages volunteerism, enhancing the lives of both seniors and youth. In 2024, 417 volunteers dedicated over 423,000 hours to support 3,670 children, showcasing the program's impact on community engagement and intergenerational relationships.

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

NCRC Field Empowerment Fund (FEF) - Housing Counseling Services

The Field Empowerment Fund (FEF) empowers NCRC network members to level up established service lines.

The Housing Counseling Services series within FEF supports HUD-approved housing counseling agencies in driving homeownership, such as through pre-purchase counseling. In addition, the program builds agency knowledge on heirs’ property challenges to better equip first-time and low-income homebuying households with the know-how to retain intergenerational wealth.

In doing so, FEF-HCS aims to help underserved families begin their homeownership journey, with an additional goal of ensuring foresight into the long-term future of their home purchase.

The FEF-HCS series is funded in partnership with Key Bank and HSBC, and targets communities within the Key Bank and HSBC branch footprints.

Through these partnerships, $2.5 million in Key Bank geographies and $1.5 million in HSBC geographies has been allocated for the subgrants for direct-to-client housing counseling services that will be awarded in three rounds in the FEF-HCS track.

Funding Support

Awardee agencies will receive subgrants to support their housing counseling services to clients.

Knowledge Building

Awardee agencies will attend a training session on heirs’ property challenges and best practices, hosted by NCRC National Training Academy. Bolstering counselor knowledge on this topic will ensure that your agency is not only serving clients in their personal wealth-building journey now, but also helping them preserve that wealth in generations to come.

The CDBG Economic Development Program, managed by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, provides grants to local governments to support private businesses that create or retain jobs for low-to-moderate income workers. Grants can be used for public infrastructure improvements and are awarded based on project feasibility and need, with a ceiling of $1,000,000 per award, ensuring economic growth in eligible communities.

The Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program, led by The Minneapolis Foundation, supports community-based nonprofits in the Great Lakes region. With a focus on underserved communities, grants will total $40 million over three years, aiming to enhance environmental health, education, and resilience. The program prioritizes applications from federally recognized tribes and organizations with limited budgets, fostering inclusive community engagement and sustainable development. Eligible projects include environmental assessments, public health initiatives, and job training.

The PRTV Basic Grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency provides $43,000 to support locally operated public radio and television stations in Illinois. This funding enables these stations to deliver essential services to their communities, including local news, educational outreach, and unique arts programming. Eligible applicants are non-commercial broadcasters licensed by the FCC, ensuring that Illinois residents have access to vital local media resources. This grant aims to enhance community engagement and cultural enrichment.

The PRTV Operating Grant, offered by the Illinois Arts Council Agency, supports non-commercial public radio and television stations in Illinois. These stations play a vital role in delivering local content, including news, arts programming, and educational outreach. The grant aims to enhance community engagement and ensure that residents have access to diverse media services that reflect their unique needs and interests.

The PRTV Basic Grant from the Illinois Public Radio and Television aims to enhance community access to local public broadcasting services. Funded by the Illinois Arts Council Agency, this grant supports non-commercial radio and television stations that provide essential services, including educational outreach, arts programming, and regional news coverage. Eligible applicants must be licensed broadcasters operating within Illinois, ensuring that local communities benefit from unique, locally-focused media offerings.

The PRTV Operating Grant FY20, offered by the Illinois Arts Council Agency, supports non-commercial public radio and television stations in Illinois. This grant enables these stations to provide essential community services, including local programming, arts initiatives, educational outreach, and regional news coverage. By ensuring access to diverse media, the grant fosters a well-informed public and enhances local cultural engagement.

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.

Walter A. Sperry Scholarship Endowment Fund

Students entering post-graduate studies in the fields of dentistry or engineering are eligible to apply for scholarships from the Walter A. Sperry Scholarship Endowment Fund.

This fund was established as a memorial to Walter A. Sperry, Sr. (1882-1981) and Walter A. Sperry, Jr. (1922-1995).

Walter A. Sperry, Sr. received a degree in chemical engineering from Ohio State University in 1907.

He was a chemist in Columbus, Ohio and Grand Rapids, Michigan before his appointment as superintendent of the Aurora Sanitary District, a position he held from 1930 to 1958.

His son Walter A. Sperry, Jr. was a graduate of the University of Illinois Dental School and practiced in Aurora from 1947 to 1988.

In addition, he taught at the College of Dentistry at the University of Illinois-Chicago for twenty-five years.

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 FY 25 ILETSB Law Enforcement Camera Grant provides funding to Illinois law enforcement agencies for the acquisition of in-car video and officer-worn body cameras. This initiative supports local governmental units such as municipalities and counties in enhancing their law enforcement capabilities. Eligible applicants include public universities and park districts. The grant aims to improve community safety through better surveillance and accountability in law enforcement operations.

IDNR Mission Statement

To manage, conserve and protect Illinois' natural, recreational and cultural resources, further the public's understanding and appreciation of those resources, and promote the education, science and public safety of Illinois' natural resources for present and future generations.

Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant

Purpose

Projects must emphasize student/youth involvement with planning, development and maintenance and increase the educational and wildlife habitat values of the site. The applicant must be prepared to maintain and commit resources to the project for at least five years. The project must be implemented on school grounds or another public place (for example, a park or nature center/forest preserve district land). Illinois Conservation Foundation sites and Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) sites do not qualify for funding. Admission fees cannot be charged to obtain access to the site. Individual student projects will not be funded.

The Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant includes three options: Option One; Option Two; and Option Three.

Option Two

Option Two is for all other projects. Habitat projects may include, but not be limited to, the following activities:

• enhance or establish and maintain a schoolyard prairie plot,
• butterfly garden,
• rain garden,
• wetland,
• native tree arboretum,
• nesting platform or watering station;
• design and build a bird feeder or feeding station; or
• construct and install bat roosting boxes.

Vegetable gardens are not eligible for this grant.

This grant will pay for the purchase of simple gardening tools such as child- and adult-sized gloves, spades, shovels, rakes, trowels and hoes. Tool costs shall not account for more than 25% of the total project cost.

Illinois Regional Site Readiness Program

Short Description

The Regional Site Readiness Program aims to better prepare sites for industrial development across the state. Input from community leaders and economic development experts has raised the need for flexible funding to support construction and infrastructure improvements to prepare sites for future development. This is the second round of the Regional Site Readiness Program and includes some minor changes from last year’s program.

Objective

Intent is to invest planning and capital resources to enable more rapid and certain industrial development. Investments to better understand needs to sites across the state including planning and due diligence (engineering, environmental, concept plans, etc) and investments to shorten development time frames include infrastructure (electric, natural gas, water & sewer, etc) and other site preparation activities

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.

Trembacki & Hultgren Families Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund provides scholarships to students graduating from East Aurora or West Aurora High School who will be entering the field of teaching.

Raymond Trembacki (1925-2000) was a teacher in the West Aurora School System from 1952 to 1959.

He then moved to East Aurora High School to develop the photography curriculum. In 1983, he continued his teaching career at the College of DuPage.

Janice Trembacki (1927-1997) was an English teacher in the West Aurora School System. She taught at Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson Junior High Schools. She retired in 1990.

Mr. and Mrs. Trembacki were graduates of Illinois State University (BA) and Colorado State College (MA).

Dale and Rae Jean Hultgren also had long and distinguished careers as educators for the Aurora schools.

In 1953, Dale Hultgren joined his sister Janice Trembacki in the West Aurora School System. He taught at Freeman Elementary School and later he taught science at Thomas Jefferson Junior High School.

Mr. Hultgren is a graduate of Illinois State University (BS) and the University of Colorado (MS).

Rae Jean Hultgren (1935-2008) taught in the Business Education Department at West Aurora High School, where she later became the department chairperson.

She also taught at East Aurora High School in the Business Education Department until her retirement in 2000. Mrs. Hultgren is a graduate of the University of Iowa (BBA and MA).

The FY26 9-1-1 System Consolidation Grant Program, managed by the Illinois State Police, aims to enhance the efficiency and availability of 9-1-1 services across Illinois. This initiative supports the consolidation of Emergency Telephone System Boards and Public Safety Answering Points, thereby reducing call transfers and operational costs. Priority is given to first-time applicants and those with previous grants. Funding is limited to non-recurring costs, promoting long-term savings and improved emergency response capabilities statewide.

The FY26 NG9-1-1 Expenses Grant Program, administered by the Illinois State Police, aims to support 9-1-1 Authorities outside municipalities with populations over 500,000. The program prioritizes funding for the implementation of Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) systems, including upgrades to call handling, multimedia recording, and GIS projects. Eligible applicants must comply with state and federal regulations to ensure efficient emergency response and improved public safety through enhanced 9-1-1 services.

The Lead Service Line Inventory Grant Program offers funding to local government units for creating a comprehensive lead service line inventory as mandated by Illinois law. Eligible applicants can receive between $20,000 and $50,000, with applications reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. Additional financial support may be sought through low-interest loans for line replacements. Reporting requirements include quarterly updates and annual financial evaluations, ensuring transparency and accountability in project progress.

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.

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.

Thorium Action Group/Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund provides scholarships to graduating high school seniors who reside within West Chicago Community High School District 94 in the State of Illinois.

It is a living legacy that symbolizes the joint effort of the Thorium Action Group, the people of the City of West Chicago, Illinois, their elected representatives, and the Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation to remove the radioactive thorium contamination from the community.

This fund was established on September 17, 1997 with a generous donation from the Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation. Kerr-McGee made the donation in the name of the Thorium Action Group because of the group’s fight to clean up the city.

The Community Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grants, administered by the Illinois Finance Authority, aims to deploy over $14 million in federal funds for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This initiative focuses on expanding access to EV charging in both urban and rural communities, particularly in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. Eligible applicants include government, education, and nonprofit organizations, with a requirement for a 20% cost match. The program prioritizes projects enhancing community-based infrastructure for all Illinois residents.

The Equitable Energy Future Grant Program, launched by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, aims to provide crucial seed and pre-development funding to contractors. This initiative supports renewable energy and energy efficiency projects specifically benefiting historically disadvantaged communities. By addressing capital barriers, the program fosters business and community development, ensuring that these vital projects can thrive. Funding ranges from $250,000 to $1,000,000, encouraging early applications as funds are limited.

The Special Wildlife Funds - State Pheasant Fund provides competitive grants to non-profit and governmental organizations aimed at conserving wild pheasant habitats in Illinois. Funded through Illinois Habitat Stamps, projects should align with the state's Wildlife Action Plan and improve habitat quality and connectivity. Eligible activities include preserving, acquiring, and managing high-quality habitats, ensuring public access, and meeting feasible costs. Compliance with administrative rules is essential for grant administration.