Best Grants for Religious Nonprofits in Illinois

Religious, charitable, scientific, literary, and educational organizations in Illinois can seek program or operating support, with awards from US $10,000 - US $50,000. With a mission to aid community-serving institutions, Marion G Jackson Char Tr gives preference to Quincy and Adams County groups, including religious and spirituality-focused nonprofits.

Illinois religious and other nonprofit organizations in Illinois that provide on-site wellness and spiritual services to backstretch residents and workers at pari-mutuel race tracks can access funding through the Illinois Racing Board. Grants up to US $767,193 support medical, dental, counseling, educational, religious, social, and related wellness programs and operating costs tied to these services.

High school seniors and college students pursuing college studies in music, medicine, or religion who reside in Green or Noble Townships in Noble County can apply for the Kichler, Tony and Gertrude Scholarship Fund; awards US $3,500 as a one-time payment, with the option to reapply. Illinois religious nonprofits may share this opportunity with eligible students they serve.

Illinois 501(c)(3) organizations, especially those significantly supported by religious institutions, can seek $10,000 - $25,000 to support health, senior care, social services, education, or work benefiting Israel. Harry Kramer Memorial Fund provides U.S. religiously affiliated and other qualifying charities with flexible program or general welfare support tied to these priorities.

Religious and other 501(c)(3) organizations in Illinois can seek funding for charitable, educational, scientific, and faith-based programs through the Andrew Burgin Charitable Trust, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $20,000. The trust primarily supports Alabama groups but may consider Illinois religious nonprofits working in areas like health, human services, environment, and public benefit.

Illinois 501(c)(3) organizations seeking capital or facility funding over More than US $100,000 for religion, spirituality, education, public safety, or community programs may be eligible, especially with strong Beloit ties. Focused on local, measurable impact, Hendricks Family Foundation prioritizes Beloit, Wisconsin, but may consider Stateline-area and Rock County projects that include Beloit activity.

Illinois 501(c)(3) organizations working in religion, spirituality, education, workforce development, public safety, or community vitality and serving the Stateline area may be eligible for operating support. With a mission to create strong, vibrant communities, Hendricks Family Foundation provides more than US $100,000 to support new or existing projects with measurable local impact, primarily connected to Beloit.

Illinois 501(c)(3) organizations seeking up to US $100,000 for education, workforce development, public safety, veterans, community vitality, or religious and spiritual programs that measurably impact Beloit, Wisconsin may be eligible. With a mission to strengthen its home community, Hendricks Family Foundation primarily supports Beloit-focused work, occasionally including nearby Stateline Area projects in Illinois.

Presbyterian women of color, clergywomen, college women, and other women seeking leadership and spiritual development opportunities in the U.S. can receive up to US $3,000 through the Katie Cannon Scholarship. Funded by Presbyterian Mission Agency, this support may benefit Illinois religious nonprofits nurturing women’s leadership within Presbyterian communities.

Scholars with a PhD or equivalent terminal degree conducting humanities or religion and spirituality research can apply for US $20,000 - US $45,000 Mellon Foundation Long-Term Fellowships, spending four to nine months at the Newberry Library in Illinois. Focused on original scholarship using Newberry’s collections, these fellowships may benefit researchers whose work supports religious nonprofits’ missions.

Adjunct college and university faculty who are Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship alumni in eligible humanities or social science fields can receive up to US $10,000 to focus on research and scholarship toward securing a tenure-track position. Institute for Citizens & Scholars provides Illinois religion and spirituality scholars with a six‑month fellowship, mentoring, and conference support; the program is open nationwide to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

Doctoral candidates who are alumni of the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship and nearing dissertation completion can receive up to US $30,000 to support a year of writing. Grants from Institute for Citizens & Scholars help humanities, social science, and selected physical science scholars, including those based in Illinois, finish their Ph.D. degrees.

Junior humanities and humanistic social science faculty in Illinois seeking sabbatical time for research and writing can apply for the Career Enhancement Fellowship, which offers up to US $35,000 plus research and travel support. Institute for Citizens & Scholars funds U.S. scholars whose work advances campus diversity, including those in religion and theology fields at colleges and universities.

Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Chicago and working on charitable, educational, religious, literary, or scientific programs can apply for Fifth Third Foundation’s Chicago, IL Foundation funding. Grants may benefit religious and spirituality-focused organizations, with preference for healing the blind, public television, or Catholic charities operating in Cook County.

Religious and spiritual 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities in the Southern U.S. can seek support for programs in faith-based outreach, poverty relief, education, health, and related services. Focused on relieving hardship, Robinson Foundation favors fiscally responsible, established nonprofits where single-year grants will have tangible, meaningful impact and clear results for children, families, and vulnerable groups.

Illinois churches and Christian-based nonprofits serving Grundy County can request funding for evangelical outreach, energy efficiency upgrades, emergency aid, and educational activities such as internships, scholarships, youth camps, and mission trips. Grants from Community Foundation of Grundy County help faith-based organizations in Grundy County strengthen their religious and community services throughout the year.

The National Fund for Sacred Places Grant Program supports historic houses of worship in the U.S. through matching grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. This initiative, in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, aims to enhance community engagement and preserve culturally significant buildings. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate their historical relevance and community service, particularly those representing underrepresented groups. The program prioritizes urgent repair needs and projects that foster inclusivity and accessibility.

Illinois religion and spirituality scholars with doctorates or equivalent publications can access funding through the American Philosophical Society for noncommercial research expenses such as travel, fieldwork, or laboratory costs, with awards up to US $6,500. Eligible independent scholars and faculty may use grants at home or abroad, subject to residency rules.

Scholars and doctoral candidates researching innovation in religion and spirituality can receive up to US $10,000 for short-term research support, including travel, data access, and research assistance. With a mission to advance understanding of religious change, Social Science Research Council provides Illinois and global researchers with seed funding for empirical studies focused on religious and spiritual innovation.

Students planning to enroll at a college, university, or business and involved in a church or other religious institution may be eligible for the Ann Wall Scholarship, which supports higher education. With a mission to strengthen communities, Scranton Area Foundation provides faith-engaged students, including those with learning disabilities or special needs, with scholarship opportunities.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from a high school in Lackawanna County who demonstrates academic excellence, good citizenship, participation in athletics, and who is active in a faith or religious-based organization.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from a high school in Luzerne County who demonstrates academic excellence, good citizenship, participation in athletics, and who is active in a faith or religious-based organization.

The American Bible Society (ABS) Research Grant invites Christian higher education scholars to explore ways to enhance Bible engagement among young adults aged 18-35. With $50,000 in funding, this grant encourages innovative proposals that promote meaningful interactions with Scripture, evaluate engagement strategies, and cater to diverse Christian traditions. Research teams or individual faculty members with expertise in spiritual formation and discipleship are encouraged to apply, aiming for scalable solutions that positively impact spiritual well-being.

The ACLS Graduate Internships on the Spiritual Infrastructure of the Future program offers summer opportunities for current PhD students in the humanities and social sciences to engage with organizations addressing the evolving American religious landscape. This initiative aims to cultivate future leaders by providing practical experiences that demonstrate the value of doctoral training beyond academia. Supported by the Templeton Religion Trust, the internships encourage collaboration between fellows and community organizations, fostering a deeper understanding of spiritual infrastructures.

The Huston Foundation Grants support both Protestant Evangelical Christian and secular needs, emphasizing humanitarian efforts since 1957. Applicants must demonstrate evangelism and provide a doctrinal statement of faith for Christian grants, while secular projects must show unique community needs and measurable goals. All applicants must also possess 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. This dual-focus ensures diverse community support, fostering personal development and innovative solutions to pressing issues.

The Joe Booker Endowed Scholarship, administered by the Hamilton County Community Foundation, supports students in Indiana who advocate for limited government based on Judeo-Christian values. This scholarship aims to empower individuals to achieve their educational goals, promoting a community where everyone has equitable opportunities. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and preference is given to residents from Arcadia or Cicero, IN. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering civic responsibility and community engagement.

The Michael Gregory Boyd Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, supports high school seniors from Troy-area schools who aim to pursue higher education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to community service and belong to the African American or African descent groups. This scholarship opens doors for students seeking 2- or 4-year college programs or technical training, fostering educational growth and community involvement.