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Community Development Grants in Chicago, Illinois

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Search Through Community Development Grants in Chicago, Illinois in the U.S.

Looking for Community Development Grants in Chicago, Illinois? Find the perfect grant for your nonprofit on Instrumentl

33 grants

$2.1M total

$25K median

33
Available grants

$2.1M
Total funding amount

$25K
Median grant amount

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Last updated: March 2, 2026. Next update: April 5, 2026.

Rolling deadline

Unspecified amount

The Chicago Commitment: Advancing Leadership Grant aims to support diverse leaders from historically marginalized communities, fostering equity and inclusion in civic engagement. This initiative seeks to empower individuals who face systemic barriers, enabling them to influence decision-making and contribute to a more equitable Chicago. By funding leadership programs and individual leaders, the grant addresses urgent community needs while promoting collaboration among organizations to enhance their impact on societal change.

Rolling deadline

Unspecified amount

The Elizabeth Morse Genius Charitable Trust Grant focuses on grants that promote values-based initiatives addressing various community needs, particularly in Chicago and Cook County. It supports 501(c)(3) organizations that relieve human suffering, enhance self-esteem, and encourage athletic activities. The Trust emphasizes regional solutions to local challenges, ensuring that the quality of life improves for all citizens. Organizations outside the area may apply if they serve a significant number of Chicago residents.

Rolling deadline

Unspecified amount

The Grand Victoria Foundation Grants focus on building community power in Illinois, specifically empowering Black communities to address systemic inequities. Through strategic actions like community organizing, advocacy, and research, the foundation supports initiatives that promote racial justice and equity. The foundation invites proposals from organizations that demonstrate strong governance and impactful work within their communities. By prioritizing grassroots efforts, they aim to create systemic change and enhance the quality of life for marginalized populations.

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Rolling deadline

Unspecified amount

The JSF Scholarships aim to empower economically disadvantaged students by providing financial assistance for their education. This initiative addresses barriers to education and employment, enabling students to achieve academic success and meaningful careers. The Foundation supports various scholarship programs, partnering with schools and universities, and focusing on areas such as financial need and mentorship. By fostering educational opportunities, the JSF Scholarships contribute significantly to community development and individual empowerment.

Rolling deadline

Unspecified amount

The Topfer Family Foundation Grant aims to empower individuals by providing essential resources and support in various program areas, including child abuse prevention, youth enrichment, job training, children's health, and aging in place. This grant is focused on fostering self-sufficiency through initiatives that promote education, practical life skills, and access to healthcare. The foundation prioritizes organizations in the greater Austin, Chicago, Denver, and Broward County areas, ensuring that funds directly benefit local communities.

Rolling deadline

Unspecified amount

The Walter S. Mander Foundation offers grants focused on urban agriculture, local sustainable agriculture, community development, and cancer research. As a private foundation, it does not accept unsolicited proposals but allows brief introductory letters for review. Grants are made on a rolling basis, primarily supporting organizations serving Chicago and surrounding areas. Areas such as Jewish and Israeli organizations are also prioritized. The foundation is driven by the legacy of Walter S. Mander, a Jewish refugee who thrived in the American meatpacking industry.

Applications due Mar 10, 2027

Unspecified amount

The Next for Autism Scholarship Program is a unique initiative designed for health and human services students. Offering a combination of tuition assistance and paid work experience, participants work as Direct Support Professionals (DSP) for neurodivergent adults. With starting pay at $16 per hour and a $5,000 annual scholarship, this program not only provides financial support but also helps students develop valuable skills while making a positive impact in their communities.

Full proposal due Mar 28, 2026

Unspecified amount

The Adtalem Global Education Foundation, established in 2010, is dedicated to enhancing education and community development. Based in Chicago, it focuses on expanding educational access, particularly for underrepresented minorities in the healthcare sector. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that promote economic growth through skills-based workforce development, address healthcare disparities, and increase access to quality education for underserved populations. Its commitment to civic engagement and equality reflects its mission to empower communities.

Letter of inquiry due Mar 30, 2026

US $10,000 - US $50,000

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

Letter of inquiry due Apr 1, 2026

US $55,000 - US $80,000

The Chicago Commitment: Culture, Equity, and the Arts Grant aims to foster racial equity and inclusivity in Chicago by investing in diverse organizations that utilize arts and culture as a means of community engagement. This program provides flexible funding to support organizations with operating budgets over $1 million, enabling them to explore new ideas and maintain stability. The grant prioritizes projects that reflect the unique voices of Chicago's communities and address systemic barriers faced by marginalized groups.

Full proposal due Apr 1, 2026

Unspecified amount

The Joyce Foundation's Education & Economic Mobility Grants aim to close income and race disparities in college and career success. The foundation prioritizes equitable access to high-quality education, supporting policies for effective educators, high school graduation, and affordable college credentials. Focused on racial equity and economic mobility, it addresses the needs of historically underserved young people in the Great Lakes region and invests in research, policy development, and advocacy to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Applications due Apr 17, 2026

Unspecified amount

The New Leaf Illinois Network Grant, funded by the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation, aims to support civil legal aid programs that assist individuals in clearing cannabis convictions. It provides funding for legal services, community outreach, and technical assistance, ensuring equitable access to justice for those impacted by past cannabis-related offenses. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and provide free legal representation to low-income clients, focusing on communities disproportionately affected by cannabis laws.

Applications due May 14, 2026

US $15,000 - US $75,000

The African American Legacy Grants, initiated by The Chicago Community Trust, aims to enhance the quality of life for Black communities in metropolitan Chicago. This program supports Black-led organizations focused on community wealth building, mobilization, and care. Grants range from $15,000 to $75,000 depending on the project's scope, promoting initiatives like worker cooperatives and mental health services. The grants prioritize organizations that are responsive to community needs and emphasize collective impact through shared ownership and democratic participation.

Full proposal due May 15, 2026

Up to US $1,035,000

The Ono Initiative Grant by the Ono Pharma Foundation supports innovative research in Chemical Biology, aiming to transform human health. It welcomes proposals from Principal Investigators (PIs) at nominated institutions, focusing on groundbreaking solutions and promoting the development of young scientists. Grants of up to $1,035,000 over three years are available, fostering collaboration and transformative research aligned with the foundation's mission.

Applications due Jun 27, 2026

Up to US $10,000

The JCCC Student Development and Achievement Grants, offered by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago, aim to support innovative educational projects that enhance student learning and development. With a funding pool of approximately $100,000, grants of up to $10,000 are available for schools and non-profits in the Chicago area. The program encourages projects that promote critical thinking, personal initiative, and collaboration, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of diverse subjects and community involvement.

Applications due Jul 30, 2026

US $50,000 - US $180,000

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is offering the Film and TV Workforce Training Grant Program to enhance the film industry's workforce. This program aims to recruit, hire, and train a diverse workforce, providing vital job skills to meet industry demands. With a total funding of $1,000,000, grants ranging from $50,000 to $180,000 will be awarded to support training initiatives across Illinois, especially beyond Chicago, to ensure equitable opportunities.

Pre proposal due Sep 3, 2026

Unspecified amount

The Lumpkin Family Foundation's Austin Fresh Grants program, initiated in 2020, focuses on enhancing access to healthy, affordable food in Chicago's Austin neighborhood. This collaborative effort supports community gardens, local food production, and food assistance programs, aiming to promote equity and sustainability. With a commitment of at least $1 million annually for five years, the program empowers local solutions and addresses food access barriers, fostering community-driven initiatives for a healthier future.

Applications due Oct 28, 2026

US $50,000 - US $100,000

The Elea Institute's Education Grants Program aims to enhance hospice and palliative care education for healthcare providers, patients, and families in Illinois. With grant sizes ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, this initiative supports 1-3 projects over a period of up to two years. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and focus on the specified Illinois counties, fostering community outreach and educational efforts to improve patient care.

Applications due Oct 28, 2026

US $50,000 - US $100,000

The Elea Institute's Integrative Therapy Grants Program aims to support charity care and integrative therapy within 13 Illinois counties, enhancing hospice and palliative care services. This initiative, established by the Elea Institute, focuses on funding innovative programs that improve care quality for patients and their families. Eligible nonprofit organizations can apply for grants ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, covering projects that align with the mission of increasing accessibility to compassionate care.

Letter of inquiry due Nov 26, 2026

Up to US $50,000

The Match General Operating Support program by The Chicago Community Trust aims to assist community-serving organizations managing government grants by providing essential funding to cover administrative costs. This initiative is crucial for ensuring that federal aid reaches historically disinvested communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. With a focus on equitable recovery, the program supports organizations that prioritize community investment, safety, and workforce development, thereby enhancing the overall impact of government funding.

Applications due Dec 5, 2026

US $10,000

The PLTW Computer Science program, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance STEM opportunities for underserved students in John Deere communities. This initiative supports schools initiating or expanding PLTW Computer Science courses starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. With a commitment to inclusive education, the foundation seeks to empower students by providing essential resources and opportunities to develop critical skills that will serve them in future careers.

Applications due Dec 5, 2026

US $10,000

The John Deere Foundation, in partnership with PLTW, aims to enhance access to engineering programs for underserved students in its home communities. This initiative is part of a 10-year commitment to support equitable educational opportunities. By providing grants, the foundation encourages schools to expand their PLTW Engineering courses, fostering critical STEM skills to empower students. Eligible schools must be near John Deere facilities and demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and student engagement in engineering education.

Applications due Dec 5, 2026

US $10,000

The PLTW Gateway program expansion, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access to STEM education for underserved students in John Deere communities. With a commitment to support 1 million youth by 2030, this initiative provides grants to schools seeking to expand their existing PLTW programs. Eligible schools must be within proximity of John Deere facilities and demonstrate a significant enrollment of students participating in free and reduced lunch programs, ensuring equitable educational opportunities.

Applications due Dec 5, 2026

US $7,500

The PLTW Launch program, in partnership with the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance STEM education access for underserved communities. This initiative supports schools in implementing PLTW Launch modules, fostering equitable opportunities for students. With a commitment to enroll at least 50% of students from the Free and Reduced Lunch program, the program focuses on real-world skills development to prepare youth for future challenges. The goal is to empower one million students by 2030.

Applications due Dec 5, 2026

US $5,000

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion grant, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access to STEM education for underserved communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their PLTW programs and includes training for teachers and resources for students. Priority is given to schools near John Deere facilities that demonstrate need and a commitment to student participation in STEM activities. The project aligns with the foundation's goal to impact one million youth by 2030.

Applications due Dec 9, 2026

US $3,000

The Jack Miller Center Fellowships at the Newberry Library support scholars advancing the understanding of America's founding principles and history. Open to postdoctoral scholars and PhD candidates, these short-term fellowships provide a stipend of $3,000 per month for research on specific collection items. Applications are encouraged from scholars of all nationalities, including those in the Chicago metropolitan area, fostering a diverse academic community committed to exploring America's historical narratives.

Applications due Feb 13, 2027

US $100,000 - US $750,000

The Illinois Community College Board is offering the FY2026 Advanced Manufacturing Grant with approximately $4.5 million in funds. This initiative supports the growth and innovation of Advanced Manufacturing programs across Illinois' community colleges. It aims to enhance collaboration within the system, creating flexible learning pathways that respond to industry needs, thereby strengthening workforce training and contributing to local economies.

Showing 27 of 33 results.