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Search Through Education Grants in Chicago, Illinois

The Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company supports local nonprofits through employee-led grants. With over 60 years of experience, ECF pools tax-deductible donations to empower impactful community initiatives. The Chicago Chapter prioritizes established nonprofits in Arts and Culture, Education, Environment, and Health and Human Services, focusing on sustainable and scalable programs. Grants typically range from $3,000 to $10,000, with careful consideration given to alignment with ECF's mission and employee contributions.

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.

The Gadomski Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations primarily in the Lehigh Valley, San Francisco Bay Area, Atlantic City, and Chicago. With a focus on education, under-served children, health, and the arts, this private foundation has a history of impactful giving since 2007. Currently, new grants are limited to organizations not previously funded, emphasizing significant contributions and matching grants. The foundation remains committed to its mission despite prior commitments through multi-year pledges.

The GreenState Foundation, part of GreenState Credit Union, is dedicated to enhancing community welfare through financial education, affordable housing, and children's health. They actively support local nonprofits and schools, prioritizing projects that empower underserved communities. With a commitment to fiscal responsibility and community impact, they ensure funding is available within specific regions including Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska, fostering a brighter future for all.

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.

The Field Foundation of Illinois focuses on funding organizations that address systemic issues in under-resourced communities, particularly prioritizing BIPOC-led initiatives. With a commitment to racial equity, they aim to invest 60% of their portfolio in BIPOC organizations across Chicago, supporting efforts in justice and storytelling. Grant requests typically range from $15,000 to $50,000, fostering local partnerships to create impactful social change.

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.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials. 

Bill Breen Bluegrass Youth Education Fund

The Bill Breen Bluegrass Youth Education Fund was initially financed by friend and colleague, Susie Stephenson. The fund is an option for donors who want to help young people experience and learn to play bluegrass music. Instead of funding a specific scholarship or grant, the Breen Fund will be used by the IBMA Foundation where needed most, in a variety of ways that benefit individuals age 21 and younger. Based in Chicago, Illinois, Bill was an Associate Professor and Professor of Finance at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University from 1971-2002, going on to serve as Chairman of the Finance Department and Head of Doctoral Studies for the Kellogg School. In addition to playing the banjo, Bill was an avid sailor and fly fisherman, and he never met a dog he didn’t like. His friends and family say it’s fitting that a man so passionate about the banjo, bluegrass music, and education is memorialize with a bluegrass youth education fund.

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.

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.

The Bayer Fund Health & Wellness Grant Program aims to support organizations that provide education and resources for patients and caregivers facing cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Grants focus on assisting communities, particularly the African American population, in managing these health issues. Funding covers educational services, disease awareness, and access to care, with all activities to commence post-funding decisions. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) status and operate within 55 miles of Bayer sites.

The Pew Biomedical Scholars Program offers significant funding of $300,000 over four years to support early-career researchers in biomedical sciences. The program encourages innovative and impactful research that contributes to human health, requiring nomination from one of the 212 participating institutions. Candidates must hold a doctorate, run an independent lab as an assistant professor, and demonstrate exceptional promise. This program fosters collaboration and annual meetings for scholars to present their findings.

The A. Montgomery Ward Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations that enhance educational and cultural programs in Chicago and surrounding areas. Established in 1959, it aims to empower local communities through quality programming. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, focusing on arts, culture, and education. Grants typically last for one year, with a commitment to fostering community growth and development.

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.

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.

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.

The PLTW Gateway program, supported by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance STEM education access for underserved communities. By 2030, they intend to assist 1 million youth through inclusive educational opportunities. Schools within 40 miles of John Deere facilities can apply for grants to implement PLTW Gateway units, promoting real-world skill development. Priority is given to schools that demonstrate need and ensure student enrollment in these programs, fostering a strong foundation for future success.

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.

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.

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.

The McGraw Foundation offers annual grants to not-for-profit organizations, primarily in the greater Chicago area, focusing on education, conservation, and human services. Grant amounts typically range from $2,000 to $10,000, with larger grants available for particularly impactful projects. While supporting diverse initiatives, the Foundation does not fund individuals or specific events. Organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS regulations to qualify for funding. The Foundation encourages innovative approaches and partnerships in grant applications.

The Kosciuszko Foundation offers Tuition Scholarships for American students of Polish descent pursuing graduate studies in the U.S. Scholarships can provide up to $12,000 for full-time studies, including master's and Ph.D. programs. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents with Polish heritage and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This program aims to foster educational exchanges and cultural understanding between the U.S. and Poland, supporting various fields of study.

League of Chicago Theatres 

The League of Chicago Theatres was founded in 1979 by a small group of theaters formerly known as the Off Loop Producers Association. Their mission was to enrich and sustain the economic and cultural life in Chicago by developing marketing, advocacy and information services to strengthen the operations of member theatres. 

Today the League serves many functions for the community including audience development, advocacy, government relations, grant-making, and professional development. The League remains an organization that is governed by our membership and is proud to serve more than 200 theaters. Our membership encompasses a diverse list of companies including not-for-profit and commercial operations, suburban and city-based, all-volunteer storefront operations and large regional theatres. 

ComEd Powering the Arts Program

Purpose and Overview

Exposure to the arts is vitally important for the health of our communities. Coming together to share a cultural offering is a way to cultivate community and achieve social connection, which inspires and uplifts us all. Arts and culture should be accessible to everyone. Through this program, ComEd and the League of Chicago Theatres look to reach audiences that have otherwise been unable to access the richness of cultural offerings throughout the ComEd service area.

Experiences in the arts increase creativity across the spectrum of human endeavor. Each experience provides audiences with further opportunities for interaction, whether they are inspired to educate themselves further about the topic, create a work of art themselves, or perhaps to attend another event. Each exposure enhances the quality of life for the audiences but can also change lives in profound ways.

Recognizing that access to art is crucial to the quality of our lives, ComEd has partnered with the League of Chicago Theatres to support cultural institutions in northern Illinois in their efforts to reach new and diverse audiences. The ComEd Powering the Arts program has been designed to assist local institutions in these efforts by providing funding for some expenses toward these goals.

Applicants may request funding for either $20,000 or any amount up to $10,000. Requests for funding between levels ($10,001-$19,999) will not be considered.

Sustainable Solutions for Housing Stability – Addressing Critical Needs Grant

Background

At The Chicago Community Trust, we believe that people are our region’s greatest asset. Central to our Critical Needs strategy is the recognition that access to stable, healthy and secure housing is fundamental in paving the way toward economic stability for individuals and families. Understanding the Chicago region’s formidable homelessness challenges, the Trust is offering this funding opportunity aimed at bolstering direct service organizations that provide housing and homeless prevention services. Through a human-centered approach, we are dedicated to ensuring that communities experiencing homelessness or unstable housing receive the support and resources necessary to achieve and maintain stable housing.

Need/Opportunity Statement

The Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness estimates that 58,625 people experienced homelessness in 2024 – nearly three times higher than the 18,836 individuals counted in the city’s annual Point-in-Time survey. Unlike the Point-in-Time count, this estimate includes people who are doubled-up or living in overcrowded and unstable housing, revealing the broader reality of housing insecurity across Chicago.

Both reports show that homelessness is widespread and disproportionately impacts Black and Latine communities. Black residents make up about 30 percent of Chicago’s population but account for more than 50 percent of those experiencing homelessness. Latine residents also represent about 30 percent of the population and over 90 percent of those living doubled-up.

While Illinois and the City of Chicago have multi-year plans to address homelessness, philanthropic support remains essential. The Chicago Community Trust is committed to providing flexible, multi-year funding to help make homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring.

Priority Strategies & Activities

The Sustainable Solutions for Housing Stability RFP will fund programs that support individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

Grants will support initiatives in two primary categories:

Prevention:

• Emergency rental assistance and subsidies to help people stay in their homes
• Legal support for individuals and families facing eviction

Housing:

• Safe emergency shelter that provides healthy meals, healthcare access, and case management to help people move into stable housing
• Transitional housing with wraparound support, giving residents time to pursue education, job training, and employment
• Permanent supportive housing for individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities
• Housing navigation services to reduce barriers and offer culturally and linguistically responsive support
• Specialized housing programs tailored to the unique needs of vulnerable communities, including returning residents, youth, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and survivors of gender-based violence

The ultimate goal is to foster sustainable solutions that promote housing stability and address the root causes of homelessness within the Chicago region.

Goals & Outcomes

The Sustainable Solutions for Housing Stability RFP supports the Trust’s 10-year goal of increasing the number of households meeting their basic needs. Progress measures focus on tracking how housing programs help people move from homelessness to stable housing and stay housed, while also capturing the impact of prevention efforts that keep people in their homes.

Grant Amounts Available & Grant Term

These multi-year, general operating grants will span three years. Yearly grant amounts will be between $75,000 and $125,000. The Trust estimates it will make between 20 and 25 grant awards.

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.

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.

The Lake Forest Garden Club Grant supports community initiatives focused on gardening, horticultural education, and conservation. It prioritizes projects in Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Lake County, Illinois. Eligible organizations are encouraged to apply for funding for public, accessible projects such as environmental education and historic garden restoration. The club aims to partner with groups that share its mission of enhancing community engagement and promoting sustainable practices, with a preference for single-year projects.