Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Illinois

CAR Specialized Care and Early Education Program

This grant award will have an initial period of performance starting in FY27 (07/01/2026 (or upon execution of the agreement) through 06/30/2029). A budget should be submitted for FY27 only.

Provider will deliver age-appropriate early education, developmental screenings, on-site health services, therapeutic supports, nutritious meals and specialized evidence-based curriculum. Additionally, the Provider will strengthen and stabilize families by assessing their needs and goals, developing service plans and coordinating services, including parent training, support groups, family engagement activities, counseling, and permanency planning, to prevent substitute care placement.

Provider will deliver services to increase access to early childhood education, healthcare and deliver family strengthening support services for children ages six weeks up to kindergarten, whose medical, developmental or behavioral issues would preclude admission to a conventional day care or early learning program. Services delivered shall prevent child abuse/neglect by providing specialized care and early education of children with training and support for their families that promote children’s wellbeing and positive parenting, using evidence-based interventions.

The Provider will be open for between the hours of 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday (excluding agency holidays). Program staff may operate outside the general agency hours based on client needs. Provider will offer the following services:

• high quality early education programs
• on-site health services capable of serving children with a range of medical, developmental and emotional issues
• family advocacy and support services
• mental health assessment, referral and therapy intervention
• parent leadership and engagement activities

Early Childhood Education 

Provider will deliver primary services including annual developmental screenings, ongoing assessment, onsite health services, specialized therapies and evidence-based curriculum. In addition, parents and caregivers are provided with supportive social services, educational health and nutrition education. Following licensing standards, age-appropriate classrooms shall provide learning environments designed to meet the needs of children affected by extreme poverty, illness, and developmental conditions. Provider staff must be specifically trained to provide quality care and early childhood education, to support the families through evidence-based early intervention curricula research-proven programs (ages 0–5) that improve social-emotional, cognitive, and behavioral outcomes.

Upon intake Provider will conduct an assessment and in conjunction with the parent/caregiver, will develop individual service plans for each child and parent/caregiver. Children’s developmental progress will be measured using an evidenced based curriculum and assessment tool, that evaluate children’s physical, social, emotional, cognitive and language development. Provider will use a developmental inventory screening tool to assess multiple developmental domains. Outcomes will be collected three times throughout the program year, and attendance will be accurately tracked and recorded daily at pick-up and drop-off. The Provider will gather parent feedback, both informally and through client surveys and assess parent understanding of child development through self-reports and ongoing staff interaction.

On-site health services 

Provider will offer on-site health services through a full-time, onsite Registered Nurse. The Nurse will conduct initial health intakes, for all children, ensure immunizations and health assessments are current, coordinate hearing, vision, and dental screenings, and collect regular reports from primary care physicians. The on-site nurse will maintain health records, document children’s medical and dental appointments, make home visits, and consult with parents on a child’s specific medical issues. A licensed physician will oversee the on-site nurse and provide consultation and monitoring as needed.

All children will receive an initial health assessment. Children 0-12 months will be reassessed weekly and children 13 months to five years will be reassessed monthly. The on-site Nurse will follow-up with parents when children exams or screenings are due, when further care is recommended, and will document all follow-up actions and appointments. Children will receive on-site hearing and vision screenings every three months.

Family Advocacy and Support services

Will be offered and will include information, resources, and referrals to help families support children’s health and development, family stability, positive parent child relationships, and effective parenting practices. Provider will link parents to partner organizations and external services as needed. These supports advance safety, permanency and wellbeing of high-risk children.

Mental health assessment, referral and therapy intervention services

May be conducted by a licensed mental health or social service professional for child or families as needed.

Parent leadership and engagement activities

Will be offered through parent-teacher conferences, home visits, parent meetings, parent skills training and a voluntary parent advisory council. The Provider will also engage in community strengthening and collaborate with Head Start/Early Head Start agencies, Start Early programs, public school systems and other community based social service providers, maintaining fidelity to Early Head Start and national accreditation standards.

Meals and snacks:

Provider will offer nutritious breakfast, lunch and snack options to children in the program daily.

Illinois Department of Public Health

Assuring the quality of our food, setting the standards for hospital and nursing home care, checking the safety of recreation areas, overseeing the inspection of milk producing farms and processing plants, maintaining the state's vital records and screening newborns for genetic diseases are just some of the duties of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).

IDPH is organized into 12 offices, each of which addresses a distinct area of public health. Each office operates and supports numerous ongoing programs and is prepared to respond to extraordinary situations as they arise.

Mission Statement: The Illinois Department of Public Health is an advocate for and partner with the people of Illinois to re-envision health policy and promote health equity, prevent and protect against disease and injury, and prepare for health emergencies.

Dementia Caregiver Program for Underserved Populations

Short Description

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Dementia Program will provide general revenue funds to develop and deliver education and support for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD) from four diverse groups: Component 1- Black Americans, Component 2-Hispanic/Latinx Americans, Component 3-Asian Americans, and Component 4-Rural Caregivers. The purpose of the Dementia Caregiver Program for Underserved Populations grant is to increase awareness, education, support, and community connection for caregivers of people living with ADRD in order to reduce stress, empower, and support caregivers from diverse populations, as well as reduce barriers and stigma that prevent access to care. This new grant program aims to support strategies from the 2026-2029 Illinois Alzheimer’s Disease State Plan, including to identify and partner with community-based organizations to assist in the dissemination of culturally responsive caregiving resources and support (Public Education and Awareness 2.E.6) and to promote awareness and use of evidence-based caregiver education (Service Delivery 3.D.3.a). Many of the activities in this program will also align with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Healthy Brain Initiative, including to Ensure caregivers have information, tools and resources about their vital role and ways to maintain their own health and well-being, Action E-7 from the Healthy Brain Initiative: State and Local Road Map for Public Health, 2023-2027 (cdc.gov). Federal Authorization N/

Objective

The granted organization will educate caregivers about the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD), best care practices, culturally appropriate community resources, and increase the caregiver’s level of confidence when advocating and discussing ADRD with healthcare professionals on behalf of care recipients. Grantees will recruit caregivers from the targeted communities listed to participate in the program. Grantees will provide all necessary materials to educate caregivers including but not limited to Wi-Fi and technical support, electronic device access (i.e., borrowing system), multilingual ADRD caregiver handbooks, and any other materials deemed necessary to educate caregivers. The granted organization will be responsible for promoting the trainings to the targeted audience of caregivers identified, registering and on-boarding the attendees for all trainings, creating and providing the educational content, facilitating the training events, administering pre and post-tests, arranging online support groups, and setting up in-person memory cafes to be offered to caregivers and care recipients with ADRD.

Mission & Vision

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Natale Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide scholarships to deserving residents of the town of Irondequoit.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of up to $30,000; paid as $7,500 per year for four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Award paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Donor Information

This scholarship was created to provide scholarships to deserving residents of the town of Irondequoit to attend the University of Illinois, Rochester Institute of Technology or Niagara University.

Recreational Corridor Greenways and Trails Planning 

State funding for intergovernmental agreements and grant agreements that support specific projects identified as high priority a Recreational Corridor for repurposing the abandoned railroads. These are non-competitive grants that fund the specific miscellaneous purposes 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.

This is the third phase of the DNR-assisted program.

• Phase 1 covered Northeastern Illinois.
• Phase 2 covered 10 downstate metro-areas.
• Phase 3 covers non-metro communities and counties, including: Communities greater than 10,000 population that have not already participated in DNR-assisted northeastern Illinois or downstate metro-area greenway and trail planning.

Counties that have not already participated in DNR-assisted Northeastern Illinois or downstate metro-area greenway and trail planning. These counties may participate in the program individually, or in cooperation with one or more other eligible counties. Two or more northeastern Illinois and downstate metro-area coalitions that have (1) completed regional plans (under earlier Phases and (2) demonstrated significant progress in implementing portions of their plans. The goal for this planning is to connect metro-area networks. Interstate coalitions. The goal for this planning is to connect greenways and trails within Illinois to greenways and trails within adjacent states.

The GPCAH Community Pilot Grant supports innovative research and outreach aimed at enhancing the health and safety of agricultural workers in the Midwest. Funded by NIOSH, this program encourages projects focusing on critical issues like mental health, injury prevention, and chemical safety. With grants up to $30,000, it invites collaboration from various organizations, particularly those within the nine-state region. Special emphasis is placed on proposals addressing the needs of underrepresented groups in agriculture.

Government and for-profit entities already named in the Illinois Clean Ports Deployment award can receive Illinois funding to deploy zero-emission freight-handling equipment and related solar and battery storage. Illinois Environmental Protection Agency provides Illinois clean energy and transportation organizations with US $1,400,000 - US $55,528,309 to advance sustainable port and transit infrastructure projects.

About the Illinois Department on Aging

The mission of the Illinois Department on Aging is to serve and advocate for older Illinoisans and their caregivers by administering quality and culturally appropriate programs that promote partnerships and encourage independence, dignity, and quality of life.

Senior Health Assistance Program

Description

Tobacco Settlement Recovery Funds and federal grants funds have been earmarked for the Department to provide educational outreach and enrollment/application assistance on Medicare Part D drug plans, Social Security's Extra Help, Medicare Savings Programs, Seniors Free Transit Ride, Persons with Disabilities Free Transit Ride, and the Secretary of State's License Plate Discount Program through the network of Area Agencies on Aging and local service providers. The Area Agencies on Aging have funded approximately 150 Senior Information and Assistance Sites around the state to help older adults and family members learn about and apply for these federal and state public benefits. The Legislative mandate of the Senior Health Assistance Program (SHAP) is to provide information and assistance to older adults about available pharmaceutical assistance programs.

Unsewered Communities Planning Grant Program (UCPGP)

The Unsewered Communities Planning Grant Program (UCPGP) will utilize a portion of the Illinois EPA Water Pollution Control Loan Program Loan Support funds generated from loan repayments. Illinois EPA expects to award a total of $1,000,000 and anticipates distributing this amount across thirty-three (33) to fifty (50) awards. Funding will be limited to a maximum of $30,000 per applicant.

CSX Charitable Investments provide essential in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations focused on supporting military members and community first responders. Through intermodal transportation services, CSX offers equipment and rail services to help reduce transportation costs for eligible organizations. The program also includes occasional donations of railroad materials and equipment based on availability. CSX prioritizes support for organizations operating within its service areas, promoting community betterment and development.

The North Central Branch John Henry Comstock Award recognizes one graduate student from each of the Entomological Society of America's six branches. This award promotes graduate-level entomology and encourages attendance at the ESA Annual Meeting. Benefits include an all-expense-paid trip to the national meeting, a $500 cash prize, and a certificate presented during the meeting. Eligibility includes current enrollment in a graduate entomology program or recent graduation.

Coover/Rural Schools Partnership Celebrate Rural Schools Grant Program

The Louis L. and Julia Dorothy Coover Foundation, a partnership between Community Foundation of the Ozarks and The Commerce Trust Company is proud to offer the Celebrate Rural Schools grant program, which will support projects that celebrate, strengthen, and elevate the unique identity of rural schools and the communities they serve. This grant supports projects that celebrate the unique culture, achievements, and identity of rural schools and their communities. It encourages districts to amplify local voices, showcase student success, and strengthen community connections. 

• Eligible applicants must be a member of the CFO's Rural Schools Partnership program.
• Total amount to award is $100,000.00.
• This is a single year grant program with final reports due in May 2027.
• Applicants may apply for up to $5,000 in funding for this grant cycle. 

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks and its Rural Schools Partnership Program are committed to supporting rural schools. In awarding grants, the CFO and its affiliates will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status. As part of the grant process, all grantees will be required to affirm that, in providing services funded in whole or in part by a CFO grant, the grantee will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status either in its employment practices or in its policies and procedures concerning access to services. 

Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) ProgramDescription

Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) Program A. Program Description The Restore, Reinvest and Renew (R3) Program was established by the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act to make a significant portion of cannabis revenues available to communities that have been most impacted by the inequities created and perpetuated by harmful policies established during the war on drugs era. 

In SFY23, ICJIA was awarded a state appropriation of $75 million to administer the R3 program. A total of $30 million of this appropriation is available to eligible community organizations providing services in the areas of violence prevention, youth development, economic development, reentry, and civil legal aid.

Purpose

The Restore, Reinvest and Renew (R3) program targets significant portion of cannabis revenues to communities that have been ravaged by violence and have been disproportionately impacted by historical economic disinvestment.

• To address systemic disparities, aggressive approaches and targeted resources to support local design and control of community-based responses to these outcomes are required. To carry out this intent, the Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) Program serves to:
• Directly address the impact of economic disinvestment, violence, and the historical overuse of criminal justice responses to community and individual needs by providing resources to support local design and control of community-based responses to these impacts
• Substantially reduce both the total amount of gun violence and concentrated poverty in this state
• Protect communities from gun violence through targeted investments and intervention programs, including economic growth and improving family violence prevention, community trauma treatment rates, gun injury victim services, and public health prevention activities
• Promote employment infrastructure and capacity building related to the social determinants of health in the eligible community areas

Program funds will be used to reduce gun violence through intervention and prevention, improve re-entry and diversion services for people involved with the criminal justice system, provide access to legal representation and advice, encourage investment and economic growth, enhance youth development, and support programs that improve the social determinants of health

The Illinois Civil Money Penalty Reinvestment Plan aims to enhance the quality of care and life for nursing home residents through grants funded by civil monetary penalties from non-compliant nursing homes. Starting in 2022, the Illinois Department of Public Health will administer these grants, focusing on projects that support resident care improvement, cultural change, and staff training, while ensuring compliance with federal regulations.

About the Illinois Department on Aging

The mission of the Illinois Department on Aging is to serve and advocate for older Illinoisans and their caregivers by administering quality and culturally appropriate programs that promote partnerships and encourage independence, dignity, and quality of life.

Title V Senior Community Service Employment Program - Competitive

Description

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a program administered by the US Department of Labor (USDOL) and the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) that serves unemployed low-income persons who are 55 years of age and older and who have poor employment prospects by training them in part-time community service assignments and by assisting them in developing skills and experience to facilitate their transition to unsubsidized employment.

Placing older individuals in community service positions strengthens the ability of the individuals to become self-sufficient, provides needed support to organizations that benefit from increased civic engagement, and strengthens the communities that are served by such organizations.

Grantees will administer SCSEP in assigned geographic areas within Illinois per the requirements of the IDoA and USDOL.

The Special Wildlife Funds - Furbearer Fund (FY26) offers competitive grants to nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions aimed at supporting projects that enhance the management and conservation of fur-bearing mammals. Eligible activities include education for hunters and trappers, training on best practices, and scientific research. This fund encourages sustainable harvesting and habitat improvement, ensuring the thriving populations of species such as beavers, otters, and raccoons in Illinois.

Illinois Humanities offers General Operating Grants to support organizations dedicated to the humanities across Illinois. These grants empower cultural institutions, museums, and community organizations by providing unrestricted funds to enhance their sustainability and outreach. By fostering public engagement and dialogue, the initiative aims to address civic issues and promote inclusivity within historically under-resourced communities. With grants of up to $10,000, the program reinforces the importance of humanities in creating a just and connected society.

Rural communities have a variety of unmet needs with no funding to address the challenges. This includes blighted structures that pose a health and safety hazard, crumbling sidewalks and streetscapes that make pedestrian traffic difficult, commercial facades with deferred maintenance, preservation of historic structures that tell their story, and closed buildings that could be used for good purposes. Community Development Block Grant-Community Revitalization Program aims to provide for all these needs on a regular basis. 

The Envisioning Justice Grants by Illinois Humanities support nonprofits using arts and humanities to foster justice and community engagement. With a focus on mass incarceration, these grants prioritize projects that are regional and partnership-oriented, benefiting vulnerable populations. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to applicants across Illinois, particularly from areas with significant incarceration rates. Accessibility and media funds are also offered to enhance project outreach and inclusivity.

The Historical Records Grant Program, managed by the Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board (ISHRAB), offers funding to Illinois archival repositories and government agencies. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support projects aimed at preserving and providing access to historically significant records. This initiative, backed by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), encourages the identification, preservation, and utilization of important historical documents, with all projects set to be completed within one year.

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 NSLP Equipment Assistance Grant, provided by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, aims to support Illinois schools in acquiring essential equipment for the National School Lunch Program. With grants up to $25,000, eligible School Food Authorities can purchase or refurbish equipment to enhance meal quality, ensure food safety, and promote healthier eating habits. This initiative is vital for improving school meal programs and increasing access to nutritious options for students.

The Pharmacy Support Program, initiated by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), aims to enhance access to pharmacy services across Illinois. This initiative will provide grants to a statewide retail association representing pharmacies, particularly focusing on critical access care pharmacies and those serving underserved populations. The program emphasizes equitable economic opportunities and supports pharmacies facing challenges in areas with low population density and high poverty levels.

The Illinois Small Business Development Centers, operated by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), provide essential support to small businesses and entrepreneurs in Illinois. This initiative focuses on delivering professional, individualized advising and technical assistance, helping businesses access capital, enhance operations, and foster innovation. By nurturing a conducive environment for growth and development, the program aims to strengthen Illinois’ economy and ensure it remains a top choice for business endeavors.

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.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.