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Search Through Cook County Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Cook County, Illinois nonprofits can access funding through Pahcs Ii Dba Northwestern Medicine for projects advancing community health priorities, including mental health, health care access, and health education. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and public agencies may apply for one-time support to address needs identified in local hospital assessments.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Venable Foundation Inc supports nonprofit initiatives in Cook County, Illinois by funding programs in human services, legal aid, education, workforce development, health, environment, and arts and culture. Local 501(c)(3) organizations serving economically disadvantaged populations may be eligible for general operating or project support, with grants typically averaging $10,000.

Cook County, Illinois arts nonprofits can access funding through Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, which offers general operating support to small, professional arts organizations. Grants range from $2,500 to $13,500 and include technical assistance and multi-year support. Eligible groups must produce primarily in Cook County and have annual expenses under $1 million.

Illinois Humanities Council Incorporated provides Cook County, Illinois nonprofits with general operating support for organizations rooted in the humanities. Eligible groups include museums, libraries, and cultural organizations with a mission centered on public humanities. Grants up to $10,000 may benefit Cook County nonprofits focused on civic engagement and community enrichment.

Grants from Crossroads Fund help Cook County, Illinois youth organizations advance social justice, juvenile justice, and media freedom. Nonprofits led by or serving youth under 26 working on advocacy or activism projects—such as education, health, environment, or anti-discrimination—may be eligible for support, provided they meet budget and location requirements.

Focused on education and wellness, Palumbo Family Foundation invites Cook County, Illinois nonprofits supporting children’s health, youth services, and academic scholarships to apply. Organizations serving medically or intellectually challenged children or offering educational access may be eligible for funding to help local youth thrive and pursue higher education opportunities.

With a mission to improve serious illness care, Elea Institute provides Cook County nonprofits with funding for hospice, palliative care, and community health education initiatives. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations can apply for grants supporting charity care, integrative therapies, or education for providers, patients, and families. Awards range from $50,000 to $100,000 for up to two years.

Elea Institute supports hospice and palliative care in Cook County, Illinois by funding nonprofit organizations providing charity care, integrative therapy, and related education. Grants of $50,000–$100,000 are available for up to two years. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving seriously ill patients and families in Cook County may apply.

With a mission to expand access to compassionate end-of-life care, Elea Institute provides Cook County, Illinois nonprofits with funding for hospice, palliative care, and integrative therapy. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving uninsured or low-income patients may receive support for up to two years to deliver quality, dignified care in the community.

Focused on STEM and K-12 education, Project Lead The Way Inc invites Cook County, Illinois schools to apply for support to launch or expand PLTW Engineering programs. Eligible public, charter, or private nonprofit schools serving at least 40% free and reduced-price lunch students may benefit from funding for participation fees, equipment, and teacher training.

Cook County, Illinois schools focused on STEM and K-12 education can access funding through Project Lead The Way Inc. This grant supports the expansion of PLTW Engineering programs, including adding courses or training teachers. Eligible public, charter, and nonprofit private schools serving high-need students may benefit from this opportunity.

Project Lead The Way Inc provides Cook County, Illinois K-12 schools with grants to launch or expand STEM education through the PLTW Gateway program. Eligible public, charter, and private nonprofit schools serving 40% or more free and reduced-price lunch students may apply for support to implement hands-on, real-world STEM learning experiences.

Project Lead The Way Inc provides Cook County, Illinois K-12 schools with funding to expand PLTW Gateway STEM programs. Eligible public, charter, and nonprofit private schools serving at least 40% free and reduced-price lunch students may apply for support to add units, train teachers, or enhance STEM enrichment opportunities.

Grants from Project Lead The Way Inc help Cook County, Illinois schools expand STEM and K-12 enrichment opportunities. Eligible public, charter, and private nonprofit schools serving at least 40% free and reduced-price lunch students may apply for support to launch or grow PLTW programs. Nonprofit organizations focused on education may benefit from this opportunity.

Focused on STEM and K-12 academic enrichment, Project Lead The Way Inc invites Cook County, Illinois schools to expand access to hands-on STEM learning. Eligible public, charter, and nonprofit private schools serving at least 40% free and reduced-price lunch students may apply for support to launch or grow PLTW programs and teacher training.

With a mission to enhance safety and preparedness, Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security provides Cook County, Illinois nonprofits with funding for physical and cybersecurity improvements. Nonprofit organizations at high risk of terrorist or extremist attacks may be eligible for support to strengthen their security infrastructure and resilience.

The David Collins Jeck Memorial Scholarship supports Fauquier County residents attending local public high schools who aspire to careers in culinary arts. Applicants should demonstrate passion for cooking and culinary studies, embodying the values of respect and kindness exemplified by David Collins Jeck. Priority is given to those showing financial need and academic merit, ensuring that this scholarship not only honors his legacy but also fosters future culinary talents in the community.

With a mission to support mental health and justice services, Illinois Department of Human Services: Division of Mental Health provides Cook County, Illinois nonprofits with funding for outpatient mental health restoration programs. Eligible organizations can operate community-based services for adults and juveniles found unfit to stand trial, addressing mental illness, substance use, and legal education needs.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Illinois Equal Justice Foundation provides Cook County, Illinois nonprofits with grants to deliver free legal aid and mediation services for residents facing eviction or housing instability. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations offering legal assistance or dispute resolution to low-income individuals in the area may benefit from this funding opportunity, supporting housing stability and access to justice.

The Chicago Community Trust supports racial and ethnic justice initiatives in Cook County, Illinois by funding Black-led and Black-serving nonprofits focused on community wealth building, mobilization, and care. Grants range from $15,000 to $75,000 for organizations improving quality of life for Black residents. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations may apply for general or project-based support.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The Chicago Community Trust provides Cook County, Illinois nonprofits with support for programs serving Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities. Funding is available for 501(c)(3) organizations advancing minority services, cultural heritage, or racial and ethnic justice in the region. Priority is given to groups addressing unmet needs or serving historically marginalized API populations.

The Chicago Community Trust

As our region’s community foundation, The Chicago Community Trust is a platform for change that connects philanthropy to impact. We bring together generous donors, committed organizations, and caring residents to effect lasting change that moves our entire region forward.

Sponsorships

The Trust dedicates a portion of its discretionary grantmaking budget to sponsor programming events that strengthen economic mobility, increase opportunity and well-being, and address critical needs in Chicago.

Background

For many organizations, public events are essential to raising funds, implementing programs, and building communities. The Chicago Community Trust dedicates a portion of its discretionary grantmaking budget to sponsor programming events that strengthen economic mobility, increase opportunity and well-being, and address critical needs in Chicago. Sponsorship applications are reviewed twice a year, in alignment with summer and fall event seasons. To be considered for funding, an event must be produced by an eligible organization that is located in or primarily serving Cook County. 

Need/Opportunity Statement

Sponsorships are available for programming events such as meetings, forums, conferences, community and cultural events, and other gatherings. We will also consider sponsorship requests for fundraising events such as galas, luncheons, and walk-a-thons. Event objectives should align with the Trust’s priorities to strengthen economic mobility, increase opportunity and well-being, and address critical needs in Chicago communities.

Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their event aligns with the Trust commitment to convene people, partners and organizations, address the needs of our community, and support initiatives for long-term change. Organizations should showcase how the event uplifts community-driven solutions, amplifies resident voices, supports inclusive development, or promotes innovative approaches to homeownership or income growth.

Sponsorships are limited to one award per organization in any 12-month period.