Best DuPage County Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

The PLTW Gateway program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by supporting schools in eligible counties to implement PLTW Gateway units. With a total grant of $20,000, schools are encouraged to offer at least one unit per academic year, fostering real-world skills and engagement in STEM fields. This initiative seeks to increase access and participation in high-quality STEM learning experiences, ultimately preparing students for future careers.

US $20,000

PLTW Computer Science - New Program (Burns and McDonnell)

The PLTW Computer Science program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education in various communities by funding schools to implement PLTW courses. This partnership promotes student engagement with real-world challenges, preparing them for future careers in technology. With a total grant of $20,000, schools must offer multiple PLTW courses over two years, ensuring access to quality education for underserved populations.

The Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program in Illinois aims to establish a network of incubators to support clean energy contractors and nonprofits in economically challenged areas. With a funding pool of up to $21 million, the program targets regions such as Waukegan, Champaign, and East St. Louis. This initiative seeks to create at least 13 awards ranging from $500,000 to $2.5 million to enhance business opportunities in the clean energy sector.

US $500,000 - US $2,500,000

Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program NOFO (IL)

Rolling deadline

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)

US $100,000 - US $300,000

Hospice Charity Care Funding from Elea Institute

Applications due Oct 28, 2026

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) hospice and palliative care providers offering charity care and related services in DuPage County, Illinois can apply for Elea Institute’s Mead Montgomery Charity Care Grant, awarding US $100,000 - US $300,000 for up to two years. Funding supports uninsured or underinsured patients needing hospice or palliative care within the eligible Illinois counties.

Elea Institute

US $50,000 - US $100,000

DuPage County Hospice Education Funding via Elea Institute

Applications due Oct 28, 2026

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing hospice or palliative care education in DuPage County, Illinois can seek US $50,000 - US $100,000 for up to two-year projects. Grants from Elea Institute help fund education for healthcare providers, patients, families, and community members, including staff professional development that improves patient care.

Elea Institute

US $50,000 - US $100,000

DuPage County Hospice Care Funding via Elea Institute

Applications due Oct 28, 2026

DuPage County, Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing hospice, palliative, or related integrative therapy services can access funding through the Elea Institute Integrative Therapy Grants Program. Awards of US $50,000 - US $100,000 support up to two years of integrative therapy, charity care, education, and related staff professional development benefiting seriously ill patients and their families.

Elea Institute

US $60,000

GM on Main Street Grant Program

Applications due Feb 14, 2027

The GM on Main Street Grant Program, led by Main Street America, focuses on enhancing the safety and vibrancy of downtowns through innovative road safety and traffic calming projects. Funded by General Motors, this program seeks transformative ideas that promote pedestrian safety and accessibility, making downtown areas more inviting for residents and visitors. Eligible applicants include non-profits and local governments in designated counties, with a strong emphasis on projects that are inclusive, feasible, and easily replicable.

National Main Street Center Inc.

More than US $50,000

Dunham Foundation General Grants (Requests that exceed $50,000)

Full proposal due Oct 30, 2026

What We Fund

The Dunham Foundation is committed to providing positive, multi-generational support to all individuals and families in our service area.

We believe that this support lays the groundwork for successful generations to come and builds an infrastructure for a community where all can thrive. The Dunham Foundation invests in the following three areas:

Education
Economic Growth
Community

Dunham Foundation General Grants (Requests that exceed $50,000)

At the Dunham Foundation, we strive to honor John C. Dunham's vision for building a healthy, thriving community with our grantmaking.

Through these efforts, we support projects and programs in Education, Economic Growth, and Community that create measurable and lasting impact in the Dunham Foundation Service Area.

Organizations outside our service area are eligible if their programs directly impact residents within the Dunham Foundation Service Area.

Funded organizations are expected to submit a financial and program report at the conclusion of the grant. Reporting requirements will be outlined in the approval process and grant agreements. The reporting form will be available through the grant portal.

Dunham Foundation

Up to US $50,000

Dunham Foundation General Grants (Requests that are $50,000 or less)

Applications due Oct 1, 2026

What We Fund

The Dunham Foundation is committed to providing positive, multi-generational support to all individuals and families in our service area.

Education
Economic Growth
Community

General Requests that are $50,000 or less

We accept grant requests through online submissions on a rolling basis during the calendar year.

At the Dunham Foundation, we strive to honor John C. Dunham's vision for building a healthy, thriving community with our grantmaking.

Through these efforts, we support projects and programs in Education, Economic Growth, and Community that create measurable and lasting impact in the Dunham Foundation Service Area.

Organizations outside our service area are eligible if their programs directly impact residents within the Dunham Foundation Service Area.

Dunham Foundation

US $500,000

Community Finance Initiative RFP

Letter of inquiry due Feb 18, 2027

Community Finance Initiative

Advancing the financial resilience of low-income households across the U.S.

This model enables us to engage and support a broad range of organizations across the globe to tackle some of the most pressing social issues of our time.

The Citi Foundation’s 2026 Community Finance Initiative commits $35 million to support programming that bolsters the financial stability, strength and safety of low-income households in the U.S.

Focus Areas

The Foundation seeks to support organizations advancing low-income household financial resilience in the United States across three focus areas:

Stabilize: Programs that help low-income households to build financial skills and confidence to manage daily finances and navigate financial stress.

Financial coaching on budgeting, credit, debt reduction and savings strategies.
Digital tools offering personalized financial guidance and product navigation.
Assistance with public benefits and social safety net programs.

Strengthen: Programs that help low-income households build and repair credit, as well as short- and long-term financial assets.

Financial products or services for credit building and credit repair.
Initiatives to increase savings, including emergency funds.
Support for homeownership, including readiness, preservation and long-term stability (e.g., first-time buyer assistance, preventing displacement and support systems for aging in place resources).

Safeguard: Programs that protect low-income household financial security by preventing and addressing financial losses.

Education and support for the safe and confident use of digital financial tools.
Fraud and scam awareness, prevention and recovery initiatives, including protection from identity theft.
Interventions to help households recover from major financial shocks (e.g., healthcare costs, extended family care, job transitions or natural disasters).

Funding Opportunity

The Foundation plans to award 70 $500,000 (USD) grants (to be disbursed over two years) totaling $35 million to community organizations working in select communities where Citi has a presence.

The grants will be restricted and are anticipated to be disbursed in two annual payments in 2026 and 2027. Proposed projects should be for a term of 24 months, starting no sooner than August 1, 2026 and ending no later than December 31, 2028.

Citi Foundation

US $1,000,000

Citi Foundation Blueprint for Housing Grant

Letter of inquiry due Jul 1, 2027

Our Work:

The Citi Foundation commits $20 million to help nonprofit housing developers overcome financial and operational barriers to building and preserving affordable housing in the U.S.

Apply for Funding

Citi Foundation primarily provides funding through open Requests for Proposals (RFP). This model enables us to engage and support a broad range of organizations across the globe to tackle some of the most pressing social issues of our time. Each RFP launched is accompanied by detailed information on goals, selection criteria and relevant application deadlines.

Housing Affordability

Citi's Blueprint for Housing Opportunity

Recognized as the number one affordable housing lender in the U.S. by Affordable Housing Finance magazine, Citi knows increasing supply is essential to addressing housing affordability — one of the defining economic challenges of our time. That’s why we are putting our capital, community impact and expertise toward helping more Americans access housing they can truly afford.

Citi Foundation

US $100,000 - US $400,000

Chi-Cal Rivers Fund Grant

Full proposal due Aug 6, 2027

The Chi-Cal Rivers Fund Grant, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, aims to enhance the waterways of the Chicago and Calumet region. This initiative focuses on reducing stormwater runoff through nature-based infrastructure, improving fish and wildlife habitats, and promoting community engagement. The program supports projects under three main categories: habitat quality improvement, stormwater solution expansion, and activation of restored natural areas, encouraging strategic investments for ecological resilience.

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

US $15,000 - US $75,000

Chicago Region Land Conservation Grants

Letter of inquiry due Jun 12, 2027

Apply for Chicago Region Land Conservation Grants

We offer general operating and project grants to organizations that further natural and working land protection and stewardship in the greater Chicago region, with emphasis on integrating climate resiliency, advocacy, and inclusive conservation strategies.

Primary Goals of the Foundation’s Chicago Region Land Conservation Strategy

Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation

US $25,000

PLTW Engineering - New Program (Ardagh Group)

The PLTW Engineering program, in partnership with Ardagh Group, aims to enhance education in local communities over the next decade, impacting over 500,000 PreK-12 students and training more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 schools in the U.S. This initiative is supported by a $50,000 grant, distributed over three years, facilitating diverse engineering courses and improving educational equity. Ardagh Group, a global leader in sustainable packaging, emphasizes the importance of education in fostering vibrant communities.

US $40,000

PLTW Engineering - New Program (Burns and McDonnell)

The PLTW Engineering program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to public and charter schools in specific counties. This initiative empowers students to engage with real-world challenges through hands-on learning experiences. Eligible schools must offer PLTW Engineering courses, ensuring access to quality education for students from diverse backgrounds. With a total grant of $40,000 over two years, this program seeks to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.

Applications due Oct 10, 2026

Up to US $100,000

Opioid Remediation Grant

The City of Naperville is allocating $100,000 from the National Multistate Opioid Settlement for grants aimed at opioid remediation programs. Eligible organizations include school districts, medical providers, and faith communities, among others. Approved programs focus on distributing Naloxone, providing medication-assisted treatment, and expanding recovery services, particularly for vulnerable populations. This initiative aims to significantly impact the community by enhancing education and resources to combat opioid misuse.

Applications due Oct 2, 2026

More than US $50,000

Special Events and Community Arts Program - Community Arts with a 501c Designation

The City of Naperville's Special Events and Community Arts Program provides funding for community-focused events and artistic initiatives through the SECA Fund. Established in 2004, this program supports tax-exempt non-profit organizations to promote local heritage and diversity. Eligible projects must occur in Naperville between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. Attendance at a mandatory workshop is required, and applicants must comply with specific funding limitations to ensure resources are utilized effectively.

Applications due Oct 10, 2026

Up to US $100,000

Opioid Remediation Grants

The City of Naperville has allocated $100,000 from the National Multistate Opioid Settlement for Opioid Remediation Grants. These funds will support programs and services aimed at combating opioid misuse and must qualify as approved abatement programs. Eligible organizations do not need to be non-profit, but must serve the Naperville community. The grants intend to address various aspects of opioid addiction, including treatment, recovery, and educational initiatives.

Applications due Oct 2, 2026

More than US $50,000

Special Events and Community Arts Program - Community Arts for individual Artists and Artistic groups

The City of Naperville's Special Events and Community Arts Program supports individual artists and artistic groups by providing funding for social and artistic events that celebrate the community's diversity and heritage. Since its inception in 2004, the SECA Fund has aimed to enhance cultural experiences for both residents and visitors. Applicants are required to attend a workshop, and funds cannot be used for certain expenses, including travel and food purchases, ensuring that resources are effectively allocated.