Search Through Health and Wellness Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois in the U.S.

Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing CompanyOne of the largest employee-managed funds of its kind in the world, the Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company has been empowering employees to make a greater impact by pooling their tax-deductible donations for more than 60 years. Employee-led grantmaking committees at 20 Boeing sites- provide combined employee donations to nonprofits in their communities through ECF grants.Charitable or educational organizations can apply for grants from the Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company.Chicago ChapterThe Chicago Chapter of the Employees Community Fund is one of the chapters of The Boeing Company’s employee-owned and managed nonprofit charitable organization. Boeing pays all of the administrative costs of the fund, so each and every dollar that employees contribute to the fund is distributed directly to local nonprofit organizations to support and advance their work in the community. ECF Grants are made possible by the regular donations of Boeing employees who want to make a significant and lasting impact on their local community by pooling together their resources.ECF FocusThe Chicago Chapter focuses on established nonprofits in the following areas: Arts and Culture, Education, Environment, and Health and Human Services. We emphasize programs that are sustainable, scalable, and replicable beyond the period of investment. Nonprofits are evaluated on a number of factors, including their history, mission, impact in the community, success of recent initiatives and alignment with our goals. Because we will not fund organizations on an ongoing basis, it is critical that the organization be able to sustain a project on a going forward basis without additional funding from ECF. Grants vary in size (typically between $3,000 and $10,000) depending on the project, as well as the number and quality of other grant applications and the amount of employee contributions to the Chicago Chapter in a given year.Each year we receive many more grant requests than we are able to fund. While it is not possible for every organization to receive funding, those that are in alignment with our goals and mission are given careful consideration. Applicants that are referred to by Boeing employees who contribute to the Chicago Chapter of the fund are prioritized over other applicants.

The Minneapolis Foundation

The Minneapolis Foundation drives collective action to realize strong, vibrant communities. We cultivate generosity by taking action on the greatest civic, social, and economic needs—partnering with nonprofits, facilitating grantmaking, driving research and advocacy, and providing services to donors seeking to make a difference in their communities.

Great Lakes Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program

In partnership with the Midwest Environmental Justice Network, NDN Collective, and RE-AMP Network, the Minneapolis Foundation will award environmental justice grants to organizations working in and for underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region.

Grants will be awarded to community-based nonprofits and other eligible organizations in the following three tiers:

• Tier 1: Assessment and Engagement
• Tier 2: Community Education and Planning
• Tier 3: Project Development and Implementation

We aim to distribute 30% of grant funding to federally recognized tribes and Native American organizations, 25% to rural communities, and 45% to urban communities. The partnership anticipates making 206 grants: 83 in Year 1, 85 in Year 2, and 38 in Year 3.

You may submit an application for multiple tiers at the same time, in any order.

Program Goal

The Great Lakes TCGM Partnership will distribute $40 million to organizations working in and for underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region. The partnership was selected by the EPA as one of 11 grantmakers around the nation in its new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking program.

The program’s goal is to lift up community-led innovation and strengthen community-based groups by breaking down barriers to federal funding. All grants will be given to environmental and public health efforts in underserved communities as defined by the EPA.

Issue Areas

Grants will support projects that focus on issues including, but not limited to:

• Environmental health
• Air, soil, and water quality
• Healthy homes
• Access to healthy food
• Stormwater and green infrastructure
• Emergency preparedness
• Disaster resilience
• Environmental job training

Tier 1: Assessment and Engagement

Tier 1 awards are one-year grants of up to $150,000 for assessment and engagement efforts that increase understanding of the breadth, depth, or impact of local environmental or public health issues. These grants are limited to capacity-constrained and entry-level applicants, as determined by the information you submit in the intake form. These grants will be paid on a milestone basis: 50% up front and 50% at the midway point, upon completion of agreed-upon milestones.

Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

• GIS mapping
• Air quality sensor purchasing and siting
• Air, water, or soil sampling, testing, and monitoring
• Research, surveys, and studies
• Power mapping, public engagement, and public education to improve collective understanding of community challenges, needs, and opportunities.

Through a noncompetitive process, we will also award grants of up to $75,000 to capacity constrained communities and community-based organizations under Tier One.

You need not develop a new project to receive a grant. These one-time grants are well suited to support existing work that is currently not funded by another source or to complement other projects for which you already have funding. We also welcome proposals for high-priority new projects. 

The Minneapolis Foundation

The Minneapolis Foundation drives collective action to realize strong, vibrant communities. We cultivate generosity by taking action on the greatest civic, social, and economic needs—partnering with nonprofits, facilitating grantmaking, driving research and advocacy, and providing services to donors seeking to make a difference in their communities.

Great Lakes Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program

In partnership with the Midwest Environmental Justice Network, NDN Collective, and RE-AMP Network, the Minneapolis Foundation will award environmental justice grants to organizations working in and for underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region.

Grants will be awarded to community-based nonprofits and other eligible organizations in the following three tiers:

• Tier 1: Assessment and Engagement
• Tier 2: Community Education and Planning
• Tier 3: Project Development and Implementation

We aim to distribute 30% of grant funding to federally recognized tribes and Native American organizations, 25% to rural communities, and 45% to urban communities. The partnership anticipates making 206 grants: 83 in Year 1, 85 in Year 2, and 38 in Year 3.

You may submit an application for multiple tiers at the same time, in any order.

Program Goal

The Great Lakes TCGM Partnership will distribute grants to organizations working in and for underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region. The partnership was selected by the EPA as one of 11 grantmakers around the nation in its new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking program.

The program’s goal is to lift up community-led innovation and strengthen community-based groups by breaking down barriers to federal funding. All grants will be given to environmental and public health efforts in underserved communities as defined by the EPA.

Issue Areas

Grants will support projects that focus on issues including, but not limited to:

• Environmental health
• Air, soil, and water quality
• Healthy homes
• Access to healthy food
• Stormwater and green infrastructure
• Emergency preparedness
• Disaster resilience
• Environmental job training

Tier 2: Community Education and Planning

Tier 2 awards are one- to two-year grants of up to $250,000 for community-focused efforts that design, inform, and highlight solutions to local environmental or public health priorities. Up to 50% of the grant can be used for relevant property acquisition. Grants will be paid on a reimbursement basis, with a small number of grantees eligible for one advance payment of up to 10% of the total grant.

Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

• Developing project plans
• Developing communications and outreach plans
• Conducting workshops and trainings
• Developing curricula, toolkits, or guidelines; developing social media content
• Producing videos or printed materials
• Hosting events and gatherings
• Building or strengthening partnerships and collaboration
• Creating local advisory committees
• Engaging in public review or comment periods
• Developing or updating disaster resilience plans, emergency preparedness plans, or other community planning and visioning efforts

You need not develop a new project to receive a grant. These one-time grants are well suited to support existing work that is currently not funded by another source or to complement other projects for which you already have funding. We also welcome proposals for high-priority new projects. 

The Minneapolis Foundation

The Minneapolis Foundation drives collective action to realize strong, vibrant communities. We cultivate generosity by taking action on the greatest civic, social, and economic needs—partnering with nonprofits, facilitating grantmaking, driving research and advocacy, and providing services to donors seeking to make a difference in their communities.

Great Lakes Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program

In partnership with the Midwest Environmental Justice Network, NDN Collective, and RE-AMP Network, the Minneapolis Foundation will award environmental justice grants to organizations working in and for underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region.

Grants will be awarded to community-based nonprofits and other eligible organizations in the following three tiers:

• Tier 1: Assessment and Engagement
• Tier 2: Community Education and Planning
• Tier 3: Project Development and Implementation

We aim to distribute 30% of grant funding to federally recognized tribes and Native American organizations, 25% to rural communities, and 45% to urban communities. The partnership anticipates making 206 grants: 83 in Year 1, 85 in Year 2, and 38 in Year 3.

You may submit an application for multiple tiers at the same time, in any order.

Program Goal

The Great Lakes TCGM Partnership will distribute grants to organizations working in and for underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region. The partnership was selected by the EPA as one of 11 grantmakers around the nation in its new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking program.

The program’s goal is to lift up community-led innovation and strengthen community-based groups by breaking down barriers to federal funding. All grants will be given to environmental and public health efforts in underserved communities as defined by the EPA.

Issue Areas

Grants will support projects that focus on issues including, but not limited to:

• Environmental health
• Air, soil, and water quality
• Healthy homes
• Access to healthy food
• Stormwater and green infrastructure
• Emergency preparedness
• Disaster resilience
• Environmental job training

Tier 3: Project Development and Implementation

Tier 3 awards are one- to two-year grants of up to $350,000 to pilot or implement project plans. Projects may have educational and outreach components, but must focus on developing tangible community assets or providing environmental or public health benefits to one or more disadvantaged communities. Up to 50% of the grant can be used for relevant property acquisition or purchase. Grants will be paid on a reimbursement basis, with a small number of grantees eligible for one advance payment of up to 10% of the total grant.

Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

• Strengthening cumulative impact, public health, or environmental protections
• Increasing access to healthy food
• Reducing the use of pesticides or toxic substances
• Cleaning up contaminated sites
• Conducting healthy home assessments
• Increasing energy or water efficiency in homes or buildings
• Launching community energy or water efficiency programs
• Installing water filters; developing community gardens
• Creating community resilience hubs
• Installing green infrastructure projects
• Creating internships or implementing workforce development programs

You need not develop a new project to receive a grant. These one-time grants are well suited to support existing work that is currently not funded by another source or to complement other projects for which you already have funding. We also welcome proposals for high-priority new projects. 

Our Mission

The Tony Robbins Foundation is a nonprofit organization created to empower individuals and organizations to make a significant difference in the quality of life of people often forgotten.

We’re dedicated to creating positive changes in the lives of youth, seniors, the hungry, homeless and the imprisoned population, all who need a boost envisioning a happier and deeply satisfying way of life. Our passionate staff, generous donors and caring group of international volunteers provide the vision, inspiration, and resources needed to empower these important members of our society.

Grants

Dedicated to meeting challenges within the global community, creating solutions and taking action, The Tony Robbins Foundation provides monetary donations to various organizations around the world. Funding requests are evaluated on an ongoing basis. We look for organizations that align with our mission to empower individuals and organizations to make a significant difference in the quality of life of those often forgotten.

Community Foundation Granting Opportunities

Since its inception in 1972, the Community Foundation’s assets have grown from $1,300 to nearly $27 million. This growth in well-managed endowed funds and other assets, along with administering grant dollars on behalf of the Marajen Stevick Foundation and in cooperation with the Lumpkin Foundation, has enabled us to make $1 million distributions annually for several years to nonprofit organizations in east central Illinois.

As the size of our available granting dollars has grown, our granting strategy has evolved to reflect our commitment to using our donors’ dollars wisely to make sustainable differences in our area. We believe that the combination of grants we offer serve as tools that will yield measurable and lasting results from our investment in impact.

For many years, the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois has distributed, on behalf of our donors, grants to assist nonprofit organizations. These grants are for durable goods and items which will help an organization provide better service but sometimes are not a high priority in their budget.

Each proposal is evaluated on its potential value to east central Illinois, funding available for disbursement and the quality of planning, leadership, support and vision expressed in the application

Types of Projects or Programs Supported

The Community Foundation invites proposals in the areas of:

• arts and humanities,
• environment,
• education,
• health and human services,
• urban affairs, and
• youth activities.

While applications in any of these categories will be considered, awards may not be made in every category. Successful proposals will address problems to be solved or opportunities to be seized upon in the east central Illinois area. While these grants fund durable goods, you are encouraged to submit proposals that:

• Suggest practical approaches to addressing community problems
• Promote collaboration and cooperation among agencies
• Generate community support, both professional and volunteer
• Strengthen an agency’s effectiveness or stability

Awareness. Education. Prevention.  These are three key tenets of Bayer Fund’s investments in health and wellness.  With a focus on cancer and cardiovascular disease, we provide resources to organizations dedicated to educating and/or providing services to patients, caregivers and at-risk populations.

Health & Wellness Grants

Programs that Bayer Fund will support include those that focus on patients and their families needing assistance with issues to managing cardiovascular disease and cancer. This includes education, disease awareness, and supportive services for these diseases. In areas related to cardiovascular disease, priority (though not exclusivity) will be given to charitable organizations that focus on programs and support for the African American community due to the high incidence rate of disease in this population.

Giving in this category will focus on support services such as education, disease awareness, and general access to care (e.g., housing for families traveling for cancer or heart care).

All funding requests and budgets must be for program activities and expenses that start after funding decisions are made. All programs must be completed within one year of the start date, except in limited situations where longer term programs have been agreed upon. Grant award amounts vary, depending on the size of the community, the type of programming, and the reach of the organization.

Please see FAQs for additional guidelines.

About Arts Midwest

We amplify Midwestern creativity, building community and opportunity across our region and beyond.

Arts Midwest advances creativity across our region, building unprecedented opportunity for everyone who calls this place home. We support, inform, and celebrate arts organizations and creative communities in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, the Native Nations that share this geography, and beyond. As one of six nonprofit United States Regional Arts Organizations, we work to strengthen local arts and culture efforts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, state agencies, private funders, and many others. Together, we nourish the creative roots of the Midwest—and share our region’s transformative ideas with the world.

This year, we’re pleased to offer two tracks of funding: GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness, and GIG Fund.

GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness

The GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness is a grant of $2,000 – $15,000 for organizations of any budget size whose projects have an arts and wellness focus.  Funds may be used for performances, workshops, programs in clinical settings, creative aging programs, efforts that engage veterans in the arts, etc.  Applicants may only apply for one GIG Fund grant per year.

Arts Midwest recognizes the field of arts and wellness to be far-reaching and applicants should identify how their arts project addresses some element of health and wellness.

This round of GIG Fund grants is for supporting activities taking place between December 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. There are three requirements.

1) Engage a Professional Artist or Ensemble 2) Offer at Least Two Activities Featuring the Artist(s) and 3) Professional Development: With support from The Hearst Foundations, Arts Midwest will offer professional development opportunities to grantees to strengthen arts and wellness initiatives across the Midwest.

Emergency Senior Services (IL)

The Department is placing special emphasis on the use of ESS funds to assist older adults at risk of homelessness and those experiencing homelessness to provide supports and services aimed at ending homelessness and facilitating access to a permanent housing solution. Recent studies suggest that the number of older adults experiencing homelessness has not only increased but is expected to continue to rise owing to factors such as fixed income, complex medical needs, and lack of homelessness assistance (Henderson, Manion, & Rog, 2023). Illinois is experiencing a similar increase in older adults experiencing homelessness that presents an opportunity for IDoA and the Aging Network to assist the Illinois Office of Homelessness by ensuring these vital resources are utilized to help some of our most vulnerable older adults.

Considering the public health emergencies (PHE) ending on May 11, 2023, the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA or Department) has evaluated and recognized the continued critical role the Emergency Senior Services (ESS) grant program has filled in providing participants with necessary gap-filling support services since inception in 2020. IDoA Care Coordination Units (CCUs) serve as grantees, as well as the primary gate keepers for receiving and processing referrals and ensuring the appropriate utilization of these funds to qualifying participants. The Department has prepared this updated guidance to assist Care Coordinators, Area Agencies on Aging, and Community Care Program (CCP) providers in continuing to utilize these critical services.

The Emergency Senior Services grant serves as a stabilization mechanism to assist seniors having limited resources to handle unexpected expenses and emergencies, as well as providing necessary gap-filling support to help prevent homelessness to enable seniors continue to reside in their homes and community-based settings. These funds are being appropriated to assist seniors who have exhausted all other resources and have limited income and assets to address these needs. Funds are meant to provide short-term assistance and are not meant to be utilized on an ongoing basis to provide support to participants or as a one-time yearly charitable gift. Examples of appropriate utilization scenarios include unexpected illness and health-related expenses, home repairs, maintenance, and modifications; as well as other unforeseen and necessary gap-filling expenses (i.e., non-covered medical and dental expenses, real estate assessments).

The goods and services purchased under ESS are available to assist with the unanticipated needs of any senior (age 60+) or APS client (age 18-59) who meets the following income criteria:

• Demonstrate an urgent financial need that is affecting the participant’s ability to remain in their current HCBS placement. Special emphasis on the use of ESS funds needs to be directed to the prevention of homelessness and assisting older adults who are homeless to access a permanent housing solution.
• Have readily accessible emergency funds no greater than $17,500 (e.g. – Savings, Checking, Insured Money Market Accounts, Certificates of Deposit, Stocks, and Bonds).
• Receive monthly income no greater than $3,500 for a single participant or $4,700 for a married couple.
• Requests for Exceptional Payment Requests (EPRs) for individuals that do not meet the above financial criteria should be sent via email for review and consideration.

Funding

• Award Ceiling - $900,000.00
• Award Floor - $30,000.00
• Expected Number of Awards - 60

Strengthening the Bilingual Mental Health Workforce Initiative

Since August 2022, Illinois has received more than 41,000 men, women, and children who are categorized as “new arrivals.” To achieve desired health and well-being outcomes, new arrivals require a healthcare workforce that is culturally and linguistically reflective of the community being served, including behavioral health professionals. In response to this unmet and emerging need, ILCHF is issuing the request for proposals for the “STRENGTHENING THE BILINGUAL MENTAL HEALTH WORKFORCE INITIATIVE” grant opportunity. This initiative seeks to provide two-year grants of up to $100,000 each for nonprofit organizations that have the demonstrated capacity to provide bilingual clinical supervision to intermediate to fully bilingual advanced degree interns, or intermediate to fully bilingual recent graduates receiving clinical supervision hours towards their clinical licensure.

RRF Foundation for Aging

Based in Chicago, RRF Foundation for Aging (formerly known as The Retirement Research Foundation) is a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization that was incorporated in 1950 by John D. MacArthur and was endowed at the time of his death in 1978.

Since 1979, RRF has awarded more than $239 million to support projects that enhance and improve the quality of life for older people. While nearly half of RRF grants support programs in the Midwest, the Foundation also supports innovative solutions that assist older Americans nationwide.

Following a thoughtful strategic planning process, in 2019 the Board of Trustees approved our new name—RRF Foundation for Aging. This new identity reflects our strong history and our unwavering commitment to improve the lives of older persons.

Research Grants

RRF funds research that seeks to identify interventions, policies and practices to improve the well-being of older adults and/or their caregivers. Preference is given to projects aimed at generating practical knowledge and guidance that can be used by advocates, policy-makers, providers, and the aging network. Of particular interest are:

• Interventional trials; translational studies; and health services and policy research
• Projects that build on the investigator’s past studies
• Proposals that include robust dissemination plans, if appropriate, to assure that findings reach audiences positioned to act on them

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation Grant

The Foundation will consider requests to support museums, cultural and performing arts programs; schools and hospitals; educational, skills-training and other programs for youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities; environmental and wildlife protection activities; and other community-based organizations and programs.

Grantmaking

The great majority of grants are given to organizations located in, and for projects to be conducted within, the state of Iowa and portions of Illinois, as well as to other organizations in which Mr. Carver had an interest during his lifetime. Generally speaking, the Carver Trust supports biomedical and scientific research, scholarships, and programs addressing the educational and recreational needs of youth. 

Program Areas

Elementary and Secondary Education

Supporting educational opportunities for youth, beginning with kindergarten and continuing through high school graduation, is a cornerstone of Carver Trust giving. Grant-making activities in this area may be divided into three, broad categories, each with the goal of enhancing access to resources and the application of innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Read more about this program area.

Higher Education

The Trust’s interests in the area of higher education extend to those projects that strengthen institutions and offer innovative learning opportunities to students enrolled in baccalaureate and graduate programs throughout the grant-making region of Iowa and parts of Illinois. Typically, funding is awarded to capital or programmatic initiatives that seek to substantively improve instruction or increase access to educational resources, with the goal of better preparing students for future academic and professional challenges. Projects incorporating interdisciplinary approaches and demonstrating the potential for lasting impact among a diverse range of students are especially encouraged. Read more about this program area.

Medical and Scientific Research

The goal of the Trust’s program in medical and scientific research is to provide support for innovative investigation that may hold great promise for advancing scientific knowledge and, in many cases, improving human health. To this end, the Trust has supported a variety of university-based scientific endeavors, most notably in the basic medical sciences, the chemical and biological sciences, and engineering. Although a majority of funding is awarded for the purpose of addressing institutional capital needs, a parallel focus of this program area is the research efforts of particular laboratories, often emphasizing multidisciplinary approaches and encouraging the development of untried, and inherently risky, specific aims. Read more about this program area.

Youth Services and Recreation

Projects receiving Trust funding under the youth program designation are typically designed to complement curriculum-based education and encourage individual development and physical well-being. Of the grants awarded within this category, a significant portion has been directed toward the efforts of organizations advocating for disadvantaged and disabled youth and their families. As an example, improving the conditions at adolescent residential facilities in Iowa, including those that offer opportunities for special-needs populations, has represented an important area of Trust charitable giving around the state.

In addition, grants to help communities establish safe and affordable recreation opportunities are also part of the youth-directed programming. The Trust offers strategic funding for the development of public recreation facilities and related activities for children, with priority given to projects in the Iowa counties of Muscatine, Cedar, Louisa and Scott, as well as Rock Island and Mercer Counties in Illinois. More information on the youth recreation program area may be found under Trust Initiated Programming & Guidelines.

Miscellaneous

Grants listed under this designation are those that, for various reasons, do not fall within the Trust’s primary program classifications. Many grants classified as miscellaneous are for projects receiving special consideration for their direct impact on the local Muscatine region.

Awards in this category of Trust giving may, for example, provide support to organizations mobilizing to help area residents following a natural disaster or emergency, such as flooding or storm damage. Other assistance of this type has been directed to local first-responder and law enforcement agencies, which have received occasional support for specialized medical, firefighting and policing equipment, as well as situations whereby certain area nonprofits are seeking one-time support for urgent capital or programming needs.

Still other miscellaneous grants celebrate special events and aspects of Muscatine and its history, as well as organizations and projects that share a unique connection to the life and interests of Roy Carver. Additionally, occasional grants in this program area may serve to emphasize important natural resources throughout the local area and the upper Mississippi River region, with a focus on projects that help to guide children and youth toward a deeper understanding of, and respect for, the ecosystem and surrounding environment.

Healthy Eating & Active Living

Communities across the nation are facing a growing prevalence of obesity and associated preventable chronic diseases – the Tri-State is no different. Currently, in our region, one-third of adults are obese – higher than the national average. Tri-State children are also affected, with a third of our youth either obese or overweight. Unfortunately, excess weight dramatically increases the risk of many conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and some cancers. In January 2016, the World Health Organization warned, “…obesity is particularly concerning and has the potential to negate many of the health benefits that have contributed to increased life expectancy.” In their 2012 report, Trust for America’s Health cautioned, “…the current generation of young people could be the first in U.S. history to live sicker and die younger than their parents’ generation.” The solution is not in access to health care alone because obesity is difficult and expensive to treat. Prevention is necessary – through community solutions focused on policy, systems, and environmental changes – ultimately leading to lifestyles that incorporate healthy eating and active living.

Social Determinants of Health

There’s a lot of discussion today focused on the Social Determinants of Health. These are defined as the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age and include factors like socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood, and physical environment, employment, and social support networks as well as access to health care.

There are a growing number of programs and initiatives working to address the Social Determinants of Health both within and outside of the healthcare system.

Health Equity

The underlying message of the “Social Determinants of Health” is that the conditions in which people live have a more significant impact on their overall state of health than their genetics. Access to quality food, education, transportation, and living conditions all play a critical part in our health.

The concept of “Equity versus Equality” challenges the idea that giving “equal” treatment to every individual is adequate. Instead, equitable treatment accounts for individual/community needs and unique sets of circumstances.

This month, we’re taking what we’ve learned from each of the past two advocacy topics (the Social Determinants of Health and Equity versus Equality) as we look at Health Equity.

Understanding Health Equity is a vital piece in moving the needle in health outcomes. If we understand the relationship between “equity” and the Social determinants of Health (access to quality food, affordable housing, education, transportation, stable income, and stable relationships), we are more likely to create sustainable change.

Our Investment

A culture of Healthy Eating & Active Living will contribute to the following community changes:

• More residents of all ages are meeting the recommended guidelines for nutrition and physical activity
• Fewer residents of all ages will have weight-related chronic disease

The Foundation has identified four specific priorities that rely on comprehensive planning and systemic change:

• Nutritious Food and Beverage Availability – Increasing opportunities for healthy eating
• Physical Activity Access – Increasing opportunities for active living
• Healthy Environments – Increasing opportunities to facilitate systems change
• Motivate Usage – Encouraging individuals to make healthy choices

Illinois Prairie Community Foundation offers grant opportunities to area nonprofit organizations providing community services in a wide variety of areas including arts and culture, education, music education, environment, health and wellness, youth, women and girls, and Jewish life and education.

General Grants

IPCF General Grants are open to programs and projects that focus on education, health and wellness, and youth.

Illinois Prairie Community Foundation offers grant opportunities to area nonprofit organizations providing community services in a wide variety of areas including arts and culture, education, environment, health and wellness, youth, women and girls, and Jewish life and education. These discretionary grants are made possible by endowment distributions, the Mirza Arts and Culture Fund, the Women to Women Giving Circle, the Youth Engaged in Philanthropy Fund, and gifts from donors to the Community Foundation’s Annual Campaign.

Sol Shulman Jewish Education and Life Grants

Shulman Grants are made possible by an estate gift from Dr. Sol Shulman, professor of chemistry at Illinois State University for 23 years, who passed away in December 2010. Shulman Grants focus on Jewish educational programs and materials, Jewish-themed arts, music, and theater programs, and Jewish cultural enrichment programs in McLean County that are open to all. Examples of educational programs include books for libraries, lectures, school curriculum and the like. Programs and projects that benefit larger rather than smaller numbers of people are preferred.

Non-Enforcement Programs

This funding opportunity houses most of the non-enforcement programs. Please see the specifications for each program explained below. Please note that applications are not limited to these programs.

• Child Passenger Safety Resource Center (CPSRC)
• DUI Court Program
• Impaired Driving Prevention Program (IDP)
• Injury Prevention Program (IP)
• Law Enforcement Liaison Program (LEL)
• Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor (TSRP)

This grant is administered by the Bureau of Safety Programs and Engineering (BSPE) within the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). IDOT serves as the federally-required State Highway Safety Office for the state of Illinois.

Funding amount: $8,000,000.00

DUI Court Program

The DUI Court Program is an initiative of BSPE that promotes the safety and well-being of all people using Illinois’ roadways. The DUI Court Program focuses specifically on DUI Courts, a relatively new court that borrows from the successful Drug Court Model. DUI Courts have been utilized very effectively in many states and focus directly on repeat DUI offenders and/or high-BAC offenders – essentially only high-risk, high-needs offenders. DUI Courts are proven to change behavior and reduce recidivism by holding offenders accountable.

Project Goal

To encourage the further proliferation of DUI Courts in jurisdictions throughout Illinois.

Proposal Guidance

The objective of this grant is to provide the resources necessary for the startup and operating costs of the establishment and administration of a DUI Court.

Applicants may propose a comprehensive program. A DUI Court is a problem-solving court and is required to be certified by the Illinois Supreme Court. Applicants are strongly encouraged to follow the parameters put forth in The National Center for DWI Courts’ The Ten Guiding Principles of DWI Courts.

Example Projects

Applicants may focus on one, multiple, or partial of the following DUI Court activities:

• Training
• Treatment/evaluation
• Participant substance testing
• Probation services
• Prosecutor/and or defense legal services
• Evaluation

Funding

Grant application maximum funding request shall not exceed $350,000.

Non-Enforcement Programs

This funding opportunity houses most of the non-enforcement programs. Please see the specifications for each program explained below. Please note that applications are not limited to these programs.

• Child Passenger Safety Resource Center (CPSRC)
• DUI Court Program
• Impaired Driving Prevention Program (IDP)
• Injury Prevention Program (IP)
• Law Enforcement Liaison Program (LEL)
• Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor (TSRP)

This grant is administered by the Bureau of Safety Programs and Engineering (BSPE) within the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). IDOT serves as the federally-required State Highway Safety Office for the state of Illinois.

Funding amount: $8,000,000.00

Impaired Driving Prevention Program (IDP)

The Impaired Driving Prevention Program (IDP) is an initiative of BSPE that promotes the safety and well-being of all people using Illinois’ roadways. This program is preventative in nature by focusing on solutions designed to create awareness and reduction in alcohol and drug-impaired driving.

Project Goal

To create a coordinated effort to address alcohol and drug-related traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

Proposal Guidance

Applications should focus on one or both of the following objectives:

• Prevention Projects:
  • The objective of this activity is designed to increase public awareness and knowledge about alcohol and drug-impaired driving, promote safe and healthy behavior among underage and/or adult individuals, and to increase the awareness of the consequences associated with a DUI arrest, other sanctions for impaired driving, or an impaired driving motor vehicle crash.
    • Public information and prevention education programs should consist of comprehensive, coordinated efforts that are designed to present a clear message that fosters the attitude that driving impaired by alcoholic beverages, cannabis, and/or other impairing drugs or substances is unacceptable, criminal behavior.
    • These messages should be sustained and emphasize existing holiday enforcement campaigns and should also occur throughout the grant year.
    • Additional prevention initiatives include educational programs and activities. These may occur through schools, community groups and/or religious organizations and may include parent education, formalized curricula, coalition development/community involvement, and peer education programs.
  • Community outreach prevention activities may include:
    • employer programs
    • responsible alcohol and or cannabis sales/service (including enforcement efforts)
    • policies and/or educational programs to reduce alcohol, other drug and traffic safety problems on college campuses
    • transportation alternatives
    • adult and underage drinking/substance abuse prevention
    • underage and/or adult educational programs
    • school-based activities
    • institution of working relationships with school health and guidance personnel as a means of providing information to students about a variety of traffic safety and health behaviors
    • develop and conduct alcohol, cannabis, other drug and/or impairing substances training sessions for a variety of professional disciplines
    • establish and support student-led safety and/or prevention-focused clubs and activities
• Criminal Justice Projects:
  • The IDP program can include criminal justice projects that provide necessary resources and training to law enforcement, prosecutors, and additional judicial personnel.
    • Applicants may propose a comprehensive program that will effectively utilize resources to combat impaired driving.
  • Criminal Justice activities may include:
    • Full-time ARIDE and/or DRE law enforcement officer and associated costs
    • underage alcohol and or cannabis sales law enforcement activities and associated costs
    • effective use of criminal justice, medical or other professionals through presentations in the classroom or the design of and delivery of training courses and materials
    • law enforcement impaired driving training
    • law enforcement forensic phlebotomy activities
    • forensic toxicology efforts

Project Examples

Community outreach programs include, but are not limited to:

• Communities should promote responsible alcohol and/or cannabis service policies and practices in the retail alcohol service industry through laws, regulations, and policies, with appropriate publicity, signage, and enforcement.
  • Communities are also encouraged to promote alternative transportation programs that enable impaired persons to reach their destinations without driving and risking harm to themselves and others.
• A comprehensive alternative transportation program uses a community-wide approach addressing all types of drinking  and cannabis-use situations (in commercial establishments and private homes) with one or more transportation alternatives.
  • Two (2) types of alternative transportation programs are designated driver and safe rides programs.
• In a designated driver program, the designated driver for a group agrees not to drink alcoholic beverages, use cannabis or other drugs and/or impairing substances so that all participants can arrive safely at their destination.
  • Alcohol servers and social hosts who support and sponsor designated driver programs usually provide non-alcoholic beverages free to the designated driver.
  • Alternatively, safe rides programs provide free or reduced-price rides to drinkers using taxis, buses or private automobiles.

Employer programs include, but are not limited to:

• model policies regarding impaired driving, seat belt use, and/or other traffic safety issues
• employee awareness and education activities
• management training to recognize and deal with alcohol and drug impairment/abuse
• education and substance use treatment programs for employees.

Responsible alcohol services include, but are not limited to:

• promotion of alcohol and/or cannabis server training programs
• enforcement programs to prevent the sale of alcoholic beverages and/or cannabis to minors (e.g., “Cops in Shops” and “Shoulder Tap” operations)
• adequate staffing to enforce existing alcoholic beverage control and regulations
• awareness of dram shop provisions as they relate to individuals and providers

Criminal Justice programs include:

• give prosecutors the skills and resources to obtain convictions and seek appropriate and effective sanctions for offenders (reduce number of plea bargains)
• ensure screening of all high-risk DUI offenders for substance abuse
• provide training and technical assistance to law enforcement officers regarding one or more of the following:
  • SFST, ARIDE, DRE, and/or phlebotomy
• facilitate uniformity and consistency in prosecution and adjudication of impaired driving cases
• give judges the skills and resources necessary to appropriately adjudicate impaired driving cases
• ensure that judges are well versed in DUI issues and prepared to adjudicate youthful offenders
• educates medical facility personnel regarding no civil liability for the truthful reporting of blood and urine tests in DUI cases
• encourage reporting of blood and urine tests
• assist with the development, implementation or expansion of “No-refusal” search warrant and/or e-search warrant programs
• Toxicology activities
• oral fluid and/or other testing for DUI drug identification
• personal services up to  time and a half in overtime for DRE callouts

 Communityworks Grant Competition

The Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley’s mission is to build endowment funds for our region over time, and it strives to bring together individuals and organizations to assess community needs, to build greater endowment funds, to convene area leaders around important issues, and to distribute grant awards to worthy nonprofit organizations. The Foundation also serves as a neutral leader with no direct affiliation with any group, religion, political or governmental entity.

The goal of the Community Foundation is to improve the quality of life in both greater Kankakee and Iroquois Counties by supporting initiatives that are not currently being adequately funded. Grants awarded by the Community Foundation originate from income generated by our Communityworks Endowment Fund, a visionary initiative to help the Community Foundation build endowments for making grant awards, particularly in the following focus areas:

• Early Childhood Education
• Land Use & Protection
• Workforce Development

Grant-funded recipients of the Communityworks Endowment Fund are encouraged to address one or more of the above-identified focus areas and to make it publicly apparent how it is accomplished. 

Focus Areas

Early Childhood Education

• The community has determined that the Community Foundation can have the greatest impact on Early Childhood Education (birth to age 8) by supporting:
• The improvement of the quality of child care;
• The support for parent education;
• The improvement of the quality and accessibility of early childhood education services, and
• The improvement of opportunities to access children’s mental health services.
• More specifically the Community Foundation seeks to:
• Land Use & Protection

The community has determined that the Community Foundation can have the greatest impact in these areas by:

Workforce Development

Our area’s communities have determined that the Community Foundation can have significant impact by supporting:

• Increased work opportunities for unemployed/underemployed youth through collaboration with the Workforce Board and other governmental and community-based organizations.
• Youth programs that prepare entry-level employment through the development of soft skills and work experience.

More specifically the Community Foundation seeks to:

• Increase Work Opportunities for unemployed/underemployed community youth through collaboration with the Workforce Board and other governmental and community service providers via training partnerships, work experience, resource identification, workshops, surveys and other information-gathering efforts as well as through coordinated partnerships for workforce development strategies, initiatives and sponsorships.
• Prepare youth for entry-level employment through the development and sponsorship of programs designed and implemented to prepare youth with employment soft skills, job-seeking and job-retaining skills and youth work experience. The Community Foundation also seeks to collaborate and coordinate efforts with appropriate community partners to seek external funding resources or to underwrite costs as well as to assure quality employment preparation of youth including supportive, on-the-job work experience and workplace expectations.

Executive Summary

Outpatient Fitness Restoration provides for outpatient mental health services and fitness education to non-dangerous defendants who are adjudicated unfit to stand trial. The standard for Fitness draws on fundamental principles of fairness to establish that it is both unlawful and unethical for defendants to proceed in a criminal matter without an understanding of the proceedings, its consequences, and the ability to assist their attorneys due to mental illness or intellectual disability. After defendants are adjudicated Unfit to Stand Trial by a judge, they may be committed to restoration in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Illinois courts allow for Fitness Restoration on an outpatient basis and is interested in increasing access to this option for adults and juveniles charged with Misdemeanor and other non-violent offenses for whom outpatient treatment is clinically appropriate. Outpatient Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) consumers may also be monitored through this program. Recognizing that Outpatient Restoration will include a range of customers having varied insurance coverage, the Division of Mental Health clarifies that resources from this grant must not be applied to any costs associated with the delivery of any services and supports that can be reimbursable by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), Medicare, or a private insurance company.

The purpose of this program is to operate an Outpatient Fitness Restoration Program by licensed mental health professionals who will provide community-based fitness restoration services, which include psychiatric, mental health and substance abuse treatment services, housing case management and linkage, as well as legal education, for adults and juveniles found Unfit to Stand Trial (UST) by the County Criminal Courts and remanded by court order to the Department of Human Services for treatment on an outpatient basis. Adults and juveniles will be referred to a Community Mental Health Agency, by the Department of Human Services/Division of Mental Health (IDHS/DMH) Forensics and Justice Services Bureau for court ordered outpatient forensic restoration and treatment services. Services will be provided on site or by telehealth by clinical staff.

The Outpatient Fitness Restoration program is designed to:

reduce the number of adults and juveniles determined to be UST, with mental illness and/or co-occurring psychiatric, intellectual disabilities or substance use disorders, on the State Mental Health Hospital waiting list for inpatient fitness restoration services and,

increase prompt access to clinically appropriate outpatient fitness restoration services for adults and juveniles determined to be UST who do not require the restrictiveness of a hospital setting.

The IDHS/DMH will provide outpatient fitness restoration training to clinical staff on an ongoing basis as well as provide technical assistance on clinical and administrative matters involving court ordered consumers. Outpatient NGRI monitoring may include psychiatric, mental health and substance abuse treatment services, housing case management and linkage and/or quarterly progress reporting to the court.

Funding Purpose

The general purpose of this program's funding is Outpatient Fitness Restoration for outpatient mental health services and fitness education to non-dangerous defendants who are adjudicated unfit to stand trial. The standard for Fitness draws on fundamental principles of fairness to establish that it is both unlawful and unethical for defendants to proceed in a criminal matter without an understanding of the proceedings, its consequences, and the ability to assist their attorneys due to mental illness or intellectual disability to achieve for the public good.

Number of Grant Awards

The Department anticipates funding approximately 16 grant awards to provide this program:

• One in Cook County
• 15 outside of Cook County

Expected Dollar Amount of Individual Grant Awards

The Department anticipates that the dollar amount of individual awards will be $ between $17,500 and $350,000 in Cook County and $17,500 and $200,000 outside of Cook County.

Cost Sharing

Providers are not required to participate in cost sharing or provide match.

Executive Summary

Will-Grundy Medical Clinic (WGMC) will promote a healthy community by providing free healthcare and wellness services such as care coordination, case management, primary/specialty care, therapy, dental care, free medication, and street outreach services. These services are provided for individual families with behavioral health needs. The funds provided by the Division of Mental Health will support the salaries of staff focused on serving those with behavioral health needs, as well as refurbished or new laptop equipment, technology expenses, and program supplies. The funds will support the program director's salary for these programs, as well as the psychiatric nurse practitioner, therapist, nurse, and licensed clinical social worker overseeing the quality of these programs.

The following services will be provided for individuals with mental health or behavioral health needs:

• Provide covid-19 and flu testing, vaccinations, and education activities that the Clinic conducts onsite or refers out to partner agencies.
• Provide medical health care to individuals with behavioral and mental health needs by a psychiatric nurse practitioner, doctor, nurse, and/or other licensed medical.
• Provide oral health services that prevent and/or treat cavities, toothaches, and other oral issues.
• Provide behavioral health services that focus on an individuals' mental wellbeing and the external factors of their environment (social determinants of health).
• Dispense essential medication to patients after being prescribed by a provider. This medication is provided for all patients with mental health conditions.
• Monitor patients with behavioral and mental health needs to prevent the development of serious illness and screening for common preventable/treatable health concerns. Services include but are not limited to: A1c, strep, cholesterol, HIV, blood glucose, and STD.
• Provide stable housing to individuals with mental health needs through tenant-based rental assistance to individuals who are homeless.

Number of Grant Awards

This funding opportunity is a Legislative Add-On (LAO) and the award will be issued in totality to Will Grundy Medical Center.

Cost Sharing:

Providers are not required to participate in cost sharing or provide match.

Executive Summary:

BBO-N is a program that helps pregnant and parenting clients understand the importance of a medical home and connect them to a myriad of medical, social, and other benefits and supports available in their community. Through in-person visits, the Navigator collaborates with family to identify and mitigate barriers to accessing desired supports and services. By providing direct, 1:1 assistance to connect and engage with desired services, the Navigator helps the client meet their family's health and wellness goals and promotes the reduction of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. The BBO-N program provides these services to dyads (pregnant and postpartum individuals and their infants) throughout pregnancy and the first six months after birth.

The BBO-N program provides these services to dyads (pregnant and postpartum individuals and their infants) throughout pregnancy and the first six months after birth to Illinois residents who meet the eligibility criteria for the program as outlined in the BBO-N Policy & Procedure Manual. Refer to the BBO-N Policy & Procedure Manual Vulnerability Index (available to applicants via email upon request) for the list of factors used to determine eligibility for the program. Families not meeting the eligibility criteria may be authorized with pre-approval by the Department. Nurses are not required to deliver these services. Refer to the BBO-N Policy & Procedure Manual for required staffing model.

Executive Summary: 

Community engagement builds "social capital" - social ties, networks, and support - which is associated with better community health and well-being. Everyone - parents, residents, youth, businesses, educators, healthcare institutions, law enforcement - has a role in creating healthier and safer communities for youth. Increasing the focus on delinquency and violence prevention will help improve a community's health, quality of life and prosperity, and increase the likelihood that youth lead productive lives.

Community engagement is a thoughtful approach to planning and the design of services. This includes input from interested community stakeholders throughout the process and thoughtful integration of racially and culturally informed tenets at each step of the process. One size does not fit all, so differentiated engagement helps to build trust and leads to success. Participatory decision-making can uncover and mobilize community assets, strengths, and resources that would have been otherwise overlooked. By building the capacity of the community, the vast wisdom of community residents empowers stakeholders to identify and solve their own issues within the community as they have expertise in their own experience, and the most at stake.

This funding opportunity utilizes community stakeholders and maximizes community resources through development of Area Project Boards and Community Committees. In an effort to strengthen communities and ensure youth reach their greatest potential, a systematic planning approach inclusive of public health principles will provide the framework for preventing violence and delinquency. A public health approach seeks to improve the health and safety of youth by addressing underlying risk factors and conditions that increase the likelihood of youth engagement in unhealthy or risky behaviors, including radicalized factors. Through the provision of primary, population-based and culturally informed prevention activities and strategies, youth can avoid negative consequences (i.e., school dropout, violent crimes, engagement in the juvenile justice system, substance use/addiction, pregnancy) and achieve better long-term outcomes (i.e., high school graduation, attending institutions of higher education/trade schools, employment).

Background

African American Legacy (AAL), an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, is a philanthropic and educational initiative led by Black civic and community leaders who share the common goal of improving the quality of life among Black people throughout metropolitan Chicago. AAL engages leaders in philanthropy, collectively and individually, and provides support to non profit organizations that work at the community level to educate and engage communities, and to provide neighborhood-based services and solutions to address community problems. Grounded in the philosophies of collective giving, community engagement, and grant making, AAL serves as a convener and catalyst to promote significant impact in Black communities through the organizations that it supports.

Focus Areas

AAL will support community organizations who share the common goal of improving the quality of life among Black people throughout metropolitan Chicago working in working in the following areas:

Community Wealth Building:

We seek to support organizations focused on the shared wealth of their communities, as connected groups of people. It is the shared wealth, not the sum of wealth, of multiple households or whole communities. For this focus area, successful applicants approach economic development in a manner that promotes the local, democratic, and shared ownership and control of community assets. Such initiatives include:

• Worker-Owned Cooperatives: Values-driven businesses that are collectively owned and democratically operated by their employees. Worker Cooperatives generate worker and community benefits.
• Limited Equity Housing Cooperatives: Housing that is collectively owned and democratically managed by residents and that aims to maintain permanent affordability, accessibility, and stability.
• Community Land Trusts: Community-based nonprofits that acquire and steward community land and assets for the explicit purpose of preserving affordability and mitigating displacement from residential and commercial properties.
• Community Investment Vehicles: Legal mechanisms for community investment in neighborhood assets based on shared values and development goals. In its ideal form, CIVs are designed, majority-owned, and majority-controlled by residents or local members.

Community Mobilization

We seek to support organizations doing work in the areas of voting rights/access activism, immigration reform, education inequity, and fighting the erasure of Black people, Black history, and Black stories.

Community Care

We seek to support organizations that actively respond to the disproportionate impact of issues such as employment instability, housing instability, and trauma on Black people and Black communities through the delivery of mental health and wellness services as their primary service.

Grantmaking Criteria

• Black-Led or Black-Serving. AAL is committed to supporting Black leaders in organizations or organizations that serve underinvested communities whose residents or constituents are predominately Black. Black-serving means constituents are predominantly (51%) Black and/or from the African Diaspora (Africans brought primarily to the Americas as slaves who live around the globe—Brazil, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Europe, and Asia). Organizations that are older than five years will not be considered if the Executive Director and Board Chair are the same individual.
• Place-based. Primarily located in the Chicago metropolitan region (which includes Cook, DuPage, Kane, McHenry and/or Will Counties, Illinois), and accessed by Black people living in this region.
• People-driven. Program direction and design are grounded in the needs of the constituency and the community served. Using an asset-based approach means that the organization’s work is done not only for the people involved but also by them.

Funding Amount

Community Wealth Building Applicants Only:

Grants under these priority area for 2025 will range in size between $50,000 to $75,000 based on the scope of the applicant’s general operations or project-based needs. Community Mobilization and Community Care Applicants Only:

Grants under these priority areas for 2025 will range in size between $15,000 to $25,000 based on the scope of the applicants general operations or project-based needs.

FY26 - Grandparents and Other Relatives Raising Children Program

Description

The Illinois Department on Aging, through the Grandparents and Other Relatives Raising Children Program (GRG), provides assistance to relatives, regardless of their age or income, who are raising children. The term “grandparent or older individual who is a relative caregiver” means a grandparent or step grandparent of a child, or a relative of a child by blood, marriage or adoption.

A Grandfamily is a family unit in which a grandparent is the head of household and is actively parenting one or more grandchild(ren). It’s a form of kinship care, in which a relative of a child takes over the parenting responsibilities. Another name for these households is “skip-generation families,” and they are increasingly common.

One main reason for the increase in Grandfamilies is substance abuse and alcoholism have created a need for grandparents to step in and parent their grandchildren. The opioid crisis has created a number of young parents who are unfit to parent and the numbers continue to increase. There are a number of other drugs, as well as alcohol that have turned families upside down as children are neglected or abused by their addicted parents.

The GRG program establishes and funds:

• Legal services,
• Respite,
• Support groups,
• Counseling (includes training),
• Gap-filling funds, and
• Develops resources through a competitive grant process.

Program personnel provides technical assistance to providers, refers relatives to services, and advocates on their behalf when they experience difficulty accessing services. Program personnel collaborate with state agencies including the Departments of Human Services, Children and Family Services, Health Care and Family Services and Public Health, Area Agencies on Aging, private social service agencies, legal assistance programs, law schools and clinics, extension services, educational advocacy groups, information and referral services, hospitals, clinics, churches, schools, police, and social work organizations.

The Goal of GRG is to provide assistance to relatives who are seeking resources and referrals in their efforts to provide safe, stable and loving homes for children.

Purpose

The purpose of the Operations and Program Grant program (formerly known as the Coordinated Field of Interest Grant program) is to provide general operating support or program support for successful ongoing efforts. General operating support is crucial to the long-term success of nonprofit organizations. This grant program aligns with the Community Foundation’s strategic effort to use effective grantmaking practices including:

Flexible Funding: requests for general operating support are eligible for funding, and are given preference.

Reliable Funding: One-year or Two-year requests will be considered.

Nonprofit organizations may apply for a grant from several different Community Foundation funds through the Operations and Program Grant program. To save time and effort, applicants submit one application and are considered for multiple funding sources.

The Operations and Program Grant program continues to follow the original purposes of each fund and the intent set up by its donors. All specific fund purposes fall into one or more fields of interest: Animals & Environment; Arts & Culture; Community Development; Education; Health; and Youth Development.

Fund Focus Areas:

• Amy Helpenstell Foundation Fund - General Operating and Program requests only.
• Basic Human Needs—Iowa
• Chip Sunderbruch Memorial Risk Management Fund: Focuses on risk management and safety
• Children at Risk Fund: Focuses on youth programs.
• Health & Wellness Fund: Focuses on health and wellness.
• John J. Quail Fund: Focuses on arts and culture.
• Judith Berger Endowment: Focuses on education, poverty & children in need.
• Nell C. Brennan Fund: Focuses on educational opportunities for underserved children.
• Roy E. Murray Fund: Focuses on youth.
• Sekharan Family Fund: Focuses on hospice and homelessness.

Background

Since 1953, the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois has made more than $72,500,000 in grants and scholarships to nonprofits and students. This is possible through the generosity of CFNIL’s donors—individuals, families, and organizations committed to improving the region’s quality of life. Endowed gifts create reliable funding for current needs and future opportunities. That’s the power of endowment.

Some donors choose to support specific organizations, while others provide scholarship funding that helps students get to and through school. Some donors decide that they want their legacy gifts to address the challenges and opportunities of future generations. These endowed gifts support Community Grants, CFNIL’s largest and broadest grantmaking program.

CFNIL is pleased to continue its tradition of grantmaking with the fall Community Grants cycle. Community Grants are made in six Focus Areas: Arts & Humanities, Education, Health, Human Services, Sustainable Communities, and Youth & Families. Within Education, CFNIL’s strategy is to invest in complementary education and career pathways, and to support a regional education system that continually produces healthy and productive citizens. More information on Education Works is available here.

Proposals requesting more than $75,000 will be evaluated for their alignment with Education Works. The more you request, the greater scrutiny your proposal will receive.

Focus Areas

CFNIL accepts proposals in the following Focus Areas. Generally, 50% of CFNIL’s grants will be allocated for Education, while 10% will be for each of the following Focus Areas: Arts & Humanities, Health, Human Services, Sustainable Communities, and Youth & Families.

Arts & Humanities

Funding priorities are for those proposals that:

• Increase the availability and access to artistic and cultural experiences, especially those that represent the diversity of our community’s culture.
• Celebrate the region’s history and preserve historical integrity.

Education

Funding priorities are for those proposals that:

• Provide creative and systemic approaches to educational improvement.
• Support the education of current and future medical professionals.
• Fit under CFNIL’s Education Works grant strategy.

Health

Funding priorities are for those proposals that:

• Improve the quality of and access to health services.
• Support wellness.
• Conduct research to promote the health and well-being of our community.

Human Services

CFNIL funding priorities are for those proposals that:

• Serve the basic needs of individuals and families.
• Provide services to persons with disabilities, especially those that promote inclusion.

Sustainable Development

CFNIL funding priorities are for those proposals that:

• Promote neighborhood and economic development.
• Support efforts to ensure safety and access to quality, affordable housing.
• Preserve our natural environment, especially those projects that increase the region’s understanding and appreciation of the environment.

Youth & Families

CFNIL funding priorities are for those proposals that:

• Provide pathways to self-sufficiency.
• Strengthen families.
• Support intellectual, emotional, physical, and social development.

Multi-Year Grants

An organization can only apply for a multi-year grant if seeking funding for projects, programs, or events that align with the following criteria:

• Education Works.
• Medical education.
• Medical research.