Search Through Higher Education Grants in Illinois in the U.S.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Illinois offers financial assistance to develop essential community facilities in rural areas, such as healthcare, public safety, and educational services. Eligible applicants include public bodies and non-profit organizations serving communities with populations under 20,000. Funding can cover construction, equipment, and project expenses. Grants are awarded based on community income levels, with varying percentages of project costs covered depending on the population size and income criteria.

The Educational Mentoring Program by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services aims to empower youth by fostering their academic and vocational skills through dedicated mentoring. This initiative focuses on breaking down barriers to education and employment while enhancing social support networks. By engaging with Education Coaches, youth receive personalized guidance tailored to their unique challenges, ultimately promoting their self-sufficiency and well-being. The program aspires to create pathways for educational achievement and positive youth development.

The End Student Housing Insecurity (ESHI) Grants aim to assist Illinois institutions in implementing the Higher Education Housing and Opportunities Act. The grants focus on designating liaisons and enhancing support for students facing homelessness. With funding of $1.8 million for FY 2025 and 2026, the initiative addresses systemic issues of housing insecurity, promoting equity and support for at-risk youth and students in care, ensuring their basic needs are met.

The Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program, led by The Minneapolis Foundation, supports community-based nonprofits in the Great Lakes region. With a focus on underserved communities, grants will total $40 million over three years, aiming to enhance environmental health, education, and resilience. The program prioritizes applications from federally recognized tribes and organizations with limited budgets, fostering inclusive community engagement and sustainable development. Eligible projects include environmental assessments, public health initiatives, and job training.

The Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program: Tier 2 offers funding for community-focused projects addressing local environmental and public health priorities. Grants range from one to two years, with up to $250,000 available. The program prioritizes applications from federally recognized tribes, Native American organizations, and community-based nonprofits, aiming to support efforts that benefit underserved communities in the Great Lakes region. Successful applicants can enhance community engagement and address pressing environmental issues.

The Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program: Tier 3, led by The Minneapolis Foundation, supports organizations working in underserved communities across the Great Lakes region. Grants up to $350,000 will be awarded for projects that develop community assets or enhance public health. The initiative emphasizes collaboration with Native American tribes and aims to address environmental health issues, improve access to resources, and foster resilience against environmental challenges. Applications are accepted until November 2026.

The Youth Homelessness System Improvement Illinois Prevention Pilot aims to amplify the voices of youth and young adults (ages 18-24) in state governance while addressing youth homelessness. This initiative focuses on enhancing discharge planning, establishing partnerships with community organizations, improving assessment systems, and ensuring equitable responses to youth homelessness. By prioritizing youth leadership and collaboration, the program seeks to create sustainable solutions for at-risk youth, particularly those facing unique challenges such as being pregnant, parenting, or identifying as LGBTQIA.

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

The Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust provides grants primarily to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations in Iowa and parts of Illinois. Focused on enhancing educational opportunities, the Trust supports projects in elementary and secondary education, higher education, medical research, youth services, and recreation. By funding innovative initiatives, it aims to improve access to educational resources and foster scientific advancement, while also addressing the recreational needs of youth and supporting community development.

The Joyce Foundation's Education & Economic Mobility Grants aim to close income and race disparities in college and career success. The foundation prioritizes equitable access to high-quality education, supporting policies for effective educators, high school graduation, and affordable college credentials. Focused on racial equity and economic mobility, it addresses the needs of historically underserved young people in the Great Lakes region and invests in research, policy development, and advocacy to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund Grants support music education initiatives in Illinois, primarily benefiting nonprofit organizations. Grants are awarded for specific projects, emphasizing collaboration and diverse funding, with a preference for local organizations. Applicants can reapply in subsequent cycles if not funded. The foundation prioritizes impactful projects that address unmet needs in music education, while ensuring that funds are not used for religious purposes, advertising, or political campaigns.

The Racial Profiling Grant Program in Illinois aims to enhance compliance and evaluate data related to traffic stops by local agencies. With a total funding of $1.5 million and an expected five awards, this initiative focuses on collecting and maintaining data, evaluating results, and promoting public outreach to mitigate racial bias in traffic enforcement. Grants are limited to specific local agencies and organizations committed to addressing these issues through comprehensive proposals.

The Motorcycle Awareness Grant Program in Illinois aims to enhance safety for motorcyclists, who represent over 10% of road fatalities in the state. By educating drivers about motorcycle presence and safety, the program seeks to reduce serious injuries and fatalities. Funding of $500,000 is available to support innovative outreach and training initiatives, encouraging proposals that address motorcycle safety through public awareness campaigns and educational programs for both motorists and motorcyclists.

The DUI Court Program in Illinois, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation, aims to enhance roadway safety by targeting repeat DUI offenders through specialized court systems. With a funding pool of $8 million, this initiative provides resources for establishing and maintaining DUI Courts, which focus on accountability and behavior change for high-risk offenders. Eligible applicants include various government entities, nonprofits, and educational institutions, all working towards reducing recidivism and promoting effective rehabilitation.

The Impaired Driving Prevention Program in Illinois aims to enhance roadway safety by addressing alcohol and drug-related impaired driving. With a funding amount of $8,000,000, the program focuses on raising public awareness, implementing prevention strategies, and providing resources to law enforcement. It encourages community involvement and educational initiatives to reduce traffic fatalities and promote responsible behaviors. The program supports various eligible applicants, including local governments and nonprofits, to foster a collaborative approach to combating impaired driving.

The Pedestrian and Bicycle Program, funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation, aims to enhance highway safety by reducing fatalities and serious injuries among pedestrians and bicyclists. With a funding opportunity of $4 million, the program focuses on educational and enforcement initiatives. Eligible applicants include local governments, educational institutions, and non-profits, all encouraged to address national priorities in traffic safety. This initiative underscores the importance of community engagement in promoting safer roadways.

The AmeriCorps Formula Traditional program in Illinois offers funding for new and existing organizations to engage in community service projects. Applicants must complete annual prequalification to be eligible. This initiative, managed by the Illinois Department of Human Services, aims to strengthen communities and promote civic engagement through national service. AmeriCorps members receive benefits and can earn the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to support their educational expenses.

The IDHS Community Youth Services (CYS) initiative emphasizes community engagement to enhance youth well-being and prevent delinquency. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, including parents, educators, and local organizations, this program aims to create safer environments for youth. A public health approach is adopted to address risk factors and promote positive outcomes, such as high school graduation and employment. This funding opportunity prioritizes community-driven solutions to empower residents in addressing local challenges and improving overall community health.

The Adult Education and Literacy Basic Grants, provided by the Illinois Community College Board, aim to enhance literacy and education for eligible adults, including incarcerated individuals. This program aligns with Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014, supporting individuals in achieving a secondary diploma and transitioning into postsecondary education. It also focuses on assisting immigrants and English language learners in improving their skills and understanding of government responsibilities.

The African American AIDS Response Act in Illinois aims to combat HIV disparities affecting the African American community. Despite a 22% decrease in infections from 2010 to 2019, African Americans represent 50% of HIV cases in Illinois. This grant focuses on prevention services, including testing, medical care, and support for high-risk individuals, aiming to reduce these disparities. Up to 15 grants will be awarded to organizations dedicated to culturally competent HIV services within the community.

The JCCC Student Development and Achievement Grants, offered by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago, aim to support innovative educational projects that enhance student learning and development. With a funding pool of approximately $100,000, grants of up to $10,000 are available for schools and non-profits in the Chicago area. The program encourages projects that promote critical thinking, personal initiative, and collaboration, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of diverse subjects and community involvement.

The Quad Cities Graduate Study Center, established in 1969, is a collaborative academic initiative supported by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. It aims to enhance access to over 100 graduate programs offered by five member institutions, fostering local economic development and educational advancement. By connecting business, government, and education, the center plays a crucial role in strengthening the region's workforce and promoting innovative solutions for economic growth.

The AmeriCorps Competitive Traditional program, managed by the Illinois Department of Human Services, aims to engage members in impactful community service initiatives. Participants can earn a living allowance and the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award for further education. This funding opportunity is available to new and existing applicants in Illinois, encouraging civic engagement and volunteerism to tackle pressing community challenges. Each applicant is limited to one application, with awards varying based on project needs.