Search Through Illinois Grants for Nonprofits in the U.S.

Find nonprofit grants in Illinois, including opportunities in Chicago, Springfield, and Peoria. Updated listings for 501(c)(3) organizations statewide

300+
Available grants

$200M
Total funding amount

$128.2K
Median grant amount

Skip the search.

Get matched with grants that actually fit.

Smart recommendations based on your profile — in minutes.

Find me grants

Illinois grants for nonprofits provide funding to support education, healthcare, arts, and economic development initiatives. The following grants empower organizations to address state-specific challenges, promote equity, and enhance quality of life for Illinois communities.

Search Instrumentl's Illinois Grants Database

Discover 300+ funding opportunities for nonprofits in Illinois, with $200M available. Instrumentl streamlines access to funding by providing deadline tracking, advanced search tools, and funder intelligence to drive meaningful change throughout Illinois.

Last updated: January 5, 2026. Next update: February 1, 2026.

Rolling deadline

Unspecified amount

The Alliant Credit Union Foundation, established in 2008, is dedicated to bridging the digital divide for underserved communities. By providing reliable broadband, digital literacy resources, and technology equipment, the foundation aims to promote economic empowerment and self-sufficiency. They support 501c3 organizations that share similar missions and emphasize the importance of financial literacy. Their initiatives include collaboration with community leaders and organizations to deliver essential resources where they are needed most.

Rolling deadline

More than US $1,000

The Amcor Community Support Grants Program, administered by the Amcor Cares Foundation, provides funding for projects that benefit local communities. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions that serve Amcor Flexibles North America facility communities. Focus areas include fighting hunger, supporting disaster relief, expanding STEM education, and enhancing health and wellness. Applications are reviewed quarterly, and grant amounts typically exceed $1,000.

Rolling deadline

Unspecified amount

The Andrews Family Foundation offers Board Grants to public, non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. Focused on enhancing communities through education, humanitarian work, and the arts, the foundation aims to foster individual growth. Established in 1993 in Chicago, it continues a legacy of community commitment. Grant proposals are reviewed quarterly, with final awards decided by the Board. Eligible organizations must have a budget between $1M and $4M and provide opportunities for board member involvement.

Rolling deadline

US $5,000 - US $15,000

The Auto Club Group Foundation focuses on creating a positive impact through grants that enhance traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy across 14 U.S. states and two territories. With a mission rooted in community service, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations and government entities that align with its goals. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, addressing crucial areas such as traffic safety initiatives, financial literacy for K-12 students, and equitable access to driver education programs.

Rolling deadline

Unspecified amount in in-kind support

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

Rolling deadline

Unspecified amount

The Elizabeth Morse Genius Charitable Trust Grant focuses on grants that promote values-based initiatives addressing various community needs, particularly in Chicago and Cook County. It supports 501(c)(3) organizations that relieve human suffering, enhance self-esteem, and encourage athletic activities. The Trust emphasizes regional solutions to local challenges, ensuring that the quality of life improves for all citizens. Organizations outside the area may apply if they serve a significant number of Chicago residents.

Rolling deadline

Unspecified amount

The Gadomski Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations primarily in the Lehigh Valley, San Francisco Bay Area, Atlantic City, and Chicago. With a focus on education, under-served children, health, and the arts, this private foundation has a history of impactful giving since 2007. Currently, new grants are limited to organizations not previously funded, emphasizing significant contributions and matching grants. The foundation remains committed to its mission despite prior commitments through multi-year pledges.

Rolling deadline

Unspecified amount

The JSF Scholarships aim to empower economically disadvantaged students by providing financial assistance for their education. This initiative addresses barriers to education and employment, enabling students to achieve academic success and meaningful careers. The Foundation supports various scholarship programs, partnering with schools and universities, and focusing on areas such as financial need and mentorship. By fostering educational opportunities, the JSF Scholarships contribute significantly to community development and individual empowerment.

Rolling deadline

Unspecified amount in in-kind support

The Petfinder Foundation, a national leader in supporting animal shelters since 2003, offers the P.L.A.Y. Warm Bellies Pet Beds Grants. This initiative provides luxury beds to shelter pets, ensuring they have a cozy place to sleep. Each month, ten Chill Pads are awarded to specific regions, promoting the health and well-being of homeless animals. Organizations can apply once, with decisions based on geographical location and a predetermined monthly schedule.

Rolling deadline

US $50,000 - US $400,000

The Sun Club Sustainability Grant, offered by Green Mountain Energy, empowers U.S.-based nonprofits to implement sustainability initiatives. Established in 2002, this grant supports diverse projects, including clean transportation, renewable energy, and resource conservation. Organizations must demonstrate three years of tax-exempt status and a commitment to community impact. Awards range from $50,000 to $400,000, focusing on measurable environmental, social, and financial benefits. Join us in fostering a greener future through innovative solutions and community engagement.

Applications due Feb 1, 2026

US $2,000 - US $10,000

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.

Letter of inquiry due Feb 2, 2026

US $10,000 - US $160,000

The Retirement Research Foundation (RRF) offers Responsive Grants for advocacy projects that significantly impact older Americans. These grants support initiatives focused on critical policy issues like economic security and health care. RRF aims to fund projects that use strategic efforts to address systemic challenges and encourage partnerships for resource optimization. Organizations must ensure that RRF funds are not used for lobbying activities. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations targeting individuals aged 60 and older.

Full proposal due Feb 5, 2026

US $10,000 - US $50,000

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

Applications due Feb 13, 2026

Unspecified amount

The Ralph J. Torraco Food Bank/Shelter Fund Grant, offered by the UNICO Foundation Inc., aims to combat hunger and provide shelter for the homeless and indigent. Eligible applicants include registered non-profit food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in 13 U.S. states. The grant focuses on direct services, ensuring that all funds are used for food and shelter, not for operating expenses, thereby promoting effective community support for vulnerable populations.

Applications due Feb 13, 2026

Approximately US $15,000

The Old National Bank Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations for community impact initiatives across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Focused on four key areas—Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Financial Empowerment—the foundation prioritizes programs that support underrepresented communities. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the foundation’s funding priorities to qualify for grants, which can be applied for every two years.

Letter of inquiry due Feb 18, 2026

Unspecified amount

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.

Letter of inquiry due Mar 4, 2026

US $500,000

The Citi Foundation's Global Innovation Challenge invites proposals from community organizations worldwide developing innovative employment solutions for low-income youth aged 15 to 24. This initiative aims to enhance youth employability, addressing global unemployment challenges faced by millions. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to support programs such as vocational training, entrepreneurship, and financial education to empower young people. The deadline for application registration is March 4, 2025, at 12 p.m. Eastern Time.

Full proposal due Apr 2, 2026

Unspecified amount

The A. Montgomery Ward Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations that enhance educational and cultural programs in Chicago and surrounding areas. Established in 1959, it aims to empower local communities through quality programming. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, focusing on arts, culture, and education. Grants typically last for one year, with a commitment to fostering community growth and development.

Applications due Apr 4, 2026

Unspecified amount

The Adtalem Global Education Foundation, established in 2010, is dedicated to enhancing education and community development. Based in Chicago, it focuses on expanding educational access, particularly for underrepresented minorities in the healthcare sector. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that promote economic growth through skills-based workforce development, address healthcare disparities, and increase access to quality education for underserved populations. Its commitment to civic engagement and equality reflects its mission to empower communities.

Applications due Apr 10, 2026

Unspecified amount

The Hollie & Anna Oakley Foundation Grant supports religious, educational, and charitable initiatives in the Wabash Valley, Indiana. Organizations with valid 501(c)(3) status can apply for funding to make a significant impact in west-central Indiana. The foundation prioritizes projects that directly benefit the community and encourages applications year-round, reviewed quarterly by its Board of Trustees. Note that scholarships are funded only for qualifying institutions.

Letter of inquiry due May 16, 2026

Unspecified amount

The Needmor Fund for Social Justice aims to promote social justice by supporting community organizing efforts in the Midwest. With a focus on low- and moderate-income communities, BIPOC groups, and other marginalized populations, the fund provides grants for up to three years to organizations committed to long-term empowerment and advocacy. The initiative seeks to foster inclusive participation in democracy, ensuring that all voices are heard in shaping policies affecting their lives.

Applications due May 31, 2026

US $50,000 - US $150,000

The Gladys Brooks Foundation supports innovative projects in libraries, education, hospitals, and clinics. Grants focus on resource endowments, capital construction, and equipment aimed at improving public access to information and educational resources. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located in specific states and demonstrate that projects will be funded primarily by the grant. Applications for direct salary support or research projects are not accepted.

Letter of inquiry due Aug 7, 2026

US $100,000 - US $150,000

The Cigna Foundation is dedicated to enhancing veteran mental health through strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative targets the alarming issue of homelessness among veterans, with nearly 40,000 veterans without shelter nightly and 1.5 million at risk. By funding evidence-informed programs, the foundation aims to increase access to permanent housing, improve affordability, and provide essential wraparound services, ultimately fostering mental health stability and resilience within veteran communities.

Applications due Sep 3, 2026

Up to US $150,000

The Strengthening Families and Communities Grant by Telligen Community Initiative focuses on enhancing the resilience of youth and families through community-based funding. This initiative is transitioning to two-year funding periods, with applications due in March and October for different states. The grant aims to address social determinants of health, providing targeted support based on extensive applicant feedback. The program emphasizes a narrowed applicant pool to ensure more consistent funding for impactful projects.

Applications due Sep 5, 2026

Up to US $10,000

The Dow Promise Grant empowers communities by addressing the unique barriers faced by Black youth and adults in the U.S. This program provides grants up to $10,000 for initiatives that promote social, economic, and environmental advancements. Since its inception in 2000, the Dow Promise Program has been committed to fostering equitable opportunities and positive social change, ultimately contributing to long-term community success and a brighter future for all.

Letter of inquiry due Oct 2, 2026

Up to US $56,000

The CTF: Rooted in Justice Grants program aims to empower youth aged 12 to 20 by funding community-based organizations that engage them in environmental and food justice initiatives. With two-year grants of $25,000 per year, this program prioritizes youth-led urban greening efforts, acknowledging the importance of youth voices in creating equitable communities. Eligible organizations must operate in specific U.S. states and have existing programs that align with social justice principles.

Showing 26 of 300+ results.

Top Searched Illinois Grants for Nonprofits

Illinois Grants for Nonprofits from Private Funders

Illinois Grants for Nonprofits over $20k

Illinois Grants for Nonprofits from Government Funders

Grant Insights : Illinois Grants for Nonprofits

Grant Availability

How common are grants in this category?

Common — grants in this category appear regularly across funding sources.

300+ Illinois grants for nonprofits grants for nonprofits in the United States, from private foundations to corporations seeking to fund grants for nonprofits.

200+ Illinois grants for nonprofits over $25K in average grant size

200+ Illinois grants for nonprofits over $50K in average grant size

50 Illinois grants for nonprofits supporting general operating expenses

200+ Illinois grants for nonprofits supporting programs / projects

4,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Education - Higher Education

300+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Financial Literacy

Grant Deadline Distribution

Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Illinois grants for Nonprofits?

Most grants are due in the second quarter.

21.6%

35.8%

23.5%

19.1%

Typical Funding Amounts

What's the typical grant amount funded for Illinois Grants for Nonprofits?

Grants are most commonly $128,156.

$550 $550 Min.

$128,156 $128.2 K Median

$939,020 $939 K Average

$50,000,000 $50 M Max.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grants are available in Illinois?

There are currently 300+ individual grants available in Illinois. Of these, 200+ have an average award size of over $25,000.

Among these grants, over 4,000+ are for education - higher education, and another 300+ focus on financial literacy. Additionally, 200+ grants support nonprofit programs and projects, and 50 grants are available for general operating expenses.

What types of grants are available for nonprofits in Illinois?

In Illinois, nonprofits can access various types of grants from different funders. Here's a breakdown of where you'll find the most grant opportunities:

State & Local Government: There are 158 state and local government grants available in Illinois. Many of these grants focus on public health, education support, community support, and environmental initiatives.
Private Foundations: There are around 76 private foundation grants available in Illinois, supporting causes ranging from healthcare to economic growth to the arts and culture.
Corporate Funders: There are 28 grants available from corporate funders, largely targeting workforce development, community engagement, and education projects.

State and local government grants provide the largest number of opportunities in Illinois. While government grants offer larger awards, they do require nonprofit organizations to fulfill strict compliance needs.

When is the best time to apply for grants in Illinois?

Available data shows that the best time to apply for grants in Illinois is in Q2 when about 35.8% of deadlines for grants occur, offering nonprofits the most opportunities to secure funding. Q4, on the other hand, is the grant period with the least activity, with only 19.1% of deadlines. Prioritizing your grant strategy for Q2 can help increase your odds of winning grant funding in Illinois.

What is the overall funding landscape in Illinois?

Based on funding reports sent to the IRS, overall grant funding decreased in Illinois from $15.9 billion in 2021 to $8.3 billion in 2022, reflecting a 47.62% drop. The largest areas for funding included professional societies and associations, alliance/advocacy organizations, and research institutes and/or public policy analysis. The top counties that received the most funding during this time were Cook County ($5.2 billion), Lake County ($547.8 million), and Champaign County ($445.3 million).

How can Instrumentl help nonprofits find and win more grants in Illinois?

If you want to find and win more grants in Illinois, Instrumentl uncomplicates the process. You’ll access tools for grant discovery, keeping up to date with deadlines, and application management. Instrumentl helps nonprofits uncover the best funding opportunities.

Instrumentl also has a database of 20,000 live grants and 400,000 funders. For insights into which tools are the best for managing grants, check out our guide to the best grant management software to learn how Instrumentl can help your organization succeed.

Search Through Illinois Grants for Nonprofits in the U.S.

300+ Available grants

$200M Total funding amount

$128.2K Median grant amount

Skip the search.

Get matched with grants that actually fit.

Search Instrumentl's Illinois Grants Database

Get new Illinois for Nonprofits grants weekly

Top Searched Illinois Grants for Nonprofits

Grant Insights : Illinois Grants for Nonprofits

Grant Availability

300+ Illinois grants for nonprofits grants for nonprofits in the United States, from private foundations to corporations seeking to fund grants for nonprofits.

200+ Illinois grants for nonprofits over $25K in average grant size

200+ Illinois grants for nonprofits over $50K in average grant size

50 Illinois grants for nonprofits supporting general operating expenses

200+ Illinois grants for nonprofits supporting programs / projects

4,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Education - Higher Education

300+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Financial Literacy

Grant Deadline Distribution

Typical Funding Amounts

Frequently Asked Questions

What grants are available in Illinois?

What types of grants are available for nonprofits in Illinois?

When is the best time to apply for grants in Illinois?

What is the overall funding landscape in Illinois?

How can Instrumentl help nonprofits find and win more grants in Illinois?

300+
Available grants

$200M
Total funding amount

$128.2K
Median grant amount