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Best Illinois Grants for Nonprofits

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

250

Available grants

$219.3M

Total funding

$110K

Median grant

250 grants
$219.3M total
$110K median

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AI summary from publicly available grant information

More than US $1,000

Community Support Funding from Amcor Cares Foundation

Rolling deadline
Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits and accredited educational institutions serving Cook, Kane, or Lake counties can seek support for hunger and homelessness, disaster relief, STEM education, health and wellness, life skills, arts, and scholarships. Grants from The Amcor Cares Foundation start at more than US $1,000 and prioritize communities near Amcor facilities.
The Amcor Cares Foundation

Unspecified amount

Andrew Family Foundation Support for Illinois Programs

Rolling deadline
Grants from Andrew Family Foundation help Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits fund education, arts, and humanitarian projects that foster individual growth and strengthen communities. Eligible U.S.-based organizations must have annual program budgets between $1M and $4M and offer opportunities for significant board involvement from the foundation.
Andrew Family Foundation

US $5,000 - US $15,000

Auto Club Group Foundation Grants for Illinois Safety

Rolling deadline
Auto Club Group Foundation provides Illinois nonprofits, schools, and public agencies with grants of US $5,000 - US $15,000 for traffic safety, driver education, and K–12 financial literacy initiatives. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and first responder agencies in Illinois may also request funding for passive speed enforcement equipment such as speed display signs.
The Auto Club Group Foundation

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Unspecified amount

Circle of Service Community Services Grants in Illinois

Rolling deadline
Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing community services or Jewish community programs in Cook or Lake Counties can receive challenge grants for programs or general operating support. Circle of Service Foundation supports organizations helping residents achieve stability, self-reliance, and a vibrant Jewish community, prioritizing groups with strong private revenue, broad donor bases, and active governing boards.
Circle of Service Foundation

Unspecified amount in in-kind support

CSX Foundation Community Service Grants in Illinois

Rolling deadline
Illinois nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions serving military members, veterans, or community first responders can access funding through CSX Foundation’s charitable investments program. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and public agencies in Illinois may receive in-kind intermodal transportation services or donated railroad equipment and materials to reduce costs and support their community-focused operations.
Csx Foundation Inc

Unspecified amount

Elizabeth Morse Genius Trust Grants for Illinois Nonprofits

Rolling deadline
Illinois 501(c)(3) organizations serving Chicago and Cook County residents can seek funding for programs addressing youth development, senior services, disease treatment education, disaster relief, athletics, and community development. Illinois nonprofits can access funding through Elizabeth Morse Genius Charitable Trust to support values-based initiatives that relieve human suffering, build self-esteem, and improve quality of life in the Chicago region.
Elizabeth Morse Genius Charitable Trust

Unspecified amount

Academic Scholarship Funding from Johnson Scholarship Foundation

Rolling deadline
Nonprofit organizations and educational institutions supporting academic scholarship programs in Illinois can apply for funding to help economically disadvantaged students access education and future employment. With a mission to expand educational and employment opportunities, Johnson Scholarship Foundation provides grants for scholarships, mentoring, tutoring, and related initiatives across the U.S. and Canada.
Theodore R And Vivian M Johnson Scholarship Foundation Inc

Unspecified amount

Mayer and Morris Kaplan Support for Climate Programs

Rolling deadline
Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on climate and clean energy policy or climate change education can seek funding to reduce fossil fuel demand and provide accurate climate education for young adults. The Mayer and Morris Kaplan Foundation supports U.S.-based organizations with general operating or program-specific grants that use research, policy, legal strategies, or education to address climate change.
Mayer And Morris Kaplan Foundation

Unspecified amount

Community Event Sponsorship Funding from Old National Bank

Rolling deadline
Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits hosting community-focused events, fundraisers, or special activities can seek sponsorship support that promotes economic development, workforce readiness, financial education, and affordable housing initiatives. Focused on broad community impact and underrepresented groups, Old National Bank prioritizes organizations serving low- to moderate-income residents within its Illinois market counties.
Old National Bank

US $50,000 - US $400,000

Green Mountain Energy Support for Illinois Sustainability

Rolling deadline
Illinois 501(c)(3), (4), (6), and (19) nonprofits with three years of tax-exempt status and $250K in annual revenue can seek US $50,000 - US $400,000 for community sustainability projects. Illinois environmental organizations can access funding through Green Mountain Energy for renewable energy, energy efficiency, conservation, clean transportation, education, and related initiatives in eligible service-area ZIP codes.
Green Mountain Energy

Unspecified amount

Family Self-Sufficiency Funding from Topfer Family Foundation

Rolling deadline
Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting child welfare, youth enrichment, job training, children’s health, or aging in place can access funding through the Topfer Family Foundation. Eligible organizations must serve communities in the greater Chicago metropolitan area, with applications accepted year-round and reviewed quarterly for programs helping people build self-sufficient, fulfilling lives.
THE TOPFER FAMILY FOUNDATION

Unspecified amount

Dana Brown Charitable Trust Grant

Full proposal due Oct 23, 2026
The Dana Brown Charitable Trust Grant supports organizations in the St. Louis area that aid financially disadvantaged children, focusing on health, education, and welfare. It encourages programs that expand children's knowledge of nature and wild animals. The Trust favors collaborative, high-impact projects and prioritizes immediate needs over long-term funding. Notably, individual grants are not awarded directly to individuals, and only one Letter of Intent is permitted per year.
Dana Brown Charitable Trust

US $10,000 - US $50,000

Illinois Justice Litigation Funding via Impact Fund

Full proposal due Oct 29, 2026
Illinois legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation can access funding through Impact Fund to cover out-of-pocket litigation costs such as expert fees and discovery, with recoverable awards of US $10,000 - US $50,000. Cases advancing economic, environmental, racial, or social justice for systematically oppressed communities may be competitive.
The Impact Fund

Up to US $75,000

Illinois Aging Advocacy Funding via Retirement Research Foundation

Letter of inquiry due Nov 2, 2026
Nonprofit organizations advancing policy change for adults 60+ can use this funding for advocacy projects with statewide Illinois or national impact. Grants from Retirement Research Foundation help Illinois senior-focused groups address systemic issues like economic security, health care, and housing, provided funded activities are clearly non-lobbying and distinct from any legislative lobbying work.
Retirement Research Foundation

US $2,000 - US $10,000

Arts Programming Funding from Arts Midwest

Letter of inquiry due Nov 4, 2026
Illinois 501(c)(3) and tribal arts organizations can access funding through the Arts Midwest GIG Fund to present professional artists and host creative projects and educational events. Grants of US $2,000 - US $15,000 may cover artist fees, touring costs, accessibility accommodations, and marketing, with activities reaching underserved audiences and including at least one public performance or exhibition.
Arts Midwest

Unspecified amount

Joyce Foundation Grants for Illinois Education

Full proposal due Dec 1, 2026
Nonprofit organizations and select government initiatives in Illinois working on education policy and economic mobility can apply for the Joyce Foundation’s Education & Economic Mobility Grants. Funding supports research, policy development, advocacy, and implementation to improve educator effectiveness, college and career readiness, and post-secondary success, especially for historically underserved young people in the Great Lakes region.
The Joyce Foundation

Up to US $150,000

Family Resiliency Grants for Nonprofits from Telligen

Full proposal due Dec 1, 2026
Nonprofit organizations strengthening youth and family resiliency through social determinants of health work in Illinois can apply for multi-year funding up to US $150,000. Telligen Community Initiative supports community-based projects such as family services, parenting education, school health, and maternal health that build stronger, healthier communities.
Telligen Community Initiative

Unspecified amount

Penn National Gaming Foundation Grants

Applications due Jan 1, 2027
The Penn National Gaming Foundation Grants support various community initiatives across North America, emphasizing education, health services, and cultural affairs. Launched post-Hurricane Katrina, the foundation aids local nonprofits, enhancing community development, public safety, and veteran support. The grants cater to organizations that address the needs of children, senior citizens, and disadvantaged populations, ensuring a broad impact in areas where Penn National Gaming operates. This commitment reflects the foundation's dedication to uplifting communities and fostering resilience.
Penn National Gaming

US $5,000 - US $20,000

Donaldson Foundation Organizational Grants

Applications due Jan 10, 2027
The Donaldson Foundation offers organizational grants focused on enhancing educational opportunities and community involvement. With an annual budget of $1.2 million, the foundation supports various initiatives, including scholarships and matching grants to educational institutions. It prioritizes organizations that demonstrate a clear need and impact, especially in areas where Donaldson operates. Eligible recipients must be IRS tax-exempt and located in specific U.S. regions, ensuring the foundation's commitment to local communities.
Donaldson Foundation

Unspecified amount

Education and Charity Funding from Hollie & Anna Oakley Foundation

Applications due Jan 10, 2027
Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in education, religious, or charitable programs can access funding through the Hollie & Anna Oakley Foundation for projects that significantly impact east-central Illinois communities. Grants support organizations serving designated Illinois counties, with applications accepted year-round and reviewed quarterly by the foundation’s board of trustees.
Hollie & Anna Oakley Foundation

US $2,000 - US $10,000

McGraw Foundation Education and Human Services Grants

Applications due Feb 1, 2027
Illinois 501(c)(3) and similar public charities can apply for McGraw Foundation grants of US $2,000 - US $10,000 to support education, human services, health, conservation, and cultural programs. Nonprofits in the greater Chicago area may receive general operating, project, or occasional capital support, including for tutoring, homelessness, clinics, arts, and environmental conservation.
McGraw Foundation

Unspecified amount

UNICO Foundation Support for Illinois Food Programs

Applications due Feb 13, 2027
Food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in Illinois that are registered nonprofits can apply for the Ralph J. Torraco Food Bank/Shelter Fund Grant to purchase food or provide shelter for low-income and vulnerable residents. Eligible organizations must operate outside private homes, meet health regulations, and use 100% of funds for direct food and shelter services.
UNICO Foundation Inc

Unspecified amount

Alliant Credit Union Foundation Grants for Illinois Economic Empowerment

Applications due Mar 31, 2027
Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits that promote economic empowerment, especially through financial literacy and digital inclusion, can seek funding to support their programs. Alliant Credit Union Foundation provides support to organizations bridging the digital divide with broadband access, technology equipment, and digital skills education for under-resourced communities, including those where Alliant members and employees live and work.
Alliant Credit Union Foundation

Unspecified amount

A Montgomery Ward Foundation Grants for Illinois Education

Applications due Apr 2, 2027
Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering educational or cultural programs in Chicago and surrounding communities can access funding through A Montgomery Ward Foundation 32 48652 4. Grants typically support one-year projects in arts, culture, humanities, and education that benefit current and future residents across eligible northeastern Illinois counties.
A Montgomery Ward Foundation 32 48652 4

Unspecified amount

Needmor Fund Community Organizing Grants in Illinois

Letter of inquiry due May 15, 2027
With a mission to advance social justice, Needmor Fund for Social Justice provides Illinois community organizing groups with multi-year general operating support. 501(c)(3) organizations organizing low- and moderate-income communities around intersecting issues of race, economic justice, and democracy in the Midwest, including Illinois, may be eligible for up to three years of core funding.
Needmor Fund For Social Justice

US $50,000 - US $150,000

Gladys Brooks Foundation Grants for Illinois Institutions

Applications due May 31, 2027
Illinois 501(c)(3) libraries, educational institutions, hospitals, and clinics can seek major capital, equipment, or endowment support for innovative projects serving community welfare. The Gladys Brooks Foundation supports initiatives such as library resource endowments, scholarships, teaching chairs, educational facilities, and hospital or clinic expansions and equipment, with awards ranging from US $50,000 - US $150,000.
The Gladys Brooks Foundation

US $1,500 - US $7,000

CZS CBOT Endangered Species Fund Grant

Applications due Aug 31, 2027
The CZS CBOT Endangered Species Fund Grant supports conservation projects for threatened species and habitats, providing funding between $1,500 and $7,000. Established in 1988, it prioritizes local scientists and sustainable practices. The fund has awarded over $2.4 million to more than 550 projects worldwide. Proposals must demonstrate critical need and measurable outcomes, and can only be submitted once per funding cycle by groups or individual researchers. Note: international travel is not covered.
Chicago Zoological Society

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Illinois Grants for Nonprofits Highlights

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 250 funding opportunities for nonprofits in Illinois, with $219.3M available. Instrumentl streamlines access to funding by providing deadline tracking, advanced search tools, and funder intelligence to drive meaningful change throughout Illinois.

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.

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

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

41 Illinois grants for nonprofits supporting general operating expenses

200+ Illinois grants for nonprofits supporting programs / projects

3,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Education

2,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Art & Culture

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.

Q1
23.3%
Q2
30.1%
Q3
25.9%
Q4
20.7%

Typical Funding Amounts

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

Grants are most commonly $110,000.

$500 $500 Min.
$110,000 $110 K Median
$1,267,626 $1.3 M Average
$68,450,000 $68.5 M Max.

Frequently asked questions

There are currently 300+ individual grants available in Illinois. Of these, 100+ have an average award size of over $25,000.

Among these grants, over 3,000+ are for education, and another 2,000+ focus on art & culture. Additionally, 200+ grants support nonprofit programs and projects, and 41 grants are available for general operating expenses.

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 120 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 75 private foundation grants available in Illinois, supporting causes ranging from healthcare to economic growth to the arts and culture.
  • Corporate Funders: There are 26 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.

Available data shows that the best time to apply for grants in Illinois is in Q2 when about 30.1% 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 20.7% of deadlines. Prioritizing your grant strategy for Q2 can help increase your odds of winning grant funding 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).

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.

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