Best Air Quality Grants in Illinois

Illinois environmental and community nonprofits, including 501(c)(3) emergency response and youth programs, can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation for projects in Union Pacific–served communities. Awards of US $5,000 - US $30,000 support environmental sustainability, air and water quality, waste reduction, outdoor recreation, community safety, workforce development, and other community vitality initiatives with strong DEI commitments.

Illinois 501(c)(3) public charities with established workforce preparation, youth development, education, or community prosperity programs can access funding through RBC Foundation USA. Grants support in-demand skills training, job readiness, inclusive economic stability, and environmental sustainability projects that advance a net-zero future in communities where RBC Wealth Management has an active business presence.

The ACT on Health Equity Community Solutions Challenge Grant, backed by the Astrazeneca Foundation, aims to enhance health equity by funding community-based nonprofit programs. Since its inception in 2021, it has allocated over $2.6 million to initiatives addressing nutrition, healthcare access, and lung health for historically marginalized populations. Eligible US-based 501(c) organizations can apply, with a focus on projects serving underserved communities and improving health outcomes through targeted support.

Illinois 501(c)(3) organizations producing public interest media can access funding through Park Foundation to support investigative journalism, media policy work, public broadcasting, and documentary films on environmental, political, and social issues. U.S.-based nonprofits focused on air quality or related environmental topics may be especially competitive when creating substantive, fair, and accurate non-commercial content.

U.S. nonprofit organizations working on land, water, or climate-related conservation in Illinois can apply for Doris Duke Foundation’s Environment Program grants, with awards of US $100,000 - US $1,000,000 for large-scale projects. Funding supports habitat and ecosystem restoration, natural climate solutions, and inclusive conservation that advances equity for communities, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color.

Nonprofits and community organizations working on air quality and environmental stewardship in Illinois can apply for Stantec’s Community Engagement Grant to support community projects or events. Programs may address sustainable development, environmental responsibility, energy efficiency, air quality, or climate change, with preference for initiatives near Stantec office locations.

Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on environment, community development, education, arts, or health and human services in the Peoples Gas service area can apply for general operating support from Peoples Gas. Organizations with air quality, energy efficiency, or environmental stewardship programs may be especially well positioned for this funding.

High school skilled trades teachers in U.S. public schools can receive major recognition and funding for exemplary vocational and trade education programs. Focused on hands-on fields like carpentry, welding, and HVAC, the Smidt Foundation’s Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence offers US $75,000 - US $100,000, which may benefit Illinois educators preparing students for technical careers, including in air-quality-related trades.

Researchers studying public policy and public health programs that impact air quality and lung health in Illinois can apply for the American Lung Association’s Public Policy & Public Health Award, offering up to US $100,000. Funding supports evaluation of existing policies and innovative pilot projects on lung health, excluding events, lobbying, or legislative meetings.