Best Community Development Grants in Illinois

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.

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.

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 Old National Bank Foundation provides sponsorships to enhance community initiatives in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Their mission focuses on social responsibility, supporting underrepresented groups, and aligning with the Community Reinvestment Act. Sponsorships cover events such as fundraisers and sporting events, emphasizing active engagement and measurable impact. The Foundation aims to improve quality of life through strategic partnerships and meaningful contributions.

The Topfer Family Foundation Grant aims to empower individuals by providing essential resources and support in various program areas, including child abuse prevention, youth enrichment, job training, children's health, and aging in place. This grant is focused on fostering self-sufficiency through initiatives that promote education, practical life skills, and access to healthcare. The foundation prioritizes organizations in the greater Austin, Chicago, Denver, and Broward County areas, ensuring that funds directly benefit local communities.

The Walter S. Mander Foundation offers grants focused on urban agriculture, local sustainable agriculture, community development, and cancer research. As a private foundation, it does not accept unsolicited proposals but allows brief introductory letters for review. Grants are made on a rolling basis, primarily supporting organizations serving Chicago and surrounding areas. Areas such as Jewish and Israeli organizations are also prioritized. The foundation is driven by the legacy of Walter S. Mander, a Jewish refugee who thrived in the American meatpacking industry.

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.

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.

The GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness offers grants ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 to support projects that blend arts and wellness. Open to non-profit organizations, hospitals, and clinics across the Midwest, this fund aims to enhance community well-being through artistic initiatives. Eligible applicants must engage professional artists and provide activities that promote health and creativity. This funding round supports activities occurring between December 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, emphasizing the importance of arts in fostering wellness.

The Seeding the Future Grants, offered by the Deaconess Foundation, provide annual operating funds of $20,000 to organizations that align with the foundation's mission of enhancing community health in Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois. These grants support initiatives that advocate for systemic change, public policy advancement, and the expansion of civic infrastructure, fostering partnerships for intergenerational health improvements. Eligible organizations must possess a 501(c)(3) status or work with a fiscal agent.

The Charitable Trust Stabilization Fund Grant aims to support small nonprofits in Illinois by providing funding for programs in food, housing, and workforce development. Established in 2007, this initiative utilizes filing fees from nonprofits to sustain its efforts. The Spring 2024 Grant Cycle will focus on food and housing, while the Fall 2024 cycle will address food and economic development. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria to ensure effective use of funds.

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.

The Gun Violence Prevention & Justice Reform Grant by The Joyce Foundation aims to create safer communities in the Great Lakes region. It focuses on reducing gun violence, addressing racial disparities in the justice system, and promoting violence intervention strategies. The foundation invites innovative proposals that support these goals, emphasizing research, policy advocacy, and community engagement to effectively address the challenges of gun violence and promote racial equity.

The Joyce Foundation's Democracy Grants aim to enhance participation and representation in the electoral process across the Great Lakes region. With a focus on combating voter suppression, gerrymandering, and disinformation, the Foundation supports policy changes that protect voting rights and ensure fair representation. Through public engagement and litigation, it seeks to empower communities of color and young voters, fostering a more equitable democracy for all residents.

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 Joyce Foundation's Environment Grants focus on addressing critical environmental challenges in the Great Lakes region, such as climate change and water safety. The foundation prioritizes equitable, carbon-free energy solutions and clean water access for all communities. Grants are awarded to organizations committed to environmental justice and innovation in climate policy, particularly in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, ensuring that the voices of affected communities guide project development.

The Retirement Research Foundation (RRF) offers Direct Service Grants to nonprofit organizations focused on enhancing the quality of life for older adults. These grants prioritize projects addressing caregiving, economic security, housing, and social connectedness. Organizations must demonstrate a clear understanding of the aging network and articulate service gaps. RRF emphasizes equity and supports initiatives that foster diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly for historically marginalized populations. Applications are accepted from eligible nonprofit entities, aiming for transformative impacts in communities.

The Kjellstrom Family Foundation, established in 2004, offers challenge grants and capacity building grants to support local charities in Northern Illinois. With an annual contribution of over $600,000, the foundation focuses on youth, arts, and community services. Grants range from $25,000 to $50,000, depending on the type of funding. KFF prioritizes organizations in Winnebago County and emphasizes partnerships that enhance operational efficiency and governance.

The Kjellstrom Family Foundation, established in 2004, provides interim grants for emergent matters to support community needs in Northern Illinois. With over $10M in assets, the foundation focuses on various fields including youth programs, arts, and human services. It prioritizes organizations in Winnebago County and seeks to be flexible with funding categories. Grants are available outside standard cycles, promoting adaptability for organizations addressing urgent challenges.

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 Illinois Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) program aims to enhance educational opportunities for students in high-poverty areas. It focuses on academic enrichment and offers various services including tutoring, youth development, and family engagement. Funded by the Illinois State Board of Education, the program supports partnerships to ensure equitable access to educational resources, with awards ranging from $50,000 to $600,000 to eligible entities serving low-income students and their families.

The Match General Operating Support program by The Chicago Community Trust aims to assist community-serving organizations managing government grants by providing essential funding to cover administrative costs. This initiative is crucial for ensuring that federal aid reaches historically disinvested communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. With a focus on equitable recovery, the program supports organizations that prioritize community investment, safety, and workforce development, thereby enhancing the overall impact of government funding.

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.

The Land, Health, Community Grant Program, formerly known as Aspiramos Juntos, focuses on fostering holistically healthy communities in the Chicago region. Funded by the Lumpkin Family Foundation, this grant supports projects that promote physical activity, access to healthy food, and mental wellness for youth. Priority is given to grassroots organizations with budgets under $500,000 that are deeply connected to their communities. Special funding opportunities include grants for community gardens and inspiring collaborative projects up to $10,000.

The Health Information Outreach Award, funded by the National Library of Medicine, aims to enhance access to essential health information for underrepresented populations and healthcare professionals. This initiative focuses on improving health literacy and equity through diverse projects, including training, technology access, and community outreach. Eligible organizations from select Midwestern states can apply, prioritizing innovative solutions that address health disparities and promote informed health decisions among vulnerable communities.

The African American Legacy Grants, initiated by The Chicago Community Trust, aims to enhance the quality of life for Black communities in metropolitan Chicago. This program supports Black-led organizations focused on community wealth building, mobilization, and care. Grants range from $15,000 to $75,000 depending on the project's scope, promoting initiatives like worker cooperatives and mental health services. The grants prioritize organizations that are responsive to community needs and emphasize collective impact through shared ownership and democratic participation.

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.