Best Domestic Violence Grants in Illinois

The Roblee Foundation Grant supports initiatives that promote equity in race, ethnicity, and gender. It prioritizes funding for proposals that empower marginalized communities through women's issues, youth opportunities, and early childhood education. Grants are available for projects in the St. Louis area and Miami-Dade, FL. Applicants must consult with foundation staff before submission. The foundation focuses on early, catalytic, and movement-building approaches to create lasting change and improve lives.

The Community Memorial Foundation offers the CMF Responsive Grants program to support 501(c)(3) nonprofits working to improve health in the western suburbs of Chicago. Organizations eligible for funding must align with the Foundation's mission and address community needs, particularly for underserved populations. Grants are awarded bi-annually, and priority is given to programs that enhance health equity and access to care. This initiative aims to transform the region into the healthiest community in the country.

The Pratt Family Foundation Grant, established in 1999, supports initiatives in education, healthcare, and community welfare. It prioritizes organizations that aid housing assistance, support for women in crisis, and disadvantaged youth programs, particularly in North Carolina. The Foundation favors established religious and charitable organizations that are tax-exempt and have a local presence. Preference is given to areas connected to the Pratt family, such as Texas and Florida, ensuring impactful contributions to community development.

The Youth Initiative Grant, provided by the Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation, aims to support innovative programs that enhance resilience and psycho-social health for youth aged 14-21 affected by trauma from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Grants are available for new programs or therapeutic components within their first year. The foundation prioritizes organizations that actively engage with beneficiaries and implement holistic approaches to service delivery, ensuring long-term sustainability and effective evaluation of program impacts.

The Sonnentag Foundation Grant supports organizations in cities where County Materials Corporation operates, focusing on four key areas: Hunger & Homelessness Support, Service Members & Veterans Support, Sexual Abuse & Domestic Assault Services, and Mentoring & Skills Building. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) recognized organizations that serve the broader community. The foundation aims to empower vulnerable populations, including veterans, to lead fulfilling lives and provide essential services for healing and personal development.

Chicago Foundation for Women

Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) invests in bold ideas, grassroots leadership, and local organizations dismantling barriers for women, girls, and gender-expansive people. Since 1985, CFW has invested over $55 million through more than 5,500 grants to organizations across the Chicago region, focusing on economic security and mobility, reproductive justice, freedom from violence, and access to health and wellness.

We envision a future where equity transforms lives and systems, creating a world where safety is certain, dignity is honored, and choice is guaranteed.

Our Impact Areas:

• Expanding Economic Security​ and Mobility
  • We seek to expand economic security so all women, girls, and gender-expansive people can care for themselves and their families in all stages of life.
• Advancing Reproductive Justice 
  • We champion reproductive freedom and fund local efforts that protect care, expand access, and defend the right to make decisions about one’s body.
• Advancing Freedom from Violence 
  • We work to ensure women, girls, and gender-expansive people are free from violence, including abuse, assault, harassment, trafficking, and more.
• Improving Access to Health and Wellness 
  • We work to expand access to quality mental, physical, preventive, and reproductive health services for women, girls, and gender-expansive people.

CFW: Fall Primary Cycle

We view these impact areas as inherently interconnected and requiring a holistic approach; our work is also situated within broader systemic issues of gender, race, and economic inequities. Women and their families experience disparities simultaneously and often need to address them all at once for them to be able to stabilize and advance their health, safety, and economic security. As a result, we will be accepting applications across all four of CFW’s impact areas and encourage applicants to talk holistically about their work.

CFW believes it is essential to invest in both organizations providing direct service and organizations advancing systems change strategies; both are required and interconnected to dismantle barriers for women, girls, and gender-expansive people so that equity is possible and permanent.

• Direct service and urgent/basic needs:
  • Support for individuals, families, and communities facing immediate harm, instability, or unmet needs.
• Advocacy and systems change:
  • Work that advances policies, shifts systems, changes narratives, and builds community power over the medium and long term.
    • Legislative advocacy
    • Policy advocacy
    • Litigation
    • Rulemaking
    • Leadership development
    • Community organizing
    • Movement building
    • Coalition building
    • Culture and narrative change
    • Other (could include trainings, research, or emerging strategies)

RedRover Relief Safe Housing Grants provide vital support for domestic violence survivors by enabling them to keep their pets safe during challenging times. With grants up to $60,000, nonprofit organizations can create or enhance programs that offer shelter for pets, foster care, and veterinary services. This initiative fosters collaboration between domestic violence and animal organizations, ensuring comprehensive community support. By addressing the unique needs of families, these grants promote safety and well-being for both humans and their beloved pets.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Women’s Shelters Grant, provided by the AKC Humane Fund, offers financial assistance to domestic abuse shelters that accommodate pets. This grant aims to empower shelters to break the cycle of domestic violence by allowing women to keep their beloved pets during difficult times. By supporting organizations that facilitate this, the AKC Humane Fund fosters a community where both women and animals can find safety and solace together.

The Mary Kay Ash Foundation Domestic Violence Shelter Grant Program supports shelters across the U.S. that provide essential services to women and children escaping abusive situations. Established in 2000, this grant aims to uphold the mission of eradicating domestic violence through financial assistance to dedicated organizations. Eligibility is limited to shelters recognized by state domestic violence coalitions, while those funded in the previous cycle are ineligible. Join the fight against domestic violence by applying for this vital support.

The When Georgia Smiled Grant, established by the Robin McGraw Revelation and Dr. Phil Foundation, focuses on aiding victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. The foundation prioritizes programs that provide shelter, education, and mental health services to ensure safe and fulfilling lives for affected individuals. Additionally, it supports initiatives for children and disaster relief, fostering community resilience and family reunification efforts. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations operating in the U.S. with a commitment to inclusivity.

The Venable Foundation, a corporate funder, provides grants averaging $10,000 to nonprofits focused on human services, legal support, education, workforce development, youth impact, health, environment, and arts. Funding is targeted at organizations in specific regions, including Washington, DC, Baltimore, New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami, and Denver, reinforcing equitable opportunities for economically disadvantaged individuals.

The Alphawood Foundation, a private grant-making organization based in Chicago, focuses on supporting initiatives that promote equity, justice, and human rights. They award grants to non-profits in areas such as arts education, LGBTQ+ health and rights, and community empowerment, particularly for marginalized groups. Their funding emphasizes unrestricted operational support, prioritizing organizations aligned with their mission and that primarily serve the Chicago metropolitan area and Northwest Indiana.

Grant & Sponsorship Requests

The University of Chicago Medicine is committed to improving the health of residents in our South Side and Southland service areas. In addition to providing advanced medical care, research and medical education, UChicago Medicine collaborates with organizations that are committed to making a difference in their communities.

We believe partnering with like-minded organizations that share our vision and values is one way to work collaboratively to positively impact change in our community. As part of this commitment, UChicago Medicine and UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital offer community grant and the sponsorship opportunities. These opportunities extend financial support to local not-for-profit, community-based organizations to provide health-related services and programming for at-risk and underserved populations.

Community Benefit Grants and Sponsorships in Chicago

UChicago Medicine offers community benefit grants and sponsorships to partnering community organizations based within the 12 zip codes of our South Side service area.

UChicago Medicine’s community benefit grants focus on one or more of our health priority areas — as outlined in our Community Health Needs Assessment and Strategic Implementation Plan — to ensure that each priority area receives attention.

UCM Community Benefit Grants – Community Health

The University of Chicago Medicine (UCM) Urban Health Initiative is pleased to announce a grant opportunity for community-based organizations. The purpose of this funding is to improve the health and well-being of residents on Chicago’s South Side, as outlined in the University of Chicago Medical Center Strategic Implementation Plan.

In recognition of the need for additional streams of funding available to South Side social service organizations, these grants aim to provide critical support for individuals affected by heart disease and/or diabetes. Please review the RFP for more details.

The Father's Table Foundation Grant aims to glorify God by addressing the immediate and future needs of women and children globally. This selective grant process emphasizes building self-sufficiency and resilience among beneficiaries, focusing on proven partners capable of expanding their impact. The foundation supports a diverse range of projects, including employment assistance, education, humanitarian aid, and health care, ensuring that aid not only meets urgent needs but also fosters long-term sustainability.

The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation provides grants to tax-exempt non-profit organizations in the United States, primarily focusing on healthcare, family values, and supporting the disadvantaged. With a strong commitment to Alzheimer's research, the foundation has funded various initiatives including elderly care, domestic violence prevention, and cancer research. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities through meaningful contributions, aiming to address critical social issues and promote well-being.

The Teens for Tomorrow Grant, offered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, empowers high school students to support nonprofits in Rock Island County, IL, and Scott County, IA. With a total of $10,000 available each year, grants focus on critical community issues such as domestic violence, homelessness, immigration support, and food insecurity. Eligible 501(c)3 organizations can apply for operational and program support to enhance the well-being of local residents.

The Flowers for Dreams Foundation Grant prioritizes organizations committed to mental health and community care initiatives for vulnerable populations. With a mission to fund local charities, the foundation has donated over $1.5 million to date. Grants range from $5,000 to $20,000, with applications accepted year-round. In 2025, the foundation emphasizes support for mental health services, ensuring that funds are used for impactful community care. Organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status and operate within the designated service area.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Day-End Dough-Nation® Program by Panera Bread exemplifies community generosity through the donation of unsold bakery products to local charities. This impactful initiative supports various organizations that distribute food to those in need, including shelters, health centers, and youth programs. By partnering with thousands of non-profits nationwide, Panera Bread not only reduces food waste but also plays a crucial role in addressing hunger and promoting equality within communities.

The Foundation for Financial Planning provides grants to nonprofit organizations that connect volunteer financial planners with underserved individuals in need of financial guidance. Focused on scalable and sustainable programs, the grants support both established and new initiatives that foster one-on-one relationships between planners and clients. Eligible applicants must be U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits and engage Certified Financial Planner professionals to ensure quality advice is accessible to those facing financial crises.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers the Strategic Projects: Program & Staff Grants to support nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building for mission-driven projects and infrastructure investments. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to community flourishing, with funding available for new programs or expansion of existing ones. The Trust prioritizes initiatives that align with its strategic goals, fostering sustainable nonprofit growth and impact in the region.

The Barbara McDowell and Gerald S. Hartman Foundation Grant supports social justice litigation in the U.S. by providing funding to organizations involved in systemic legal cases. Since 2009, the foundation has awarded over $1.4 million to 49 organizations, enhancing the lives of disadvantaged groups through impactful legal advocacy. The foundation prioritizes cases that align with its focus areas, including children's rights, discrimination, and homelessness, ensuring comprehensive support for societal improvement.

The Edith J. Goode Residuary Trust Grant supports organizations focused on preventing cruelty to animals. Letters of inquiry are accepted from February 1 to May 1, leading to a formal application process for selected organizations. The 2024 focus areas include programs assisting pets of unhoused populations, domestic violence assistance that allows caretakers and animals to leave together, and parrot rescues. Grants are one-time awards based on organizational fit with donor intent and social impact.