Best Evolutionary Biology Grants in Illinois

Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture can seek funding to support community development programs. With a mission to create equitable, lasting change, US Bancorp Foundation prioritizes organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and addressing multiple “work, home, and play” pillars.

Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits running programs for children, education, or health and human services can access funding through Costco Foundation for monetary support of community-based initiatives. Organizations with evolutionary biology education or youth-focused programming that fits these priorities may be eligible; applications are reviewed within 4–6 weeks and evaluated on community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and budget.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem–solving programs, including those in Illinois, can seek invitation-only support to launch or redirect impactful initiatives. With a mission to back creative approaches, Creag Foundation provides grants to smaller or evolving organizations developing new ways to address societal issues, which may include evolutionary biology–related community or health projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth through education, health, development, welfare, or scientific programs in Illinois and beyond can receive up to US $15,000 for direct services. The Dan Paul Foundation supports projects including early childhood development, child advocacy, poverty and homelessness services, and scientific endeavors, which may include evolutionary biology-related initiatives involving youth.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits in Illinois tackling urgent social or environmental problems can seek up to US $300,000 over three years for scalable solutions. With a mission to dramatically improve underserved communities, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides capacity, capital, and community to help organizations grow and measure their impact, including those working in evolutionary biology–related areas.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Educational institutions, government programs, and qualifying nonprofits in Illinois can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives, including STEM and academic programs. With a mission to strengthen communities, State Farm Foundation provides U.S. organizations with support for projects like disaster preparedness, affordable housing, job training, financial literacy, and food insecurity efforts that may benefit research or education-focused programs.

U.S. 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million can seek more than US $100,000 to support arts and science programming, capital projects, or limited general support from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. Illinois organizations in performing arts, museums, arts education, or STEAM initiatives serving broad audiences may be competitive applicants.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Illinois organizations and social enterprises serving urban low-income children through education, health, or family economic stability projects can seek more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Focused on measurable impact, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds eligible entities working in the U.S., India, and South Africa whose programs align with its mission and values.

Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on early childhood education, community development, or services for low- and moderate-income residents can access funding through PNC Foundation’s Foundation Grant. Support may cover early learning programs, educator development, affordable housing, small business assistance, arts and culture, job training, and neighborhood revitalization in communities where PNC has a significant presence.

Accredited charities in Illinois and worldwide can seek funding for humanitarian, social development, science education, community, environmental, and contemporary arts projects that engage Roche expertise and employees. Grants from La Roche help organizations whose programs are locally based in the same country as a Roche affiliate and meet its sustainable development priorities.

Illinois nonprofits and humanitarian organizations working on health, education, or disaster relief for marginalized communities can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation, which supports projects in the U.S. and abroad. Programs addressing healthcare access, women and children’s health, disabilities, hunger, homelessness, or related human services may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Illinois can seek sponsorship support for community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, environment, and diversity initiatives. With a mission to advance economic mobility, Bank of America Charitable Foundation provides regional U.S. sponsorships that may benefit Illinois programs, including those whose work intersects with scientific or educational efforts in evolutionary biology communities.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving the Southern U.S. with programs in areas like education, health, poverty relief, animal welfare, or conservation may be eligible for funding supporting their services. Robinson Foundation supports humanitarian, family, and community-focused work; Illinois-based groups with projects serving communities below the Mason-Dixon line could qualify.

Doctoral candidates at Big Ten Academic Alliance universities conducting Smithsonian-based evolutionary biology or related research can receive up to US $50,000, including stipend and research allowance. The Smithsonian Institution provides Illinois and other member-university scholars with 3–12 month fellowships for dissertation-stage projects in fields such as evolution, ecology, anthropology, art history, and U.S. cultural history.

Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community services or fundraising events can apply for Insperity’s corporate contributions and event sponsorships. Eligible organizations must either engage Insperity employees, be Insperity clients, or serve communities where its employees live and work; one grant or sponsorship request is allowed per year.

Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and eligible local government entities can seek funding for education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment projects that serve communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities. Georgia-Pacific Foundation provides support to organizations located within 30 miles of a GP manufacturing community, including many counties across Illinois.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Illinois located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. Grants from TJX Foundation help community organizations serving vulnerable families and children build better futures through targeted program support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries seeking environmental or human services program or operating support in Illinois can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. With a mission to support environmental and human services causes, Lawrence Foundation provides unrestricted grants that may benefit Illinois groups conducting evolutionary biology or related environmental work.

Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, community development, cultural enrichment, or volunteer-driven causes can apply for Ameriprise Financial support. Ameriprise Financial provides Illinois community-focused organizations with funding for hunger relief, shelters and supportive housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, arts education, and neighborhood revitalization, with priority for sites engaging Ameriprise employee and advisor volunteers.

Illinois 501(c)(3) organizations seeking support for education, health care, social services, civic or cultural, environmental, or community programs can apply for grants from the Dr Scholl Foundation. Awards of US $5,000 - US $25,000 are made primarily to U.S. applicants for one year of project-focused funding.

Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving community quality of life can access funding through O'Reilly Automotive Foundation for project, general operating, or capital support. U.S.-based organizations in O’Reilly Auto Parts communities working on economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief may be eligible, including programs serving underserved and underrepresented individuals and families.

Illinois 501(c)(3) public charities can access funding for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects through the Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, with awards from US $5,000 - US $30,000. Eligible programs must primarily serve communities on Union Pacific’s service list and demonstrate clear need, impact, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with programs for underserved youth, families, food security, or environmental stewardship in Illinois and beyond can seek US $30,000 - US $350,000 for program support. Grants from Chick Fil A Foundation help organizations in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and Singapore advance youth development, housing, hunger relief, and related community initiatives.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.