Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

The Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarships, offered by the Pacific Dental Services Foundation, provide financial aid of up to $5,000 for eligible dental assistant students. Applicants must be over 18, U.S. citizens or legal residents, and enrolled in a qualifying program. The scholarship emphasizes mentorship and training, supporting the next generation of dental assistants. Awards are based on financial need and application quality, with multiple cycles each year to support aspiring professionals.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Cooperating Technical Partners (CTP) Program provides $41 million in funding across nine regions to enhance flood risk awareness. This initiative, led by FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program, empowers local communities to develop critical flood hazard data and maps. By strengthening local capabilities, the program promotes informed decision-making and responsible planning to mitigate flood risks effectively.

Casey’s Donation Requests support vital community needs in Education, Hunger, and Community Servants. Eligible 501(c)3 organizations within Casey’s communities can apply through the online Donation Request Form. Requests are reviewed continuously, with feedback provided via email within one month. Priority is given to organizations that haven't received donations in the current giving calendar year, which runs from May 1 to April 30.

Rural communities have a variety of unmet needs with no funding to address the challenges. This includes blighted structures that pose a health and safety hazard, crumbling sidewalks and streetscapes that make pedestrian traffic difficult, commercial facades with deferred maintenance, preservation of historic structures that tell their story, and closed buildings that could be used for good purposes. Community Development Block Grant-Community Revitalization Program aims to provide for all these needs on a regular basis. 

The Anchor QEA Scholarship supports graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering, environmental sciences, or related fields, with awards between $1,000 and $10,000. This program emphasizes helping those in financial need, particularly focusing on BIPOC students to address inequities in STEM. Eligible candidates must demonstrate a commitment to community service and possess an inclusive mindset. This initiative reflects Anchor QEA's dedication to fostering a diverse and equitable educational environment.

Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority

Created in 1983, the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) is a state agency dedicated to improving the administration of criminal justice. ICJIA brings together key leaders from the justice system and the public to identify critical issues faced by the criminal justice system in Illinois and to propose and evaluate policies, programs, and legislation that address those issues. The agency also works to ensure the criminal justice system in Illinois is efficient, effective, and equitable.

In the area of grants administration, ICJIA: 1. Implements and funds criminal justice and violence prevention programs under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), Adult Redeploy Illinois (ARI), Restore, Reinvest, Renew (R3) Program, and other state and federal grant programs. 2. Monitors program activity, ensures accountability, and provides technical assistance to grantees.

Institute to Innovate (i2i) Capacity Building and Violence Prevention Grant Program

The Institute to Innovate (i2i) program invests in organizations working to prevent violence and improve public safety throughout Illinois. The program recognizes that effective violence prevention depends on both strong community-based services and the organizational infrastructure needed to support those services. Applicants must select one of the following project pathways:

• Capacity Building Activities: Projects that strengthen organizational leadership, governance, financial management, workforce, technology, policies, evaluation practices, or other internal systems.
• Violence Prevention Activities: Projects that provide or expand eligible community-based violence prevention services.
• Combined Capacity Building and Violence Prevention Activities: Projects that strengthen organizational systems while also providing, expanding, or improving violence prevention services.

The Insuring Rural Communities Scholarship supports students from rural Missouri and Illinois, offering renewable scholarships up to $5,000. Funded by Valley Insurance Agency Alliance and Travelers Foundation, it aims to assist those pursuing degrees in healthcare, information technology, or risk management. Eligible applicants must be permanent residents of non-metropolitan areas, enrolled in accredited programs, and demonstrate significant financial need. This initiative enhances academic and career success in underserved communities.

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.

The Dollar General School Library Relief Grant Program, managed by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, provides crucial support to K-12 public school libraries that face significant damage due to disasters such as fires or federally recognized acts of terrorism. This grant aims to restore essential library resources, ensuring that affected communities can continue to access vital educational materials and support. Libraries must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and meet specific eligibility criteria.

The IACA General Operating Support Grant provides essential funding for established not-for-profit organizations that deliver arts programming to their communities. This grant aims to support organizations that demonstrate strong operations, ongoing arts initiatives, and a commitment to accessibility and diversity in the arts. By prioritizing stable management and relevant programs, the grant fosters artistic engagement and enriches community cultural landscapes.

The Von Voigtlander Family Foundation Grant, though currently closed, aims to support 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, primarily in Michigan. The foundation emphasizes animal welfare, parks preservation, veteran support, and youth empowerment. Their mission is to enhance lives through community-focused initiatives that foster resilience, education, and well-being. They prioritize charities that promote responsible pet ownership, outdoor recreation, and provide resources for veterans and youth, ensuring a positive impact across multiple sectors.

The Mission Grant by the Dubuque Racing Association aims to enhance community well-being through support for non-profit organizations focused on population growth, retention, and tourism. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt entities, with a preference for projects that involve capacity building. The grant does not fund endowments, political causes, or personal benefits. This initiative seeks to bolster the tri-state area, specifically targeting Dubuque and surrounding counties to promote local tourism and economic development.

27-0343-25 Local Agency Impaired Driving Prevention - General

I. INTRODUCTION

The Impaired Driving Prevention Program (IDP) is an initiative of BSPE that promotes the safety and well-being of all people using Illinois’ roadways. This program is preventative in nature by focusing on solutions designed to create awareness and reduction in alcohol and drug-impaired driving through outreach.

II. PROJECT GOAL

To create a coordinated effort to address alcohol and drug-related traffic fatalities and serious injuries through outreach, education, and criminal justice.

III. PREVENTION PROJECTS

The objective of this activity is designed to increase public awareness and knowledge about alcohol and drug-impaired driving, promote safe and healthy behavior among underage and/or adult individuals, and to increase the awareness of the consequences associated with a DUI arrest, other sanctions for impaired driving, or an impaired driving motor vehicle crash.

Public information and prevention education programs should consist of comprehensive, coordinated efforts that are designed to present a clear message that fosters the attitude that driving impaired by alcoholic beverages, cannabis, and/or other impairing drugs or substances is unacceptable, criminal behavior. These messages should be sustained and emphasize existing holiday enforcement campaigns and should also occur throughout the grant year. Additional prevention initiatives include educational programs and activities. These may occur through schools, community groups and/or religious organizations and may include parent education, formalized curricula, coalition development/community involvement, and peer education programs.

The Equitable Energy Future Grant Program, launched by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, aims to provide crucial seed and pre-development funding to contractors. This initiative supports renewable energy and energy efficiency projects specifically benefiting historically disadvantaged communities. By addressing capital barriers, the program fosters business and community development, ensuring that these vital projects can thrive. Funding ranges from $250,000 to $1,000,000, encouraging early applications as funds are limited.

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 Illinois Grocery Initiative - Equipment Upgrades program, managed by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, offers grants for energy-efficient equipment upgrades to qualifying grocery stores. This initiative aims to combat food deserts in Illinois by supporting independently-owned grocers, cooperatives, and not-for-profits, ensuring access to fresh foods while promoting sustainability. Eligible entities must meet specific criteria, including a minimum match requirement for project costs.

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Base Grant aims to empower Medicare-eligible individuals through outreach, counseling, and education. This funding opportunity offers five years of support to enhance local SHIP networks, providing personalized assistance to beneficiaries. Key objectives include educating SHIP sites on Medicare updates, facilitating enrollment assistance, and conducting outreach to raise awareness of Medicare rights. Through strategic partnerships and initiatives, the program seeks to optimize health insurance decision-making and improve access to care for beneficiaries.

The Washington Square Health Foundation provides grants for direct health care services aimed at improving health outcomes for underserved populations. Priorities include senior care, compliance with medication plans, and enhancing access to specialty care. The foundation encourages innovative solutions that effectively address the health needs of high-risk individuals, particularly in the context of HIV/AIDS. Projects must demonstrate community support and sustainable impact, aligning with the foundation’s mission of filling critical gaps in health services.

Peoples Gas offers charitable contributions to support community initiatives in areas like arts, education, health, and the environment. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in the service area, promoting community development and well-being. Funding amounts typically range up to $1,000, with larger grants being rare. This funding aims to enhance the quality of life and support diverse projects that foster community engagement and sustainability.

The Marion Gardner Jackson Charitable Trust supports organizations in Quincy, Illinois, and surrounding areas with grants for capital projects and program/operating support. Organizations with budgets under $10 million can request between $10,000 and $50,000 for operating support, with restrictions on yearly requests. Eligible applicants may submit one application annually, while individuals and multi-year awardees are typically ineligible for additional funding until their grant cycle ends.

The Alleghany Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) organization in Virginia, focuses on enhancing the quality of life in the Alleghany Highlands through strategic funding initiatives. It seeks grant applications that address key areas such as economic transformation, educational excellence, health and wellness, community capacity, and civic leadership. By prioritizing innovative projects and supporting local organizations, the Foundation aims to foster sustainable growth and community engagement, ensuring a vibrant future for the region.

Peoples Gas Charitable Contributions provide essential support for community development, health services, the arts, education, and environmental initiatives. Targeted at qualified 501(c)(3) organizations within their service area, this funding aims to enhance community well-being and foster collaboration. Grants typically range from $1,000 and above, with a focus on projects that uplift underserved populations and promote sustainability. Organizations dedicated to these causes are encouraged to apply, helping to enrich the lives of those in the community.

CSX Charitable Investments provide essential in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations focused on supporting military members and community first responders. Through intermodal transportation services, CSX offers equipment and rail services to help reduce transportation costs for eligible organizations. The program also includes occasional donations of railroad materials and equipment based on availability. CSX prioritizes support for organizations operating within its service areas, promoting community betterment and development.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

Walter A. Sperry Scholarship Endowment Fund

Students entering post-graduate studies in the fields of dentistry or engineering are eligible to apply for scholarships from the Walter A. Sperry Scholarship Endowment Fund.

This fund was established as a memorial to Walter A. Sperry, Sr. (1882-1981) and Walter A. Sperry, Jr. (1922-1995).

Walter A. Sperry, Sr. received a degree in chemical engineering from Ohio State University in 1907.

He was a chemist in Columbus, Ohio and Grand Rapids, Michigan before his appointment as superintendent of the Aurora Sanitary District, a position he held from 1930 to 1958.

His son Walter A. Sperry, Jr. was a graduate of the University of Illinois Dental School and practiced in Aurora from 1947 to 1988.

In addition, he taught at the College of Dentistry at the University of Illinois-Chicago for twenty-five years.

The SEARCH Grant provides essential support for very small, financially distressed rural communities by funding predevelopment feasibility studies and technical assistance for water and waste disposal projects. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Funds can be used for feasibility studies, design analysis, and technical help in securing financial assistance, ensuring improvements in rural infrastructure and community health.

The IL Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP): Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) aims to assist private and tribal landowners in protecting and restoring wetlands previously degraded by agricultural practices. This program offers various easement options, including permanent and 30-year easements, while covering costs associated with easement recording. Additionally, NRCS prioritizes applications based on the potential to enhance habitat for wildlife, including migratory birds, thereby contributing to biodiversity and ecological resilience.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for undergraduate students pursuing dietetics. Applicants complete a single application to be considered for multiple scholarships ranging from $500 to $25,000. Eligibility includes enrollment in an ACEND-accredited program and various special criteria. This initiative supports students from diverse backgrounds, encouraging future professionals in nutrition and dietetics. Membership in the Academy is recommended but not mandatory for application.