Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

The Community Network Anchors RFA aims to strengthen existing Community Networks by fostering collaboration among diverse partners, including mental health providers, schools, and advocacy groups. This initiative is designed to enhance the well-being of families, helping them access essential resources to thrive and mitigate crises. Grant recipients will build on existing materials provided by IDPH and CBHTI, engaging in regular meetings to ensure a robust support system in their communities.

Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research

The Asia-Pacific region, home to over half the world's population, faces challenges due to its development goals, which strain natural resources, communities, and cultural heritage. These issues are exacerbated by adverse environmental changes. While research has shed light on these problems, it's clear that more challenges lie ahead. The Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN) is well-positioned to generate new knowledge and solutions for these evolving global change and sustainability issues by supporting collaborative research and scientific capacity development activities, particularly those aimed at training the next generation of early career professionals.

APN 2025 Call for Proposals: CRRP 

Through the competitive Collaborative Regional Research Programme (CRRP), we promote regional research that has potential to improve our understanding of global change and its implications while contributing to a sound scientific basis for policymaking in areas affected by global change. Under this pillar, APN supports collaborative research that contributes to the evolving science-policy arena, including the UNFCCC Paris Agreement, IPCC, IPBES, post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals, Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the UN Decade of Ocean Science as well as ongoing and new global change and sustainability research programmes.

Activities of interest under the CRRP Programme

APN promotes regional collaborative research that improves understanding of the physical, biological and human dimensions of change in the Earth system and advances actionable science that informs decision-making. APN accepts proposals that engage at least 3 member/approved countries in the region, and prioritise collaboratively designed, actionable research with non-academic stakeholders. Proposals must address one or more of the following activities:

• Collaborative research on global change and sustainability that particularly addresses GAPS, ANALYSIS, SYNTHESIS and ASSESSMENT work.
• Collaborative research that develops PATHWAYS and MECHANISMS to achieve sustainable development, and develop adaptation strategies.
• Collaborative PLACE-BASED INTEGRATIVE RESEARCH, particularly from developing countries.
• Collaborative research that is CO-DESIGNED to contribute to the Paris Agreeemnt, Sustainable Development Goals, Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, UN Decade of Ocean Science (2021-2030), and the accumulation of scientific knowledge at IPCC, IPBES, etc.

The Illinois Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Safety Programs and Engineering (BSPE) is actively working to meet the goal of zero fatalities on Illinois roadways. In order to make this goal a reality, BSPE offers grant opportunities for funding to state and local agencies and qualified organizations. Due to the size, population, and high traffic volume on Illinois roadways, BSPE partners with state and local agencies and qualified organizations to make this goal a reality.

28-0343-01 State Agency Enforcement Program (sTEP)

I. INTRODUCTION

High-visibility enforcement is paramount in the reduction of fatalities and injuries for Illinois road users. Increased enforcement deters unsafe driving behaviors while detecting and sanctioning those in violation of the law.

The Illinois Department of Transportation's (IDOT) Bureau of Safety Programs and Engineering (BSPE) annually provides state law enforcement agencies throughout Illinois with highway safety funding for enforcement activities. These highway safety-funded state law enforcement agencies can focus their enforcement efforts on occupant protection, impaired driving, speed, distracted driving, pedestrian safety, and other traffic-related violations.

II. PROJECT GOAL

Increase high-visibility enforcement on Illinois roadways to prevent fatalities and serious injuries.

III. GRANT PROPOSAL GUIDANCE

This grant program will have a multi-facet statewide enforcement emphasis focusing on interstates, US routes, state routes, and local roadways. The State Agency Enforcement Program (sTEP) will contribute to BSPE’s performance measures and targets. The state law enforcement agencies should partner with local and county enforcement on implementing enforcement during the scheduled enforcement campaigns.

This program focuses on the support of enforcement activities.

Educational, awareness, and/or training programs are more suited in the non-enforcement notice of funding opportunity (NOFO 28-0343-02 State Agency Non-Enforcement Program).

Illinois Community College Board

In 1965, the Illinois General Assembly established the Illinois Community College Board to create a system of public community colleges that would be accessible to every resident. More than 50 years later, the Illinois Community College System is the third largest system in the United States, with 48 colleges and one multi-community college center throughout Illinois. The community colleges serve over 500,000 Illinois residents each year in credit and noncredit courses and serve many more through public service programs.

Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) Renewal

The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) will provide approximately $3,000,000 in federal funding to support Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) programs across Illinois.

The purpose of IELCE funding is to support adult English language learners in achieving English language proficiency, civics competency, and workforce readiness through integrated education and training aligned with career pathways.

Grant Objectives include:

• Deliver English Language Acquisition, Civics Education, and Workforce Preparation concurrently and contextually
• Implement Integrated Education and Training (IET) / ICAPS models aligned with in-demand industries
• Support transitions to postsecondary education, training, and unsubsidized employment
• Strengthen partnerships with workforce development systems and employers

This is a renewal funding opportunity.

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 Therapeutic Giving program by Johnson & Johnson focuses on funding initiatives that enhance patient access to treatment and advance health equity, particularly in immunology. Eligible nonprofit organizations can apply for support aimed at improving health outcomes through innovative programs. The initiative prioritizes measurable impacts over fundraising activities, emphasizing the importance of addressing healthcare disparities and promoting disease awareness efforts for diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.

About QuikTripQuikTrip believes in investing in the communities in which our employees live and work. Every year, QuikTrip donates 5% of our annual net profit to qualified 501c3 non-profit agencies, which includes our United Way campaign match, support for National Safe Place agencies, Folds of Honor scholarships and many other agencies that support at-risk youth and early childhood education.Mission: To wisely invest dollars in community efforts that will help impact (in measurable terms) individuals in our society who are dependent on the charitable support of others. We believe the most effective way to do that is to invest our contribution dollars and volunteers in strategic efforts that help those at risk reach their functional capacity as successful, independent citizens.About QuikTrip Charitable GrantsQuikTrip funds 501c3 agencies located in the cities in which we have stores and our employees live and work. Funding can include: “in-kind” products (coupons, gift cards or product donation), formal grants, fundraiser/event sponsorships and employee volunteer time.Focus Areas:

• Creating Safe Communities
  • First Responders: QuikTrip is proud to partner with law enforcement and first responders in every market we serve, making sure that they have the tools, training and support they need to keep our communities safe and to return home safely to their families after each shift.
  • Homeless Outreach & Alternatives to Police Response: To significantly reduce non-emergency calls and help people in crisis get back on their feet, QuikTrip funds dedicated homeless outreach teams across our communities. These teams engage individuals experiencing homelessness and living in encampments – connecting people to services, shelter, detox and long-term care.

• Creating Strong Communities
  • Ending Homelessness: We support emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing, diversion and prevention programs, and more.
  • Mental Health & Substance Abuse : We know that healthy communities are safe communities, which is why we invest in detox and substance abuse treatment centers, and behavioral health centers and services to end the perpetuation of cycles of trauma and addiction.
  • At-Risk Youth: We especially prioritize services for at-risk youth – those aging out of foster care, justice-involved or without stable support systems.
• Additional Community Commitments
  • United Way: Employee donation matching in all markets.
  • Folds of Honor: Scholarships for families of fallen or wounded service members and first responders.
  • National Safe Place: QT stores serve as Safe Place locations for youth in crisis, with trained staff ready to assist.

The Wabtec Direct Grant Program focuses on creating sustainable impacts in local communities by funding 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. Emphasizing education and environmental stewardship, the program supports initiatives that improve literacy, academic outcomes, and workforce readiness. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, prioritizing organizations that engage local Wabtec employees in volunteerism. The program promotes equitable access and non-discrimination while ensuring measurable results in funded projects.

The CIF Capacity Builder Awards by Endeavor Health focus on enhancing community health through strategic investments. With over $38.5 million allocated to local partnerships, these awards aim to address critical areas like healthcare access, food insecurity, and workforce development. Designed for nonprofit organizations, the awards range from $100,000 to $500,000 annually for 1-2 years, fostering long-term community impact and advancing health equity in the service areas.

About

Being deeply connected to the community means more than providing access to excellent healthcare. It means understanding, and investing in, the health needs of our community.

Through our Community Investment Fund (CIF), Endeavor Health has awarded more than $38.5 million to 59 local partnerships dedicated to enhancing community health and wellbeing, advancing health equity and supporting local economic growth. Together, we’re committed to helping everyone in our communities be their best.

Award categories

Through the CIF, we will make meaningful and intentional investments through impact awards and capacity builder awards. These awards are intended to meaningfully advance the health of our community over time towards three bold aspirations through investments in five areas of focus.

We aspire to a future where:

• A person’s zip code does not determine how long they will live
• Hunger and homelessness in our communities are history
• The healthcare workforce is thriving and representative of the communities we serve

To help advance these aspirations, the CIF will invest in the following areas:

• Access to healthcare
• Behavioral health
• Food insecurity
• Housing insecurity
• Workforce development for careers in healthcare

Impact awards

• Designed for 5-year initiatives where organizations come together to drive measurable impact and longer-term change in the communities we serve by improving existing systems and innovation
• Emphasize strategic cross-sector and/or intra-sector partnerships between community-based organizations
• Uplift community members of greatest need
• Directly align with CIF areas of focus and meaningfully contribute to CIF goals
• Award amount: $1 million per year, up to 5 years

The CRSS Success Program, managed by the Illinois Department of Human Services, aims to enhance the behavioral health workforce by providing comprehensive recovery support training and practical experience for individuals seeking Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) credentials. This initiative addresses systemic inequities while promoting inclusivity across diverse demographics, ensuring that those with lived experiences in mental health and substance use recovery have the support needed to succeed in their roles.

The NHLBI Career Transition Award (K22) program supports postdoctoral fellows in transitioning their research to extramural institutions. The program includes a mentored intramural phase (up to two years) followed by an extramural phase (three years), totaling five years of support. Applications have multiple deadlines, including October 12, 2024, and February 12, 2025, among others. Successful transition depends on the awardee's progress during the mentored phase, evaluated by NHLBI.

The Special Programs for the Aging (Title III, Part C1) in Illinois offer essential nutrition services, providing at least one hot meal daily to participants, five days a week. This program supports both congregate meal sites and home-delivered options, ensuring that seniors receive the nutrition they need. Eligible applicants include government and nonprofit organizations, specifically Area Agencies on Aging in Illinois, focusing on enhancing the quality of life for older adults.

The Tourism Private Sector Grant Program, authorized by the Illinois Promotion Act, aims to support Illinois-based organizations in attracting and hosting tourism events. Eligible projects include marketing, transportation, and event programming. Funding is available to for-profit entities, municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations. Ineligible activities encompass normal venue entertainment and permanent facility improvements. This initiative seeks to enhance the Illinois tourism landscape, creating a significant economic impact through increased visitor engagement.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is inviting applications for the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment or Prevention (SBIRT/P) program. This funding opportunity aims to explore innovative methods for addressing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use among adults facing health disparities. The initiative seeks research proposals that will implement and evaluate SBIRT/P strategies in collaboration with healthcare and community partners. This approach is crucial for enhancing public health and ensuring effective interventions.

The MRC/SOT Young Investigator Award, presented by the Society of Toxicology, recognizes outstanding undergraduate and graduate research proposals at the MRC/SOT Spring meeting. Eligible students submit proposals alongside a reference letter. Awardees present their research at the Annual Meeting and receive funding to support their educational endeavors in toxicology, including travel to conferences and research-related expenses. This initiative promotes educational growth and scientific advancement in the field of toxicology.

The Big Bets Fellowship: Economic Opportunity in the United States is a transformative 4-month program designed to empower emerging leaders to tackle economic challenges head-on. With a focus on innovative solutions for job creation, affordable housing, and equitable access to resources, the fellowship equips participants with essential skills and a supportive network. The initiative aims to drive systemic change and promote sustainable economic prosperity, addressing inequalities while fostering resilient communities across the nation.

The Pinetop Assistance League (PAL) Grant provides crucial financial support to elderly blues musicians, ensuring their well-being during emergencies. This grant, part of the Pinetop Perkins Foundation's mission, offers assistance for medical expenses, home care, and essential living costs. Eligible applicants must be professional artists aged 50 or older with a household income below $35,000. By addressing these needs, PAL plays a vital role in preserving the legacy and care of blues musicians.

The Find Your Future (FYF) Program, initiated by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, offers specialized internships to youth in foster care. This initiative matches eligible college students with paid internship opportunities across the state, fostering professional development through workshops and aftercare services. Participants receive stipends and support in resume building, financial literacy, and networking skills, aiming to enhance their career prospects and personal growth. The program is designed to empower youth as they transition into the workforce.

The Vulcan Materials Company Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community quality of life through education, environmental stewardship, and employee involvement. Established in 1988, the Foundation supports public charities and government units, prioritizing proposals that improve public education and promote sustainable practices. Special consideration is given to initiatives that engage Vulcan employees and integrate multiple focus areas, ensuring a positive impact in the local communities where Vulcan operates.

The Jewel-Osco Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that enhance neighborhood welfare, focusing on areas like hunger, youth education, and veterans. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $25,000 for first-time applicants. The foundation promotes inclusivity and requires a nondiscrimination policy from applicants. It does not fund individuals, religious organizations for religious purposes, or fundraising events, ensuring funds are directed towards impactful programs. Applications are reviewed monthly, with a response timeframe of 4-6 weeks.

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

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.

Illinois Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program

This NOFO sets forth the requirements for funding the Illinois Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program (20 ILCS 730/5-20; 14 Ill. Admin. Code Part 840) and the Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Program (20 ILCS 730/5-30), as specified by the Energy Transition Act as part of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, PA 102-0662 ("Climate and Equitable Jobs Act" or "CEJA") and PA 104-458, as amended. CEJA establishes several workforce programs, administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, to expand the clean energy workforce in Illinois and accelerate the adoption of clean energy sources, electric vehicles, and energy efficiency. Finally, this NOFO will provide additional training funds for successful applications under the CPRG Program. The CPRG Program is funded by the federal Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that allocated funds to the Illinois EPA Office of Energy under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant [FAIN 00E03862] to implement greenhouse gas reduction measures.

Investments in clean energy technology and infrastructure, funded through CEJA and other state and federal funding sources, will generate significant construction, installation, maintenance, and repair activity in Illinois. Historically, these investments have not benefited all Illinois' communities and workers.

The Illinois Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program is one of several programs created by CEJA to grow the clean energy workforce in a more equitable way.

To create a qualified, diverse pipeline of workers prepared for careers in clean energy, the Illinois Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program creates Clean Jobs Workforce Hubs in 14 regions throughout the State to provide clean energy and related workforce and training opportunities to participants, engage with potential employers, and form partnerships to ensure participants have dedicated and sustained support to build careers in clean energy and related sector jobs. The main objective of the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program is to increase access to and opportunities for education, training, and support services to help program-eligible individuals succeed in the labor market generally and the clean energy sector specifically. Upon completion, participants will be prepared for entry-level clean energy jobs.

The regional Clean Jobs Workforce Hubs include:

• Chicago (South Side)
• Chicago (Southwest and West Sides)
• Waukegan
• Rockford
• Aurora
• Joliet
• Peoria
• Champaign
• Danville
• Decatur
• Carbondale
• East St. Louis
• Alton 

The Future Energy Jobs Act Multi-Cultural Jobs Program aims to foster job growth in the clean energy sector by providing innovative training that combines education with work-based learning. It focuses on developing a skilled workforce, ensuring inclusive participation from targeted communities, and maximizing benefits through strategic partnerships. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance workforce development in renewable energy and energy efficiency, facilitating self-sustaining employment opportunities.

The James M. Cox Foundation Grant offers support to nonprofit organizations focused on conservation, early childhood education, family empowerment, and health. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and located in areas where Cox Enterprises operates. Grant applications are accepted year-round, with deadlines before Trustee meetings. Preference is given to organizations with a history of local engagement. This foundation embodies the philanthropic spirit of its founder, James M. Cox, by giving back to the community.

SC Johnson Grants aim to enhance community welfare through charitable contributions, focusing on health, sustainability, and opportunity. Since 1937, the company has committed five percent of its pretax profits to support registered charities and nonprofit organizations, especially in areas where it operates. The grant program prioritizes initiatives addressing healthcare access, environmental conservation, and educational equity, ensuring that efforts align with the values of community service and corporate responsibility.