Best Grants for BIPOC in Illinois

The Dual Enrolled Students Academic Pathways program, initiated by the Illinois Community College Board, aims to enhance educational outcomes for Illinois students, particularly first-generation and low-income students. By implementing a comprehensive support program across community colleges and K-12 districts, the initiative seeks to align educational programming with labor market demands, ensuring students receive vital support during their transition from high school to college. This collaborative effort is designed to boost dual credit and enrollment outcomes statewide.

The Illinois Community College Board has initiated the Digital Instruction for Adult Education grant to enhance technology access and digital skills for adult learners. This initiative aims to support Title II Adult Education and IELCE programs in upgrading their technology infrastructure, ensuring effective integration of technology in classrooms, and improving distance learning options. By fostering innovation through AI and increasing access to educational resources, the grant will empower individuals with foundational skills to transition into postsecondary education and the workforce.

The EPCO Educational Programming Community Outreach initiative aims to provide accessible, evidence-based counseling and crisis response services, particularly focusing on underserved communities. By expanding culturally competent resources in Spanish and Mongolian, the program addresses mental health concerns through prevention, intervention, and crisis support. The Illinois Department of Human Services is prioritizing diversity and inclusivity in its funding, with approximately $112,646 expected to be awarded to enhance community outreach and support for families facing various challenges.

The National Cooperative Drug/Device Discovery/Development Groups (NCDDG) program invites applications to foster innovative research in treating mental disorders and substance use issues. This initiative promotes collaboration between academia and industry, supporting diverse, multidisciplinary projects aimed at developing rational therapies and neurostimulation techniques. Applicants are encouraged to submit Letters of Intent 30 days before the proposal deadline to enhance project alignment with funding goals.

Bioprocessing Research Infrastructure Program (IL)

Notice of Funding Opportunity Intent

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to seek to promote bioprocessing in Illinois by providing assistance with the infrastructure and capital equipment necessary to expand bioprocessing training and research capacity in the state.

Program Description

The bioprocessing industry continues to grow. With continued investments and expansions in infrastructure, Illinois has the existing industry, feed stock, and talented workforce to be a global leader in this market.

• Purpose of this Program
  • Invest in capital projects that increase bioprocessing company development in Illinois
  • Increase undergraduate student training opportunities in bioprocessing in Illinois
  • Increase short course offerings for existing industry workers in bioprocessing in Illinois.

Program History

This is a new program with limited awards and supported though the Enterprise Fund administered by the DCEO. Enterprise Fund grants may encompass a wide range of economic development projects including infrastructure, capital equipment purchases and any expenditures that will result in job creation in Illinois. The funds may be used for bondable costs, but can also be used for non-bondable capital expenses.

A successful grantee within this program will have the ability to purchase land within 30 days of notification of this grant award. Additionally, a successful grantee will be able meet all requirements included within the grant agreement. The grantee will be required to report on the expenditure of funds related to capital investment from the time of grant award through grant closure in order to receive the grant funds. The grantee must be able to articulate how the enterprise grant funds support economic development, the creation and retention of jobs in Illinois, and the overall wellbeing of citizens.

Funding

$5000000 - $10000000

The Dr. Ralph and Marian Falk Medical Research Trust – Falk Catalyst Awards support high-risk, high-reward biomedical research with up to $350,000 in funding over one to two years. These awards aim to address critical scientific challenges and enable the translation of innovative research into clinical practices. Projects focus on identifying biological markers, therapeutic targets, and developing interventions to disrupt disease processes, ultimately improving treatment outcomes for patients.

The HDR Foundation Grant Cycle supports community organizations aligned with HDR's values, focusing on education, healthy communities, and environmental stewardship. This employee-funded initiative emphasizes the importance of employee engagement in grant proposals, requiring a clear scope of work and completion within a year. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments, while grants are not provided for faith-based organizations or individual support.

The David M. Dolan Scholarship, offered by the International Association for Great Lakes Research, supports master's and Ph.D. students engaged in applied environmental statistics and modeling related to the Great Lakes. The scholarship provides a $3,000 award, complimentary conference registration, and IAGLR membership. Recipients must present their research at the annual IAGLR conference. Eligibility is limited to those whose research aligns with Dr. Dolan's work, and previous awardees are not eligible.

Illinois Capital Development Board

CDB oversees the construction of new state facilities, such as prisons, state parks, mental health institutions, and college and university projects. In addition, CDB is responsible for renovation and rehabilitation projects at over 8,770 state-owned buildings spread over more than 100 million square feet of floor space.

CDB Mission

Provide high-quality and sustainable facilities for Illinois and the public interest.

Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park

The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is a funding opportunity for quantum research office and labs. The Capital Development Board is awarding a maximum of $136,900,000.00 for this project. The grant agreement will be issued for a maximum contract period of five years, and all projects must be operational at the end of the grant term. The grantee must comply with various requirements, including the Illinois Grant Funds Recovery Act, the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities Act, and the Illinois Procurement Code. Some key aspects of the project include:

• Funding for quantum research office and labs
• Grant agreement for a maximum of five years
• Compliance with various state and federal regulations
• Requirement for grantees to have an open-door policy for periodic visits by CDB monitors
• Grantee must provide documentation upon request and maintain contact with CDB staff

The California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant aims to support public middle and high school sports programs facing funding challenges due to budget cuts. Established by California Casualty, this grant provides financial assistance for purchasing equipment and covering travel costs for competitions. Eligible applicants must be active employees of public schools and members of affiliated education associations. Awards cannot be used for individual student recognition or fundraising projects.

Expense Based Substance Use Disorders and Gambling Disorder Services

Single Award Range 

• $50000 - $300000

Estimated Total Program Funding 

• 3500000.00

The IDHS/DBHR through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is seeking providers to provide prevention and outreach services to individuals and the general community around gambling disorder. Applicants with gambling disorder experience are preferred though all applicants will be considered. Applicants may apply for innovative outreach and/or prevention services including school-based prevention curriculums identified by IDHS/DBHR. In SFY27, the Department anticipates the availability of approximately $3,500,000 in total funding for applicant and any subgrantees. The grant period will begin July 1, 2026, and will end on June 30, 2027, with the option to renew for an additional two full years, if funding is available. The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services to make an award. Services may not be provided until a contract is fully executed by the Department.

The State agency's funding priorities or focus areas.

• IDHS is working to counteract systemic racism and inequity, and to prioritize and maximize diversity throughout its service provision process. This work involves addressing existing institutionalized inequities, aiming to create transformation, and operationalizing equity and racial justice. It also focuses on the creation of a culture of inclusivity for all regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or ability.
• The IDHS/DBHR is seeking organizations with a history coordinating gambling disorder engagement and screening events though new organizations will be considered.

The goals, objectives and deliverables of this program are:

• The award will contribute to achieving the program's goals and objectives by ensuring the statewide provision of services that accomplish the deliverables noted below. Services will be designed to support and inform individuals with potential gambling problems, their friends/family members, and the general community.
• Organizations will provide for the production and publication, in electronic and other formats, of gambling prevention, recognition, treatment, and recovery literature and other public education methods.

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 CHS Foundation supports initiatives that benefit the agriculture industry, focusing on 501c3 organizations within specific states. Their funding is aimed at empowering cooperative growth and sustainable practices. Local projects may also be eligible through the CHS Seeds for Stewardship program. However, funding is not available for individuals, sports teams, or religious groups, ensuring that the support remains directed towards community and cooperative development.

The 125 Pretrial Success Program, funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, aims to provide case management for eligible participants charged with a criminal offense and granted pretrial release. This program engages court stakeholders to identify participants for voluntary services that assess and link them to necessary resources. With its focus on ongoing communication and collaboration, the initiative strives to support individuals in navigating their legal challenges and achieving self-sufficiency.

The Perkins Leadership Grant, funded by the Illinois Community College Board, aims to enhance Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming across Illinois community colleges. With approximately $1 million in federal funds, the grant focuses on three key objectives: aligning College and Career Pathway Endorsements with Postsecondary Programs, enhancing student-centered support services for CTE students, and expanding innovative delivery models. This initiative seeks to improve educational outcomes and accessibility for over 500,000 residents annually.

The Taking Back the Trades! Trades School Grant Program, funded by the Illinois Community College Board, aims to enhance career pathways in the trades for underserved youth in Illinois. With $5 million allocated, this initiative addresses high youth unemployment and low graduation rates by providing access to essential vocational training. This program not only strengthens the workforce but also revitalizes the state's trades, ensuring a robust infrastructure for the future.

The Growing Justice Fund provides grants ranging from $25,000 to $250,000 to support community-led initiatives that enhance equitable food procurement. This initiative aims to empower Tribal, Indigenous, Black, Latinx, Asian, and immigrant communities by facilitating access to institutional contracts and promoting local economic viability. With a focus on health, environmental justice, and collective action, these grants are designed to foster sustainable food systems and build wealth in historically marginalized communities.

Perkins Grant

The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V) became effective on July 1, 2019. This Act reauthorizes the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins IV). Perkins V is largely based on the structure and content of Perkins IV and remains the most important piece of legislation affecting career and technical education (CTE) in Illinois. The purpose of the law is to develop more fully the academic knowledge and technical and employability skills of secondary and postsecondary education students who elect to enroll in CTE programs and programs of study. Perkins V facilitates this by placing a greater emphasis on the following areas:

• Local flexibility
• Comprehensive stakeholder engagement and collaborative planning
• Innovation
• Accountability
• Alignment with other education and workforce programs

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

The Critical Needs List by Community Foundation Tampa Bay addresses urgent, unforeseen needs of nonprofits that threaten their ability to serve the community. This innovative program allows nonprofits to submit requests for funding up to $250,000 for critical expenses such as emergency repairs and essential equipment replacement. With a focus on supporting local organizations, the program aims to match funding with community philanthropists, ensuring timely assistance to those in need.

The EDA Chicago FY 2016–FY 2019 Planning Program and Local Technical Assistance Program aims to enhance regional economic development through comprehensive planning and technical assistance. By supporting the development and implementation of Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS), EDA empowers designated organizations, including Indian Tribes, to create jobs and foster economic resilience in distressed areas. This initiative focuses on strategic investments to facilitate effective economic development practices, ensuring sustainable growth and prosperity across regions.

Mission

The Foundation was established in December 2013 by Kathryn B. McQuade, after retiring from 33 years of working in the business community. I was blessed to have been born into a loving middle class family. My father worked very hard to insure that all of his children were given an opportunity for a good education and my mother, “a stay at home Mom’ was always there for us. My world was safe and comfortable. My life is in stark contrast to how much of the rest of the world lives. I continue to read of the terrible injustices waged against women and children globally and hope that this foundation can provide them the opportunity and resources to succeed. We will support organizations that help us achieve our goal of Striving to make sustainable improvements in women and children’s rights education and welfare.

Kathryn McQuade Foundation Grant

The Foundation will make timely decisions on your grant request and provide clear communications on our expectations of reporting progress.

Women

The Foundation’s goal is to provide women assistance and provide them an opportunity to succeed. Assistance can take many forms, however our goal is to help them become self sufficient and enable them to lift themselves out of poverty and provide for their children. Access to education, job training and professional skills, even access to capital in order to build a business are possible ways we will consider helping women to succeed. Grant requests should focus on enabling the women to sustain financial independence.

We look forward to hearing of the many creative ways organizations are working on helping women succeed through out the world. To help women is to help their children and the communities they live in.

Children

Too many children in the US and across the world live in poverty and lack the access to education. Education and/or appropriate skills training are necessary to break the cycle of poverty and crime. While the assistance to women may take many forms, the foundation’s focus for children will target education and/ or skills training. The Foundation is open to many ideas on how to accomplish this goal and look forward to receiving proposals to help all children achieve their potential.

The Kott Gerontology Scholars Program, established by the Russell & Josephine Kott Memorial Charitable Trust, provides funding to advanced degree students in the field of aging attending Chicagoland universities. This initiative aims to enhance opportunities and quality of life for older adults through educational internships and skill development. Scholars receive a $10,000 scholarship, gaining hands-on experience by completing a 600-hour internship, fostering a pipeline of professionals committed to supporting the senior community.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse is funding pilot and feasibility studies aimed at preparing for substance use and HIV prevention research trials. The program encourages innovative interventions for substance use disorders and HIV eradication, focusing on stakeholder collaboration and practical application. Projects may include assessment of service models, intervention development, and community engagement. This initiative is designed to fill critical research gaps and enhance partnerships, although applications are not currently being accepted.

The Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois (LTF) provides essential financial support to non-profit organizations that offer free legal aid to low-income residents. Funded through the Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) and attorney fees, LTF aims to enhance access to justice across Illinois. The fund prioritizes diverse service delivery methods and addresses critical legal needs such as housing, health, and family stability, ensuring equitable participation for marginalized communities.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers the DGLF Summer Reading Grants, which support the development and expansion of summer reading programs aimed at Pre-K to 12th grade students, particularly new and below-grade-level readers, including those with learning disabilities. Eligible organizations, such as nonprofits, schools, and libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store, can apply for grants up to $3,000 to foster literacy and education initiatives.

The DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.