Best Grants for Charities in Illinois

The Climate Change Investment Initiative Grant Program, funded by the Exelon Foundation, aims to support innovative start-ups focused on climate change solutions within Exelon's service territories. With a commitment of $20 million over ten years, the program promotes not only environmental sustainability but also social equality and economic prosperity. Eligible businesses can benefit from substantial equity investments and valuable in-kind services. The initiative seeks to empower diverse leadership teams, particularly those representing women and minorities, to drive impactful change.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Seminarian Studies, funded by UNICO Foundation Inc, offers four scholarships worth $1,000 each to full-time seminarians attending accredited Catholic seminaries in the U.S. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and either reside in specific states or have a UNICO sponsor. This scholarship supports the educational journey of seminarians, reflecting UNICO's commitment to serving the community and promoting Italian American heritage.

The Illinois Department of Human Services has launched a new funding opportunity to enhance access to telehealth services in underserved communities. This initiative aims to support individuals with opioid use disorder and related substance use disorders by establishing comprehensive telehealth systems. Key activities include developing technology infrastructure, acquiring necessary equipment, and providing training for telehealth providers. This program prioritizes communities disproportionately affected by the opioid crisis, ensuring essential health services reach those in need.

The Region 4 Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (SBTTAC) aims to empower small businesses by providing essential technical assistance and business development support. Funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, this initiative will facilitate access to capital resources, connect businesses with key transportation agencies, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. The program is dedicated to minimizing barriers for small enterprises while fostering a robust support system in the transportation sector.

The Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, managed by CommunityGiving, supports central Minnesota student athletes and leaders to pursue higher education outside their home states. This scholarship aims to expand students' horizons and experiences, with a total award of $5,000 available. Open to high school seniors from specific schools, applicants are encouraged to apply online and demonstrate their leadership or athletic skills. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters personal growth among local youth.

The Great Apes and Gibbons Program Grant, administered by the Arcus Foundation, supports conservation efforts for great apes and gibbons across 24 priority landscapes in Africa and Asia. The program emphasizes sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife, having awarded over 2,000 grants to more than 500 organizations globally. Funding is not available for individuals or specific lobbying activities, ensuring resources are directed towards impactful conservation initiatives.

The Chi-Cal Rivers Fund Grant, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, aims to enhance the waterways of the Chicago and Calumet region. This initiative focuses on reducing stormwater runoff through nature-based infrastructure, improving fish and wildlife habitats, and promoting community engagement. The program supports projects under three main categories: habitat quality improvement, stormwater solution expansion, and activation of restored natural areas, encouraging strategic investments for ecological resilience.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is launching a funding opportunity aimed at enhancing blood pressure control through community-clinical linkages. This initiative focuses on building partnerships with community organizations to address social service needs, improve health outcomes, and reduce disparities in cardiovascular health. Targeting populations at highest risk of hypertension, the program seeks to foster multidisciplinary collaborations that facilitate access to vital resources and support for better health management.

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.

28-0343-02 State Agency Non-Enforcement Program (SANEP)

I. INTRODUCTION

To aid communities in reducing deaths and injuries on Illinois roads, the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) Bureau of Safety Programs and Engineering (BSPE) established the State Agency Non-Enforcement Program (SANEP) grant program. This program is designed to: enable state agencies to increase public awareness and knowledge about highway safety issues; promote safe and healthy driving behavior among underage and adult individuals; provide law enforcement, prosecutorial, and judicial education and training; and/or increase the awareness of the consequences associated with a driving arrest and other sanctions.

II. PROJECT GOAL

The goal of SANEP is to develop and implement effective highway safety programs in Illinois using the strategies of prevention, education, training, outreach, and public awareness.

III. GRANT PROPOSAL GUIDANCE

The SANEP offers grant funds for state agencies to address highway safety issues. The program's main emphasis should be on the education, prevention, training, outreach, and public awareness of highway safety issues to reduce serious injuries and fatalities.

Program applicants must provide clear data supporting the need for the program. Applicants must demonstrate specific ways this program will improve the established problem and how the project will help BSPE meet the performance measures established in the 3HSP and, if necessary, the SHSP. All expenses must be justified and thoroughly explained in the budget narrative.

The Schwemm Family Foundation Grant supports initiatives promoting environmental enhancement, local history preservation, and community health. It aims to strengthen communities in Oregon, California, and the Chicago area by funding projects that protect ecosystems, document culture, and foster equitable access to resources. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profits dedicated to measurable outcomes that align with the Foundation's goals. The Foundation does not fund operating support or scientific research.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) intends to issue a Broad Pragmatic Studies (BPS) PCORI Funding Announcement (PFA) on Aug. 4, 2026, seeking to fund high-impact, patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) projects. This preannouncement provides potential applicants additional time to identify collaborators; obtain patient and stakeholder input on potential studies; and develop responsive, high-quality applications. 

Patient-centered CER compares at least two available health treatments, services or care delivery strategies. PCORI seeks proposals that compare clinical interventions (e.g., pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments, screening and diagnostic approaches) and healthcare delivery system interventions (e.g., workforce, technologies, healthcare service delivery designs) to evaluate potential benefits and harms of different treatment and care delivery options, thus generating evidence that empowers patients, caregivers and the broader healthcare community with information to make informed choices that reflect their needs and preferences. 

The Mentoring/Scholarship Program provides educational support, college access assistance, and therapeutic support to assist youth in gaining the skills and confidence to reach their full academic and developmental potential. This is accomplished through a meaningful and supportive mentoring relationship, which is the main delivery system for higher education readiness and access. Students are also invited to attend college road trips, adventure therapy trips, and volunteer/service opportunities. This combination of these efforts facilitates positive youth development and academic achievement.

Each youth is matched with a one-on-one college educated mentor, who has been vetted and trained by Provider staff. Mentors meet weekly with youth to ensure educational success through individualized sessions to meet program benchmarks.

Together, mentors and youth complete a College Readiness Inventory which is used to assess whether the youth has mastered tasks related to post-secondary preparedness as well as skills necessary for successful adulthood. Using the results of the Inventory, youth and mentors evaluate remaining needs and set goals to work toward together.

The mentor works as both an advocate and coach for the student, identifying and gathering resources and then empowering the youth to make informed decisions about their education. Mentors connect their youth to supports like scholarships, tutors, and financial aid offices, and coach the student through new experiences like job interviews, understanding financial aid award letters, and communicating with officials in their desired academic institutions. Students are thus provided much needed assistance and opportunities to practice self-advocacy skills in their journey to independence.

Each time a student meets with their mentor, they earn $100 in scholarship money, which they can access when they are enrolled in a post-secondary program for tuition, room and board, fees, transportation, personal needs, etc. Upon receiving financial aid award letters, youth share all award letters with their mentor to compare offers and assess whether they will be in need of additional funding to attend the school. When necessary, mentors help students communicate with financial aid offices and caseworkers to obtain additional paperwork, including tax documents and court order documents as proof of independent status.

In addition to College Access Mentoring, there is a second program component, Travel and Service-Learning Opportunities. Youth are also invited but not required to attend college road trips and other travel and to participate in service opportunities.

Referrals

DCFS/CWCA workers may refer any youth interested in pursuing higher education after high school. Foster Progress Program Staff will follow up with each referral and invite the youth to submit their own application. Youth may also submit applications without being referred by workers. Program staff will then interview the young person. Youth must exhibit a commitment to continue their education and a desire for the support of a weekly mentor to work on that goal. If no mentor is immediately available, youth will be invited to participate in group activities and program staff will support their educational goals until a mentor can be recruited, vetted, and trained. All eligible participants are accepted until all openings are filled.

The Department will keep the Provider informed of policy and procedures that affect youth ages 14-21, especially as they relate to education. The Department will inform all 14 and 15 year olds in substitute care of the programming annually through the Foster Parent Newsletter, DCFS DNet, and Regional announcements and will include the Provider on the Spider website and the Education and Transition Services webpage. DCFS/POS workers coordinate and communicate with program staff and mentors regarding placement and any details that impact client’s capacity to transition successfully into adulthood, especially details such as IEPs and 504 plans in school, mental health concerns. DCFS/POS staff will inform Foster Progress program staff when there is a change in placement, new contact information for a client, or a new worker assigned to the client.

Initial contact is made with youth upon receipt of their program application via a formal interview by Program Staff. Subsequent contact includes the Match Meeting and weekly one-on-one meetings with the youth and their mentor.

Ongoing contact is maintained through quarterly individual communication and follow up with Program Staff, and periodic communication of scholarship and employment opportunities, as well as group activities. Program-wide activities include College Road Trips, Student Leadership and Service Committee, annual FAFSA Workshop, College Decision Day, and our end of the year Graduation and Scholarship Dinner.

Further contact includes youth-initiated requests for support between mentoring sessions and quarterly outreach from Program Staff, which youth seek out as-needed.

Target Population

Client: Youth in substitute care, aged 16-21, who intend to pursue higher education after high school. There are no minimum grades or test scores, all that is required is a commitment to the goal of furthering their education and the desire for the support of a mentor.

Inclusions: The agency will accept referrals for youth for whom the Department has legal responsibility are between 16 through 20 years of age, who exhibit, through the application and interview process, the desire to continue their education after high school. The agency will attempt to contact any referred client who is deemed appropriate by their DCFS or agency caseworker, POS worker or caregiver and to invite them to apply.

The Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program aims to expand opportunities in the construction industry for underrepresented populations, including women, veterans, and people of color. Administered by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, this program focuses on areas lacking pre-apprenticeship initiatives and encourages participation from historically underserved communities. With funding ranging from $150,000 to $550,000 and an anticipated 35 awards, it plays a vital role in promoting diversity and inclusion within the building trades.

The Dr. Michael Mugge Scholarship Fund, established by Diane Mugge, aims to support graduating seniors from Murphysboro School District 186 who are pursuing higher education, particularly in music education. If there are not enough applicants in that field, students studying agriculture or education may also qualify. This initiative, under the Southern Illinois Community Foundation, seeks to foster educational growth and community development in southern Illinois.

The APS Training/Supervision Assistance Grant, offered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), aims to support Adult Protective Services through reimbursement for supervision and training. With staffing shortages impacting service delivery, this grant incentivizes hiring and retention by providing funds for caseworker training and supervision. Eligible applicants include county and city governments, nonprofit, and for-profit organizations, ensuring a broad base of support for vital protective services in Illinois.

The National Forest Foundation's Matching Awards Program connects communities to forests by funding stewardship activities that promote engagement with National Forests and nearby public lands. This program aims to create lasting impacts, ensuring that all communities can benefit from the rich resources of these natural areas. By supporting various projects, the program fosters a deeper relationship between people and the environment, ultimately enhancing conservation efforts and community well-being.

The Illinois Children's Healthcare Foundation (ILCHF) aims to ensure every child in Illinois grows up healthy. Committed to improving children's health and wellness, ILCHF supports innovative ideas and partnerships that address emerging needs. While funding is available for novel initiatives, it does not support budget shortfalls, existing program operations, or medical research. ILCHF is dedicated to fostering a healthier future for Illinois children through targeted and impactful funding.

The Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant supports entry-level athletics administrative positions for one academic year, promoting diversity in NCAA Division II. It provides $30,000 for intern salaries and $3,000 for professional development, benefiting six schools annually from a total budget of $180,000. Eligible applicants must be active NCAA members, with a focus on enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation in athletics administration. This initiative encourages professional growth and compliance in diverse environments.

The Envisioning Justice Grants by Illinois Humanities support nonprofits using arts and humanities to foster justice and community engagement. With a focus on mass incarceration, these grants prioritize projects that are regional and partnership-oriented, benefiting vulnerable populations. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to applicants across Illinois, particularly from areas with significant incarceration rates. Accessibility and media funds are also offered to enhance project outreach and inclusivity.

Illinois Housing Development Authority

IHDA was created by the state legislature in 1967 pursuant to the Illinois Housing Development Act as a self-supporting agency to finance affordable housing across Illinois. IHDA does not use taxpayer dollars to sustain its operations, although it does administer publicly funded programs on behalf of the state. Since its creation, IHDA has provided more than $27 billion in state, federal, and leveraged financing to make possible the purchase, development, or rehabilitation of more than 327,000 homes and apartments for low- and middle-income households. IHDA accomplishes its mission through a number of funding sources including the Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund, Illinois Affordable Housing Tax Credits, the allocation of federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and HOME Investment Partnership funds. IHDA is also a bonding authority and independently sells bonds, based on our strong credit rating of A1/AA/AA from Moody’s Investors Service, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings respectively.

Strong Communities Program

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is pleased to announce its Request for Applications (RFA) for Round 3 of the Strong Communities Program (SCP).

SCP grants funds to municipalities, counties, and land banks to address affordable housing needs and community revitalization efforts. SCP will return vacant residential properties to productive and taxable use through rehabilitation and provide funds for demolition in cases where properties are beyond repair and negatively impacting neighboring residences, preparing them for future development. SCP will increase property values, create jobs, help reduce crime, generate additional tax revenue, and attract further community investment. By enabling greater revitalization opportunities, SCP will preserve existing affordable housing stock that is often in city centers and in proximity to community amenities (schools, parks, medical facilities, shopping, jobs, and transportation).

The Marvin R. and Pearl E. Patterson Family Fund Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students aspiring to study graphic or fine arts, as well as those interested in environmental sciences. Open to high school graduates from the Tri-Cities area, this scholarship considers leadership, community involvement, and academic achievements, although financial need is not a requirement. Applicants must provide transcripts and relevant documents to qualify for this opportunity.

The Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant Program aims to foster student involvement in creating and maintaining wildlife habitats. Projects can include establishing pollinator gardens or enhancing schoolyard habitats with native plants. Eligible applicants include educators and youth leaders in Illinois, with funding up to $2,000 available on a reimbursement basis. The program promotes ecological education and sustainability, requiring a commitment to maintain the project for at least five years, enhancing both educational and environmental values.

IDNR Mission Statement

To manage, conserve and protect Illinois' natural, recreational and cultural resources, further the public's understanding and appreciation of those resources, and promote the education, science and public safety of Illinois' natural resources for present and future generations.

Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant

Purpose

Projects must emphasize student/youth involvement with planning, development and maintenance and increase the educational and wildlife habitat values of the site. The applicant must be prepared to maintain and commit resources to the project for at least five years. The project must be implemented on school grounds or another public place (for example, a park or nature center/forest preserve district land). Illinois Conservation Foundation sites and Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) sites do not qualify for funding. Admission fees cannot be charged to obtain access to the site. Individual student projects will not be funded.

The Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant includes three options: Option One; Option Two; and Option Three.

Option Two

Option Two is for all other projects. Habitat projects may include, but not be limited to, the following activities:

• enhance or establish and maintain a schoolyard prairie plot,
• butterfly garden,
• rain garden,
• wetland,
• native tree arboretum,
• nesting platform or watering station;
• design and build a bird feeder or feeding station; or
• construct and install bat roosting boxes.

Vegetable gardens are not eligible for this grant.

This grant will pay for the purchase of simple gardening tools such as child- and adult-sized gloves, spades, shovels, rakes, trowels and hoes. Tool costs shall not account for more than 25% of the total project cost.

The Abelard Foundation, established in 1958, supports progressive social change projects located east of the Mississippi River. With an average grant size of $12,000, they prioritize new initiatives with budgets under $350,000. The foundation emphasizes community organizing, civil rights, and empowering marginalized groups. Eligible applicants must be associated with a nonprofit organization and demonstrate a commitment to local leadership and broader policy connections. The board meets biannually to decide on approximately 15 grants per year, focusing mainly on general support.

The Luther I. Replogle Foundation Grant supports organizations in metro areas like Boston and Washington, DC, focusing on youth, women with children, and those in long-term poverty. Grants range from $5,000 to $10,000, emphasizing mental health, vocational training, and educational services. First-time applicants are welcome, but the foundation prioritizes innovative programs with annual expenses under $1 million. Certain areas, such as religious activities and for-profit businesses, are not funded.

CommonSpirit Health offers the Community Health Improvement Grant to enhance health equity and service systems for underserved populations. Through collaborative efforts with 501(c)(3) organizations, this initiative provides financial support for essential health projects. Grant amounts range from $19,500 for small grants to $150,000 for standard grants, varying by hospital. Participating hospitals include those under Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health, aimed at addressing significant community health needs.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.