Best Grants for Global Health in Illinois

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program aims to support low-income adults aged 60 and older by providing $25 coupon booklets for purchasing fresh fruits, vegetables, and honey at local farmers markets. Funded by the Illinois Department on Aging, these coupons help eligible seniors access healthy food options while promoting local agriculture. Although there are no specific Illinois laws governing the program, it is funded through federal resources to enhance nutrition and well-being among senior citizens.

The PRTV Operating Grant FY20, offered by the Illinois Arts Council Agency, supports non-commercial public radio and television stations in Illinois. This grant enables these stations to provide essential community services, including local programming, arts initiatives, educational outreach, and regional news coverage. By ensuring access to diverse media, the grant fosters a well-informed public and enhances local cultural engagement.

The FDC Foundation, established in 2008, is a private non-profit dedicated to providing grants to 501(c)(3) public charities across three main areas: Health & Nutrition, Education, and Housing. The foundation supports initiatives that improve nutrition, assist diabetic individuals, enhance early childhood development, and promote housing opportunities for those in need. However, it does not fund for-profit entities or international organizations, nor does it provide grants for specific excluded purposes.

The Illinois Community College Board is offering the FY2026 Advanced Manufacturing Grant with approximately $4.5 million in funds. This initiative supports the growth and innovation of Advanced Manufacturing programs across Illinois' community colleges. It aims to enhance collaboration within the system, creating flexible learning pathways that respond to industry needs, thereby strengthening workforce training and contributing to local economies.

The FY 2025 After School Programs grant from the Illinois State Board of Education aims to support non-school districts in establishing after-school programs. These programs are designed to enhance academic achievement, promote positive behaviors, and provide safe environments for enrichment activities. By fostering partnerships among public, private, and philanthropic entities, the grant seeks to deliver durable support services to students facing challenges, ultimately benefiting working families and communities.

Harm Reduction Community Linkages Project (IL)

Program Description

The Harm Reduction Community Linkages Project is to support capacity building at harm reduction organizations statewide to expand their client base and develop more comprehensive linkages to prevention, treatment, and harm reduction services for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD), including prescription opioids as well as illicit drugs such as heroin. This project is funded through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Overdose Data to Action – States (OD2A-S) Cooperative Agreement and Illinois General Revenue Funds. Organizations selected for this funding will need to demonstrate success in engaging individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD), including prescription opioids as well as illicit drugs such as heroin; have experience in linking individuals to opioid use prevention, OUD treatment and injection harm reduction services through community referral networks; and show capacity to cover large geographic regions in Illinois focusing on communities that demonstrate a high burden of opioid overdose. These funds will be used to strengthen partnerships between injection harm reduction community stakeholders and providers of OUD treatment and other needed social services to improve local coordination, connect more individuals to the appropriate support services and treatment for OUD, and provide case management as needed among persons who use opioids.

The Illinois Department of Public Health places health equity as a top priority. Health equity is the “basic principle of public health that all people have a right to health”. Health equity exists when all people can achieve comprehensive health and wellness despite their social position or any other social factors/determinants of health. Most health disparities affect groups marginalized because of socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, disability status, geographic location, or some combination of these. People in such groups not only experience worse health but also tend to have less access to the social determinants or conditions (e.g., healthy food, good housing, good education, safe neighborhoods, disability access and supports, freedom from racism and other forms of discrimination) that support health. Health disparities are referred to as health inequities when they are the result of the systematic and unjust distribution of these critical conditions. The department’s efforts are committed to addressing health through an equity lens by empowering communities who have been historically marginalized and developing intervention strategies with the end goal of furthering health equity among all Illinoisans.

Funding

• Award Range - $27605 - $240961
• Anticipated Number of Awards - 9

The Bernard and Carolyn Torraco Memorial Nursing Scholarships, funded by the UNICO Foundation, offer $2,500 scholarships to students pursuing accredited nursing programs in the United States. These scholarships support nursing students of all ethnicities who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens and enrolled in a campus-based program, with a focus on continuing their studies within the academic year 2025-2026.

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.

Judy Whinfrey Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund

The Judy Whinfrey Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund was created to honor the life of Judy Whinfrey, a well-known civic leader in the Fox Valley Area.

The fund has been launched with a generous gift from the Central DuPage Hospital Foundation (now known as Northwestern Medicine Foundation), which partnered with Hewitt Associates of Lincolnshire and Mrs. Whinfrey’s husband, Peter Whinfrey, to establish a significant endowment within the hospital foundation in Mrs. Whinfrey’s name.

Judy Whinfrey (1949-2010) was born in Evanston, Illinois. After graduation from the University of Illinois, she joined Hewitt Associates, a global human resources consulting and outsourcing company, where she spent more than thirty years as a principal and managing consultant.

As one of the first women to become an account executive in the mid-1970s, she co-founded Hewitt’s Women in Leadership initiative. She also served on the Hewitt executive committee and was a past member of the company’s board of directors.

Mrs. Whinfrey was a member of the board of directors of Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois and Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Illinois. She served as chairman of the board of the hospital from 2004 to 2008.

She was the first female certificate member of the Chicago Golf Club and was a member of the Secession Golf Club in Beaufort, South Carolina, where she was the first female to play in the annual Blue-Grey matches.

Judy Whinfrey lived life to its fullest and was an inspiration to those whose lives she touched. It is in this spirit that a nursing scholarship was created with the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley.

Scholarships in Mrs. Whinfrey’s name will be awarded to graduates of East Aurora or West Aurora High School who are studying within the field of nursing to obtain an Associate Degree in Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a Master of Science in Nursing.

The Giving Branch Scholarship, funded by Flat Branch Mortgage, Inc. employees, aims to support working adults in pursuing higher education within the communities served by Flat Branch. This scholarship offers financial assistance ranging from $500 to $5,000, targeting individuals aged 25 and older who meet specific employment, residency, and academic criteria. By investing in education, the Giving Branch Foundation seeks to empower local residents and contribute positively to the community.

About the Illinois Department on Aging

The mission of the Illinois Department on Aging is to serve and advocate for older Illinoisans and their caregivers by administering quality and culturally appropriate programs that promote partnerships and encourage independence, dignity, and quality of life.

Senior Health Assistance Program

Description

Tobacco Settlement Recovery Funds and federal grants funds have been earmarked for the Department to provide educational outreach and enrollment/application assistance on Medicare Part D drug plans, Social Security's Extra Help, Medicare Savings Programs, Seniors Free Transit Ride, Persons with Disabilities Free Transit Ride, and the Secretary of State's License Plate Discount Program through the network of Area Agencies on Aging and local service providers. The Area Agencies on Aging have funded approximately 150 Senior Information and Assistance Sites around the state to help older adults and family members learn about and apply for these federal and state public benefits. The Legislative mandate of the Senior Health Assistance Program (SHAP) is to provide information and assistance to older adults about available pharmaceutical assistance programs.

The E.B. Henderson Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors minority members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy for ethnic minorities within health and physical education. Established in 1885, SHAPE America serves over 200,000 professionals, promoting high-quality education standards. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to increasing the participation of underserved populations in the field. Limited to two awards annually, it highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in health education.

The Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP), administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provides crucial funding to tribal governments and intertribal consortia for developing environmental protection programs. Since 1992, GAP has focused on remediation of pollutants and, more recently, supports climate adaptation initiatives. The program emphasizes tribal sovereignty while aiding in capacity building, policymaking, and establishing joint EPA-Tribal Environmental Plans to effectively address environmental challenges faced by tribal communities.

The Long-Term Care Provider Fund aims to enhance the health and safety of residents in long-term care facilities by expanding the services of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. This initiative ensures that advocates for nursing home residents provide essential information about their rights. Funded by the Illinois Department of Aging, the program complies with the federal Older Americans Act, which mandates every state to have an Ombudsman Program that addresses complaints and advocates for improvements in the long-term care system.

The New Leaf Illinois Network Grant, funded by the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation, aims to support civil legal aid programs that assist individuals in clearing cannabis convictions. It provides funding for legal services, community outreach, and technical assistance, ensuring equitable access to justice for those impacted by past cannabis-related offenses. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and provide free legal representation to low-income clients, focusing on communities disproportionately affected by cannabis laws.

The CHS Foundation's Cooperative Education Grant aims to support educational projects that enhance understanding of the agricultural cooperative business model. With a focus on middle school to college-age students, the program encourages innovative approaches, measurable outcomes, and engagement strategies. It prioritizes initiatives with a national or state-level reach within the CHS trade area, fostering success and growth in cooperative education. Funding will be allocated to programs that align with these goals, ensuring a robust educational framework for future leaders in agriculture.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Special Education, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two scholarships of $2,500 each for U.S. students pursuing degrees in Special Education. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and plan to continue their studies into the 2026-2027 academic year. This scholarship supports students with various disabilities, ensuring that education is accessible and equitable for all.

The Special Wildlife Funds - State Pheasant Fund provides competitive grants to non-profit and governmental organizations aimed at conserving wild pheasant habitats in Illinois. Funded through Illinois Habitat Stamps, projects should align with the state's Wildlife Action Plan and improve habitat quality and connectivity. Eligible activities include preserving, acquiring, and managing high-quality habitats, ensuring public access, and meeting feasible costs. Compliance with administrative rules is essential for grant administration.

The Gun Violence Prevention & Justice Reform Grant by The Joyce Foundation aims to create safer communities in the Great Lakes region. It focuses on reducing gun violence, addressing racial disparities in the justice system, and promoting violence intervention strategies. The foundation invites innovative proposals that support these goals, emphasizing research, policy advocacy, and community engagement to effectively address the challenges of gun violence and promote racial equity.

The California Casualty Music & Arts Grant supports K-12 public schools facing budget cuts that threaten their music and arts programs. Eligible applicants, who must be active employees of public K-12 schools and members of specified educator associations, can request grants of $250 for music or arts needs. This initiative aims to enhance creative education across the states, excluding AK, HI, MA, MI, NY, and WI. Applications received by July 15 will be notified by November 30.

The Illinois Equal Justice Foundation (IEJF) provides funding to support domestic violence prevention through self-help legal assistance projects. Grants are available to Illinois-based organizations that offer legal advice and assistance to individuals navigating the legal system, particularly in noncriminal matters. The funding aims to empower survivors of domestic violence by ensuring they have access to essential legal resources. This initiative is part of the state's fiscal year 2025 budget, focusing on enhancing legal support for low-income individuals.

The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) is inviting public community colleges in the State of Illinois to participate in the FY27 College Student Mental Health & Success Initiative Grant by applying for grants, which are GATA exempt. ICCB anticipates funding at least 22 community colleges.  This project is designed to assist and support colleges in implementing, expanding, scaling, and evaluating equitable, evidence-based mental health supports based on Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act, MHEAC, requirements. This initiative prioritizes evaluation of services and the integration of mental health into broader institutional systems and student success strategies. 

The NCR-SARE Research and Education Grant Program supports innovative agricultural projects that are environmentally sound and socially responsible. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 are available for projects lasting up to 36 months, promoting collaboration among researchers, educators, and producers. This program emphasizes outreach, farmer involvement, and research on topics such as sustainable pest management, local food systems, and crop diversification, addressing the economic and environmental aspects of agriculture.

The MyCredits Transfer Project, led by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), is a statewide initiative designed to facilitate credit transfers for students among Illinois higher education institutions. Utilizing a web-based tool called Transferology, this program assists students in navigating the transfer process, ensuring that over 50 participating institutions recognize the credits students have earned. With around 200,000 annual users, it strengthens pathways for academic achievement and supports the Illinois Articulation Initiative.

The PRTV Basic Grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency provides $43,000 to support locally operated public radio and television stations in Illinois. This funding enables these stations to deliver essential services to their communities, including local news, educational outreach, and unique arts programming. Eligible applicants are non-commercial broadcasters licensed by the FCC, ensuring that Illinois residents have access to vital local media resources. This grant aims to enhance community engagement and cultural enrichment.

Healing Illinois, led by the Illinois Department of Human Services, is granting over $4.3 million to nonprofits for the 2025-2026 cycle, focusing on fostering racial and community healing. Since 2020, the program has supported healing initiatives across Illinois, engaging thousands in transformative projects that emphasize storytelling, dialogue, and the reclamation of community spaces. With an aim to reach over 20,000 residents in 30 counties, this initiative promotes resilience and connection among diverse communities.

The Bonnie Cardone Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Women Divers Hall of Fame, awards $1,500 to a woman diver enrolled in a U.S. or Canada degree program in journalism, graphic arts, photography, or videography. This scholarship aims to support those committed to using their education to benefit the ocean environment and community, promoting greater awareness and conservation efforts. Eligible applicants must demonstrate their dedication to these fields and their potential impact on marine ecosystems.

Recreational Corridor Greenways and Trails Planning 

State funding for intergovernmental agreements and grant agreements that support specific projects identified as high priority a Recreational Corridor for repurposing the abandoned railroads. These are non-competitive grants that fund the specific miscellaneous purposes 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.

This is the third phase of the DNR-assisted program.

• Phase 1 covered Northeastern Illinois.
• Phase 2 covered 10 downstate metro-areas.
• Phase 3 covers non-metro communities and counties, including: Communities greater than 10,000 population that have not already participated in DNR-assisted northeastern Illinois or downstate metro-area greenway and trail planning.

Counties that have not already participated in DNR-assisted Northeastern Illinois or downstate metro-area greenway and trail planning. These counties may participate in the program individually, or in cooperation with one or more other eligible counties. Two or more northeastern Illinois and downstate metro-area coalitions that have (1) completed regional plans (under earlier Phases and (2) demonstrated significant progress in implementing portions of their plans. The goal for this planning is to connect metro-area networks. Interstate coalitions. The goal for this planning is to connect greenways and trails within Illinois to greenways and trails within adjacent states.