Best Grants for Global Health in Illinois

The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Assistance Fund offers crucial financial support and counseling for individuals in the theatrical exhibition and distribution sectors facing health-related challenges. This fund assists with medical expenses, housing emergencies, and essential services like vocational rehabilitation and equipment aid. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years in exhibition or five years in distribution. The fund aims to provide a safety net for those impacted by illness, injury, or significant life changes.

The Lumpkin Family Foundation

The Lumpkin Family Foundation is a private, family foundation created in 1953 from the estate of Besse A. Lumpkin of Mattoon, Illinois.

We are a multi-generational organization whose programs reflect the collective aspirations of a diverse family living in communities across the country. We make grants and conduct programs that support people working together to build healthy, sustainable communities in East Central Illinois and beyond. After 70 years, members of the Lumpkin family continue to support the Foundation’s work, serving alongside members of the larger community on committees and the Board of Trustees.

Our Geographic Focus

Our grantmaking is deeply rooted in East Central Illinois, the original service area of Illinois Consolidated Telephone (ICTC), the company founded by the Lumpkin family in 1894. We also support organizations in Chicago and national organizations whose efforts align with our core focus on promoting health and wellness through sustainable food systems, mental health initiatives, and regenerative agriculture.

Land, Health, Community - Chicago Program

Grant Overview

The Land, Health, Community-Chicago (LHC-C) program has recently expanded its focus areas to reflect our commitment, as a Foundation, to supporting holistically healthy communities in the Chicagoland area. We believe that a community’s health is rooted in its ability to access and obtain life sustaining resources for all its residents without undue burden, systemic barriers, and inequitable opportunity. The Land, Health, Community-Chicago Program has one grant cycle in the fall.

Program Focus

We look to fund projects and organizations that support the following:

• Our communities are physically active, values healthy eating, and prioritizes overall wellbeing.
• All communities can thrive. Communities that have faced and continue to face inequitable and unjust policies, laws and practices will be equipped with the resources needed to realize their full potential.

Funding Priorities

• Opportunities for children in/out of school to engage physically with and to learn about the natural world, to eat well, and to care for the planet.
•  A community and/or multigenerational approach to addressing the mental health and wellness of youth.
• Efforts to increase access to healthy and sustainably produced food.
• Grassroots and community led initiatives centered on the pursuit of food justice.

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 Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Safety First Grant Program aims to enhance community safety across its 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, it supports organizations that provide safety services or promote safe behavior. This program reflects Norfolk Southern's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, empowering employees to engage locally. By investing in safety and workforce development, Norfolk Southern fosters thriving communities, demonstrating its dedication to social responsibility and community well-being.

The Carl R. Hendrickson Family Foundation, established in 1991, focuses on supporting educational and healthcare programs for underserved populations. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 for organizations with budgets under $10 million. The foundation emphasizes entrepreneurial spirit in applicants and provides special consideration to organizations that address both basic and spiritual needs. As a private foundation, it encourages impactful initiatives while limiting grant requests to one per calendar year from similar organizations.

The NCDDG program supports innovative research aiming to discover and develop new treatments for mental disorders, including substance use and alcohol use disorders. This initiative encourages collaborations between academic and industry partners to advance neurostimulation techniques and drug/device development. Applicants are invited to submit proposals that focus on specific projects utilizing the U01 mechanism, with a clear emphasis on rationally designed candidate agents and cutting-edge technologies. Letters of Intent are encouraged 30 days prior to the submission deadline.

Please note that all applications are required to address both objectives.

• Objective 1: Development and Implementation of CBE programming
  • The grant’s primary objective is focused on the implementation, evaluation, and expansion of the EV competency-based education (CBE) framework.
  • Programs span the EV Technology occupational continuum from development and production to maintenance and body work for Electric Vehicles, as well as installation and maintenance of critical infrastructure, and are listed in Section D of the attached PDF..
• Objective 2: Wraparound Student Supports
  • This objective focuses on colleges designing or implementing programs with a student-centered approach as they create or implement curriculum.
  • A strong student support model includes effective strategies for recruitment, retention, and comprehensive services that help students succeed.
  • Uses of funds can include, but are not limited to:
    • Investments in academic advising and career guidance
    • Supplemental instruction
    • Wraparound support services and barrier reduction (academic and non-academic)
    • Community needs assessments
    • Partnering with community-based organizations to braid barrier reduction funding

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.

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 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 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 Ralph Franzen Charitable Foundation Grant supports faith-based organizations that provide social services, with a focus on Evangelical Christian groups in Illinois. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with an annual budget of at least $1 million. The foundation does not accept applications from individuals, ensuring that funding is directed towards established charitable entities. This grant aims to enhance the impact of social services within the community.

The Berdach Trust Grant, established by Otto P. Berdach, aims to support organizations providing financial assistance to individuals in need, particularly when public welfare is insufficient. Operating primarily in Illinois and California, especially the Long Beach area, the trust focuses on health, human services, and public benefit programs. Grants are directed exclusively for direct financial aid, not for administrative costs, ensuring that assistance reaches those in genuine financial distress.

The Pipeline Grants Competition by the Russell Sage Foundation aims to bolster early-career scholars and enhance diversity in the social sciences. It supports innovative research focusing on economic mobility and systemic inequalities in the U.S. Eligible applicants can receive up to $35,000 individually or $50,000 in teams. The foundation emphasizes methodological diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging novel data usage. Projects should align with RSF's mission to improve social conditions, prioritizing underrepresented scholars from under-resourced institutions.

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.

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 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.

The Guglielmo Marconi Engineering Scholarship, offered by UNICO Foundation, provides $1,250 to students of Italian descent pursuing engineering degrees in various disciplines. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time in accredited programs, and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0. This scholarship not only supports academic achievement but also promotes the heritage and contributions of the Italian American community, continuing UNICO's legacy of service and support.

The UNICO Foundation offers the Louise Torraco Memorial Scholarship for Science, providing two scholarships worth $2,500 each to U.S. citizens pursuing degrees in physical or life sciences. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be enrolled full-time in accredited programs. This initiative reflects UNICO's commitment to supporting educational pursuits in scientific fields while fostering Italian American heritage and community service.

The NRP Young Investigator Award is designed to support research on optimizing newborn care during delivery using Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) techniques. This grant encourages innovative projects addressing gaps in transitional physiology and resuscitation practices. Eligible applicants include researchers from Canadian and US institutions, particularly those in training or within four years of completing medical training. Awardees may receive up to $15,000 to enhance their skills and knowledge, ultimately improving neonatal outcomes.

The Ashland County Wildlife Conservation League David McClure Memorial Scholarship supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools and alternative education programs pursuing a degree in wildlife-related fields. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be accepted into accredited colleges or vocational programs. This scholarship fosters educational growth while promoting conservation efforts, reflecting the commitment of the Ashland County Community Foundation to enhance community development and support future leaders in wildlife conservation.

The Creative Learning Grants for Schools in Illinois, administered by the Illinois Arts Council, aim to enhance arts education in K-12 public and charter schools. Schools can apply for grants up to $20,000 to obtain essential materials and services from local artists or organizations. This initiative fosters a vibrant arts culture while addressing student needs for creative learning opportunities, ensuring access to quality arts education across the state.

The Speh Family Foundation Grant focuses on supporting organizations that benefit Chicago's youth, particularly those aged 13-19. Founded by Albert J. Speh Jr. and his wife Claire, the foundation emphasizes innovative educational models and community leadership. Organizations must submit a letter of inquiry before applying, outlining their project and its relevance to the foundation's mission. Note that grants are not automatically renewed, and previous recipients should consult with the foundation before reapplying.

The Federal Senior Companion Program Grant State Match, facilitated by the Illinois Department of Aging, supports government and nonprofit organizations currently receiving AmeriCorps Senior funding. Established in 1973, this grant aims to assist in covering the required cost-sharing match for the Senior Companion program. While grants have historically been provided, future funding is uncertain and dependent on annual appropriations, emphasizing the need for eligible organizations to apply promptly.

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 Adult Protective Services Technology Modernization Grant provides funding to assist Illinois service providers in upgrading their technology to improve efficiency in serving older adults. Eligible applicants include various government and nonprofit organizations that have previously submitted a letter of intent. The grant supports reimbursement for qualifying technology purchases, excluding large items over $5,000, ensuring agencies can enhance their service delivery capabilities effectively.

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.