Best Grants for Museums in Illinois

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 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.

Healthcare and community organizations in Illinois seeking to expand telehealth services for opioid and other substance use disorder prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery can apply for funding from the Illinois Department of Human Services. Grants up to US $150,000 support system design, technology infrastructure, hardware, software, training, and implementation, which museum-based health outreach programs may leverage.

The Joyce Foundation's Democracy Grants aim to enhance participation and representation in the electoral process across the Great Lakes region. With a focus on combating voter suppression, gerrymandering, and disinformation, the Foundation supports policy changes that protect voting rights and ensure fair representation. Through public engagement and litigation, it seeks to empower communities of color and young voters, fostering a more equitable democracy for all residents.

The Adult Volunteer Literacy Grant Program

The Adult Volunteer Literacy Grant Program provides funding for educational agencies to provide Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English language instruction to qualified individuals using trained unpaid volunteer tutors.

The grant applications are being offered in advance of the provision of the state budget. The Illinois State Library makes these grant applications available so that award notification may be released when legislative and gubernatorial approval of the appropriation is made. Obligations to fund this grant program will cease immediately without penalty or further payment being required if the Illinois General Assembly or the federal funding source fails to appropriate or otherwise make available sufficient funds. 

Funding

Public funds awarded under this grant range up to $105,000 with first year awards being modest until the project is securely established. Only one grant is allowed per agency.

The Reproductive Health Security Grant, issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health, aims to bolster security for reproductive health care facilities at risk of violence, especially following the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision. This funding opportunity, totaling up to $2 million, will support organizations providing essential reproductive health services, including abortion, in Illinois. By enhancing security measures, the program seeks to protect these facilities from unlawful activities and ensure the safety of both providers and patients.

The Illinois Community College Board is launching the Advancing Developmental Education Reform Project, offering grants of up to $50,000 to support community colleges in enhancing faculty capacity and scaling evidence-based models. Eligible colleges are encouraged to focus on data capacity, faculty development, and scaling successful reforms to improve student outcomes in developmental education. This initiative aims to foster continuous improvement and innovative practices in educational settings across Illinois.

The Scaling and Assessing Developmental Education Reform grant, funded by the Illinois Community College Board, aims to enhance equitable, evidence-based developmental education initiatives. Established to support educational organizations, this grant encourages the evaluation and expansion of reform efforts that benefit women and other underserved populations in Illinois. With a rich history spanning over 50 years, the Illinois Community College System continues to provide vital educational opportunities to more than 500,000 residents annually.

The Scaling and Assessing Developmental Education Reform - PCC grant, offered by the Illinois Community College Board, aims to enhance equitable, evidence-based developmental education across Illinois. With a history spanning over 50 years, the Illinois Community College System serves over 500,000 residents annually. This initiative seeks to support educational organizations in their efforts to assess and scale impactful reform strategies, ensuring accessible education for all.

The Historical Records Grant Program, managed by the Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board (ISHRAB), offers funding to Illinois archival repositories and government agencies. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support projects aimed at preserving and providing access to historically significant records. This initiative, backed by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), encourages the identification, preservation, and utilization of important historical documents, with all projects set to be completed within one year.

FNBO: Capital or Major Donations aims to support nonprofit organizations through significant financial contributions for capital projects. This initiative focuses on enhancing community well-being by addressing key areas such as affordable housing, environmental stability, and education. FNBO prioritizes partnerships with nonprofits dedicated to long-term impacts, especially for historically underrepresented populations. By fostering community engagement and providing essential resources, FNBO strives to create a positive influence in the regions it serves.

Rural communities have a variety of unmet needs with no funding to address the challenges. This includes blighted structures that pose a health and safety hazard, crumbling sidewalks and streetscapes that make pedestrian traffic difficult, commercial facades with deferred maintenance, preservation of historic structures that tell their story, and closed buildings that could be used for good purposes. Community Development Block Grant-Community Revitalization Program aims to provide for all these needs on a regular basis. 

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing  this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to set forth the requirements for the Film and TV Workforce Training Grant Program funded through the Illinois Production Workforce Development Fund 35 IlCS 16/46. The training program will fund proposals to recruit, hire, promote, retain, develop, and train a diverse and inclusive workforce in the film industry. The training program will provide real-world, practical job skills to fulfill the demand of producers and studios, while providing job opportunities for Illinois residents, including unemployed individuals and individuals with barriers to employment

The Illinois Habitat Fund offers competitive grants for preserving and maintaining high-quality habitat lands, aimed at not-for-profit organizations and governmental entities. This initiative, part of the Special Wildlife Funds Grant Program, supports projects aligned with the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan. Successful proposals typically demonstrate reasonable costs, feasible methods, and public access, contributing to targeted ecological goals across Forest, Farmland, and Wetland Campaigns.

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.

28-0343-03 State Agency Traffic Records (TR) Program

I. INTRODUCTION

The Illinois Traffic Records Program is designed to improve statewide traffic data systems. The traffic records data systems include the collection, management, and analysis of traffic safety data. It is comprised of six (6) core data systems: crash; driver; vehicle; roadway; citation or adjudication; and EMS or injury surveillance. The six core data systems are commonly referred to as the NHTSA six-pack. Each of the six core data systems must ensure quality of data by measuring the timeliness, completion, accuracy, uniformity, integration, and accessibility of each data system.

II. PROJECT GOAL

Improve the Illinois core traffic data systems: crash; driver; vehicle; roadway; citation or adjudication; and EMS or injury surveillance.

III. GRANT PROPOSAL GUIDANCE

Project proposals submitted must address at least one (1) of the core data systems that make up an ideal traffic records system - crash, driver, vehicle, roadway, citation or adjudication, and EMS or injury surveillance.

Projects must also improve or enhance a miniminum of one (1) of the following in the data systems listed above - timeliness, accuracy, completeness, uniformity, integration, and/or accessibility..

Applicants must provide clear and convincing evidence that the requested project will meet these target objectives. In addition, the applicant must define specific, quantifiable performance measures and certify how these performance measures will be regularly monitored and reported.

The Auto Club Group Foundation focuses on creating a positive impact through grants that enhance traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy across 14 U.S. states and two territories. With a mission rooted in community service, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations and government entities that align with its goals. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, addressing crucial areas such as traffic safety initiatives, financial literacy for K-12 students, and equitable access to driver education programs.

Illinois Adult Education and Literacy Professional Development Network

FY27 Illinois Adult Education and Literacy Professional Development Network(Competitive) ICCB will provide $300,000 in grant funding opportunities to be administered to support the Professional Development Network and the Adult Education Hotline.

The grant objectives are as follows:

• Support for Workforce-Aligned English Language Acquisition Instruction, including Evidence-Based Reading Instruction, Assessment, and Instructionally Embedded Technology Integration, delivered through In Person, On Site, and Virtual Support.
• Promote and maintain the Illinois Adult Education Hotline.

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 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 Illinois Community Canopy Grant, offered by Trees Forever, supports disadvantaged communities in enhancing their tree canopy through tree planting projects. Grants range from $3,000 to $15,000 for first-time applicants, with eligibility for up to $20,000 for milestones like establishing a tree board. The program emphasizes volunteer involvement and requires a diverse selection of tree species to promote long-term forest health. This initiative aims to fortify community forests and prepare for environmental challenges.

The Special Programs for the Aging: Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Services in Illinois aim to enhance preventive health services through collaboration with designated Agencies on Aging. This initiative is designed to support government and nonprofit organizations, focusing on improving health outcomes for older adults in the state. Eligible agencies can apply to strengthen their health promotion systems and better serve the aging population.

About Us

Our Mission

We create lasting impact through asset development, nonprofit capacity building, and community leadership. 

Our Vision

To enrich the lives of Wabash County residents by fostering opportunity, inspiring generosity, and building a thriving connected community. 

Our Scholarships

For High School Seniors & Non Traditional Students who are beginning college more than one year after high school.

The Community Foundation of Wabash County offers a wide variety of post-secondary education scholarships to traditional, non-traditional, and graduate students. With nearly 70 different scholarship endowments created through the generosity of our donors, many students are eligible to apply.    

Roy B. Craver Scholarship Endowment

Roy B. Craver was a veteran of World War I. He established a scholarship for residents of Wabash County and graduates of a Wabash County high school who like himself are willing to serve in the armed forces even if they do not intend to enlist.

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 Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The Business Attraction Prime Sites program, administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, aims to foster economic growth by supporting large-scale capital investments. This initiative targets companies relocating or expanding in Illinois, promoting job creation through diverse projects, including infrastructure development. Eligible applicants must commit to significant investments and job creation, contributing to a robust economic landscape in the state. The program aligns with strategic industry focuses outlined in the Illinois Economic Plan.

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.