Best Grants for Preschools in Illinois

The Conservation Partners Grant Program, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, supports private landowners in implementing regenerative agriculture and conservation practices. By awarding competitive grants, the program facilitates technical assistance for developing management plans and best practices, enabling landowners to maximize the ecological benefits of their lands. This initiative is crucial for enhancing fish and wildlife habitats, addressing pressing conservation issues, and promoting sustainable land stewardship across the United States.

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 Sun Club Sustainability Grant, offered by Green Mountain Energy, empowers U.S.-based nonprofits to implement sustainability initiatives. Established in 2002, this grant supports diverse projects, including clean transportation, renewable energy, and resource conservation. Organizations must demonstrate three years of tax-exempt status and a commitment to community impact. Awards range from $50,000 to $400,000, focusing on measurable environmental, social, and financial benefits. Join us in fostering a greener future through innovative solutions and community engagement.

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.

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) VAWA – Culturally Specific 2026 NOFO # 1744-0618

The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority is requesting proposals for NOFO # 1744-0618, VAWA Culturally Specific grants. A total of $825,000 in funding in Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is available through this solicitation for use over a period of 12 months.

The Culturally Specific Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will support the development, enhancement, and expansion of culturally specific victim services. This funding opportunity supports efforts to raise public awareness of victim services, particularly for culturally specific communities. The goal of the Culturally Specific Program is to establish, maintain, and expand sustainable, culturally appropriate services that address the unique needs and challenges of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking from culturally specific communities.

This funding opportunity addresses an important need and service gap identified in Illinois: culturally specific services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking.

The EDA Chicago FY 2016–FY 2019 Planning Program and Local Technical Assistance Program aims to enhance regional economic development through partnership planning grants. These grants support organizations, including District Organizations and Indian Tribes, in developing Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS) that address local economic goals and improve job creation in distressed areas. By funding feasibility analyses and impact studies, the program strengthens the capacity of local entities to implement effective economic development initiatives.

CAR Positive Parenting Program

The Positive Parenting Program is open to the community with a focus of working with families involved within the Child Welfare System, including but not limited to families in need of support, guidance, and/or foster families struggling to provide the much-needed nurturing of children placed in their homes. Parent training utilizes The Nurturing Parenting Program (NPP), an evidenced based, evidence informed recognized curriculum with pre- and post-tests, classes, home visits and childcare.

The family centered treatment program establishes therapeutic supports for the parents and children to learn similar knowledge and skills in order to improve the quality of their lives and build nurturing skills as an alternative to abusive and neglectful behaviors

The program assists families in building self-awareness, positive self-concept/esteem, building and enhancing levels of empathy, enhancing family communication and awareness of needs, replacing abusive behaviors with nurturing behaviors, and promoting healthy physical and emotional development. The program is designed to intervene to prevent further escalation of the early stages of maltreatment and to replace old, existing harmful patterns of family interaction with newer, nurturing patterns of interaction. Those participants in need of further assistance are referred to other helping agencies.

The Positive Parenting Program also provides home visits where parents and children interact and practice their new skills, which strengthens the family unit. The home visiting services are completed by the facilitators and are utilized to address specific issues relevant to the family. Home visiting services are required of all DCFS referred families. All other families may be included in these services if deemed necessary.

Opportunity Funding

• $160,008.00

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Illinois support eligible communities in preparing for or recovering from emergencies that threaten safe drinking water availability. This program, administered by USDA Rural Development, funds projects such as waterline extensions and new water sources, with grants up to $1 million. Eligible applicants include governmental entities, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes, particularly in rural areas with populations of 10,000 or less.

The Mission Grant by the Dubuque Racing Association aims to enhance community well-being through support for non-profit organizations focused on population growth, retention, and tourism. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt entities, with a preference for projects that involve capacity building. The grant does not fund endowments, political causes, or personal benefits. This initiative seeks to bolster the tri-state area, specifically targeting Dubuque and surrounding counties to promote local tourism and economic development.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

The Jeffris Heartland Fund Grant, provided by the Jeffris Family Foundation, supports significant historic preservation projects across several Midwestern states, including Iowa and Wisconsin. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, covering 50% of costs for Historic Structure Reports, requiring a dollar-for-dollar match. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies, focusing on projects with historical significance, architectural merit, and strong community ties. Applications are accepted anytime, with decisions made approximately 30 days after submission.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

Microenterprise Development Organizations must demonstrate experience in managing a Revolving Loan Fund, or:

• Certify that it or its employees have received education and training from a qualified microenterprise development training entity so that the applicant has the capacity to manage such a revolving loan fund.
• Demonstrate that it is actively and successfully participating as an intermediary lender in good standing under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program or other similar loan programs as determined by the Administrator.

 What kind of funding is available?

• Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $205,000 annually.
  • Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.
• Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization.
  • Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.

What are the loan terms?

• Maximum term is 20 years.
• Two-year payment deferral.
• Must establish a loan loss reserve fund.

What terms are required on loans to ultimate recipients?

• Up to $50,000.
• Fixed interest rate.
• Limited to 75 percent of project cost.

How may the funds be used?

Microlenders may make microloans for qualified business activities and expenses including, but not limited to:

• Working capital.
• Debt refinancing.
• Purchasing equipment and supplies.
• Improving real estate.

The Snowmobile Trail Establishment Grant, funded by Illinois Department of Natural Resources, aims to enhance the state's recreational offerings by supporting local snowmobile clubs in developing and maintaining public trails. Funded through snowmobile registration fees, the grant covers costs for trail construction, signage, and essential facilities, ensuring accessibility and safety for all users. This initiative promotes outdoor enjoyment while conserving Illinois' natural resources for future generations.

The National Sea Grant Law Center is inviting proposals for the Coastal Resilience Program to research laws and policies addressing coastal resilience challenges such as sea level rise and flooding. With a funding cap of $150,000 over two years, this initiative aims to assess the effectiveness of existing policies and promote informed decision-making in coastal management. Up to two projects will be selected for funding, supporting innovative solutions to enhance community resilience against environmental threats.

The Retirement Research Foundation (RRF) offers Direct Service Grants to nonprofit organizations focused on enhancing the quality of life for older adults. These grants prioritize projects addressing caregiving, economic security, housing, and social connectedness. Organizations must demonstrate a clear understanding of the aging network and articulate service gaps. RRF emphasizes equity and supports initiatives that foster diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly for historically marginalized populations. Applications are accepted from eligible nonprofit entities, aiming for transformative impacts in communities.

The Strengthening Families and Communities Grant by Telligen Community Initiative focuses on enhancing the resilience of youth and families through community-based funding. This initiative is transitioning to two-year funding periods, with applications due in March and October for different states. The grant aims to address social determinants of health, providing targeted support based on extensive applicant feedback. The program emphasizes a narrowed applicant pool to ensure more consistent funding for impactful projects.

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 Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Thriving Communities Grant Program supports initiatives that promote sustainability, workforce development, and community resilience across a 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, the program aims to foster economic development and ensure equal access to basic necessities. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt nonprofits, government entities, and public schools, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in their community-focused efforts.

The Tourism Attraction Grant Program, offered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, aims to enhance tourism attractions that drive economic growth in Illinois. Grants up to $500,000 are available for eligible entities such as local governments and nonprofits. Applicants must demonstrate matching funds and outline performance goals to measure project success, promoting a thriving tourism sector while ensuring compliance with state regulations and funding criteria.

The Equitable Energy Future Grant Program, launched by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, aims to provide crucial seed and pre-development funding to contractors. This initiative supports renewable energy and energy efficiency projects specifically benefiting historically disadvantaged communities. By addressing capital barriers, the program fosters business and community development, ensuring that these vital projects can thrive. Funding ranges from $250,000 to $1,000,000, encouraging early applications as funds are limited.

The Mental Health Juvenile Justice (MHJJ) Program connects the Illinois Juvenile Court System, schools, and communities to support youth at risk of mental health issues. The MHJJ Liaison facilitates referrals and provides training to stakeholders, ensuring youth receive necessary services. Additionally, the program addresses systemic inequities, promoting diversity and inclusivity within the service provision process. The Illinois Department of Human Services emphasizes collaboration and community-based support to enhance the well-being of at-risk youth.

The Housing First Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) initiative by the Illinois Department of Human Services aims to enhance access to housing for individuals facing serious mental health challenges. It emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion while addressing systemic inequities. The program mandates prequalification for applicants and requires a risk assessment prior to grant award execution. This initiative not only seeks to provide essential housing support but also strives to operationalize equity and foster a culture of inclusivity across all demographics.

The JIFS Juvenile Inpatient Forensic Services, managed by the Illinois Department of Human Services, offers crucial inpatient treatment for juveniles ordered by the courts due to mental health issues. The program focuses on a comprehensive approach, including psychiatric assessments, medication management, and individualized therapy. Furthermore, it aims to address systemic inequities by promoting diversity and inclusivity in its service delivery, ensuring all individuals receive equitable support regardless of their background.

The CRSS Success Program, managed by the Illinois Department of Human Services, aims to enhance the behavioral health workforce by providing comprehensive recovery support training and practical experience for individuals seeking Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) credentials. This initiative addresses systemic inequities while promoting inclusivity across diverse demographics, ensuring that those with lived experiences in mental health and substance use recovery have the support needed to succeed in their roles.

The Illinois Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) program aims to enhance educational opportunities for students in high-poverty areas. It focuses on academic enrichment and offers various services including tutoring, youth development, and family engagement. Funded by the Illinois State Board of Education, the program supports partnerships to ensure equitable access to educational resources, with awards ranging from $50,000 to $600,000 to eligible entities serving low-income students and their families.

The Senior Health Assistance Program - BAA Reimbursement in Illinois utilizes Tobacco Settlement Recovery Funds and federal grants to provide educational outreach and enrollment assistance for Medicare Part D, Social Security's Extra Help, and other senior benefits. It aims to assist eligible applicants, including Area Agencies on Aging, with application processes for transit rides and license plate discounts, ensuring seniors receive vital support for their needs.

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.