Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Illinois

The Great Lakes Federal Grant Navigation Program offers free assistance to local governments in accessing critical federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This program aims to simplify the grant application process, especially for smaller municipalities, by providing one-on-one support and facilitating collaboration among cohort members. By participating, cities can maximize the impact of federal dollars and strengthen their communities in the wake of economic challenges.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Kansas Association of Independent Crop Consultants Scholarship Fund

The Kansas Association of Independent Crop Consultants created this scholarship fund to award to a qualified individual majoring in an agricultural field.

Illinois Community College Board

In 1965, the Illinois General Assembly established the Illinois Community College Board to create a system of public community colleges that would be accessible to every resident. More than 50 years later, the Illinois Community College System is the third largest system in the United States, with 48 colleges and one multi-community college center throughout Illinois. The community colleges serve over 500,000 Illinois residents each year in credit and noncredit courses and serve many more through public service programs.

Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) Renewal

The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) will provide approximately $3,000,000 in federal funding to support Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) programs across Illinois.

The purpose of IELCE funding is to support adult English language learners in achieving English language proficiency, civics competency, and workforce readiness through integrated education and training aligned with career pathways.

Grant Objectives include:

• Deliver English Language Acquisition, Civics Education, and Workforce Preparation concurrently and contextually
• Implement Integrated Education and Training (IET) / ICAPS models aligned with in-demand industries
• Support transitions to postsecondary education, training, and unsubsidized employment
• Strengthen partnerships with workforce development systems and employers

This is a renewal funding opportunity.

The IAA Foundation Scholarship Program supports Illinois Farm Families by providing college scholarships to those pursuing agriculture-related studies. Administered by the IAA Foundation, the program aims to cultivate a skilled agricultural workforce for the future. Recipients are chosen based on their community involvement, financial plans for education, and academic performance. This initiative not only aids students but also strengthens farming communities across Illinois.

The IAA Foundation Fellowships support Illinois Farm Families by providing college fellowships to individuals majoring in agriculture or related fields. This initiative aims to enhance the future of agriculture through education, ensuring a qualified workforce in Illinois. The fellowships are available to Illinois Farm Bureau members and their families, fostering community support for future agricultural leaders.

The New Era Scholarship, offered by The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, provides up to $12,000 annually for eligible students from select youth development agencies and high schools in the St. Louis area. This renewable scholarship supports those aiming to attend accredited colleges or technical schools in Missouri and select Illinois institutions. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and meet academic criteria, making this an essential opportunity for local high school seniors.

The End Student Housing Insecurity (ESHI) Grants aim to assist Illinois institutions in implementing the Higher Education Housing and Opportunities Act. The grants focus on designating liaisons and enhancing support for students facing homelessness. With funding of $1.8 million for FY 2025 and 2026, the initiative addresses systemic issues of housing insecurity, promoting equity and support for at-risk youth and students in care, ensuring their basic needs are met.

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, established in 1986, supports educational initiatives in agriculture through grants. With deep roots in the community, the Foundation prioritizes projects that enhance agricultural literacy, outreach, and leadership. By funding such initiatives, it aims to broaden understanding and appreciation of agriculture, ensuring a sustainable future for the community's agricultural heritage. This commitment to education and outreach makes the Foundation a vital resource for fostering agricultural knowledge.

The Exhibitions Abroad Support Grant Program, initiated by the Japan Foundation in New York, offers financial aid to U.S. museums and art institutions organizing exhibitions that showcase Japanese art and culture internationally. This program supports a range of events, including biennials and triennials featuring Japanese artists. Eligible applicants are non-profit organizations from designated states, with a focus on promoting cultural exchange and understanding through art.

The 28-0343-04 State Agency Racial Profiling Program aims to support the collection and evaluation of racial profiling data in Illinois. It focuses on enhancing agency compliance and reducing racial profiling in traffic stops through effective data management and outreach. Eligible applicants include state agencies with enforcement duties. The program seeks to promote transparency and public awareness regarding traffic stop statistics, ultimately contributing to safer interactions for all citizens on the road.

Illinois Humanities offers General Operating Grants to support organizations dedicated to the humanities across Illinois. These grants empower cultural institutions, museums, and community organizations by providing unrestricted funds to enhance their sustainability and outreach. By fostering public engagement and dialogue, the initiative aims to address civic issues and promote inclusivity within historically under-resourced communities. With grants of up to $10,000, the program reinforces the importance of humanities in creating a just and connected society.

The Kott Gerontology Scholars Program, established by the Russell & Josephine Kott Memorial Charitable Trust, provides funding to advanced degree students in the field of aging attending Chicagoland universities. This initiative aims to enhance opportunities and quality of life for older adults through educational internships and skill development. Scholars receive a $10,000 scholarship, gaining hands-on experience by completing a 600-hour internship, fostering a pipeline of professionals committed to supporting the senior community.

The Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Rehabilitation Psychology at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab offers a one-year, full-time program with a potential extension to two years. This fellowship provides extensive clinical training in rehabilitation and neuropsychology, focusing on individuals with complex medical conditions. Trainees will engage in individual and group therapy, neuropsychological evaluations, and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing them for successful careers in rehabilitation psychology. The program emphasizes evidence-based practices and offers supervision and didactic opportunities.

The State Planning Funds, provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation, aim to enhance statewide transportation planning activities. These funds establish a cooperative framework for making informed transportation investment decisions. Eligible entities must register and pre-qualify through the GATA Grantee Portal, ensuring compliance with federal regulations. This initiative supports comprehensive planning efforts across the state, fostering efficient transportation systems and infrastructure improvements.

Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security

The primary responsibility of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) is to better prepare the State of Illinois for natural, manmade or technological disasters, hazards, or acts of terrorism. Our goal is a "better prepared state." IEMA-OHS coordinates the State's disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery programs and activities, functions as the State Emergency Response Commission, and maintains a 24-hour Communication Center and State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC). The SEOC acts as lead in crisis/consequence management response and operations to notify, activate, deploy and employ state resources in response to any threat or act of terrorism. IEMA-OHS assists local governments with multi-hazard emergency operations plans and maintains the Illinois Emergency Operations Plan. 

September 11th License Plates

State Award Notices

September 11th Fund as grants to aid victims of terrorism and as grants to local governments to cover the costs of training, equipment, and other items related to public safety initiatives intended to prevent further acts of terrorism or to respond to further acts of terrorism or other disasters or emergency situations in Illinois.

The September 11th Fund is created as a special fund in the State treasury. Subject to appropriation by the General Assembly, the Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency shall pay all moneys in the September 11th Fund as grants to aid victims of terrorism and as grants to local governments to cover the costs of training, equipment, and other items related to public safety initiatives intended to prevent further acts of terrorism or to respond to further acts of terrorism or other disasters or emergency situations in Illinois.

Funding Restrictions: Potential Grantees must be identified in the State of Illinois Homeland Security Strategy.

The NCAA Division II Degree Completion Award provides financial assistance to student-athletes who have exhausted their athletics eligibility, enabling them to complete their first undergraduate degree. Since its inception in 2001, nearly $9 million has supported approximately 1,875 athletes, with a remarkable 90 percent graduation rate among recipients. The award covers tuition costs up to $15,000 for remaining credits and may be used in the summer term or short terms surrounding the final undergraduate year.

Illinois Department of Public Health

Assuring the quality of our food, setting the standards for hospital and nursing home care, checking the safety of recreation areas, overseeing the inspection of milk producing farms and processing plants, maintaining the state's vital records and screening newborns for genetic diseases are just some of the duties of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).

IDPH is organized into 12 offices, each of which addresses a distinct area of public health. Each office operates and supports numerous ongoing programs and is prepared to respond to extraordinary situations as they arise.

Mission Statement: The Illinois Department of Public Health is an advocate for and partner with the people of Illinois to re-envision health policy and promote health equity, prevent and protect against disease and injury, and prepare for health emergencies.

Dementia Caregiver Program for Underserved Populations

Short Description

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Dementia Program will provide general revenue funds to develop and deliver education and support for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD) from four diverse groups: Component 1- Black Americans, Component 2-Hispanic/Latinx Americans, Component 3-Asian Americans, and Component 4-Rural Caregivers. The purpose of the Dementia Caregiver Program for Underserved Populations grant is to increase awareness, education, support, and community connection for caregivers of people living with ADRD in order to reduce stress, empower, and support caregivers from diverse populations, as well as reduce barriers and stigma that prevent access to care. This new grant program aims to support strategies from the 2026-2029 Illinois Alzheimer’s Disease State Plan, including to identify and partner with community-based organizations to assist in the dissemination of culturally responsive caregiving resources and support (Public Education and Awareness 2.E.6) and to promote awareness and use of evidence-based caregiver education (Service Delivery 3.D.3.a). Many of the activities in this program will also align with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Healthy Brain Initiative, including to Ensure caregivers have information, tools and resources about their vital role and ways to maintain their own health and well-being, Action E-7 from the Healthy Brain Initiative: State and Local Road Map for Public Health, 2023-2027 (cdc.gov). Federal Authorization N/

Objective

The granted organization will educate caregivers about the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD), best care practices, culturally appropriate community resources, and increase the caregiver’s level of confidence when advocating and discussing ADRD with healthcare professionals on behalf of care recipients. Grantees will recruit caregivers from the targeted communities listed to participate in the program. Grantees will provide all necessary materials to educate caregivers including but not limited to Wi-Fi and technical support, electronic device access (i.e., borrowing system), multilingual ADRD caregiver handbooks, and any other materials deemed necessary to educate caregivers. The granted organization will be responsible for promoting the trainings to the targeted audience of caregivers identified, registering and on-boarding the attendees for all trainings, creating and providing the educational content, facilitating the training events, administering pre and post-tests, arranging online support groups, and setting up in-person memory cafes to be offered to caregivers and care recipients with ADRD.

Illinois NCAA Division III institutions seeking to enhance diversity in assistant coaching positions can apply for support to fund newly created roles in any NCAA-sponsored sport. National Collegiate Athletic Association provides Division III schools with two years of matching funds for salary, wages, and benefits to increase ethnic minority and gender representation in athletics coaching.

The Joyce Foundation's Journalism Grants support independent, nonpartisan reporting to address critical issues in the Great Lakes region. By investing in high-quality journalism, the Foundation aims to promote informed decision-making and strengthen community cohesion. Eligible applicants include nonprofit journalism organizations and projects that enhance local news and support early career journalists, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. The application process requires advance planning, with funding decisions made quarterly.

NCAA Division III conferences and institutions in Illinois and other eligible states can apply for funding to create full-time, mid- to senior-level athletics administration positions focused on diversity and inclusion. The National Collegiate Athletic Association supports roles with responsibilities such as strategic planning, budget management, fundraising, compliance, and student-athlete welfare over a five-year commitment.

The Huntington Impact Investment Philanthropy Grant Program aims to strengthen communities by supporting nonprofit organizations that enhance self-sufficiency and social equality. With a focus on areas such as community revitalization, affordable housing, and economic development, the program prioritizes initiatives that serve low- and moderate-income individuals. Organizations with IRS tax-exempt status can apply for funding to address critical community needs, fostering a more equitable environment for all.

The National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF) aims to protect coastal communities through nature-based solutions, enhancing habitats while addressing the growing threats of climate change. Established in 2018, the fund focuses on restoring vital ecosystems like marshes and reefs to mitigate flooding impacts. With rising sea levels and increasing storm intensity, NCRF invests in community-led projects that foster resilience, ensuring both people and wildlife can adapt to changing environmental conditions.

The 230 Outpatient Fitness Restoration Grant provides essential outpatient mental health services and fitness education for non-dangerous defendants adjudicated unfit to stand trial. This program focuses on community-based fitness restoration, which includes psychiatric and substance abuse treatment, aimed at reducing the number of individuals on waiting lists for inpatient services. With approximately 16 grants anticipated, the initiative supports both adults and juveniles, ensuring timely access to necessary treatments while upholding fairness and ethical standards in the judicial process.

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 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 Coaching Enhancement Grant - Division II aims to enhance diversity in NCAA coaching by providing financial support for new assistant coaching positions. This grant specifically targets increased representation of ethnic minorities and women in athletics. Selected schools receive funding for three years to cover salaries and benefits, totaling $370,000 annually for up to 21 institutions. Eligible schools must be active NCAA Division II members committed to these diversity efforts.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant - Division II offers financial support to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles across NCAA Division II institutions. With an annual budget of $860,000, the grant aims to fund up to 20 schools and conferences each year. Eligible applicants must be active Division II members and are encouraged to collaborate with their human resources departments during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.