Best Green Infrastructure Grants in Illinois

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative human and social services approaches can access funding through Creag Foundation to tackle pressing social problems in new ways. The foundation considers invited proposals from organizations that have held tax-exempt status for at least a year and are pioneering fresh solutions that may intersect with green infrastructure and community well-being.

Early-stage independent nonprofits and impact-first startups in Illinois working on scalable social or environmental solutions can access funding through Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation. Grants up to US $300,000 over three years support organizations addressing urgent problems for underserved communities, including green infrastructure, sustainability, and climate-related initiatives with strong evidence of impact and clear plans to grow.

Community-based nonprofits, tribal entities, local governments, schools, and colleges in Illinois can seek funding for environmental justice assessment and engagement projects that address green infrastructure, stormwater, and related public health issues. Grants from the Minneapolis Foundation offer up to US $150,000 for Tier 1 work in disadvantaged Great Lakes Region communities, including mapping, monitoring, and community engagement.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

Organizations working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability in Illinois and other eligible regions can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants; awards more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Social enterprises and nonprofits serving urban low-income children and youth may be eligible if they meet focus, location, and values criteria.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Public and charter schools launching new PLTW computer science programs in eligible Illinois counties and other listed regions can apply for Project Lead The Way’s partnership grant, awarding US $20,000 over two years for participation fees, required devices, program equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs. Schools must serve at least 40% free/reduced-price lunch students.

Illinois public and charter schools already offering PLTW Computer Science and serving at least 40% free/reduced-price lunch students can access funding through Project Lead The Way to expand their PLTW Computer Science programs. Grants of US $10,000 may cover PLTW participation fees, required technology, equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs for the 2027–2028 academic year.

Public and charter schools in Illinois counties listed as eligible that serve at least 40% free and reduced-price lunch students can receive US $40,000 to launch and grow PLTW Engineering programs. Grants from Project Lead The Way help cover participation fees, required computers, equipment, supplies, and core training costs over the 2027–2029 school years.

Public and charter schools expanding PLTW Gateway engineering and STEM programs in select Illinois counties and other eligible U.S. communities can use this grant to cover participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training. With a mission to expand STEM access, Project Lead The Way provides US $10,000 awards beginning in the 2027–2028 academic year.

Illinois public and charter middle schools serving at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch students can receive US $20,000 to launch new PLTW Gateway STEM programs. Project Lead The Way provides funding for participation fees, required computers, equipment, supplies, and core training in eligible Illinois counties, with two PLTW Gateway units implemented over two academic years.

Illinois schools with existing PLTW Gateway STEM programs can access funding through Project Lead The Way to expand their offerings. Public and charter schools in eligible Illinois counties serving at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch students may receive US $10,000 for participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs.

Public and charter elementary schools launching new PLTW Launch STEM programs, including those in Illinois counties listed as eligible, can apply for Project Lead The Way grants up to US $20,000. Funding can cover PLTW participation fees, required devices, equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training with related travel, room, and board costs over two years.

Public and charter elementary schools in eligible Illinois counties serving at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch students can apply for Project Lead The Way’s PLTW Launch expansion grants, awarding US $5,000 to grow STEM/STEAM programs. Funds may cover PLTW fees, required devices, equipment, supplies, and teacher core training for the 2027–2028 year.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Illinois working on basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven programs can seek funding to support hunger relief, housing, economic development, arts access, and adult self-sufficiency initiatives. With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides U.S. nonprofits with grants that prioritize strong volunteer engagement and measurable outcomes.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

501(c)(3) public charities with at least one year of operations carrying out land conservation in the greater Chicagoland region can apply for Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation’s Chicago Region Land Conservation Grants, awarding US $15,000 - US $75,000 for operating or project support. Illinois organizations using land protection and stewardship for green infrastructure and climate resilience may benefit.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with programs for underserved youth, families, food security, or environmental stewardship in Illinois may be eligible for US $30,000 - US $350,000 to expand their work. Chick Fil A Foundation supports initiatives such as community gardens, outdoor classrooms, and beautification that can complement green infrastructure efforts.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.