Best Housing Grants in Illinois

Nonprofit and charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) status serving Illinois communities within Huntington’s footprint can seek program-specific funding for affordable housing, supportive housing, and related community services. Focused on community revitalization and economic development, Huntington National Bank invites partners working with low- and moderate-income residents to discuss invitation-only grant opportunities.

Illinois housing and victim service organizations can seek funding for transitional housing programs that address crime-related housing needs. Focused on supportive and affordable housing for victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, anti-LGBTQ+ violence, and other crimes, the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority invites applications for $100,000 - $400,000 in personnel-focused support.

Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on equitable and affordable housing or supportive housing can apply for Community Possible funding to advance safe, stable homes and stronger communities. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities that address housing alongside economic advancement or community arts and culture, with priority for leaders of color and DEI-focused work.

Nonprofit organizations planning capital housing or community development projects in Illinois can apply for First National Bank of Omaha’s capital or major donations. Funding supports capital campaigns, construction, renovation, or other major projects that advance priorities like affordable housing, neighborhood stability, and related community-focused initiatives in FNBO’s service areas.

Illinois nonprofit organizations seeking support for housing, neighborhood stability, or related community initiatives can apply for community sponsorships that fund events and general operations. Focused on affordable housing and neighborhood stability, First National Bank of Omaha also supports entrepreneurship, education, health, arts, and community cohesion across its service communities, including Illinois.

Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving health equity through housing, neighborhood, or community health initiatives can access funding through grants from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. Support may cover equitable and affordable housing, neighborhood and built environment improvements, and related social determinants of health that strengthen divested communities across the state.

With a mission to support HIV/AIDS medical and housing services, Illinois Department of Public Health provides Illinois supportive housing and shelter organizations with US $996,189 - US $10,129,837 for lead agent activities. Funding supports medical care, housing stability, reentry case management, and related support services for low-income people living with HIV/AIDS across the state.

Affordable housing providers in Illinois and other Midwest states can strengthen their asset and property management capacity through this five‑month training cohort. With a mission to expand equitable, affordable housing, Enterprise Community Partners provides selected organizations with CHAM online courses, peer learning, and post‑training technical assistance to improve the financial, physical, and operational health of their housing portfolios.

Cities and municipalities in Illinois and other eligible Great Lakes and Southern states can apply for the National League of Cities’ free Federal Grant Navigation Program to get one-on-one help pursuing ARPA and IIJA funding for housing, infrastructure, and related needs. Local governments near or above 6,000 residents may benefit from cohort-based guidance and shared resources.

Illinois housing and human services providers supporting permanent supportive housing for people with serious mental illness can apply for Illinois Department of Human Services funding; awards range from US $278,000 - US $633,785. Grants back Housing First permanent supportive housing models that expand long-term, stable housing and services for institutionalized or previously institutionalized residents.

Food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in Illinois that are registered nonprofits can apply for funding to purchase food or provide shelter for low-income and vulnerable people. Focused on supportive housing and hunger relief, UNICO Foundation invites established programs in eligible states, including Illinois, to use 100% of funds for direct basic-needs services.

Municipalities, counties, and land banks in Illinois can apply for the Illinois Housing Development Authority’s Strong Communities Program, with awards up to US $125,000 to address vacant residential properties. Funding supports rehabilitation or demolition to preserve affordable housing, boost community revitalization, and prepare sites for future housing development.

Nonprofit organizations in Illinois can receive funding to expand crisis and housing stability services, including short-term assistance with rent, mortgages, utilities, and basic necessities. Illinois Department of Human Services supports programs that prevent homelessness, provide supportive housing and mental health services, and address systemic inequities, with awards of approximately US $66,500 and no cost-sharing required.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations working on equitable and affordable housing in Illinois can receive up to US $1,000 in matched donations through Regions Bank’s Matching Gifts Program for recent retirees. Eligible housing groups within the Regions footprint may benefit when recent retirees request a match for their personal monetary contributions.

Illinois units of general local government seeking to support economic development and related community infrastructure can apply for grants benefiting private businesses that create or retain jobs for low- to moderate-income workers. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity funds projects statewide, which may include infrastructure that supports housing-related community revitalization needs.

Illinois supportive housing and crisis respite providers can access funding through Illinois Department of Human Services: Division of Behavioral Health & Recovery to operate Living Room Program sites. Awards of US $750,000 - US $1,400,000 support voluntary, peer-led behavioral health crisis respite services that offer safe, home-like environments and help reduce psychiatric hospitalizations for Illinois residents.

Illinois nonprofit organizations working on affordable housing, small business or workforce development, sustainability, or racial and social equity can seek community grants supporting low- to moderate-income people. Associated Bank provides funding for programs that build and strengthen local communities, including efforts to expand equitable and affordable housing options.

Illinois 501(c) or 170(c) nonprofits focused on equitable and affordable housing and related community development can benefit from Regions Bank’s employee Matching Gifts Program. Eligible organizations within the Regions footprint may receive matched donations from full-time associates and recent retirees, helping strengthen affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, and economic stability efforts.

Nonprofit and public developers creating permanent supportive housing in Illinois can access funding for acquisition, rehabilitation, new construction, or adaptive reuse of properties. Grants from Illinois Housing Development Authority support projects of about 25 or fewer units, offering voluntary supportive services to help vulnerable residents achieve long-term housing stability, with awards up to US $9,000,000.

Nonprofit organizations working on affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization in Illinois can seek funding to expand access to safe, quality housing and strengthen distressed communities. With a mission to strengthen economic opportunity, First National Bank of Omaha also supports workforce development, entrepreneurship, and adult financial education that improve financial well-being.

The Charitable Trust Stabilization Fund Grant aims to support small nonprofits in Illinois by providing funding for programs in food, housing, and workforce development. Established in 2007, this initiative utilizes filing fees from nonprofits to sustain its efforts. The Spring 2024 Grant Cycle will focus on food and housing, while the Fall 2024 cycle will address food and economic development. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria to ensure effective use of funds.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Illinois provide essential funding for organizations to support local self-help housing projects. These grants enable very-low- and low-income families to construct their own homes in rural areas, fostering community collaboration and empowerment. Organizations assist by offering technical guidance and supervision, ensuring that families can effectively participate in the building process. This initiative not only helps families achieve homeownership but also strengthens local communities by promoting self-reliance and cooperation.

The Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP), established by Congress in 1988, aims to fund organizations to combat discriminatory housing practices. The Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI) educates stakeholders about their rights under fair housing laws. Key components include the National Media Campaign, which promotes fair housing awareness nationally, and local programs that support community-based outreach. HUD oversees the process, ensuring compliance and monitoring of funded initiatives to enhance fair housing practices.

The Match General Operating Support program by The Chicago Community Trust aims to assist community-serving organizations managing government grants by providing essential funding to cover administrative costs. This initiative is crucial for ensuring that federal aid reaches historically disinvested communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. With a focus on equitable recovery, the program supports organizations that prioritize community investment, safety, and workforce development, thereby enhancing the overall impact of government funding.

The TruStage Foundation focuses on fostering economic mobility through education and housing initiatives. By supporting K-12 literacy, mentoring, and affordable housing projects, the foundation aims to uplift marginalized communities. With a commitment to addressing racial and socioeconomic disparities, TruStage seeks to empower individuals and families to build a brighter future. Their funding is directed towards impactful programs that align with their mission, while avoiding causes that do not meet their criteria for economic mobility.

Navigant Credit Union 

Navigant Credit Union is the longest-operating, member-owned credit union in Rhode Island. Since its founding in 1915, Navigant Credit Union has been dedicated to providing its members with unparalleled financial products and services, while working every day to stay committed to the financial well-being of the families, businesses and communities we serve. 

Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation Grant

For over a century, Navigant Credit Union has been committed to making a meaningful difference in the community. In 2017, we established the Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation to further amplify our impact in five strategic areas:

• Education & Financial Literacy: Organizational and capital support for programs, supplies, building products, sports facilities and teams.
• Social Services: Financial support for programs and organizations for children, veterans, hunger and housing.
• Public Health, Safety & Well-Being: Support for programs addressing public safety, emergency care and eradication of disease.

The Union Home Foundation Grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that promote economic self-sufficiency through financial literacy and housing initiatives. Established in 2015, this grant has awarded over $2 million to various nonprofits across the U.S. Grants typically start at $1,000 and are available for a one-year period. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and can only apply once per year, following specific eligibility criteria.