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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 American Electric Power Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on educational improvement, particularly in STEM fields, and basic human services such as hunger and housing. Organizations must operate within AEP's service territory or have a broader beneficial purpose. The Foundation also supports social justice initiatives and environmental protection efforts. Eligible applicants must affirm compliance with anti-discrimination policies and demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

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.

Northern Trust

Guided by our founding principles of service, expertise and integrity, we are passionate experts from around the globe who turn ideas into action to help the world’s most successful individuals, families and institutions achieve their goals.

Since 1889, when our founder Byron Smith built Northern Trust on our enduring principles, we have shown time and again that we exist to serve not only clients, but also the community at large.

Corporate social responsibility and philanthropy are essential elements of our mission and culture. Driven by our strategic focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, community engagement and environmental sustainability, we strive to be socially accountable – to ourselves, our stakeholders and the public.

The Northern Trust Foundation Grants

Increasing access to essential human needs will broaden opportunities for Chicago's young people and support them in fulfilling their potential and achieving long-term financial success. The Northern Trust Foundation is focusing its funding on communities in Chicago's South and West Sides by providing general operating support and program grants that specifically target youth ages 16-24.

Funding Priorities & Objectives

Northern Trust prioritizes the following areas to help low-income youth ages 16-24 on Chicago’s South and West sides.

Food Security: Youth who experience food insecurity are more likely to struggle in school and face both mental and physical health challenges. We prioritize funding for programs that:

• Increase access to, awareness of, and participation in free food distribution programs and services
• Raise awareness of, and increase participation in, state and federal nutrition assistance programs (e.g., SNAP, WIC, Summer Food Service Program, etc.)
• Increase access to affordable, nutritious foods for purchase, particularly within food deserts, and leverage innovative solutions to address the issue of access to food

Affordable Housing: Stable housing can serve as the foundation for a secure future. We prioritize funding to organizations assisting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with access to safe and permanent housing through programs that:

• Support youth experiencing homelessness and help navigate and access services available in their local communities with a goal of getting them into permanent housing
• Assist low-income college students by providing supportive services and affordable housing
• Provide temporary or permanent free/affordable housing options for youth; highest priority will be given to programs that focus on moving youth efficiently into permanent housing solutions
• Provide housing-related case management, foster care or other services to youth who are living in unsafe or unstable home environments including LBGTQ+ and youth transitioning out of the foster care system

Educational Excellence: Low-income youth attend and complete college at a much lower rate than their peers. We prioritize funding for programs that support students “to and through” college (including trade schools) and specifically focus on removing barriers for low-income youth that:

• Focus on academic readiness, including college-level coursework during high school, and high school completion with an emphasis on post-secondary school enrollment
• Support post-secondary school persistence, including those that focus on alternatives to remedial coursework
• Assist students through the college search, application and enrollment process, ensuring students ultimately are admitted to, enroll in and attend schools which are a good match and fit for their individual needs
• Provide access to financial aid for low-income youth and/or provide ongoing financial planning and credit building for students and their families, to ensure students complete their post-secondary education

Accessible Healthcare: The transition from child to adult healthcare is a greater challenge for low-income individuals. We prioritize funding to hospitals, healthcare centers and community organizations providing physical or mental healthcare that:

• Provide access to physical or mental healthcare for free or at a sliding scale
• Provide primary and preventative care, including health screenings for young women
• Focus on providing solutions that remove common barriers to care among this population (e.g., telehealth visits, pop-up clinics, after-hours appointments, etc.)
• Raise awareness and provide education of healthcare services and/or Medicaid and assist this population to apply for and access Medicaid

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 OVC FY 2026 Housing Assistance for Victims of Human Trafficking program aims to provide vital housing and support services for victims of human trafficking. This initiative, led by the U.S. Department of Justice, focuses on rapid rehousing, ensuring victims transition quickly into stable, permanent housing. Organizations interested in applying must demonstrate their capacity to deliver comprehensive support aligned with federal guidelines. Applications are due by October 5, 2026, through JustGrants.