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Search Through Local Government Grants in Illinois

The Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program, led by The Minneapolis Foundation, supports community-based nonprofits in the Great Lakes region. With a focus on underserved communities, grants will total $40 million over three years, aiming to enhance environmental health, education, and resilience. The program prioritizes applications from federally recognized tribes and organizations with limited budgets, fostering inclusive community engagement and sustainable development. Eligible projects include environmental assessments, public health initiatives, and job training.

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.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

The Dubuque Racing Association Core Grants aim to enhance community betterment through non-profit initiatives focused on population growth and tourism. These grants prioritize capacity building alongside material purchases, supporting organizations that align with the mission to foster economic vitality in the tri-state area. Eligible applicants include non-profits with specific IRS designations, emphasizing projects that strengthen local resources and improve quality of life while adhering to strict funding guidelines.

The Special Programs for the Aging grant provides funding to enhance the quality of life for older adults in Illinois. Administered by the Illinois Department on Aging, it supports services that promote independence, such as transportation, in-home care, and community services. The program also funds multi-purpose senior centers that offer meals, health screenings, and educational activities, ensuring seniors have access to essential resources and support to remain in their homes and communities.

The IDHS Homeless Youth program provides essential services for youth aged 14-23 facing homelessness, including emergency shelter, case management, and transitional living support. Focused on safety and independence, the program aims to meet immediate needs while fostering self-sufficiency through education and vocational training. Providers must ensure culturally appropriate services for marginalized youth, promoting partnerships with community organizations. This holistic approach helps youth transition from crisis to stability, ensuring that basic needs are met and pathways to successful living are established.

The Community Foundation of East Central Illinois is offering Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants up to $5,000 to enhance the effectiveness of local nonprofits. These grants aim to strengthen core operations in areas like governance, financial management, and leadership development. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt with at least two years of operation and contribute a 10% match. Priority will be given to those with budgets under $1 million, fostering sustainable growth and community impact.

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.

The Joyce Foundation's Education & Economic Mobility Grants aim to close income and race disparities in college and career success. The foundation prioritizes equitable access to high-quality education, supporting policies for effective educators, high school graduation, and affordable college credentials. Focused on racial equity and economic mobility, it addresses the needs of historically underserved young people in the Great Lakes region and invests in research, policy development, and advocacy to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Community Foundation for McHenry County offers Transformational Grants aimed at supporting innovative projects that address community challenges. These grants encourage collaboration among agencies and are open to 501(c)(3) public charities and local government entities. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to serving McHenry County residents, ensuring projects align with the Foundation's mission. Not eligible are organizations needing fiscal sponsors or those promoting religious activities. Grant funds cannot be used for capital campaigns or individual support.

The Kjellstrom Family Foundation, established in 2004, offers challenge grants and capacity building grants to support local charities in Northern Illinois. With an annual contribution of over $600,000, the foundation focuses on youth, arts, and community services. Grants range from $25,000 to $50,000, depending on the type of funding. KFF prioritizes organizations in Winnebago County and emphasizes partnerships that enhance operational efficiency and governance.

The Lumpkin Family Foundation's Austin Fresh Grants program, initiated in 2020, focuses on enhancing access to healthy, affordable food in Chicago's Austin neighborhood. This collaborative effort supports community gardens, local food production, and food assistance programs, aiming to promote equity and sustainability. With a commitment of at least $1 million annually for five years, the program empowers local solutions and addresses food access barriers, fostering community-driven initiatives for a healthier future.

The Local Jobs Fund Grant, provided by the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, aims to break the cycle of poverty by equipping individuals with skills to earn above minimum wage. This grant is open to tax-exempt organizations and local government units, supporting impactful programs within a 50-mile radius of Peoria, IL. Eligible projects must comply with anti-discrimination laws and demonstrate measurable outcomes, fostering community development and collaboration.

The Dow Promise Grant empowers communities by addressing the unique barriers faced by Black youth and adults in the U.S. This program provides grants up to $10,000 for initiatives that promote social, economic, and environmental advancements. Since its inception in 2000, the Dow Promise Program has been committed to fostering equitable opportunities and positive social change, ultimately contributing to long-term community success and a brighter future for all.

The Arts Midwest GIG Fund offers grants ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 to support creative projects and educational events across the Midwest. This funding is available for nonprofit organizations with budgets of $1 million or less, focusing on the arts. Eligible applicants include arts organizations and tribal entities located in specific states. The fund prioritizes those who have not received a grant in the last two years, ensuring diverse cultural engagement and access.

The Women to Women Giving Circle Grants, offered by the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation, support projects that empower local women and children facing challenges such as housing, food insecurity, and childcare. Grants encourage collaboration among nonprofits and prioritize programs that promote self-sufficiency and systemic change. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government units in specific Illinois counties. The program aims to foster philanthropic leadership and sustainable community impact.

The Preserve Route 66 Grant Fund offers financial support to public agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations aiming to preserve historic places along Route 66. This initiative prioritizes projects that enhance underrepresented narratives, including those related to diverse communities. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $10,000, with a focus on activities that restore, rehabilitate, or educate about significant historical sites, ensuring that this iconic American highway's legacy is maintained for future generations.

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 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 Illinois Prairie Community Foundation provides General Grants focused on education, health and wellness, and youth programs. Nonprofit organizations can apply for funding to support new or existing initiatives that enhance community services in McLean, DeWitt, Livingston, or Logan Counties. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt and adhere to antidiscrimination laws. The foundation prioritizes sustainable programs that demonstrate measurable outcomes and collaborative efforts. Notably, funds are not allocated for non-program-related expenses, endowments, or scholarships.

The Communityworks Grant Competition, run by the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley, aims to enhance community welfare through targeted funding. Focus areas include Early Childhood Education, Land Use & Protection, and Workforce Development. Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties, emphasizing initiatives that address unmet community needs. By fostering collaboration and innovative solutions, the Foundation seeks to ensure sustainable improvements in quality of life for local residents.

The CFCI Community Arts Grants provide funding up to $5,000 for organizations that offer programs in arts education, performing arts, cultural activities, visual arts, and art therapy. These grants aim to enhance the quality of charitable work in central Illinois while fostering collaboration among community partners. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations and local government units. The grants are designed to address CFCI's prioritized needs and support measurable outcomes that positively impact the community.

The Arts Mean Business Grants, offered by the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, aim to stimulate economic growth in the Peoria region through arts tourism, fostering successful arts businesses, and increasing community engagement in the arts. These grants support projects that align with established community needs and priorities, ensuring collaboration and measurable outcomes. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt entities, local governments, and those operating under fiscal agents, emphasizing inclusivity and compliance with anti-discrimination laws.

The Energy Efficiency Assessment Program provides funding and technical assistance for energy efficiency assessments in multifamily and residential properties. Administered by the Illinois EPA, it targets public housing authorities and nonprofits to help identify energy-saving opportunities and reduce costs. Eligible projects must serve residents in public housing programs, with funding awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until March 1, 2025, or until funds are exhausted.

The Community Foundation for McHenry County offers Mission Grants to support local charitable organizations. These grants are aimed at funding general operating costs for programs and projects that align with the Foundation's mission and values. Eligible applicants must be located in McHenry County or demonstrate significant impact in the area. This initiative highlights the Foundation's commitment to enhancing community resources and addressing local needs effectively.