Community Quality-of-Life Funding from Ameren
Illinois 501(c)(3) and other tax-exempt organizations improving community quality of life can access funding through Ameren Corporation for arts and culture, civic and community projects, environment, health and human services, and youth and education initiatives. Groups doing preservation-related work within the Ameren Illinois service area may be eligible; applications are accepted year-round.
Ameren Corporation
Jeffris Family Foundation Grants for Illinois Preservation
Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government agencies partnering with a 501(c)(3) in Illinois can seek US $5,000 - US $50,000 for Historic Structure Reports on nationally or statewide significant historic sites. With a mission to advance historic preservation, Jeffris Family Foundation supports planning studies that meet strict standards and require a dollar-for-dollar cash match in smaller communities.
Jeffris Family Foundation Ltd
Historic Preservation Funding for Nonprofits from Sherrard Foundation
Applications due Oct 15, 2026
Illinois 501(c)(3) organizations focused on historic preservation, education, Lutheran ministries, or nursing home care for the needy can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $40,000 from the Bill and Susan Sherrard Foundation. Henry County-focused projects, especially those preserving local history or providing educational assistance to local students, may be prioritized.
Bill and Susan Sherrard Foundation
Illinois Education Policy Funding via Joyce Foundation
Letter of inquiry due Oct 20, 2026
Nonprofit organizations advancing education and economic mobility policy in Illinois can access funding through the Joyce Foundation to support research, policy development, advocacy, and implementation efforts. Projects that improve educator effectiveness, college and career readiness, or post-secondary success for historically underserved young people in the Great Lakes region may be eligible.
The Joyce Foundation
Unspecified amount in in-kind support
John Deere Foundation Grants for Illinois Robotics
Applications due Nov 6, 2026
Illinois school-based or 501(c)(3) teams running FIRST Robotics Competition programs can receive funding for registration and participation if they serve underserved, underrepresented, or rural students near John Deere Inspire communities. John Deere Foundation provides support prioritizing teams in areas like Champaign and Quad Cities, which may benefit groups preserving local heritage through STEM-focused youth engagement.
John Deere Foundation
Historic Preservation Grants for Nonprofits from National Trust
Applications due Nov 12, 2026
Illinois public agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits preserving historic places along the Route 66 corridor can apply for the Preserve Route 66 Grant Fund, awarding US $2,500 - US $10,000 for bricks-and-mortar work, planning, education, and outreach. These historic preservation grants from the National Trust for Historic Preservation support projects in eligible Illinois Route 66 communities.
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Spark Good: Strengthening Community - Local Grants
Applications due Nov 30, 2026
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.
Wal-Mart Foundation
IL Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
Applications due Dec 18, 2026
The Illinois Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) encourages landowners with five or more acres of unimproved land to manage their properties for environmental conservation. By implementing habitat management plans, participants can potentially lower their property tax valuations. Key goals include restoring native species, controlling invasive species, and enhancing critical habitats. This program is essential for preserving Illinois’ biodiversity in a predominantly private landscape, making it a valuable initiative for local landowners.
USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of Illinois
Illinois STEM Education Funding via John Deere Foundation
Applications due Dec 18, 2026
Illinois STEM education teams associated with schools or 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through John Deere Foundation to support FIRST LEGO League Explore participation near John Deere Inspire communities. Grants prioritize underserved, underrepresented, or rural youth in STEM. Preservation-focused organizations that also run qualifying STEM robotics programs in eligible Illinois counties may be eligible.
John Deere Foundation
Unspecified amount in in-kind support
Illinois STEM Education Funding via John Deere Foundation
Applications due Dec 20, 2026
Illinois K–12 FIRST LEGO League Discover teams connected to schools or 501(c)(3) nonprofits can seek funding to support STEM education and participation in FIRST programs, especially for underserved, underrepresented, or rural students. Grants from John Deere Foundation help teams near Champaign and Quad Cities, or those with active John Deere mentors, cover program registration and related costs.
John Deere Foundation
Illinois Community Development Funding via Penn National Gaming
Applications due Jan 1, 2027
Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community development, education, human services, health, cultural programs, or veteran support in eligible counties can access funding through Penn National Gaming to serve local residents. Organizations involved in preserving historic community assets or heritage sites within these communities may be eligible if their projects fit the foundation’s community development or cultural affairs priorities.
Penn National Gaming
Waterfowl Habitat Grants for Nonprofits via Canada Department Of Natural Resources
Applications due Jan 10, 2027
Nonprofit organizations dedicated to supporting, conserving, or promoting wild waterfowl can seek up to US $500,000 to develop breeding and propagation habitat in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Canada. Illinois preservation and conservation groups working on Mississippi Flyway waterfowl habitat may be eligible for these competitive Duck Stamp-funded projects implementing the North American Waterfowl Management Plan.
Canada Department Of Natural Resources
Ameriprise Community Grants
Applications due Jan 15, 2027
Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.
Ameriprise Financial
Enterprise Community Partners Grants for Illinois Housing
Applications due Feb 7, 2027
Affordable housing providers in Illinois working to preserve and manage long-term affordable properties can access training support through the Midwest Asset Management University Cohort. Grants from Enterprise Community Partners help selected organizations strengthen asset and property management skills via a five-month training program, CHAM online courses, peer learning, and post-training technical assistance across the Midwest region.
Enterprise Community Partners Inc
Dekalb County Community Foundation Grants for Illinois Community Projects
Applications due Mar 2, 2027
Nonprofits and community organizations seeking capital assets, equipment, or facility renovations in Illinois can apply for Community Needs Grants supporting arts and culture, community development, education, environment, animal welfare, and health and human services. Dekalb County Community Foundation supports a wide range of local projects with awards up to $20,000.
Dekalb County Community Foundation
Community Foundation Support for Illinois Preservation
Applications due Mar 2, 2027
Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits and quasi-governmental agencies can seek funding for early childhood, land use, workforce, and historic preservation projects through the Communityworks Grant Competition. Focused on community improvement, the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley invites applicants in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties to propose initiatives that enhance local quality of life and address underfunded needs.
Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley
Archival Preservation Grants for Illinois Repositories via ISHRAB
Applications due Mar 13, 2027
Illinois archival repositories and government agencies preserving historical records can apply for funding from the Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board to support identification, preservation, access, and use projects. With a mission to strengthen historical records stewardship, the Board provides one-year grants of US $500 - US $5,000 to records keepers across Illinois.
Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board
Community Wealth and Care Funding from Chicago Community Trust
Applications due Apr 30, 2027
Illinois Black-led or Black-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public agencies focused on community wealth building, mobilization, or care in metropolitan Chicago can access funding through the Chicago Community Trust’s African American Legacy Grants, with awards from US $15,000 - US $75,000. Eligible organizations must be place-based, people-driven, and primarily serve Black residents in the Chicago metro counties.
The Chicago Community Trust
Battlefield Preservation Grants for Nonprofits from National Trust
Applications due Jun 2, 2027
Public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning battlefield or historic site preservation projects, including in Illinois, can apply for $2,500 - $10,000 to support planning and education efforts. With a mission to preserve historic places, National Trust for Historic Preservation funds activities like preservation planning, feasibility studies, capacity building, and public education and outreach.
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Universal Corporation Grants for Illinois Communities
Applications due Jun 15, 2027
Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering education, well-being, arts, civic, or environmental programs can seek up to US $5,000 to strengthen local communities. With a mission to support essential services and community-building, Universal Corporation provides funding in places like Momence and surrounding Kankakee County, which may benefit organizations engaged in preservation-related work.
Universal Corporation
Illinois DNR Grants for Illinois Land Conservation
Applications due Jun 25, 2027
Conservation land trusts in Illinois can apply for up to US $100,000 to expand stewardship of Illinois Nature Preserves and Land and Water Reserves. Grants from Illinois Department of Natural Resources help increase on-the-ground natural areas stewardship and build long-term stewardship capacity, which may benefit organizations preserving significant natural sites and habitats.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Historic Preservation Funding from Community Foundation
Applications due Jul 11, 2027
Nonprofit organizations, charities, and eligible private entities undertaking historic preservation projects in Springfield, Illinois can seek support from the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln’s Historic Preservation Fund. Focused on preserving historic sites and structures, this fund helps advance cultural heritage and community quality of life in Illinois.
Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln
Nature-Based Climate Action Grants from Lumpkin
Letter of inquiry due Jul 31, 2027
Nonprofit organizations planning nature-based climate action projects in Illinois, including rural areas and small towns, can apply for The Lumpkin Family Foundation’s Nature-Based Climate Action Grant, offering US $2,500 - US $50,000. Grants support tree planting, prairie and wetland restoration, regenerative agriculture, land acquisition, and community engagement that deliver measurable carbon drawdown and habitat restoration, which may benefit preservation-focused initiatives.
The Lumpkin Family Foundation
Wild Pheasant Habitat Funding from Illinois DNR
Applications due Aug 1, 2027
Government agencies and nonprofit organizations in Illinois can apply for Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ State Pheasant Fund, awarding US $10,000 - US $100,000 for wild pheasant conservation projects. Funding supports preserving, protecting, acquiring, managing, and maintaining high-quality, connected habitat, which may benefit preservation-focused groups working on landscape-scale stewardship and access.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Illinois Habitat Conservation Funding via Illinois DNR
Applications due Aug 1, 2027
Not-for-profit organizations and governmental entities in Illinois preserving and maintaining high-quality habitat lands can apply for US $10,000 - US $300,000 through the Illinois Habitat Fund. Illinois Department of Natural Resources supports projects enhancing forest, farmland, prairie, or wetland habitats, and those offering public access, which may benefit preservation-focused initiatives in the state.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Preservation and Community Grants for Nonprofits from Community Foundation of Northern Illinois
Applications due Aug 20, 2027
Community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits, religious organizations, governments, and public colleges in Illinois can apply for Community Foundation of Northern Illinois funding for projects in historic preservation, arts and culture, education, health, human services, sustainable communities, and youth and families. Grants over More than US $50,000 use a tiered application and must primarily benefit Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, or Winnebago County residents.
Community Foundation of Northern Illinois
Unspecified amount in in-kind support
STEM Robotics Funding for Youth Teams from John Deere Foundation
Applications due Sep 25, 2027
Youth robotics teams in Illinois focused on STEM education can apply for funding from the John Deere Foundation via the FIRST LEGO League Challenge, supporting participation and positive outcomes for underserved or underrepresented students. Eligible teams must be school- or 501(c)(3)-affiliated FIRST teams located near John Deere Inspire communities, which may include Illinois programs with preservation-related educational components.
John Deere Foundation