Best Public Policy Grants in Illinois

The Aviation Fuel Tax Program allows airport owners and sponsors to utilize funds for lawful airport revenue purposes. Grant recipients must adhere to the FAA's Revenue Use Policy, which outlines allowable uses of these funds. Eligibility includes registration and pre-qualification through the GATA Grantee Portal, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. Grants are specifically available for public-use, publicly-owned airports in Illinois, with distribution based on operational metrics.

Illinois nonprofits running leadership development programs that advance racial equity can access funding through the MacArthur Foundation’s Chicago Commitment: Advancing Leadership initiative. Support focuses on cohort-based leadership programs, equity-centered civic and community leaders, and organizational capacity-building in Chicago, including work connected to arts, community and economic development, or community safety and violence prevention.

Focused on democracy and public policy, this program invites Illinois and other Great Lakes organizations to seek funding for voting rights, fair representation, and accurate census data initiatives. Eligible projects include research, policy development, litigation, and public engagement that impact Great Lakes states, with awards ranging from US $25,000 - US $125,000.

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.

Environmental and public policy organizations working on climate, clean energy, or Great Lakes drinking water in Illinois and other Great Lakes states can seek support for policy and advocacy initiatives. The Joyce Foundation backs work on carbon-free electricity, freshwater protection, and equitable water systems, prioritizing environmental justice groups and communities most impacted by climate and water issues.

Nonprofit organizations that are certified SHIP sites in Illinois can use this grant to expand community-based Medicare counseling, education, and outreach services. Illinois Department on Aging supports senior services and aging-related assistance by funding local SHIP networks for one-on-one counseling, enrollment help, and public education on Medicare coverage and benefits.

The Retirement Research Foundation (RRF) offers Responsive Grants for advocacy projects that significantly impact older Americans. These grants support initiatives focused on critical policy issues like economic security and health care. RRF aims to fund projects that use strategic efforts to address systemic challenges and encourage partnerships for resource optimization. Organizations must ensure that RRF funds are not used for lobbying activities. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations targeting individuals aged 60 and older.

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.

Illinois local and regional governmental entities planning non-motorized transportation infrastructure can seek funding to build bicycle facilities and complete regional greenways and trails. Through the Transportation Alternatives Program, Illinois Department of Transportation supports projects in northeastern Illinois that appear in adopted plans, advance the Regional Greenways and Trails Plan, and improve pedestrian- and bike-friendly connectivity and access.

Illinois local governments, nonprofits, promotion groups, and for‑profit businesses developing or improving tourism attractions in Illinois can access funding through Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Grants of US $15,000 - US $200,000 support capital projects, equipment, training, and interpretive programs that boost visitation and tax revenues; matching funds are required.

Deaconess Foundation provides Illinois public policy nonprofits with up to US $100,000 in one-year general operating support for timely, issue-based policy campaigns. Organizations in Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois working on grassroots advocacy, voter engagement, civic activation, and community organizing to advance systemic, racial, and structural justice may be eligible, including collaborative campaigns.

The FY26 NG9-1-1 Expenses Grant Program, administered by the Illinois State Police, aims to support 9-1-1 Authorities outside municipalities with populations over 500,000. The program prioritizes funding for the implementation of Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) systems, including upgrades to call handling, multimedia recording, and GIS projects. Eligible applicants must comply with state and federal regulations to ensure efficient emergency response and improved public safety through enhanced 9-1-1 services.

Nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups advancing public policy, civic engagement, or systems-change organizing in Madison, St. Clair, or Monroe Counties in Illinois can receive US $20,000 in one-year general operating support. Grants from Deaconess Foundation help strengthen organizational infrastructure, staff capacity, technology, communications, and advocacy efforts that improve community health and racial equity across Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois.

With a mission to expand access to justice, Illinois Equal Justice Foundation provides Illinois legal services nonprofits with funding to deliver free civil legal assistance to low-income veterans, active-duty military, Guard and Reserve members, and their families. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must serve Illinois residents, participate in the IL-AFLAN network model, and track outcomes using standardized measures.

501(c)(3) public charities doing land conservation work in the greater Chicagoland region can apply for Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation grants of US $15,000 - US $75,000 to support operating or project needs. Funding supports strategic land protection, climate resilience, advocacy, and inclusive conservation, which may benefit organizations advancing public policy in Illinois.

Nonprofit organizations, universities, colleges, and government entities conducting environmental education or research projects can seek up to US $2,850 from the Mark W. Schwiebert Fund for Environmental Studies. With a mission to support climate and resource-focused work, Quad Cities Community Foundation provides funding for feasible, high-impact projects in Rock Island County and nearby Illinois and Iowa counties, which may include public policy-related initiatives.

Community organizing groups in Illinois working on social justice, civic engagement, or democracy can apply for Needmor Fund for Social Justice Core Grants, which provide multi-year general operating support. Eligible organizations primarily organize low- and moderate-income people in the Midwest and demonstrate strong, democratic, membership-based power-building strategies.

The FY2026 Adult Protective Services Regional Administrative Agencies (RAA) NOFO provides funding for public or nonprofit agencies to oversee the Department on Aging's Adult Protective Services (APS) Program. Responsibilities include designating APS provider agencies, ensuring staff training, conducting quarterly meetings, and facilitating quality assurance. Eligible applicants are limited to Area Agencies on Aging unless otherwise designated. The program aims to enhance oversight and improve service delivery to vulnerable populations.

Nonprofit and community organizations supporting dementia caregivers can receive up to US $185,000 in Illinois to deliver education, support, and culturally responsive resources for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and related disorders. Illinois Department of Public Health funding may benefit public policy efforts around health equity, underserved populations, and implementation of the Illinois Alzheimer’s Disease State Plan.

Community-based organizations in Illinois working on maternal and infant health can seek funding to launch or sustain programs that advance birth equity and equitable access to maternal care. Focused on maternal and perinatal health, the Illinois Department of Public Health invites projects that strengthen perinatal supports, engage doulas and other providers, and enhance care coordination, with awards up to US $200,000.

Illinois community-based and community-focused organizations serving adults 18 and older can access funding to improve blood pressure control and cardiovascular health through stronger community-clinical linkages. Illinois Department of Public Health supports projects that address social determinants of health, reduce disparities, and increase use of social services, with awards up to Up to US $1,206,246.

Nonprofit organizations developing or expanding toll-free abortion navigation hotlines in Illinois can receive up to US $8,500,000 to support reproductive healthcare access and education. Illinois Department of Public Health supports public policy and systems-level reproductive health navigation by funding culturally competent, multilingual counseling, provider referrals, logistical support, and coordination with social support services statewide.

Nonprofit organizations in Illinois proposing nature-based climate mitigation projects can apply for US $2,500 - US $50,000 to implement tree planting, prairie restoration, regenerative agriculture, or similar efforts. Grants from The Lumpkin Family Foundation help rural and small-town groups advance habitat restoration, carbon drawdown, and community engagement that may also support public policy change on climate and land use.

Local health departments and lead organizations partnering with at least one local health department in Illinois can seek up to US $500,000 to build or implement place-based interventions addressing social determinants of health. Grants from Illinois Department of Public Health help expand partnerships, develop logic models, and carry out public health policy and equity initiatives.

Nonprofits, governments, schools, universities, and organized community groups in Rock Island County, Illinois, can apply for Quad Cities Community Foundation’s QC River Connections Grant, with awards up to US $50,000 for Mississippi River–related environmental projects. Eligible efforts include nature-based solutions, cleanups, education, and equity-focused community engagement that benefit the river and its tributaries.

Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority

Created in 1983, the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) is a state agency dedicated to improving the administration of criminal justice. ICJIA brings together key leaders from the justice system and the public to identify critical issues faced by the criminal justice system in Illinois and to propose and evaluate policies, programs, and legislation that address those issues. The agency also works to ensure the criminal justice system in Illinois is efficient, effective, and equitable.

In the area of grants administration, ICJIA: 1. Implements and funds criminal justice and violence prevention programs under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), Adult Redeploy Illinois (ARI), Restore, Reinvest, Renew (R3) Program, and other state and federal grant programs. 2. Monitors program activity, ensures accountability, and provides technical assistance to grantees.

Institute to Innovate (i2i) Capacity Building and Violence Prevention Grant Program

The Institute to Innovate (i2i) program invests in organizations working to prevent violence and improve public safety throughout Illinois. The program recognizes that effective violence prevention depends on both strong community-based services and the organizational infrastructure needed to support those services. Applicants must select one of the following project pathways:

• Capacity Building Activities: Projects that strengthen organizational leadership, governance, financial management, workforce, technology, policies, evaluation practices, or other internal systems.
• Violence Prevention Activities: Projects that provide or expand eligible community-based violence prevention services.
• Combined Capacity Building and Violence Prevention Activities: Projects that strengthen organizational systems while also providing, expanding, or improving violence prevention services.

Nonprofit organizations in Whiteside County, Illinois, seeking up to US $2,500 for educational, cultural, recreational, health, human services, or community betterment projects may be eligible. With a mission to transform the region through generosity, Quad Cities Community Foundation provides Morrison Area Community Foundation Grants that can support local initiatives, including those with public policy components.