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.

Grants from Dow Company Foundation help Illinois nonprofits, schools, and public agencies address educational, economic, or environmental challenges facing Black youth and adults. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities in listed Illinois communities may receive up to US $10,000 for community-identified initiatives, which can include public policy-related work improving equitable opportunities.

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.

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 education organizations serving homeless students can receive funding to improve identification, services, attendance, and academic success. Illinois State Board of Education provides Illinois public school districts, regional offices of education, lab schools, and charter schools with approximately US $5,180,855 in financial and technical assistance to expand equitable, data-informed supports for students experiencing homelessness.

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.

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.

Nonprofits and research organizations working on gun violence prevention, justice reform, or violence intervention policy in Illinois and the broader Great Lakes region can seek support for research, advocacy, and pilot initiatives. With a mission to build safe and just communities, The Joyce Foundation provides funding for projects that advance racial equity and influence public policy and practice.

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.

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.

The Access and Equity in Dual Credit Project Grant, offered by the Illinois Community College Board, aims to enhance dual credit opportunities across Illinois. With a total funding of $2.6 million available, this grant supports community colleges in improving access and equity for historically underserved students. By encouraging dual credit participation, the initiative seeks to boost student enrollment and success, ultimately contributing to higher postsecondary attainment and better educational outcomes for all.

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.

Eligible Illinois governments, nonprofits, schools, tribes, businesses, and individuals can seek funding for impaired driving prevention education, community outreach, and criminal justice training projects. Grants from Illinois Department of Transportation help Illinois public policy and traffic safety stakeholders reduce alcohol- and drug-related crashes, fatalities, and serious injuries through coordinated, non-enforcement highway safety initiatives.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.