Share

Share this page Make an impact for others

Copy link

Link copied

LinkedIn Facebook Email

Search Through Volunteer Grants in Illinois

The Advocate Agency - Safe Families PLUS program, funded by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, provides mentoring for youth aged 14 to 21 at risk of aging out of care. It connects these young individuals with adult volunteers who offer consistent support and guidance as they transition to adulthood. Through structured engagement and adherence to core mentoring standards, the program aims to enhance resilience, foster social connections, and provide essential resources during challenging times.

The Amcor Community Support Grants Program, administered by the Amcor Cares Foundation, provides funding for projects that benefit local communities. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions that serve Amcor Flexibles North America facility communities. Focus areas include fighting hunger, supporting disaster relief, expanding STEM education, and enhancing health and wellness. Applications are reviewed quarterly, and grant amounts typically exceed $1,000.

The GreenState Foundation, part of GreenState Credit Union, is dedicated to enhancing community welfare through financial education, affordable housing, and children's health. They actively support local nonprofits and schools, prioritizing projects that empower underserved communities. With a commitment to fiscal responsibility and community impact, they ensure funding is available within specific regions including Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska, fostering a brighter future for all.

The Old National Bank Foundation provides sponsorships to enhance community initiatives in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Their mission focuses on social responsibility, supporting underrepresented groups, and aligning with the Community Reinvestment Act. Sponsorships cover events such as fundraisers and sporting events, emphasizing active engagement and measurable impact. The Foundation aims to improve quality of life through strategic partnerships and meaningful contributions.

The RJCCT Youth Recreational Program, supported by the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust since 1995, funds projects that enhance youth recreational facilities in eastern Iowa and western Illinois. The program prioritizes communities in specific counties and aims to strengthen local initiatives. Grants typically cover up to 25% of project costs, with a maximum of $25,000. Emphasis is placed on projects with significant local funding and volunteer support, ensuring a lasting impact on youth engagement in recreational activities.

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 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP Job Placement/SNAP to Success by the Illinois Department of Human Services aims to empower low-income individuals by providing access to food and essential employment training services. This program facilitates education and skill development to enhance employability and self-sufficiency. Participants receive case management and assistance with work-related expenses, ensuring they are supported in their journey toward economic independence and sustainable employment opportunities.

The Eichacker + Lofton Grant Fund, established by the Keokuk Area Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in the Tri-State Area, covering Hancock County, Illinois, Clark County, Missouri, and Lee County, Iowa. This fund supports nonprofit organizations focusing on arts, culture, education, health, and community betterment. Grants up to $5,000 are available to initiate projects that address local needs, promote collaboration, and foster leadership and self-sufficiency within the community.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust offers grants aimed at enhancing the lives of animals in the Ohio/Great Lakes region. It prioritizes projects that foster animal adoption, behavior training, and humane education. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and demonstrate a commitment to animal welfare. The Trust seeks innovative, collaborative initiatives that significantly improve the well-being of animals, particularly in underserved communities, ensuring a high quality of life for both individual animals and larger populations.

The Illinois Equal Justice Foundation offers Civil Legal Aid Grants totaling approximately $4.8 million. These grants aim to support programs that provide essential legal services to low-income individuals, such as access to basic needs, protection for domestic violence victims, and assistance for seniors facing fraud. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and serve Illinois residents, ensuring services are free or on a sliding scale based on income.

The Donaldson Foundation offers organizational grants focused on enhancing educational opportunities and community involvement. With an annual budget of $1.2 million, the foundation supports various initiatives, including scholarships and matching grants to educational institutions. It prioritizes organizations that demonstrate a clear need and impact, especially in areas where Donaldson operates. Eligible recipients must be IRS tax-exempt and located in specific U.S. regions, ensuring the foundation's commitment to local communities.

Compeer Financial's Emergency Response Equipment Grant Program aims to enhance collaboration among rural fire, rescue, and ambulance departments by providing funding for specialized equipment. Grants of up to $10,000 support projects that improve emergency response capabilities, encouraging teamwork among departments serving adjacent jurisdictions. Eligible applicants must operate within Compeer's 144-county territory and demonstrate a clear plan for equipment use. This initiative underscores the importance of community cooperation in ensuring effective emergency services in rural areas.

The FY26 Rural Support Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for older adults in rural Illinois by addressing specific challenges such as transportation, technology access, and volunteer recruitment. Organizations eligible for funding must be designated Area Agencies on Aging and comply with various requirements. The grant focuses on initiatives that reduce social isolation, improve health outcomes, and strengthen community connections. This funding opportunity promotes sustainable solutions through capacity building and partnership engagement.

The Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois (LTF) provides essential financial support to non-profit organizations that offer free legal aid to low-income residents. Funded through the Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) and attorney fees, LTF aims to enhance access to justice across Illinois. The fund prioritizes diverse service delivery methods and addresses critical legal needs such as housing, health, and family stability, ensuring equitable participation for marginalized communities.

The John Deere FIRST LEGO League Challenge aims to enhance equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM by supporting teams from underserved communities. Eligible teams must have a John Deere mentor and meet specific criteria related to student demographics. Grants will be awarded to teams that demonstrate commitment to community engagement and volunteerism. This initiative aligns with John Deere’s goal to reach one million underserved youth by 2030, fostering innovation and creativity in future generations.

The Siemer Milling Company Fund, established by the Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation, supports youth leadership development in Effingham County, Illinois, Christian County, Kentucky, and Dearborn County, Indiana. The fund emphasizes the importance of cultivating leadership skills among youth to prepare them for future roles in their communities. Organizations eligible for grants must be public charities with 501(c)(3) status and must focus on programs that enhance leadership skills for youth aged 19 and under.

The Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation's Teutopolis State Bank Designated Fund focuses on supporting local projects that enhance the Teutopolis community. Established in 1913, the Teutopolis State Bank has a long history of civic involvement and philanthropy. This fund provides grants to organizations that meet specific eligibility requirements, aiming to improve areas such as education, health, and social services. The foundation is dedicated to fostering charitable initiatives that make a lasting impact in the region.

The Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation supports the Consolidated Communications Fund for Economic Development and Community Leadership, aiming to enhance community vitality through grants. These grants will aid organizations in workforce skill development, encourage entrepreneurship, and strengthen leadership capacity. The fund recognizes the vital role of nonprofits and community leaders, offering resources to empower them in building a robust local economy. Projects may include training opportunities and enhancements to communication infrastructures, fostering collaboration and innovation.

The Bill and Susan Sherrard Foundation, established in 2001, focuses on enhancing the lives of residents in Henry County, Illinois. It provides grants primarily for educational assistance, historic preservation, religious purposes, and nursing home care. The foundation carries forward the legacy of Bill and Susan, who were dedicated to charitable causes and community support. By funding diverse programs in arts, education, health, and human services, the foundation continues to make a significant impact in the local community.

The John Deere FIRST Robotics Competition grant aims to enhance diversity and inclusion in STEM by supporting teams in underserved communities. Teams must apply for funding before registration and meet specific eligibility criteria. This grant promotes equity in engineering and technology through mentorship and community support, aligning with John Deere's commitment to reach one million underserved youth by 2030. Priority is given to teams with confirmed John Deere mentors and those meeting diverse participation requirements.

The John Deere FIRST LEGO League Discover program aims to support equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM fields by providing grants to teams that meet specific eligibility criteria. Teams must be associated with an educational institution or nonprofit and demonstrate a commitment to recruiting underserved and underrepresented students. The initiative is part of John Deere’s goal to empower one million youth by 2030, fostering innovation and better decision-making in local communities.

The AmeriCorps Competitive Traditional program, managed by the Illinois Department of Human Services, aims to engage members in impactful community service initiatives. Participants can earn a living allowance and the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award for further education. This funding opportunity is available to new and existing applicants in Illinois, encouraging civic engagement and volunteerism to tackle pressing community challenges. Each applicant is limited to one application, with awards varying based on project needs.

League of Chicago Theatres 

The League of Chicago Theatres was founded in 1979 by a small group of theaters formerly known as the Off Loop Producers Association. Their mission was to enrich and sustain the economic and cultural life in Chicago by developing marketing, advocacy and information services to strengthen the operations of member theatres. 

Today the League serves many functions for the community including audience development, advocacy, government relations, grant-making, and professional development. The League remains an organization that is governed by our membership and is proud to serve more than 200 theaters. Our membership encompasses a diverse list of companies including not-for-profit and commercial operations, suburban and city-based, all-volunteer storefront operations and large regional theatres. 

ComEd Powering the Arts Program

Purpose and Overview

Exposure to the arts is vitally important for the health of our communities. Coming together to share a cultural offering is a way to cultivate community and achieve social connection, which inspires and uplifts us all. Arts and culture should be accessible to everyone. Through this program, ComEd and the League of Chicago Theatres look to reach audiences that have otherwise been unable to access the richness of cultural offerings throughout the ComEd service area.

Experiences in the arts increase creativity across the spectrum of human endeavor. Each experience provides audiences with further opportunities for interaction, whether they are inspired to educate themselves further about the topic, create a work of art themselves, or perhaps to attend another event. Each exposure enhances the quality of life for the audiences but can also change lives in profound ways.

Recognizing that access to art is crucial to the quality of our lives, ComEd has partnered with the League of Chicago Theatres to support cultural institutions in northern Illinois in their efforts to reach new and diverse audiences. The ComEd Powering the Arts program has been designed to assist local institutions in these efforts by providing funding for some expenses toward these goals.

Applicants may request funding for either $20,000 or any amount up to $10,000. Requests for funding between levels ($10,001-$19,999) will not be considered.

The Mission Grant by the Dubuque Racing Association aims to enhance community well-being through support for non-profit organizations focused on population growth, retention, and tourism. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt entities, with a preference for projects that involve capacity building. The grant does not fund endowments, political causes, or personal benefits. This initiative seeks to bolster the tri-state area, specifically targeting Dubuque and surrounding counties to promote local tourism and economic development.

The Eviction Help Illinois Grants, provided by the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation, offer crucial support to nonprofit organizations that deliver free legal assistance to individuals facing eviction. In light of the ongoing housing crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, these grants aim to enhance access to legal services and mediation, particularly in suburban Cook County and downstate regions. Eligible organizations must comply with specific legal and financial criteria, ensuring aid reaches those in need effectively.

The CFQA Community Grants program supports nonprofit organizations, government entities, and faith-based groups in West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri. By fostering collaborations and addressing community needs, the program enhances the quality of life across 12 counties. Grants are awarded annually through a competitive process, focusing on areas like arts, education, health, and human services. The foundation aims to make a lasting impact by strategically investing in initiatives that benefit local residents.

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.