Best Youth Sports Grants in Illinois

The 230 Outpatient Fitness Restoration Grant provides essential outpatient mental health services and fitness education for non-dangerous defendants adjudicated unfit to stand trial. This program focuses on community-based fitness restoration, which includes psychiatric and substance abuse treatment, aimed at reducing the number of individuals on waiting lists for inpatient services. With approximately 16 grants anticipated, the initiative supports both adults and juveniles, ensuring timely access to necessary treatments while upholding fairness and ethical standards in the judicial process.

The NRA Foundation provides funding for charitable purposes as defined under IRS section 501(c)(3). Eligible organizations include government entities and IRS-recognized nonprofits. Grant requests must align with the Foundation's mission, which promotes firearms safety, education, and research. Ineligible organizations include labor unions and private businesses. The Foundation aims to support programs that enhance public benefit, particularly in the shooting sports and related educational activities.

The CHS Foundation's Ag Leadership Grant aims to enhance agricultural leadership and cooperative education. This program supports projects that cultivate a diverse pipeline for future agricultural leaders, focusing on education and career training for high school students to young professionals. Priority is given to initiatives that impact multiple states within the CHS trade area, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of the cooperative business model in agriculture.

The CHS Foundation's Cooperative Education Grant aims to support educational projects that enhance understanding of the agricultural cooperative business model. With a focus on middle school to college-age students, the program encourages innovative approaches, measurable outcomes, and engagement strategies. It prioritizes initiatives with a national or state-level reach within the CHS trade area, fostering success and growth in cooperative education. Funding will be allocated to programs that align with these goals, ensuring a robust educational framework for future leaders in agriculture.

The Eviction Help Illinois Mediation Services Grants, funded by the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation, aim to provide accessible mediation services to residents facing eviction. These grants support nonprofit dispute resolution centers in Illinois, enhancing their capacity to offer free mediation and training for mediators. The program focuses on improving access to fair dispute resolution, especially for those without legal support, ensuring that low-income individuals can navigate eviction processes effectively and maintain housing stability.

The Wildlife Preservation Fund for Rehabilitation Facilities in Illinois supports the maintenance of facilities that care for threatened or endangered species. Eligible applicants include individuals, government organizations, and nonprofits with a wildlife rehabilitation license. Grant funds, ranging from $4,000 to $25,000, can be used for structural repairs and maintenance of existing rehabilitation facilities. This funding aims to ensure the well-being of vulnerable wildlife through improved care and resources.

FNBO's Community Sponsorships provide vital financial support to nonprofit organizations and community events that enhance the well-being of our communities. By focusing on affordable housing, entrepreneurship, education, environmental sustainability, access to arts and culture, community cohesion, and health, FNBO aims to create impactful partnerships. Monthly reviews of sponsorship requests ensure timely decision-making, emphasizing FNBO's commitment to fostering community development and empowering historically underrepresented populations.

The Eviction Help Illinois Grants, provided by the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation, aim to offer civil legal assistance to low-income residents facing eviction. These grants focus on legal services such as advice, representation, and access to mediation resources. By funding nonprofit organizations, the initiative seeks to enhance legal support for vulnerable populations, ensuring they receive the necessary help to maintain housing stability and navigate the complexities of eviction and housing issues effectively.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Illinois support eligible communities in preparing for or recovering from emergencies that threaten safe drinking water availability. This program, administered by USDA Rural Development, funds projects such as waterline extensions and new water sources, with grants up to $1 million. Eligible applicants include governmental entities, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes, particularly in rural areas with populations of 10,000 or less.

Community Foundation of the Quincy Area

My Community Foundation (also known as The Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri) is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving quality of life in the communities it serves by connecting compassionate donors with meaningful causes. The foundation works with individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit partners to gather charitable contributions, grow those funds through professional investment strategies, and grant the earnings in ways that address local needs now and into the future. It builds and manages permanent endowments tailored to donors’ goals, ensuring their philanthropic visions—whether honoring a loved one, establishing a legacy, or supporting community needs—are realized. Serving a 12-county region across West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri, the foundation acts as a steward of charitable assets, helping donors make a lasting impact through customized giving opportunities, community grants, and strategic support for nonprofit organizations.

Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship

Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship provides financial support to students pursuing education in agriculture-related fields. Selection is based on academic achievement and promise, demonstrated financial need, the likelihood that the recipient will return to Pike County or Calhoun County to engage in farming, the applicant’s ability to successfully complete their chosen program, and how well the educational program aligns with the applicant’s ongoing course of study. Awards are made annually in the spring.

The Native Voices Endowment Grants, managed by the Endangered Language Fund, support the preservation of endangered languages associated with Native American tribes that interacted with the Lewis and Clark Expedition from 1803-1806. Grants are available for language documentation, revitalization, and educational projects, fostering cultural heritage through various initiatives. Eligible applicants include tribal members and language programs, ensuring the continuation of linguistic traditions and community involvement in revitalizing native languages.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Cooperating Technical Partners (CTP) Program provides $41 million in funding across nine regions to enhance flood risk awareness. This initiative, led by FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program, empowers local communities to develop critical flood hazard data and maps. By strengthening local capabilities, the program promotes informed decision-making and responsible planning to mitigate flood risks effectively.

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.

The GPCAH Community Pilot Grant supports innovative research and outreach aimed at enhancing the health and safety of agricultural workers in the Midwest. Funded by NIOSH, this program encourages projects focusing on critical issues like mental health, injury prevention, and chemical safety. With grants up to $30,000, it invites collaboration from various organizations, particularly those within the nine-state region. Special emphasis is placed on proposals addressing the needs of underrepresented groups in agriculture.

Illinois Department of Human Services

The Illinois Department of Human Services was created in 1997 to provide our state's residents with streamlined access to integrated services, especially those who are striving for economic independence, and others who face multiple challenges to self-sufficiency.

Our Mission: We respond to the needs of all people in Illinois so they can lead healthy, safe, and enriched lives.

590 Crisis Care System

Program Description

Building a Unified Crisis Continuum

Under the leadership of the Chief Behavioral Health Officer (CBHO), the Illinois Department of Human Services - Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) are partnering closely to advance a unified, comprehensive crisis response framework known as the Illinois Unified Crisis Continuum (UCC). Using the UCC framework, Illinois is adapting and implementing the Three Essential Elements of SAMHSA's 2025 National Guidelines for a Behavioral Health Coordinated System of Crisis Care: someone to contact, someone to respond, and a safe place for help. In doing so, the State is ensuring that individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay, have equitable access to timely, appropriate, high-quality crisis care and follow up in a community setting.

Achieving this vision requires interagency alignment on crisis service definitions and expectations, allowing for the maximization of federal financial participation through the Illinois Medicaid program whenever possible. Doing so reserves DBHR's grant funding for serving individuals who receive crisis services and are uninsured or underinsured, including those not enrolled in one of the medical assistance programs administered by HFS.

This program supports the someone to respond element of the continuum in alignment with the State's overall UCC vision and plan.

Division of Early Childhood

The Department of Human Services Division of Early Childhood (DEC) was established as a standalone IDHS division in 2021 to help strengthen and centralize the state's existing child care, home visiting, and early intervention programs, as well as operationalize and create administrative capacity to establish sustainable infrastructure needs in order to streamline services.

Working hand-in-hand with local communities throughout Illinois, the Division of Early Childhood provides low-income, working families with access to quality, affordable child care; administers community-based prevention and intervention programs; and helps all children between the ages of birth to three with disabilities or delays, to learn and grow.

480-50-3708 Migrant and Seasonal Head Start

Description

Scope of Work

Provide a full-day, comprehensive Head Start child development program to children, ages six weeks to six years, from migrant and seasonal farm-worker families. Program includes early childhood education, school readiness, developmental assessment, mental health screening, field trips, project work, immunizations, nutritious meal service and medical and dental examinations, completion of dental and medical treatment for children who need it, social-service referrals and transportation services.

Announcement Type: Renewal

The Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant supports teachers in Illinois, including home-schooling educators, to facilitate outdoor learning experiences focused on biodiversity. Eligible field trips must occur primarily outdoors and can receive funding for transportation and substitute teacher costs. With a maximum of $500 per teacher, this initiative encourages collaboration among educators. Applications must be submitted for trips occurring before December 31, 2026, and notifications will be sent by March 15, 2026.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

John “Jack” Harkness Memorial Fund

The John “Jack” Harkness Memorial Fund was established to support activities relating to mathematics and business through the A+ Foundation for West Aurora Schools. In addition, an annual scholarship will be granted to a senior scholar athlete planning to major in accounting, business or math.

John “Jack” Harkness was raised in Aurora and graduated in 1946 from East Aurora High School. After high school, John spent two years overseas in the Army with the occupation forces following World War II. Following those two years, he played football at Knox College while serving in the Army Reserves. He graduated from Knox in 1952 with a degree in Accounting. After a final stint in the Army, he was honorably discharged and began his accounting career and focused on raising a family with the love of his life, Mary. Together they raised four children: John (deceased 1972), Mary Ann, Susan, and Karen.

John passed away in June 2018 and is dearly missed by his children and grandchildren. His passion for education was passed on to his daughters, who all became teachers.

The Patterson Foundation offers Assistance Dog Program Grants to support organizations providing service animals to veterans and individuals with disabilities. Funding is available for projects that expand capacity, personnel costs related to puppy training, and program support aimed at improving client experiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and can request grants up to $35,000 for capital projects or $10,000 for program support. Applications are accepted through a two-step process.

CSX Charitable Investments provide essential in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations focused on supporting military members and community first responders. Through intermodal transportation services, CSX offers equipment and rail services to help reduce transportation costs for eligible organizations. The program also includes occasional donations of railroad materials and equipment based on availability. CSX prioritizes support for organizations operating within its service areas, promoting community betterment and development.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

Route 66 Grant Program

Since 1926, Route 66 defined a remarkable era in our nation's history and it lives on today in Illinois' many Route 66 roadside attractions, museums, and restaurants. Route 66 is one of the most famous roads in America. Generations of travelers have romanticized this highway as a symbol of unlimited mobility and freedom of the road. Its iconic status is enhanced by the unprecedented volume of music, books, films, and other art forms that depict it as the essence of America's highway culture.

It was born in 1926 as part of the new numbered highway network and quickly grew to be the preferred road west for a nation on the move. US Highway 66 was not as old or as long as some other transcontinental routes like the Yellowstone or the Lincoln Highway, but it quickly gained fame as the shortest, year-round route between the Midwest and the coast as it passed through the fabled landscape of the American Southwest. The construction of this thin, ribbon of the road helped to transform the American West from an isolated frontier to an economically vital region of the country and made it accessible to anyone with a car.

Part of the charm of Route 66 is its idiosyncratic personality. Like a giant carnival Midway, this corridor of neon signs and gaudy roadside attractions was embraced by the traveling public as an exciting diversion from ordinary life. A trip on Route 66 promised an exhilarating pilgrimage where one might discover the unknown and experience the unusual. Route 66 is synonymous with fun and adventure.

Route 66 is also synonymous with endless opportunity. As our transportation sector evolves and electrifies, more drivers will be choosing electric vehicles (EVs) to traverse our state’s roads and highways. Embracing future tourism trends like electrified transportation and promoting the state’s tourism areas as EV destinations will unlock all Route 66 has to offer for EV drivers who want to shop, dine, and explore Route 66’s local attractions.

In Illinois, we have over 300 miles of Route 66 to travel from its starting point in Chicago to the Chain of Rocks Bridge. This funding opportunity provides the certified convention and visitors bureaus along the route to partner and develop projects that will enhance the Route 66 experience in Illinois. 

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

James H. & Ione P. Fitzgerald Scholarship Endowment Fund

James and Ione Fitzgerald bequeathed a portion of their estate to provide scholarships for students graduating from high schools located within the City of Aurora.

James Fitzgerald (1907-1995) was born in Oswego. He attained the rank of lieutenant with the Illinois State Police. Later, he served as the treasurer of Kane County.

He was a member of A. F. & A. M. Masonic Lodge #90, Aurora Moose Lodge #400, the Aurora Elks Club, Phoenix Club and the Elburn Lions Club.

Ione Fitzgerald (1914-2006) was born in Chicago. She was a graduate of East Aurora High School.

From 1939-1944, she was secretary to the director of Mooseheart. She later moved to Elgin where she was a buyer for Ackemann’s Department Store.

Mrs. Fitzgerald was the president of the Elgin Girl Scouts and a member of the Lady Elks.

After the death of their former spouses, James and Ione Fitzgerald were married in 1980.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

PLTW Engineering - New Program In Partnership With Ardagh Group

Ardagh Group has partnered with PLTW to support education in its local communities where Ardagh employees live and work. This partnership recognizes the critical role education, and access to education, plays in ensuring equal opportunities and in building successful, vibrant communities. It is expected that over the next 10 years, Ardagh sponsored education programs will benefit more than 500,000 PreK-12 students as well as delivering best-in-class teacher training to more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 schools in Ardagh's U.S. communities.

Ardagh is a global supplier of sustainable packaging solutions with 16,000+ employees worldwide, and proud local employer.

Program Requirements

The purpose of this grant is to assist the grantee's implementation of the PLTW Engineering program. Grantee must offer the PLTW Engineering program for three academic years. Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2027-2028 academic year and must offer one additional course in the 2028-2029 academic year (two different courses in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Engineering courses of their choosing. Grantee must complete three years of grant reporting.

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

The mission of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is to create equitable economic opportunities across the State of Illinois. By attracting and supporting major job creators, investing in communities, strengthening Illinois’ world-class workforce, fostering innovation, and ushering in the new clean energy economy, DCEO works to fortify Illinois’ reputation as a global economic powerhouse while ensuring Illinois is the best state to live, work and do business.

Manufacturing Training Academies

Program Description

The Manufacturing Training Academies Grant Program will provide capital grants to establish advanced workforce training facilities at downstate Illinois community colleges (defined as community college districts located outside Cook and the collar counties). The workforce training to be subsequently provided will foster development in manufacturing operations aligned with priority industries identified in the Illinois Economic Growth Plan. Priority industries relevant to this opportunity include:

• Life Sciences;
• Quantum Computing, AI, and Microelectronics;
• Clean Energy Production and Manufacturing;
• Advanced Manufacturing; and
• Next Generation Agriculture, Ag Tech and Food Processing.

These capital grants may fund the construction of facilities and purchases of durable equipment needed to establish manufacturing training academies. Specialized manufacturing training academies will foster development of priority industries, greater opportunities in high-wage careers, increased specialization, and increased industry support and collaboration in manufacturing workforce training. 

Unsewered Communities Planning Grant Program (UCPGP)

The Unsewered Communities Planning Grant Program (UCPGP) will utilize a portion of the Illinois EPA Water Pollution Control Loan Program Loan Support funds generated from loan repayments. Illinois EPA expects to award a total of $1,000,000 and anticipates distributing this amount across thirty-three (33) to fifty (50) awards. Funding will be limited to a maximum of $30,000 per applicant.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

Howard E. Gillette Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Howard E. Gillette Scholarship Endowment Fund was created by the family and friends of Dr. Gillette at the time of his passing. It received further funding upon receipt of a bequest from his estate.

Dr. Howard Gillette (1915-2008) was born in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was a graduate of East Aurora High School, North Central College and the University of Illinois College of Dentistry.

After completing his residency in Oral Surgery at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, he spent three years in the United States Air Force.

In 1947, he started his Oral Surgery practice in Aurora. He retired in 1982.

Dr. Gillette was a member of the board of directors of the Community Foundation for twenty-two years. He also served as a senior or emeritus director for seven years.

Scholarships from Dr. Gillette’s fund are available to graduates of East Aurora and West Aurora High School for attendance at North Central College.