Best Youth Sports Grants in Illinois

The Illinois Community Canopy: Tree Removal Grant Program, funded by Trees Forever, aims to assist communities in managing their tree canopies by providing grants for the removal of dead, dying, or damaged trees. This initiative is crucial for safety and environmental health, especially in areas affected by the Emerald Ash Borer and natural disasters. Eligible communities can also apply for tree planting grants to replace the removed trees, fostering a sustainable urban ecosystem.

The Illinois Community Canopy Grant Program offers funding for tree inventory and management plans to disadvantaged communities. With up to $25,000 available, this program aims to enhance urban canopies and promote sustainable management practices. Communities can engage certified professionals to complete their inventories, ensuring data accuracy for future tree planting initiatives. Priority is given to those without a complete digital inventory or with outdated data. This initiative supports environmental stewardship and community development.

The Illinois Community Canopy Grant, offered by Trees Forever, supports disadvantaged communities in enhancing their tree canopy through tree planting projects. Grants range from $3,000 to $15,000 for first-time applicants, with eligibility for up to $20,000 for milestones like establishing a tree board. The program emphasizes volunteer involvement and requires a diverse selection of tree species to promote long-term forest health. This initiative aims to fortify community forests and prepare for environmental challenges.

27-3786-01 Illinois Cycle Rider Safety Training Program

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT or “Department”) is seeking Cycle Rider Safety Training Course Providers (“Providers”) to administer Cycle Rider Safety Training Courses to individuals interested in taking a motorcycle safety course. The Cycle Rider Safety Training Program (CRSTP or “Program”) began in 1976 through Public Act 82-649. Since its inception and through partnerships with grantees, the program has trained over 400,000 students in Illinois.

To aid in reducing fatalities and serious injuries on Illinois roads, the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Safety Programs and Engineering (BSPE) administers the CRSTP. Through grantees, the CRSTP offers various levels of motorcycle safety training courses for Illinois residents to reduce motorcycle crashes. Motorcycle users are vulnerable road users and providing training to the community is essential to saving lives. As a benefit, students that pass Entry- or Intermediate-level training will be eligible to receive a course completion card that waives the motorcycle licensing test requirement when presented at the Illinois Secretary of State.

Motorcycle training is a vital component in IDOT’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) ; it focuses on the reduction of motorcyclists’ vulnerabilities while riding. Course content includes how to choose proper safety gear and improve riding techniques. These strategies can help reduce motorcyclist fatalities on Illinois roadways.

The goal of this program is to provide motorcycle training to current and potential motorcycle riders of all skill and experience levels. Courses are available to Illinois residents 16 or older who hold a valid automobile or motorcycle driver’s license. Residents younger than 18 must have written consent from a legal guardian. Program courses shall address safe motorcycling principles, enhancing the knowledge and skills of riders from novice to advanced.

Opportunity Funding

• $6,000,000.00

CAR Positive Parenting Program

The Positive Parenting Program is open to the community with a focus of working with families involved within the Child Welfare System, including but not limited to families in need of support, guidance, and/or foster families struggling to provide the much-needed nurturing of children placed in their homes. Parent training utilizes The Nurturing Parenting Program (NPP), an evidenced based, evidence informed recognized curriculum with pre- and post-tests, classes, home visits and childcare.

The family centered treatment program establishes therapeutic supports for the parents and children to learn similar knowledge and skills in order to improve the quality of their lives and build nurturing skills as an alternative to abusive and neglectful behaviors

The program assists families in building self-awareness, positive self-concept/esteem, building and enhancing levels of empathy, enhancing family communication and awareness of needs, replacing abusive behaviors with nurturing behaviors, and promoting healthy physical and emotional development. The program is designed to intervene to prevent further escalation of the early stages of maltreatment and to replace old, existing harmful patterns of family interaction with newer, nurturing patterns of interaction. Those participants in need of further assistance are referred to other helping agencies.

The Positive Parenting Program also provides home visits where parents and children interact and practice their new skills, which strengthens the family unit. The home visiting services are completed by the facilitators and are utilized to address specific issues relevant to the family. Home visiting services are required of all DCFS referred families. All other families may be included in these services if deemed necessary.

Opportunity Funding

• $160,008.00

The Illinois Equal Justice Foundation (IEJF) provides funding to support domestic violence prevention through self-help legal assistance projects. Grants are available to Illinois-based organizations that offer legal advice and assistance to individuals navigating the legal system, particularly in noncriminal matters. The funding aims to empower survivors of domestic violence by ensuring they have access to essential legal resources. This initiative is part of the state's fiscal year 2025 budget, focusing on enhancing legal support for low-income individuals.

The Thing 123 Foundation's Community Challenge Grant aims to combat hunger in Elmhurst and surrounding areas by matching donations to build a new Community Food Pantry facility. Established in 1999, the Foundation supports organizations dedicated to enhancing children's lives. This grant will match one dollar for every two dollars donated, up to $100,000, to empower local businesses and community leaders in the fight against food insecurity affecting families and individuals in need.

The Illinois Children's Healthcare Foundation (ILCHF) aims to ensure every child in Illinois grows up healthy. Committed to improving children's health and wellness, ILCHF supports innovative ideas and partnerships that address emerging needs. While funding is available for novel initiatives, it does not support budget shortfalls, existing program operations, or medical research. ILCHF is dedicated to fostering a healthier future for Illinois children through targeted and impactful funding.

The Dr. Ralph and Marian Falk Medical Research Trust – Falk Catalyst Awards support high-risk, high-reward biomedical research with up to $350,000 in funding over one to two years. These awards aim to address critical scientific challenges and enable the translation of innovative research into clinical practices. Projects focus on identifying biological markers, therapeutic targets, and developing interventions to disrupt disease processes, ultimately improving treatment outcomes for patients.

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.

Colonel Sidney Ginsberg Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was established upon receipt of a bequest from the estate of Colonel Sidney Ginsberg.

The fund supports scholarships for students graduating from East Aurora or West Aurora High School for attendance at a state-supported college or university located in Illinois.

Colonel Ginsberg (1899-1951) served in the United States Army following his graduation from West Point Academy.

After World War II, he returned to Aurora to manage the Ginsberg Store which was founded by his father Isaac Ginsberg.

In his bequest, Colonel Ginsberg included the following words. “The citizens of Aurora have been extremely good to me and to my business operations. The monies spent in my store (Ginsberg Store) by such citizens enable me to establish a trust and I hope by this method to repay them in some small manner.”

Colonel Ginsberg’s bequest was the first to be received by the Foundation. Created in 1953, Mr. Ginsberg’s fund was established as an endowment in 1989.

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.

Dickes Family Scholarship Permanent Endowment Fund

This fund was established upon receipt of a bequest from the estate of Herman A. Dickes.

Mr. Dickes (1905-2000) was born in Aurora and graduated from East Aurora High School.

Prior to his retirement, he had been employed by the Burlington Railroad.

His wife May Dickes (1907-1989) was born in Chicago. She was an enthusiastic volunteer for numerous community projects and served as the first chairperson of the Mercy Ball.

Mr. and Mrs. Dickes were involved in many youth activities and charitable organizations in Aurora.

Holy Angels Catholic Church, Mercy Center, Knights of Columbus, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and the Elks Club were a few of the many special places which felt their love.

In keeping with their belief in the importance and accessibility of education for all youth, the couple established an endowed scholarship for students with financial need who are graduating from a high school located within the City of Aurora or from Marmion Academy.

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.

Erin K. Harrison Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Erin K. Harrison Memorial Scholarship Fund provides annual awards to Aurora residents who are graduating from East Aurora or West Aurora High School or to students who are GED graduates.

These scholarships are reserved for students pursuing a career in the field of counseling, education, nursing, psychology, or social work.

Erin Harrison (1985-2004) was born in Park Ridge, Illinois. She grew up in Aurora, Illinois and attended Hall Elementary School, Jefferson Middle School and West Aurora High School.

At the time of her passing, Erin was a senior at West High where she played the clarinet in the school’s various bands. She also worked at the SciTech Museum and was active in the youth group at New England Congregational Church.

Always adventurous and charming, Erin possessed a rare and special gift in relating to children. She had planned to further her talents by pursuing a degree in elementary education at Northern Illinois University.

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.

George & Elaine Hettrich Scholarship Endowment Fund

Scholarships from this fund are awarded to students graduating from high schools located in Oswego School District 308.

These scholarships support students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing and also students studying in a field of their own choosing.

George Hettrich was a lifetime resident and farmer in Oswego Township. After graduating from Oswego High School, he attended Northwestern University and the Chicago Board of Trade Grain and Marketing Program. Mr. Hettrich was elected and served in several Oswego Township and Kendall County offices. He passed away on December 29, 2022.

Elaine Hettrich is a graduate of Oswego High School. She received her R.N. from Copley Hospital School of Nursing and a bachelor of arts degree from Aurora University. She was employed by Copley Hospital and later served twenty-five years as a nurse for the Oswego School District until her retirement in 1994. Mrs. Hettrich is a member of several professional organizations and P.E.O. Chapter BT in Aurora.

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.

Goldsmith Family Endowment Fund

The Goldsmith Family Endowment Fund provides scholarships to students who are graduates of East Aurora High School or West Aurora High School.

This fund, which was created in 2001, became an endowment in 2012.

The Goldsmith family has lived in Aurora for more than 100 years.

Zalmon Goldsmith, a long-time Aurora attorney, and Anne Goldsmith, his wife, were involved in numerous community activities throughout their lives.

Mr. Goldsmith served as a member and chairman of the board of Mercy Hospital and of the Heartland Blood Centers. He was also on the board of Sunnymere.

Mrs. Goldsmith was one of the founders of the Paramount Arts Centre Endowment and also served on the boards of the United Way and the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, among others.

Mr. and Mrs. Goldsmith’s son Bruce has practiced law in Aurora for more than thirty years. Bruce’s wife Margot, a freelance editor, has served on the Aurora Public Library Board of Directors.

The Creative Learning Grants for Schools in Illinois, administered by the Illinois Arts Council, aim to enhance arts education in K-12 public and charter schools. Schools can apply for grants up to $20,000 to obtain essential materials and services from local artists or organizations. This initiative fosters a vibrant arts culture while addressing student needs for creative learning opportunities, ensuring access to quality arts education across the state.

The Illinois Department of Human Services has launched a new funding opportunity to enhance access to telehealth services in underserved communities. This initiative aims to support individuals with opioid use disorder and related substance use disorders by establishing comprehensive telehealth systems. Key activities include developing technology infrastructure, acquiring necessary equipment, and providing training for telehealth providers. This program prioritizes communities disproportionately affected by the opioid crisis, ensuring essential health services reach those in need.

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.

Judy Whinfrey Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund

The Judy Whinfrey Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund was created to honor the life of Judy Whinfrey, a well-known civic leader in the Fox Valley Area.

The fund has been launched with a generous gift from the Central DuPage Hospital Foundation (now known as Northwestern Medicine Foundation), which partnered with Hewitt Associates of Lincolnshire and Mrs. Whinfrey’s husband, Peter Whinfrey, to establish a significant endowment within the hospital foundation in Mrs. Whinfrey’s name.

Judy Whinfrey (1949-2010) was born in Evanston, Illinois. After graduation from the University of Illinois, she joined Hewitt Associates, a global human resources consulting and outsourcing company, where she spent more than thirty years as a principal and managing consultant.

As one of the first women to become an account executive in the mid-1970s, she co-founded Hewitt’s Women in Leadership initiative. She also served on the Hewitt executive committee and was a past member of the company’s board of directors.

Mrs. Whinfrey was a member of the board of directors of Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois and Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Illinois. She served as chairman of the board of the hospital from 2004 to 2008.

She was the first female certificate member of the Chicago Golf Club and was a member of the Secession Golf Club in Beaufort, South Carolina, where she was the first female to play in the annual Blue-Grey matches.

Judy Whinfrey lived life to its fullest and was an inspiration to those whose lives she touched. It is in this spirit that a nursing scholarship was created with the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley.

Scholarships in Mrs. Whinfrey’s name will be awarded to graduates of East Aurora or West Aurora High School who are studying within the field of nursing to obtain an Associate Degree in Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a Master of Science in Nursing.

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.

Myron L. & Frances B. Wormley Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund provides scholarships to students who have been active participants in the Kendall County 4-H Program.

Myron Wormley (1914-2006) was a graduate of East Aurora High School and the University of Illinois.

He farmed on the Wormley Farm near Oswego until 1959. He then began a career in real estate, retiring in the mid 1980’s.

Mr. Wormley also was the Oswego Township Supervisor for twenty-five years.

Frances Wormley (1918-2010) grew up on a farm in Millbrook.

She was a graduate of Yorkville High School and attended the University of Illinois.

Mrs. Wormley was an elder at the Oswego Presbyterian Church, where she also was the organist for many years.

She served on the board of directors of the YWCA Aurora and on the organizing board of what became Waubonsee Community College.

She also was a member of PEO, Republican Women, Eastern Star and the Grove Road Farmers Club.

The Equitable Energy Future Grant Program, launched by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, aims to provide crucial seed and pre-development funding to contractors. This initiative supports renewable energy and energy efficiency projects specifically benefiting historically disadvantaged communities. By addressing capital barriers, the program fosters business and community development, ensuring that these vital projects can thrive. Funding ranges from $250,000 to $1,000,000, encouraging early applications as funds are limited.

The SBIR/STTR Match Program, offered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, provides state funding to support small businesses that have received federal grants through the SBIR and STTR programs. This initiative encourages innovation by facilitating research and development of high-tech products with potential federal interest. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are depleted, ensuring timely support for eligible companies.

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.

Zonta Club of Aurora Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Zonta Club of Aurora Scholarship Endowment Fund was established to recognize academically talented female students graduating from a high school located in the City of Aurora.

Eligible students must have earned an overall grade point average of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale and also must be able to demonstrative positive values in the areas of character and leadership.

Zonta is an international professional business woman’s organization promoting improvement in the status and education of women through community service, study and action. The Aurora Club was established in 1959.

The Planning and Service Grants to Area Agencies on Aging provide essential funding for community-based services for older adults in Illinois. These grants support initiatives addressing social isolation, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia-friendly programs. Eligible applicants include government and nonprofit organizations that serve aging populations. By facilitating access to vital resources, these grants aim to enhance the quality of life for seniors statewide, ensuring they receive the support and services they need.

The Home Delivered Meals (Non-Formula and Formula) State Funding provides essential meal delivery services for homebound older adults in Illinois. This program, funded by the state as a matching share of federal funds, not only ensures that nutritious meals reach those in need but also allows volunteers to check on the welfare of the elderly. Eligible applicants include Area Agencies on Aging, government organizations, and nonprofit organizations.

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.

The Community Based Services for Equal Distribution RFP aims to enhance the quality of life for older adults by supplementing federal funding through the Illinois Department on Aging. This initiative supports the 13 Area Agencies on Aging in providing essential services to seniors, helping them maintain independence and avoid institutionalization. The program prioritizes low-income minorities and those in greatest economic need, ensuring equitable access to resources and support for caregivers.

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.

Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security

The primary responsibility of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) is to better prepare the State of Illinois for natural, manmade or technological disasters, hazards, or acts of terrorism. Our goal is a "better prepared state." IEMA-OHS coordinates the State's disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery programs and activities, functions as the State Emergency Response Commission, and maintains a 24-hour Communication Center and State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC). The SEOC acts as lead in crisis/consequence management response and operations to notify, activate, deploy and employ state resources in response to any threat or act of terrorism. IEMA-OHS assists local governments with multi-hazard emergency operations plans and maintains the Illinois Emergency Operations Plan. 

September 11th License Plates

State Award Notices

September 11th Fund as grants to aid victims of terrorism and as grants to local governments to cover the costs of training, equipment, and other items related to public safety initiatives intended to prevent further acts of terrorism or to respond to further acts of terrorism or other disasters or emergency situations in Illinois.

The September 11th Fund is created as a special fund in the State treasury. Subject to appropriation by the General Assembly, the Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency shall pay all moneys in the September 11th Fund as grants to aid victims of terrorism and as grants to local governments to cover the costs of training, equipment, and other items related to public safety initiatives intended to prevent further acts of terrorism or to respond to further acts of terrorism or other disasters or emergency situations in Illinois.

Funding Restrictions: Potential Grantees must be identified in the State of Illinois Homeland Security Strategy.