Best Kankakee County Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

The Farmers Market Grant Program by Compeer Financial aims to support organizations enhancing services at farmers markets. Grants of up to $1,000 are available for marketing efforts, technology upgrades, and vendor education. Eligible applicants must be bona fide farmers markets with at least three vendors of locally-produced products and must operate in the designated 144-county area. Priority is given to markets that have not previously received funding.

The Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program, initiated by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, aims to foster the growth of clean energy contractor businesses and nonprofits. Targeting areas affected by economic and environmental challenges, this initiative seeks to support local entrepreneurs in Waukegan, Kankakee, Champaign, and Danville. By investing in these communities, the program aspires to enhance the clean energy economy and create equitable job opportunities across Illinois.

Rural volunteer fire, rescue, or ambulance departments collaborating across adjacent jurisdictions in Kankakee County, Illinois can seek funding for specialized emergency response equipment. With a mission to support rural communities, Compeer Financial provides up to US $7,500 toward items like chest compression systems or hydraulic extrication tools within its 144-county Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin territory.

Farmers market vendors in Kankakee County, Illinois who are Compeer Financial clients can receive up to US $500 to improve education, marketing, or technology for their booths. Grants from Compeer Financial help fund branding, websites, mobile payment tools, and equipment like scales, tents, tables, coolers, labeling tools, and signage.

The Illinois Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) encourages landowners with five or more acres of unimproved land to manage their properties for environmental conservation. By implementing habitat management plans, participants can potentially lower their property tax valuations. Key goals include restoring native species, controlling invasive species, and enhancing critical habitats. This program is essential for preserving Illinois’ biodiversity in a predominantly private landscape, making it a valuable initiative for local landowners.

Nonprofit organizations and public entities running food access or nutrition education programs in Kankakee County, Illinois can access funding via Bayer Fund to address malnutrition and hunger. Eligible, established 501(c)(3)s, schools, and local governments in designated legacy-Monsanto communities may be invited to apply for behavior-change nutrition initiatives and food security efforts like pantries, backpack programs, or community gardens.

Pillars of Giving

Nicor Gas focuses its charitable giving on five pillars. Grants are most likely to be awarded to organizations that fall into one of the five focus areas noted below and whose programs benefit those within Nicor Gas’ service area.

Family and Social Services

Strong communities depend on good citizens working together. We invest in nonprofit organizations with programs that support families, improve quality of life, foster resilience and enhance social welfare.

The Family and Social Services pillar provides support to social services programs. We focus on communities where stabilization needs are the greatest. Organizations funded under this pillar include social services agencies, non-core health services such as mental health, substance abuse, disability services, and organizations that target civic development. Nicor Gas supports a broad range of programs that promote community and social services, including but not limited to:

• Mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment programs
• Domestic violence prevention and treatment programs
• Disability services programs
• Family support services programs
• Rehabilitation programs

The Special Education - EI Child & Family Connections program, managed by the Illinois Department of Human Services, aims to provide essential services for families with children under three years old facing challenges like child abuse or neglect. This initiative ensures equitable access to early intervention services throughout Illinois, enhancing the welfare of vulnerable children and promoting their developmental needs effectively.

The Nicor Gas: Critical Needs Fund, managed by Northern Illinois Community Initiatives, provides essential grants to nonprofit organizations for emergency situations impacting service delivery. Focused on racial equity, the fund aims to support organizations across the Nicor service area, enabling them to address critical needs swiftly, ideally within 30 days. Applicants must demonstrate their 501(c)(3) status and submit detailed project plans, budgets, and impact reports to ensure compliance and responsible fund usage.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Kankakee County, Illinois with community and culture programs can apply for Nicor Gas’ Pillar Grants, with awards up to US $5,000. Funding supports arts education, cultural enrichment, community-based exhibitions and performances, and programs expanding access to resources and opportunities for people of all backgrounds within the Nicor Gas service area.

Environmental and conservation-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Nicor Gas’ service area, including Kankakee County, Illinois, can apply for pillar grants up to US $5,000 to advance environmental stewardship projects. Focused on clean air, conservation, green space, and sustainable activities, Nicor Gas invites organizations to increase customer and employee engagement with the natural environment.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Kankakee County, Illinois offering education or workforce development programs can apply for Nicor Gas’ Pillar Grants, with awards up to US $5,000. Funding supports secondary and post-secondary, technical, vocational, STEM, mentoring, and job training initiatives that benefit residents within Nicor Gas’ service area and align with workforce readiness.

Kankakee County, Illinois nonprofits addressing basic human needs and energy assistance can access funding through Nicor Gas for programs providing food, shelter, clothing, disaster relief, or help connecting customers to energy assistance. 501(c)(3) organizations serving residents within Nicor Gas’ service area may receive up to US $5,000, typically once per year.

The Iris Krieg Fund for Fairness, Access, Inclusion, and Resiliency Initiative, established by the Bright Promises Foundation, aims to empower youth leadership and promote civic engagement. This initiative emphasizes fairness, access, inclusion, and resiliency, allowing young people to actively participate in shaping policies and decisions that affect their lives. By addressing barriers and fostering an environment of equity, the initiative seeks to amplify the voices of youth as change agents in their communities.

The Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company supports local nonprofits through employee-led grants. With over 60 years of experience, ECF pools tax-deductible donations to empower impactful community initiatives. The Chicago Chapter prioritizes established nonprofits in Arts and Culture, Education, Environment, and Health and Human Services, focusing on sustainable and scalable programs. Grants typically range from $3,000 to $10,000, with careful consideration given to alignment with ECF's mission and employee contributions.

The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation offers Local Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in 11 markets, providing $225,000 to support local programs addressing community issues. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a revenue exceeding $100,000 and must operate in one of the specified television markets. The grants aim to empower youth through education, promote diverse storytelling, and enhance community engagement. This initiative underscores Comcast's commitment to fostering inclusion and equitable opportunities for underserved communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting children’s education, health, and well-being in Kankakee County, Illinois can request product donations or support that foster outdoor active play. Radio Flyer supports early childhood development, youth services, and related children’s programs, with remaining giving directed to local Chicagoland nonprofits serving kids from infancy through age eight.

County fair boards and similar entities in Kankakee County, Illinois can seek funding to renovate, update, or construct agricultural buildings and facilities on fairgrounds. Focused on livestock, youth exhibitors, and agriculture education spaces, Compeer Financial offers up to US $4,000 for projects within its 144-county territory, including Kankakee County.

The Lumpkin Family Foundation has launched the Wellness Grants for Leaders and Frontline Workers to combat burnout in nonprofit organizations. This program offers up to $2,500 for mental wellness initiatives and up to $10,000 for sabbatical leave for senior leaders. Eligible organizations must have received LFF funding within the last three years and adhere to specific guidelines. The foundation prioritizes the mental health of frontline workers to ensure sustainable community service.

The Emergency Response Equipment Grant Program by Compeer Financial aims to bolster rural communities by providing funding for essential emergency response equipment for volunteer fire, rescue, and ambulance departments. With grants up to $4,000, this initiative ensures that first responders have the necessary tools to protect and serve their communities effectively. Eligibility is limited to rural departments in the 144-county territory, ensuring that help reaches those who need it most.

The Universal Leaf Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations primarily in areas where Universal Leaf Tobacco Company operates. Focus areas include education for at-risk individuals, higher education, civic/community arts, and environmental initiatives. The Foundation emphasizes good corporate citizenship and community engagement through financial support and employee volunteerism. Organizations must operate within designated geographic areas and cannot be involved in political advocacy or restrict services based on demographics. Grants aim to enhance community well-being and educational opportunities.

Emergency Response Fund

In response to tornadoes that touched down in Kankakee County on Tuesday, March 10, the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley and United Way of Kankakee & Iroquois Counties have activated their joint Emergency Response Fund of Kankakee & Iroquois Counties to support individuals and families impacted by the storm. The Emergency Response Fund was designed to provide swift and coordinated assistance during times of crisis. By pooling resources with a shared grants process and working closely with local nonprofits and community partners, this fund will ensure that local support reaches those most affected by emergencies.

The Emergency Response Fund was originally created during the COVID-19 pandemic by the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley and United Way of Kankakee & Iroquois Counties. Between 2020 and 2021, the partnership raised more than $680,000, distributing seven rounds of relief funding to local nonprofits so they could continue serving families during the height of the crisis.

​The fund remained on standby for future disasters affecting our community — and has now been activated in response to the recent tornadoes.

The Agriculture Education Grant, funded by Compeer Financial, aims to enhance high school agriculture programs by providing up to $4,000 for classroom equipment and educational initiatives. This grant promotes hands-on learning and modern technologies, ensuring students are well-equipped to explore the evolving agricultural landscape. Eligible applicants include high school agriculture departments within a specified 144-county territory, with a focus on schools that have not received funding in the past two years.

Nonprofit and community-based organizations advancing equitable community and economic development in Kankakee County, Illinois and other designated Chicago-area communities can apply for the MacArthur Foundation’s Chicago Commitment: Vital Communities support. Funding backs place-based initiatives, creative placemaking and placekeeping, and infrastructure organizations providing planning, research, and data analysis for neighborhood revitalization.

The Chicago White Sox Grant aims to improve the lives of Chicago's underserved communities through funding for programs in child abuse prevention, health and wellness, youth education, and cancer research. With over $47 million distributed, the grant seeks qualified nonprofit organizations that demonstrate strong financial health and impactful outcomes. Interested parties should prepare for the 2027 grant cycle, as inquiries for the 2026 cycle are no longer accepted, with reviews starting in June 2026.

ATI Physical Therapy is dedicated to enhancing community health and wellness through its sponsorship and donation initiatives. With a mission to exceed customer expectations, ATI actively engages in philanthropic efforts that improve lives and promote quality care beyond clinic walls. They encourage requests for support while emphasizing a review process that ensures timely responses. Partnering with local organizations, ATI aims to elevate awareness of health and wellness, impacting thousands of lives each year.