Best Lake County Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

Ignite Fund 

The Ignite Fund offers six $10,000 grants for Chicago-area artists and artist-led collectives to produce and present bold new projects rooted in the visual arts. We prioritize public-facing work that embraces accessibility, fosters community impact and/or participation, and responds to the issues shaping our social climate. In this spirit, The Ignite Fund shines a light on the vibrancy, creativity, and resilience of the Chicago arts ecosystem.

The County Fair Facility Upgrade Grant Program aims to support rural communities within Compeer Financial’s territory by providing funding for upgrades and repairs to county fair facilities. Eligible organizations can receive up to $4,000 to enhance livestock buildings, 4-H buildings, and judging arenas. This initiative not only improves facilities but also fosters community engagement and agricultural education, ensuring that fairs continue to thrive in delivering memorable experiences for all ages.

The Kott Memorial Charitable Trust Grants provide essential funding to charitable organizations that enhance the lives of seniors through education, health services, and community engagement. Dedicated to supporting gerontology, these grants aim to improve the quality of life for older adults by funding innovative programs, internships, and professional training. By focusing on the needs of seniors, the Trust plays a vital role in fostering a supportive environment for this demographic, ensuring they receive the care and services they deserve.

The Lake County Community Foundation Grant Program aims to enhance the quality of life in Lake County by fostering collaboration among community members, organizations, and leaders. This proactive approach focuses on addressing pressing community needs through measurable goals and evidence-based activities. With an emphasis on innovation and partnership, the Foundation envisions a thriving health and human services network that effectively responds to the evolving needs of residents, thereby creating transformational change across the county.

The Chicago Board of Trade Foundation Grant offers funding to non-profit organizations in the Chicago area, focusing on initiatives that assist children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and must not discriminate based on race, religion, or sexual orientation. Applications will be assessed based on program effectiveness, community impact, and organizational management. The foundation does not fund individuals, political candidates, or organizations without tax-exempt status.

The JCCC Japanese Language Education Grants aim to support schools and non-profit organizations in the Chicago area that provide Japanese language and culture education. Established by the JCCC Foundation, these grants foster innovative projects enhancing learning opportunities for students from pre-kindergarten to college age. With approximately $100,000 awarded annually, grants of up to $10,000 are available for programs that demonstrate a direct impact on students' education and personal development.

The JCCC Student Development and Achievement Grants, offered by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago, aim to support innovative educational projects that enhance student learning and development. With a funding pool of approximately $100,000, grants of up to $10,000 are available for schools and non-profits in the Chicago area. The program encourages projects that promote critical thinking, personal initiative, and collaboration, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of diverse subjects and community involvement.

The Youth Fund for Social Change Grant, provided by the Crossroads Fund, aims to empower youth in the Chicago area to address social justice issues. This initiative supports organizations and projects focused on advocacy and activism, enabling young people to challenge systemic inequalities. Grants prioritize collaborative efforts and innovative approaches, fostering grassroots leadership among youth. Eligible applicants include youth-led organizations and coalitions with a budget under $1 million, promoting impactful community-driven change.

The Seabury Foundation's Community Grants in Chicago support 501(c)(3) organizations working in education, arts, lifelong learning, environmental sustainability, and wellness. Established in 1947, the foundation aims to address societal challenges through diverse grant programs. Organizations can apply for operating or project support with fixed award amounts based on their size. Notably, grants do not fund religious activities, political campaigns, or lobbying efforts, ensuring a focus on community enrichment.

The Crossroads Fund: Seed Fund Grant supports organizations and groups in the Chicago Metropolitan area that promote social change. It focuses on collaborative, risk-taking, and strategic efforts that yield concrete community benefits. With a maximum grant of $15,000, it is open to 501(c)(3) organizations and those with fiscal sponsorship or bank accounts, prioritizing those with annual expenses under $500,000. This fund fosters diverse forms of activism, ensuring financial support for established and emerging community-based groups.

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.

The PLTW Launch program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM education within eligible communities. This initiative will provide grants to schools that implement at least one PLTW Launch module in the 2025-2026 academic year, followed by another module in subsequent years. The program is designed to empower students with hands-on learning experiences that connect real-world challenges to essential skills, fostering a stronger future in STEM fields.

The Tower Lakes Community Foundation (TLCF) offers a Community Grant aimed at supporting larger projects that require funding for various needs such as materials, labor, and educational expenses. This grant is designed to enhance community investment and cultural enrichment within Tower Lakes, Illinois. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and an end of project report is required to evaluate the outcomes and impacts achieved through the funding.

The Tower Lakes Community Foundation (TLCF) offers the Giving Grant to support community-driven projects in Tower Lakes, Illinois. With funding up to $500, this grant aims to enhance local initiatives by providing resources for materials, labor, and educational expenses. Proposals are welcomed in various categories, including civic investment, cultural enrichment, education, and health. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, making it accessible for community organizations to seek assistance without the burden of extensive reporting.

The Schwemm Family Foundation Grant supports initiatives promoting environmental enhancement, local history preservation, and community health. It aims to strengthen communities in Oregon, California, and the Chicago area by funding projects that protect ecosystems, document culture, and foster equitable access to resources. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profits dedicated to measurable outcomes that align with the Foundation's goals. The Foundation does not fund operating support or scientific research.

The Ignite Fund offers ten $6,000 grants for innovative visual arts projects by Chicago-area artists or collectives. It seeks community-focused, collaborative work that prioritizes accessibility and public engagement. Successful applicants will demonstrate a strong artistic vision, effective collaboration, and a clear understanding of their target audience. Projects should be completed within a year and must engage local communities. This initiative is designed to enhance the cultural landscape by supporting experimental and unconventional artistic practices.

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.

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.

The Advia Youth Scholarships Program, initiated by the Advia Foundation, aims to empower graduating seniors who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to community service. By providing financial support, the program fosters the growth of future leaders while enhancing financial literacy and education within the community. Advia Foundation's mission is to improve the overall quality of life, making significant contributions to the lives of young individuals and their communities.

The African American Legacy Grants, initiated by The Chicago Community Trust, aims to enhance the quality of life for Black communities in metropolitan Chicago. This program supports Black-led organizations focused on community wealth building, mobilization, and care. Grants range from $15,000 to $75,000 depending on the project's scope, promoting initiatives like worker cooperatives and mental health services. The grants prioritize organizations that are responsive to community needs and emphasize collective impact through shared ownership and democratic participation.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

The Asian Giving Circle (AGC) Grant, established in 2002, supports Asian and Pacific Islander nonprofits in the Chicago area by pooling donor resources to advance social justice. With over $800,000 in contributions, AGC prioritizes proposals from API organizations for general operating costs, emphasizing support for underrepresented communities and innovative projects. Applications will be reviewed from mid-June to August 2025, with awards announced by September.

The Great Lakes Foundation Grant supports projects aimed at preserving wilderness areas and promoting marine safety in the Great Lakes region. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the foundation has awarded over $318,212 since its inception in 1993. Grants have funded various initiatives, including breakwater construction and academic research, to enhance appreciation and safety of the marine environment for both members and the general public.

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 Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino is committed to community support through philanthropy, providing jobs and financial assistance. Their Heart of Canal Street program has donated over $13.6 million since 1994, helping local children. They recycle used playing cards for nonprofit organizations and donate auction items for fundraising events within a 125-mile radius. However, they do not support K-12 schools or for-profit entities, ensuring their contributions are directed to those in need.

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.