Best Lee County Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

The Elea Institute's Education Grants Program aims to enhance hospice and palliative care education for healthcare providers, patients, and families in Illinois. With grant sizes ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, this initiative supports 1-3 projects over a period of up to two years. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and focus on the specified Illinois counties, fostering community outreach and educational efforts to improve patient care.

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 Rochelle Area Community Foundation Grants focus on supporting initiatives in arts, education, health, and community development, particularly in response to COVID-19's impact. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations can apply for funding to address local needs, enhance collaboration, and strengthen community involvement. Preference is given to innovative projects that have not received funding in the past three years, aiming to uplift individuals and families affected by financial hardships.

The Mead Montgomery Charity Care Grant, facilitated by the Elea Institute, aims to provide essential hospice and palliative care services to patients lacking insurance or financial means. With a focus on integrity, quality, and equitable access, this grant honors Mead Montgomery's legacy of compassion and leadership. The program offers funding for up to two years, supporting organizations that demonstrate financial responsibility and commitment to improving end-of-life care across designated counties in Illinois.

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.

The Community Support Team Grant Program by the Illinois Department of Human Services aims to enhance services for Northwest Crisis Care System consumers who lack funding in specific counties. This initiative will promote access to vital nursing and psychiatric treatment, responding to individual needs identified in assessments. The program prioritizes diversity and equity, addressing systemic barriers to ensure inclusivity across all demographics and fostering a supportive environment for those facing socioeconomic challenges.

The Bayer Fund: Food & Nutrition Grant supports high-quality programs that combat malnutrition and improve access to nutritious foods, particularly for underserved communities and families with young children. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government units. The fund prioritizes long-term behavioral change towards healthy eating and nutrition, with grants typically not exceeding 25% of an organization's operating budget. International requests start at $25,000, fostering sustainable food security and education initiatives.

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 Community Development Block Grant Disaster Response Program in Illinois provides vital funding to assist communities facing urgent threats to public health and safety due to disasters. Grants, capped at $250,000, support initiatives that benefit low-to-moderate income individuals or address significant community needs. Administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the program emphasizes enhancing economic development, improving infrastructure, and ensuring safe living conditions for all residents.

The Do it Best Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on community needs, particularly in health and wellness, youth enrichment, the arts, and community development. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $20,000, with no strict limits based on quarterly applications. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and be located near specific areas. This initiative aims to enhance community resources and foster connections among residents.

Nicor Gas offers the Pillar Grants program to support organizations focused on Basic Human Needs and Energy Assistance. These grants, capped at $5,000, aim to address immediate needs such as food, shelter, and clothing for individuals within Nicor Gas' service area. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations that contribute to community stability and wellness, ensuring critical support for those facing challenges.

Nicor Gas offers Pillar Grants focused on education to support secondary and post-secondary opportunities, including technical and vocational programs. These grants aim to enhance workforce development by fostering partnerships that create awareness of careers in energy and promote diversity and inclusion. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities serving Nicor Gas’ service area, and grants may not exceed $5,000. Applications are encouraged from those aligning with these educational initiatives.

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.

Dennis Taylor Scholarship Foundation

The foundation was established to confer scholarships on students majoring in Performing Arts (Theatre, Dance, Vocal and Instrumental Music) at the College/University level as well as grants for performing arts classes, seminars, and related expenses, or for costs associated with college/university applications and auditions for students of the Performing Arts as determined by the Board of Directors. Scholarships are available to applicants residing in the Northern Illinois area. College/University Scholarships are expected to be $500-$1000 and Performing Arts grants will be in the order of $300. Recipients will audition and be selected on a merit basis by the Board of Directors. The Scholarship Foundation has been set up in memory of Dennis Taylor who served as a dancer, choreographer, costumer and wig designer in the western suburbs for more than five decades.

Dennis Taylor Scholarship Foundation: Performing Arts Grant

Grant Applications are accepted at any time of year, preferable 6-8 weeks prior to the performing arts class, seminar, workshop, or similar event.

Performing arts students may request a grant to cover expenses associated with college/university applications or auditions.

The Nicor Gas Pillar Grants for Environmental Stewardship aim to support initiatives that enhance community engagement in conservation and sustainable practices. Grants up to $5,000 are available for 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on clean air, environmental protection, and green space preservation. Eligible organizations are encouraged to apply, particularly those that engage the public in environmental stewardship projects within Nicor Gas’ service area.

Nicor Gas offers Pillar Grants for Community Enrichment, focusing on enhancing the vitality and livability of neighborhoods within its service area. Grants support nonprofit organizations engaged in cultural, community service, and stabilization efforts. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that contribute to mental health, social services, and civic development. Funding is capped at $5,000, and applications are encouraged from those addressing significant community needs.

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 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.

The Farmers Market Grant Program by Compeer Financial supports farmers by enhancing their marketing and technology capabilities. Grants can be utilized for branding, website creation, and payment technologies, as well as essential equipment like scales and tents. This initiative aims to promote direct consumer engagement and strengthen local food systems, ensuring fresh produce accessibility while fostering economic growth in rural communities. Eligible applicants must be Compeer clients actively participating in verified farmers markets.

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 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.

Nestlé Purina is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of pets and the communities they serve. Through their event sponsorship program, they support 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. that focus on the welfare of cats and dogs. Eligible events must be located within 50 miles of their St. Louis headquarters, ensuring that their contributions directly benefit local communities. Purina's commitment to pets and people strengthens the bond between them.

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.

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.

The Mercyhealth Ethnic Minority Nursing Scholarship offers three $2,000 scholarships to ethnic minority individuals pursuing a nursing degree in northern Illinois. Applicants must be fluent in Spanish and maintain a 3.0 GPA. Selection is based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and financial need. This initiative, funded by the Mercyhealth Volunteer Association, aims to support diversity in nursing and improve healthcare access within the community.

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 BNSF Railway Foundation provides grants to enhance community quality of life across 28 states, focusing on educational, cultural, and social service initiatives. With over $150 million contributed since 2000, the foundation emphasizes projects with strong local engagement and BNSF employee involvement. Eligible organizations include public charities, local governments, and tribal governments, while ineligible entities encompass religious organizations and those with discriminatory practices. Priority is given to environmental, health, and cultural projects.