Best Peoria County Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

The Seneca Foods Foundation Grant supports philanthropic initiatives focused on empowering youth and strengthening communities. Since 1988, it has provided funding for education, community assistance, and internships. The Foundation prioritizes organizations connected to Seneca employees, located near its operational facilities, and those that align with its mission. It requires documented performance results and considers only one request per organization annually, ensuring that grants foster measurable impact within the communities served.

Seneca Foods Foundation

Up to US $4,000

Emergency Response Equipment Grant Program

Applications due May 31, 2027

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.

Unspecified amount

PNC Foundation: Foundation Grant

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

PNC Foundation

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Unspecified amount

Brinker International Charitable Giving Program

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

Brinker International

Up to US $7,500

Emergency Response Equipment – Regional Collaboration Grant Program

Applications due Aug 31, 2027

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.

Applications due Jun 10, 2027

Up to US $5,000

Emerging Philanthropists Fund Grant

The Emerging Philanthropists Fund Grant, offered by the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, supports innovative projects that meet community needs. Grants up to $5,000 are available for organizations with 501(c)(3) status that create evidence-based, unique programs. The fund emphasizes collaboration and measurable outcomes, encouraging emerging leaders to participate in philanthropy. Eligible organizations must serve the central Illinois area, excluding Knox and McLean County, and adhere to established grantmaking principles.

Applications due Feb 1, 2027

Unspecified amount

Ruby Worner Trust Grant

The Ruby Worner Trust Grant supports initiatives in Peoria, IL, focusing on year-round programming and direct services that meet community needs. Applicants must demonstrate measurable outcomes and long-term sustainability, ensuring effective financial accountability. Collaboration with other organizations is encouraged, and projects should not duplicate existing efforts. Organizations applying must have at least three years of operational history and demonstrate prior impact before applying. This grant aims to benefit underserved populations and address demonstrated community demands.

Ruby K. Worner Charitable Trust

US $100,000 - US $18,000,000

Driving a Cleaner Illinois - Volkswagen (NOFO) (IL)

The Driving a Cleaner Illinois program, managed by the Illinois EPA, offers funding for mobile source electrification projects. This initiative utilizes resources from the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust, and the EPA's Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) Program. As funding is limited, applicants are encouraged to apply promptly to support cleaner transportation solutions in Illinois.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

Unspecified amount

The Arts Mean Business Grants

Applications due Mar 4, 2027

The Arts Mean Business Grants, offered by the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, aim to stimulate economic growth in the Peoria region through arts tourism, fostering successful arts businesses, and increasing community engagement in the arts. These grants support projects that align with established community needs and priorities, ensuring collaboration and measurable outcomes. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt entities, local governments, and those operating under fiscal agents, emphasizing inclusivity and compliance with anti-discrimination laws.

Applications due Nov 6, 2026

More than US $25,000

Erie Insurance Giving Network Grant

The Erie Insurance Giving Network Grant supports organizations focused on community building, safety, and environmental responsibility. Grants under $10,000 can be submitted at any time, while larger requests follow specific deadlines. Priority is given to organizations with community representation in their governing bodies. Eligible entities include nonprofit organizations, accredited educational institutions, and municipalities. The initiative emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion, aligning with ERIE's corporate values.

Erie Insurance

Unspecified amount

Women's Fund Success Grants

Applications due Sep 2, 2027

The Women's Fund Success Grants, established by the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, aim to empower women and children in central Illinois. Since 1993, these grants have supported organizations that create impactful programs benefiting women and girls. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and local government units, with a focus on initiatives that address community needs and promote equality. The fund does not support capital campaigns or sectarian purposes, ensuring resources are directed towards community service.

Unspecified amount

PNC Foundation: Grow Up Great Grant

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

PNC Foundation

Unspecified amount

IL Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

Applications due Dec 18, 2026

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.

USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of Illinois

Up to US $1,000

Farmers Market Grant Program- Organization

Applications due Mar 15, 2027

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.

Applications due Mar 4, 2027

Up to US $10,000

CFCI Community Arts Grants

The CFCI Community Arts Grants provide funding up to $5,000 for organizations that offer programs in arts education, performing arts, cultural activities, visual arts, and art therapy. These grants aim to enhance the quality of charitable work in central Illinois while fostering collaboration among community partners. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations and local government units. The grants are designed to address CFCI's prioritized needs and support measurable outcomes that positively impact the community.

Applications due Sep 2, 2027

Unspecified amount

Local Jobs Fund Grant

The Local Jobs Fund Grant, provided by the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, aims to break the cycle of poverty by equipping individuals with skills to earn above minimum wage. This grant is open to tax-exempt organizations and local government units, supporting impactful programs within a 50-mile radius of Peoria, IL. Eligible projects must comply with anti-discrimination laws and demonstrate measurable outcomes, fostering community development and collaboration.

Unspecified amount

Academy Sports + Outdoors Donations

Academy Sports + Outdoors, a leading sporting goods retailer, supports community initiatives by providing donations to registered 501(c)(3) organizations. Their focus is on promoting safety and responsibility in sports and outdoor activities. Proposals must foster community engagement and must not be affiliated with religious or political groups. Events should take place in areas with Academy stores, ensuring a positive local impact while encouraging active lifestyles and connection among community members.

Academy Sports + Outdoors

US $15,000

PLTW Launch - New Program (Ameren)

Applications due Mar 27, 2027

PLTW Launch

Ameren has partnered with PLTW to inspire students and provide the hands-on STEM learning experiences necessary to thrive in life beyond the classroom. Ameren is a supporter of K-12 STEM education in the region and is working with PLTW to provide grant support to schools interested in implementing and our expanding their PLTW Launch programs.

PLTW Launch's 43 interdisciplinary modules bring learning to life. The program empowers students to adopt a design-thinking mindset through compelling activities, projects, and problems that build upon each other and relate to the world around them. And as students engage in hands-on activities in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science, they become creative, collaborative problem solvers ready to take on any challenge.

Through this partnership, Ameren has committed funds to support PLTW grants to schools interested in starting or expanding PLTW Launch programs beginning in the next academic year.

PLTW Program Status

New Program

Grant Award and Distribution Schedule

Total Award: $15,000
- First Year: $10,000
- Second Year: $5,000

Project Lead the Way inc.

US $10,000

PLTW Computer Science - Program Expansion (Ameren)

Applications due Mar 27, 2027

PLTW Computer Science

Ameren has partnered with PLTW to inspire students and provide the hands-on STEM learning experiences necessary to thrive in life beyond the classroom. Ameren is a long-time supporter of K-12 STEM education in the region and is working with PLTW to provide grant support to high schools interested in implementing or expanding their PLTW Computer Science programs.

At a time when computer science affects how we work and live, PLTW Computer Science empowers students in grades 9-12 to become creators, instead of merely consumers, of the technology all around them. The program's interdisciplinary courses engage students in compelling, real-world challenges. As students work together to design solutions, they learn computational thinking – not just how to code – and become better thinkers and communicators. Students take from the courses in-demand knowledge and skills they will use in high school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take.

Through this partnership, Ameren has committed funds to support PLTW grants to schools interested in starting or expanding PLTW Computer Science programs beginning in the next academic year.

PLTW Program Status

Program Expansion

Project Lead the Way inc.

US $200,000 - US $500,000

Illinois Energy Transition Navigators Program (CEJA) (IL)

Applications due Jan 1, 2028

Illinois Energy Transition Navigators Program (CEJA) (IL)

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to support the Illinois Energy Transition Navigators Program. The goal is to establish a network of community-based providers across the state of Illinois. These providers will offer community education, outreach, and recruitment services to encourage eligible individuals to participate in clean energy workforce and contractor development programs.

The Energy Transition Navigators Program will provide outreach and recruitment for the CEJA workforce and contractor programs. The Department seeks to contract with the community-based provider(s) (“Navigator Teams”) to connect people to the CEJA workforce and contractor programs. Navigator Teams will provide outreach and recruitment services to eligible populations to ensure they are aware of and engaged in the statewide and local workforce and contractor development programs.

Navigator Teams will prioritize individuals eligible for the following programs:

Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program (20 ILCS 730/5-20) - Creates 13 workforce hubs run by community-based organizations to provide clean jobs training and a career pipeline for eligible participants.
Illinois Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program (20 ILCS 730/5-40) - Creates 3 preapprenticeship centers to train equity investment eligible individuals for careers in clean energy sector construction and building trades.

To ensure that people are fully able to participate in these two workforce programs, Navigator Teams will assist eligible individuals in accessing Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Program services (20 ILCS 730/5-30), including tools, mentoring, travel stipends, work clothes, certifications, childcare, and other support services. These services will be offered through the Climate Jobs Workforce Network and the Illinois Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Programs.

Additionally, Navigator Teams will engage eligible individuals to participate in the following programs:

Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program (20 ILCS 730/5-45) - Creates regional contractor incubators to provide training, mentorship, low-cost capital, business planning, low-interest loans, and recruitment opportunities for small clean energy businesses and contractors.
Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program (20 ILCS 730/5-55) - A program for contractors seeking to expand their capacity and fill the role of the prime contractor on clean energy projects through a structured five-year program with mentorship, operation support grants, business coaching, assistance applying for certifications, procurement programs, and preparing bids

Funding

$200000 - $500000

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)

US $20,000

PLTW Computer Science - New Program (Ameren)

Applications due Mar 27, 2027

PLTW Computer Science

Through this partnership, Ameren has committed funds to support PLTW grants to schools interested in starting or expanding PLTW Computer Science programs beginning in the next academic year.

PLTW Program Status

New Program

Project Lead the Way inc.

Up to US $15,000

CFCI: Community Needs Grants

Applications due Sep 2, 2027

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois (CFCI) offers Community Needs Grants to support programs that address significant community needs. These grants focus on community development, capacity building, and education, emphasizing strategic and collaborative approaches. Notably, food-related projects are not funded under this program, as they fall under the Ending Hunger Together Grants. CFCI is dedicated to creating lasting value and improving the quality of charitable work in the community.

Applications due Mar 15, 2027

Up to US $500

Farmers Market Grant Program - Vendor

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.

Unspecified amount

Ameren Illinois Grants

Ameren Illinois Grants aim to enhance community quality of life through funding in areas like arts, civic engagement, environmental preservation, health services, and youth education. Organizations within the Ameren Illinois service area are eligible, provided they are tax-exempt and do not discriminate unlawfully. Applications are accepted year-round, but those submitted after December 1 may be reviewed the following year. This initiative supports diverse community enrichment and resource provision for vulnerable populations.

Ameren Corporation

US $500,000 - US $2,500,000

Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program NOFO (IL)

The Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program in Illinois aims to establish a network of incubators to support clean energy contractors and nonprofits in economically challenged areas. With a funding pool of up to $21 million, the program targets regions such as Waukegan, Champaign, and East St. Louis. This initiative seeks to create at least 13 awards ranging from $500,000 to $2.5 million to enhance business opportunities in the clean energy sector.

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)

Unspecified amount

Bayer Fund: Food & Nutrition Grant

Full proposal due Mar 1, 2027

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.

Bayer Fund

US $1,000 - US $10,000

BNSF Railway Foundation Grant Program