Best Grants for Conflict Resolution in Illinois

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund is a Princeton, New Jersey-based endowment fund providing grants to individuals, young adults who volunteer or intern for progressive social action projects or programs in an area of their interest and commitment. The Amy Adina Fund also sponsors a lecture each year on a relevant and timely topic related to its educational mission.

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund was started in 1987 one year after Amy Adina, 20, died suddenly while a student and activist at Rutgers University. It is a realization of her family and her communities’ desire to celebrate her life, to fulfill her dreams and her potential. Since its inception, almost 1,500 grants have been awarded for work in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and the United States—nearly $1,000,000 in total. The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

About Our Grants

Small grants (depending on length of service), are awarded to as many applicants as possible rather than giving larger amounts to fewer individuals. The number of awards has grown each year thanks to annual contributions as well as to gifts sent to the Fund to honor special occasions and life cycle events.

Graduate students in fields like conflict resolution, natural resources, or communications can receive paid Conservation Connect fellowships supporting collaborative conservation work, including projects affecting Illinois. With a mission to build next-generation conservation leaders, National Forest Foundation provides practicum-based, mentored experience and professional development that may benefit students focused on peacebuilding and conflict resolution around public lands.

Illinois students focused on peacebuilding and conflict resolution may be eligible if they are Hawai‘i residents graduating from a Hawai‘i public high school and planning to attend an accredited mainland U.S. college. Focused on history, government, and related social sciences, Hawai'i Community Foundation invites applicants committed to world cooperation and peace to apply.

Graduate-level American and Australian students focused on security, technology, diplomacy, or peacebuilding can receive up to US $40,000 for study or research between the U.S. and Australia, including applicants from Illinois. Focused on AUKUS-related fields, the American Australian Association supports tuition, travel, living, and other educational or research costs.

Illinois 501(c)(3) organizations, municipalities, and public schools can access funding for peacebuilding, community development, and related programs through Sorenson Legacy Foundation. Grants support projects in education, health care, innovation, and community initiatives such as conflict resolution, youth alternatives to crime, affordable housing, and promoting understanding and tolerance; organizations in Illinois may be eligible alongside those in Utah.

Organizations serving Coles County residents in Illinois can receive US $1,000 - US $7,000 for peacebuilding, social justice, and cross-cultural understanding projects. The Coles County Peace and Justice Fund, managed by Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation, supports programs like public speakers, diversity training, collaborations, and educational materials, with preference for initiatives engaging local youth and addressing root causes of conflict.

Illinois 501(c)(3) organizations working on peacebuilding, conflict resolution, human rights, or violence prevention can seek project support from the H. C. Gemmer Family Christian Foundation. This national funder offers up to US $3,000 for one-time or start-up programs advancing peace with justice, social and economic justice, and immigrant and vulnerable population rights.

Nonprofit organizations in Illinois working on peacebuilding, community safety, and violence prevention can apply for $1,000 - $10,000 to run summer activities that build cohesion and promote safe, peaceful neighborhoods. With a mission to strengthen communities, The Chicago Community Trust provides rapid-response support for smaller, neighborhood-based groups through the Chicago Fund for Safe and Peaceful Communities.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups engaged in activist organizing can seek funding for U.S.-based projects and operating costs that advance human rights and systemic change. Focused on peacebuilding and related justice work, AJ Muste Foundation invites Illinois conflict resolution and organizing efforts to apply for up to US $10,000, prioritizing small-budget groups.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored projects led by people of color working on restorative or transformative justice, indigenous peacemaking, or land-based peacebuilding in Illinois may be eligible for Life Comes From It support. Tides Foundation’s circle funds U.S.-based efforts replacing criminalization and incarceration with community-rooted approaches to address violence and repair harm.

Nonprofits, charities, and similar organizations working on peacebuilding, human rights, and anti–human trafficking initiatives can access funding through Humanity United; awards are approximately US $150,000. This global funder supports work in regions including the U.S., so Illinois conflict resolution efforts that fit its portfolios may be considered, though unsolicited proposals are generally not accepted.

Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits and equivalent charities working in health, education, or community services can seek support for programs like food pantries, healthcare access, STEM education, and preventive health. Illinois peacebuilding or conflict resolution groups that also address these community health and welfare needs can apply through the Labcorp Charitable Foundation.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities below the Mason-Dixon line can seek support for peacebuilding-related work such as poverty relief, disaster response, education, and family services. Focused on tangible, meaningful impact, Robinson Foundation invites established charities to apply for single-year program funding that may benefit conflict-affected children, families, veterans, and vulnerable groups, including those in Illinois’ southern region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Illinois seeking support for community development, basic needs, or workforce initiatives can apply for sponsorship funding from Bank of America Charitable Foundation. With a mission to strengthen economic mobility, the foundation provides U.S. nonprofits with support for housing, hunger relief, workforce education, arts and culture, environmental efforts, and diversity and inclusion programs that may include conflict resolution components.

Illinois peacebuilding and conflict resolution nonprofits that lead strong cross-sector partnerships can access funding through the Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award. U.S.-based organizations whose collaborative programs measurably improve communities and can be replicated elsewhere may be recognized through one of several annual awards for significant social impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Illinois working on basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven programs can seek support for hunger relief, shelter, economic development, financial literacy, arts access, or workforce readiness. Focused on strengthening communities, Ameriprise Financial invites U.S.-based nonprofits with strong volunteer engagement and measurable outcomes to apply; national organizations and those near Ameriprise employee centers receive priority.

Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations providing health, education, or disaster relief services can seek support for marginalized communities worldwide, including Illinois. Focused on improving human welfare, the Semnani Family Foundation invites groups working in areas like healthcare access, child welfare, and humanitarian aid to partner on impactful programs and services.

Nonprofits and education-focused organizations working on K–12 conflict resolution programs in Illinois can apply for support to develop or expand youth peacebuilding and dispute resolution initiatives. With a mission to strengthen conflict resolution education, Jams Foundation provides up to US $40,000 for projects serving middle school youth and the adults who work with them.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, government programs, and volunteer fire companies in Illinois can apply for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship grants to support safety, education, and community development initiatives. Programs such as disaster preparedness, community revitalization, financial literacy, and job training may benefit organizations working on peacebuilding and conflict resolution in local communities.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The Kroger Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through significant charitable contributions, having donated over $1.9 billion in the past six years. Their focus on combating hunger through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative exemplifies their commitment to social impact. Annually, they provide over $300 million to nonprofit organizations aligned with their mission, promoting health, education, and disaster relief while fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative reflects Kroger's belief that strong communities are a shared responsibility.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.