Best Grants for Environmental Projects in Illinois

Illinois environmental and community nonprofits can receive funding for programs that strengthen local well-being, especially for low- to moderate-income residents. Associated Bank provides support for initiatives in sustainability, affordable housing, small business and workforce development, and racial or social equity that may include environmental projects improving community conditions.

Environmental nonprofits, charities, municipalities, Indigenous groups, and other community organizations in Illinois can seek funding for projects that protect and enhance the environment, support first responders, expand education, or build resilient communities. Focused on measurable community impact, TC Energy Foundation invites applicants located near its operations to propose initiatives that address local needs and promote equity.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental initiatives in Illinois communities served by Aqua or Peoples can apply for Essential Foundation grants to enhance local quality of life. Funding may also support related efforts like emergency services, education, food insecurity, human services, and community economic growth within Essential Utilities’ multi-state service footprint.

Environmental and community-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Illinois can seek funding to advance education, environmental conservation, and healthy, vibrant communities. Grants from Cleveland Cliffs Foundation help groups near company operations restore land and water, create green spaces, promote sustainable communities, and build STEM skills and workforce readiness across all age groups.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Illinois working on conservation, environment, early childhood education, family empowerment, or health can seek capital or special project funding through the James M Cox Foundation; awards support communities where Cox Enterprises operates. Grants may benefit environmental projects that expand facilities, equipment, or program capacity.

Doctoral candidates from Big Ten Academic Alliance universities conducting Smithsonian-based research in fields like ecology, environment, and animal behavior can receive up to US $50,000 in stipend and research allowance. Eligible students enrolled at member institutions in Illinois and other participating states may use this fellowship to advance dissertation-related environmental projects.

Our Mission

The Baughman Family Foundation aims to make an impact on our local communities by supporting organizations nominated by family members. The goal of the foundation is twofold: to make a meaningful impact on our selected charitable organizations and to encourage family members to become active in charitable giving.

Submission Guidelines

When submitting an application, please keep the following guidelines in mind:

The focus of the Baughman Family Foundation is on supporting local charities where the Foundation can make a direct, tangible impact on causes that matter to our family.

The Looking Out Foundation Grant supports social justice and humanitarian initiatives, having donated nearly $6 million to various causes globally. With an average donation of $25 per campaign, it aids organizations focused on disaster relief, racial justice, and support for marginalized communities. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt public charities under Section 501(c)(3). The foundation prioritizes diverse funding sources and encourages organizations to adapt to changing needs, with grant allocations ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.

The Mount Carroll Community Foundation Grant supports charitable projects that enhance community quality of life in Mount Carroll, Illinois. Established in 2011, it awards funds to non-profit organizations recognized under Section 501(c)(3) and governmental entities. Eligible projects span various fields, including health, education, and the arts. Organizations must comply with the Diversity and Non-Discrimination Policy and use the grant for its intended purpose. Certain areas, such as political activities and direct financial support to individuals, are ineligible for funding.

Takeda's Corporate Giving program focuses on enhancing community well-being in the U.S. by supporting initiatives in two key areas: Food is Health and Building STEM Foundations. Through employee engagement and partnerships, Takeda aims to provide access to nutritious food and foster STEM education, addressing social disparities and empowering future innovators. This commitment reflects Takeda's mission of better health and a brighter future for all.

The Flowers for Dreams Foundation Grant prioritizes organizations committed to mental health and community care initiatives for vulnerable populations. With a mission to fund local charities, the foundation has donated over $1.5 million to date. Grants range from $5,000 to $20,000, with applications accepted year-round. In 2025, the foundation emphasizes support for mental health services, ensuring that funds are used for impactful community care. Organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status and operate within the designated service area.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Patagonia supports environmental organisations with bold, direct-action agendas and a commitment to long-term change.

We support innovative work that addresses the root causes of the environmental crisis and seeks to protect both the environment and affected communities. We focus on places where we’ve built connections through outdoor recreation and through our network of retail stores, nationally and internationally.

We believe local battles to protect a specific stand of forest, a stretch of river, an indigenous wild species or a community from a polluting refinery build public support and confront larger, more complex issues like climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental justice.

We encourage work that brings underrepresented communities to the forefront of the environmental movement and defends communities whose health and livelihoods are threatened by environmental exploitation.

We support multipronged campaigns that push for greater environmental protections and force the government to abide by its own laws.

We fund work that:

• builds an equitable, inclusive and diverse environmental movement
• confronts systemic bias, discrimination and injustice in environmental policy or outdoor spaces
• is action-oriented
• focuses on root causes
• has a clear strategy
• identifies specific goals and objectives that can be effectively measured to evaluate success
• builds public involvement and civic engagement

Patagonia believes that the most direct path to real change is through building grassroots momentum.

Our funding focuses on organisations that have or can create a strong base of support. Because we’re a privately held company, we have the freedom to fund risk-taking, off-the-beaten-track groups, and that’s where we believe our small grants are most effective.

The Operations and Program Grant by the Quad Cities Community Foundation provides essential operating and program support to nonprofits, enhancing their long-term sustainability. Eligible organizations must be located in specific counties in Illinois and Iowa, with a focus on diverse fields such as health, education, and community development. This grant favors applications for general operating support and those from successful existing programs. Grant amounts range from $5,000 to $20,000, allowing for flexible funding options.

The Kjellstrom Family Foundation, established in 2004, provides interim grants for emergent matters to support community needs in Northern Illinois. With over $10M in assets, the foundation focuses on various fields including youth programs, arts, and human services. It prioritizes organizations in Winnebago County and seeks to be flexible with funding categories. Grants are available outside standard cycles, promoting adaptability for organizations addressing urgent challenges.

Nonprofit organizations in Northern Illinois working on environmental, nature, or related community programs can seek programmatic, capital, general operating, or capacity-building support, with awards up to US $50,000. The Kjellstrom Family Foundation provides Illinois environmental groups with challenge and capacity-building grants, prioritizing organizations in Winnebago, Boone, Ogle, and Stephenson counties, especially youth-serving and arts organizations.

Municipal, religious, charitable, benevolent, and educational organizations in Illinois can apply for the Elizabeth Raymond Ambler Trust’s project-based grants to support work in areas such as environmental initiatives, education, health, human services, arts, and religion. Eligible entities may benefit when environmental projects fit within these broad community-focused priorities.

Illinois environmental nonprofits can access funding through Goodnow Fund for projects that improve the environment, alongside work with vulnerable children, Alzheimer’s research, and educational access. The family foundation supports U.S. tax-exempt organizations, maintains its own portfolio, does not accept unsolicited proposals, and has a particular focus on Fairfield County, Connecticut, though others may contact its executive director.

Environmental and conservation-focused nonprofits in Michigan can seek Towsley Foundation grants for projects in areas like environmental stewardship, education, and community well-being. Focused on strengthening communities, the foundation invites organizations with sustainable, strategic initiatives to apply; Illinois-based groups working on environment-related education or community projects may be eligible if they fit the foundation’s geographic interests.

Environmental and animal welfare organizations in Illinois’ DeKalb County can seek capital and equipment funding, facility renovations, and service support through Community Needs Grants. Focused on environment, Dekalb County Community Foundation also funds projects in arts and culture, education, community development, and health and human services across the county.

Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets under $1.5 million working on environmental, arts, education, health, or social service programs in the Greater St. Louis area can apply for the Spirit of St. Louis Women’s Fund’s two-year grants, awarding US $20,000 - US $50,000. Funding supports services delivered within eligible Greater St. Louis counties, including Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair in Illinois.

Wabtec Foundation provides Illinois environmental nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $10,000 to run community-based programs in counties where Wabtec operates. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations should emphasize environmental stewardship, such as natural resource management, pollution reduction, or advocacy, and may strengthen applications by engaging local Wabtec employees as volunteers.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental projects in Illinois, particularly in Franklin Park and Cook County, can apply for grants supporting local programs and services. Lesser Franklin Charitable Foundation funds a broad range of charitable activities, including environment, community development, education, health, and human and social services, which may benefit environmentally focused initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified government entities can seek support for education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment projects in Illinois communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities. Georgia-Pacific Foundation supports initiatives that enhance long-term well-being and sustainability within these manufacturing communities and align with its mission and four focus areas.

Qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Illinois working within the Peoples Gas service area can apply for general operating support to advance environmental and related community programs. Funding from Peoples Gas may benefit projects in environmental stewardship, natural resources, energy efficiency, renewable energy, recycling, and other eligible focus areas such as community development, education, arts, and health services.

Nonprofits, schools, government units, and social service agencies in Illinois collaborating on community projects can seek up to US $10,000 for work in Skokie. Focused on community well-being, Skokie Community Foundation invites joint proposals, including environmental initiatives, that address local needs and provide lasting benefits beyond the program year.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, and IRS-recognized tribes working on environmental science, STEM education, or human services can seek project funding, including work that benefits Illinois communities. Grants from Change Happens Foundation help organizations advance environmental conservation, climate resilience, and early STEM learning, with an emphasis on equity and underserved populations.