Best Grants for Global Health in Illinois

Illinois 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations working in health, medical care, or human services can seek McGraw Foundation support for general operations, specific projects, or occasional capital needs. Grants, generally US $2,000 - US $10,000, prioritize greater Chicago–area programs, which may include clinics, patient support, crisis intervention, homelessness, and related services.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can apply for the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship, which awards US $3,000 for impactful, industry-relevant projects. Focused on water-related challenges, American Water Works Association invites Illinois global health researchers whose work intersects these areas to consider this opportunity.

Nonprofit organizations in Illinois planning capital campaigns or major facility projects can apply for First National Bank of Omaha’s capital or major donations, supporting specific projects in areas like community health, education, housing, environment, and arts. Funding may benefit global health initiatives that fit these community focus areas in FNBO service communities.

Nonprofit organizations hosting community events or seeking general operating support in Illinois can apply for community sponsorships supporting areas like health, housing, workforce development, entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, and arts and culture. Focused on community impact, First National Bank of Omaha invites eligible nonprofits to request unrestricted funding for fundraisers, festivals, galas, seasons, and other key activities.

Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture may be eligible for grants that support community development projects. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities advance equity, address racial and economic inequities, and strengthen local quality of life.

Illinois 501(c)(3) public charities with programs in safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000. Organizations serving Illinois communities along Union Pacific’s footprint, including those with global health–adjacent basic needs or community health work, may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations addressing global health-related needs such as health care, humanitarian aid, child welfare, and women and children’s services in Illinois can access funding through The Father's Table Foundation. The foundation offers up to US $750,000 for programs that build self-sufficiency, including medical care, water and sanitation, food security, education, employment readiness, and anti-trafficking initiatives, which may benefit global health efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Illinois working on healthcare access, mental health, dental care, or community health education can seek flexible program support that may benefit global health efforts. Focused on social services, health and human services, education, environment, and arts access, the Patrick and Anna M Cudahy Fund prioritizes under-resourced and low-income communities in metropolitan Chicago and Wisconsin.

Illinois educational institutions and 501(c)(3) charities working on social equity, education, climate and food security, or mental health can access funding and in-kind support through The Caesars Foundation. Organizations in Kane, Massac, or Will counties with global health–related services, such as mental health or food security programs, may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Illinois counties served by Venable offices can seek approximately US $10,000 for general operations or projects in health, human services, education, workforce development, and related areas. Grants from Venable Foundation help Illinois programs that benefit economically disadvantaged communities, including efforts that may intersect with global health priorities.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3), (4), (6), or (19) nonprofits with at least $250K in annual revenue can seek US $50,000 - US $400,000 for sustainability projects in Illinois communities served by Green Mountain Energy. Grants from Green Mountain Energy help organizations implement renewable energy, energy efficiency, conservation, and related environmental stewardship initiatives that may support global health outcomes.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions conducting biomedical research in areas like public health, infectious disease, or neuroscience in Illinois can apply for small-scale project funding to expand research opportunities and environments. The National Institutes of Health provides support for schools that award baccalaureate science degrees and have limited prior NIH funding, including projects related to global health concerns.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Illinois working on children’s education, health, development, and welfare or care for the sick, aged, or disabled can seek program support from the Harvey and Ethel Daeumer Foundation. Global health-focused groups may be eligible if their work involves pediatric care, mental health, patient services, or related community health programs.

Early-career research scientists at low- or middle-income country institutions conducting global health-related clinical research can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, which provides approximately US $140,000 for mentored career development. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help Illinois-based partners collaborating with LMIC investigators advance cancer, cardiovascular, mental health, infectious disease, and other priority health research worldwide.

Health and community-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Illinois can seek funding to promote human health, wellness, and vibrant communities. Grants from Cleveland Cliffs Foundation help nonprofits deliver health services, healthy living initiatives, and community-improvement projects in areas where the company operates, which include parts of Illinois, alongside education and environmental efforts.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) status serving Illinois communities can seek program-specific funding for community services, affordable housing, and economic and community development from Huntington National Bank. Focused on improving self-sufficiency and equity for low- and moderate-income populations, this invitation-only program may benefit global health initiatives addressing social determinants of health.

About CommonSpirit

A calling that defines and unites

At CommonSpirit Health, we passionately care for the most vulnerable, relentlessly innovate how and where healing can happen and believe in uniting to benefit the common good. Our expansive network spans diverse communities, uniquely positioning us to meet their changing needs, improve population health and help chart the path to health equity.

Our mission, vision and values inform every aspect of our work each day and remind us that we serve our patients, their families, our communities – and each other. Our community health, research and home health programs help us address the primary barriers to healthier communities.

Sponsorship requests

We’re proud to support nonprofits that expand access to care, advance health equity and healthier communities. Learn more about our priorities.

Supporting our communities

CommonSpirit Health and our local facilities support nonprofit organizations that share our mission, vision and values. We give priority to programs that improve access to care and promote health equity and healthier communities.

CommonSpirit is proud to support nonprofit organizations that help improve the health and well-being of our communities. Guided by our mission, vision and values, we prioritize projects that focus on advancing health equity, improving access to care and improving community wellness.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in eligible low- or middle-income countries can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award to support mentored global health research careers. This US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health program provides approximately US $140,000 over three to five years for protected research time and career development.

Illinois environmental and justice-focused organizations working on climate policy, Great Lakes protection, or drinking water access can access funding through the Joyce Foundation. Grants support policy advocacy and systems-change efforts on carbon-free electricity, freshwater conservation, and equitable water infrastructure across Great Lakes states, with priority for communities most affected by environmental harms.

Focused on education and related community programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Illinois and other U.S. regions can seek US $5,000 - US $20,000 from the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust. Organizations working with youth, disadvantaged populations, literacy, arts education, or community initiatives may be competitive, especially for new or enhanced programs and short-term project support.

Illinois organizations planning health-related congresses, events, or initiatives can seek corporate sponsorship to support neurological and related disease areas. Biogen Foundation provides Illinois global health efforts with event funding in exchange for tangible benefits such as exhibit space, banners, recognition, or marketing opportunities, across conditions like Alzheimer’s, ALS, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, stroke, and more.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Recent Retirees

Retirees of Regions and its affiliated companies are eligible for the Matching Gift Program for up to 5 years after retirement (the gift date must be within the first 5 years of retirement). Regions will match donations of $25 or more, up to a total of $1,000 per year per retiree.

The Regions Community Affairs team will contact the organization on your behalf to verify the gift and review eligibility.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

The Conservation Partners Grant Program, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, supports private landowners in implementing regenerative agriculture and conservation practices. By awarding competitive grants, the program facilitates technical assistance for developing management plans and best practices, enabling landowners to maximize the ecological benefits of their lands. This initiative is crucial for enhancing fish and wildlife habitats, addressing pressing conservation issues, and promoting sustainable land stewardship across the United States.

The Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program, led by The Minneapolis Foundation, supports community-based nonprofits in the Great Lakes region. With a focus on underserved communities, grants will total $40 million over three years, aiming to enhance environmental health, education, and resilience. The program prioritizes applications from federally recognized tribes and organizations with limited budgets, fostering inclusive community engagement and sustainable development. Eligible projects include environmental assessments, public health initiatives, and job training.

The FNBO Impact Grant Program aims to empower nonprofit organizations that eliminate barriers to economic and social opportunities. Focusing on Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, and Financial Literacy, this initiative supports projects that enhance community well-being and promote personal economic self-sufficiency. While the 2025 grant cycle is closed, interested applicants should check back in early 2026 for updates on future funding opportunities.