Best Technology Grants in Illinois

Area Agencies on Aging in rural Illinois can apply for Illinois Department of Aging’s Rural Support Grant, awarding US $800,000 to improve transportation, broadband and internet access, volunteer engagement, and workforce development for older adults and caregivers. Grants may support technology access and digital literacy efforts that reduce social isolation and expand virtual program participation.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) status serving Illinois communities within Huntington’s footprint can seek program-specific funding for digital inclusion and technology access efforts. Focused on community revitalization, community services, affordable housing, and economic and community development, Huntington National Bank prioritizes programs benefiting low- and moderate-income individuals and advancing racial and social equity.

Currently funded Title II adult education and IELCE providers in Illinois can use this grant to upgrade technology infrastructure, integrate digital tools into instruction, and expand distance learning for adult learners. With a mission to strengthen community college access, Illinois Community College Board provides Illinois technology access and digital literacy programs with US $25,000 - US $75,000 to enhance services and digital skills development.

Eligible Illinois 9-1-1 Authorities outside municipalities over 500,000 residents can apply for Illinois State Police NG9-1-1 Expenses Grants, with awards up to Up to US $12,000,000 for non-recurring technology upgrades. Funding can cover NG9-1-1 call handling, multimedia recording, GIS readiness, CAD and EMD integration, CAD-to-CAD interfaces, and indoor K-12 school mapping projects.

Municipal governments in Illinois and other eligible Great Lakes and Southern states seeking federal funding for technology access, digital literacy, housing, transportation, health, education, workforce, or economic development can apply for National League of Cities’ free Federal Grant Navigation Program. Participants receive one-on-one assistance, data support, and peer cohorts to strengthen competitive ARPA and IIJA grant applications.

Advanced U.S. postdoctoral researchers and junior faculty conducting biomedical, behavioral, or clinical technology-related research in low- and middle-income countries can apply for the International Research Scientist Development Award from the National Institutes of Health. This program supports intensive mentored research and career development that may benefit Illinois-based investigators working in global health and technology fields.

Illinois technology-focused organizations creating impact-driven real-time 3D projects can access funding through Unity Technologies, with awards up to US $500,000. Eligible projects use RT3D (e.g., games, XR, film, solutions), advance at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal, and address issues like education, healthcare, environment, or digital access, excluding U.S.-sanctioned regions and individuals.

Youth- or intergenerationally led 501(c)(3) organizations in Illinois working on responsible technology initiatives can seek US $25,000 - US $100,000 to advance their programs. With a mission to empower youth in tech, Hopelab Foundation provides funding for efforts like digital literacy, mental health and tech, data equity, and combating mis- and disinformation.

Nonprofits and for-profit organizations in Illinois focused on technology access, digital literacy, youth, on-demand workers, or small businesses may be eligible for this national Future of Work Accelerator program. Grants from Hewlett Packard Enterprise Foundation help U.S. organizations with US $100,000 in funding, HP technology and solutions, and a six-month virtual capacity-building program.

Researchers and practitioners examining technology, power, and social justice in the U.S., including those based in Illinois, can apply for the Social Science Research Council’s Just Tech Fellowship; awards Approximately US $200,000 for two-year, full-time work. Individuals from communities historically marginalized by emerging technologies are especially encouraged to apply.

Nonprofit organizations delivering technology access, digital literacy, or cybersecurity workforce programs in Illinois and other eligible countries can seek funding to expand skills training and job readiness. With a mission to power human progress, Kyndryl Charitable Foundation provides support for future-forward education, climate action, and inclusive economy initiatives using technology-driven approaches.

Local churches in the Kentucky Conference can seek up to US $500 per application to strengthen stewardship, technology, or leadership development ministries, including AV upgrades for worship and discipleship. Grants from The Kentucky Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church may benefit Illinois faith communities connected to this conference working on technology access and digital ministry needs.

U.S.-based nonprofits, fiscally sponsored projects, and charitable LLC initiatives working at the intersection of disability rights, justice, and technology can apply for US $25,000 - US $70,000 from Borealis Philanthropy. This national fund supports disabled-led efforts like tech-focused activism, equitable digital infrastructure, and inclusive design, which may benefit Illinois groups advancing technology access and digital literacy.

Illinois students pursuing technology, engineering, science, mathematics, or medicine degrees may be eligible for scholarships that support college or graduate study. Hawai'i Community Foundation provides U.S. students who are Hawaii residents and high school graduates with need-based funding, which may benefit those focused on technology access and digital literacy careers.

Elementary school PTAs in Illinois interested in in-person digital safety and well-being programs can apply for National Congress of Parents & Teachers’ PTA Connected: Ready, Tech, Go! grants, awarding US $1,500 per PTA. Funding supports peer-to-peer family discussions on screen readiness, healthy device use, and broader technology access and digital literacy efforts.

Illinois state-level PTAs seeking to build capacity around technology access, digital literacy, membership, leadership development, or organizational effectiveness can access funding through the National Congress of Parents & Teachers. Up to US $10,000 is available for up to 10 state PTAs nationwide, with staff support and peer learning opportunities during FY2025–2026.

Illinois 501(c)(3) public charities and eligible government units can seek funding for technology access, digital literacy, and related education or community development projects that benefit local families. Sparklight provides support for special projects, capacity-building initiatives, and capital campaigns in Illinois communities where its Cable One family of brands operates.

501(c)(3) organizations focused on STEM education, digital literacy, technology, and workforce development may be eligible for funding that can benefit communities in Illinois and across the region. With a mission to inspire excellence and transform communities, C Spire Wireless Foundation provides grants primarily for STEM-focused projects and related community events.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on STEM education, digital literacy, and workforce skills can apply for sponsorship support from C Spire Wireless Foundation, including groups in Illinois. With a mission to strengthen tech education and broadband access, the foundation provides grants and event sponsorships, giving preference to organizations based in its service region.

Focused on STEM and technology disciplines, eligible U.S. undergraduate students in NOAA mission-related majors can receive up to US $40,000 plus a paid internship through the Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship. Students in Illinois and nationwide studying areas like engineering, computer science, meteorology, or environmental science may benefit from this academic and experiential support.

Promega Corporate Giving is dedicated to advancing science and improving life globally. With over 45 years of experience, Promega supports initiatives in science, education, and creativity, focusing on innovative solutions and community wellness. They fund organizations in the U.S. and Canada that prioritize experimental initiatives while steering clear of political, religious, and fraternal causes. Their commitment lies in fostering long-term contributions from scientists to meet future global needs.

The Affirm Cares Employee Foundation Grant, established by Affirm, aims to support non-profit organizations making a significant impact in financial literacy, community enrichment, and technology education. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, focusing on sustainable initiatives that empower communities and alleviate housing insecurity. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) designated non-profits operating within the U.S. The foundation prioritizes measurable outcomes in its funding efforts, fostering civic engagement and vibrant communities.

The Community Connect Grants Program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants aiming to deliver broadband services in rural areas where access is limited. This initiative fosters economic growth and enhances educational, healthcare, and public safety benefits, improving the quality of life in underserved communities. By supporting projects that create better market opportunities and promote equitable access, the program plays a vital role in advancing rural development and addressing environmental justice.

The DuPage Foundation's Capacity Building Grant aims to enhance the effectiveness of local not-for-profit organizations. With a total funding of $100,000, this grant supports projects focused on donor engagement, fund development, technology upgrades, and implementation. Eligible applicants include public charities exempt under section 501(c)(3) that primarily serve DuPage County residents and have received a grant in the past three years. This initiative fosters long-term organizational performance and sustainability.

The Festus & Helen Stacy Foundation provides grants to non-profit organizations worldwide, especially those focusing on evangelism, leadership development, holistic ministries, and media outreach. Established in 1980, the foundation aims to support projects that address the needs of the marginalized and promote generous giving. Grants are typically awarded for specific initiatives in South Florida, nationally, and internationally, particularly in emerging nations. Organizations must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) to be eligible.

The OpenAI A People-First AI Fund supports U.S.-based nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on AI literacy, community innovation, and economic opportunity. It aims to enhance public understanding of AI, promote participatory design in AI applications by communities, and expand access to meaningful work through inclusive practices. Organizations at all stages of AI adoption are encouraged to apply, especially those addressing the needs of traditionally marginalized populations. This initiative emphasizes equitable distribution of AI benefits.

This initiative aims to enhance clinical and public health outcomes through innovative digital health interventions. It supports research on the development and effectiveness of tools designed for underserved settings, leveraging new technologies and analytics. By fostering collaborations between U.S. and low- and middle-income country researchers, the program emphasizes reciprocal innovation to tackle common health challenges, ultimately maximizing benefits for diverse populations.