Best Youth Sports Grants in Illinois

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

Myron L. & Frances B. Wormley Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund provides scholarships to students who have been active participants in the Kendall County 4-H Program.

Myron Wormley (1914-2006) was a graduate of East Aurora High School and the University of Illinois.

He farmed on the Wormley Farm near Oswego until 1959. He then began a career in real estate, retiring in the mid 1980’s.

Mr. Wormley also was the Oswego Township Supervisor for twenty-five years.

Frances Wormley (1918-2010) grew up on a farm in Millbrook.

She was a graduate of Yorkville High School and attended the University of Illinois.

Mrs. Wormley was an elder at the Oswego Presbyterian Church, where she also was the organist for many years.

She served on the board of directors of the YWCA Aurora and on the organizing board of what became Waubonsee Community College.

She also was a member of PEO, Republican Women, Eastern Star and the Grove Road Farmers Club.

The Ralph J. Torraco Food Bank/Shelter Fund Grant, offered by the UNICO Foundation Inc., aims to combat hunger and provide shelter for the homeless and indigent. Eligible applicants include registered non-profit food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in 13 U.S. states. The grant focuses on direct services, ensuring that all funds are used for food and shelter, not for operating expenses, thereby promoting effective community support for vulnerable populations.

The Job Training Economic Development Program (IL) aims to support under-employed, unemployed, and underrepresented individuals by providing career pathways and essential services for workforce re-entry. Administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, this program seeks to alleviate economic challenges through flexible funding for barrier reduction services, potentially assisting around 1,000 individuals in various Economic Development Regions. The initiative emphasizes accountability in fund usage to prevent fraud or misuse.

Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority

Created in 1983, the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) is a state agency dedicated to improving the administration of criminal justice. ICJIA brings together key leaders from the justice system and the public to identify critical issues faced by the criminal justice system in Illinois and to propose and evaluate policies, programs, and legislation that address those issues. The agency also works to ensure the criminal justice system in Illinois is efficient, effective, and equitable.

In the area of grants administration, ICJIA: 1. Implements and funds criminal justice and violence prevention programs under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), Adult Redeploy Illinois (ARI), Restore, Reinvest, Renew (R3) Program, and other state and federal grant programs. 2. Monitors program activity, ensures accountability, and provides technical assistance to grantees.

Institute to Innovate (i2i) Capacity Building and Violence Prevention Grant Program

The Institute to Innovate (i2i) program invests in organizations working to prevent violence and improve public safety throughout Illinois. The program recognizes that effective violence prevention depends on both strong community-based services and the organizational infrastructure needed to support those services. Applicants must select one of the following project pathways:

• Capacity Building Activities: Projects that strengthen organizational leadership, governance, financial management, workforce, technology, policies, evaluation practices, or other internal systems.
• Violence Prevention Activities: Projects that provide or expand eligible community-based violence prevention services.
• Combined Capacity Building and Violence Prevention Activities: Projects that strengthen organizational systems while also providing, expanding, or improving violence prevention services.

The CHS Foundation's Ag Leadership Grant aims to enhance agricultural leadership and cooperative education. This program supports projects that cultivate a diverse pipeline for future agricultural leaders, focusing on education and career training for high school students to young professionals. Priority is given to initiatives that impact multiple states within the CHS trade area, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of the cooperative business model in agriculture.

The CHS Foundation's Cooperative Education Grant aims to support educational projects that enhance understanding of the agricultural cooperative business model. With a focus on middle school to college-age students, the program encourages innovative approaches, measurable outcomes, and engagement strategies. It prioritizes initiatives with a national or state-level reach within the CHS trade area, fostering success and growth in cooperative education. Funding will be allocated to programs that align with these goals, ensuring a robust educational framework for future leaders in agriculture.

The Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation Charitable Grant supports qualified charities focused on community betterment and basic human needs. Founded in 2016, it aims to enhance lives through initiatives such as affordable housing, health programs, and the arts. Organizations eligible for funding must be tax-exempt and serve areas where Frankenmuth Insurance operates. Notably, the foundation excludes support for individuals, political groups, and projects typically financed by governments, ensuring its resources benefit the wider community.

The Wildlife Preservation Fund for Rehabilitation Facilities in Illinois supports the maintenance of facilities that care for threatened or endangered species. Eligible applicants include individuals, government organizations, and nonprofits with a wildlife rehabilitation license. Grant funds, ranging from $4,000 to $25,000, can be used for structural repairs and maintenance of existing rehabilitation facilities. This funding aims to ensure the well-being of vulnerable wildlife through improved care and resources.

The Special Wildlife Funds - State Pheasant Fund provides competitive grants to non-profit and governmental organizations aimed at conserving wild pheasant habitats in Illinois. Funded through Illinois Habitat Stamps, projects should align with the state's Wildlife Action Plan and improve habitat quality and connectivity. Eligible activities include preserving, acquiring, and managing high-quality habitats, ensuring public access, and meeting feasible costs. Compliance with administrative rules is essential for grant administration.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Computer Science Studies, awarded by the UNICO Foundation, offers four scholarships of $1,000 each to full-time students pursuing a degree in Computer Science at accredited U.S. colleges. Eligible applicants must reside in specific states or have a UNICO sponsor, be U.S. citizens aged 18 or older, and continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year. Preference is given to those demonstrating financial need.

Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program

The goal of the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program is to provide grants to community-based organizations or coalitions throughout the State that will recruit, prescreen, and provide pre-apprenticeship skills training. Successful grantees will also be expected to provide pathways and manage the transition from the pre-apprenticeship program to a full apprenticeship program in construction and building trades.

Estimated Total Program Funding

• $12,000,000

Award Range

• $150,000 - $550,000

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Seminarian Studies, funded by UNICO Foundation Inc, offers four scholarships worth $1,000 each to full-time seminarians attending accredited Catholic seminaries in the U.S. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and either reside in specific states or have a UNICO sponsor. This scholarship supports the educational journey of seminarians, reflecting UNICO's commitment to serving the community and promoting Italian American heritage.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

Zonta Club of Aurora Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Zonta Club of Aurora Scholarship Endowment Fund was established to recognize academically talented female students graduating from a high school located in the City of Aurora.

Eligible students must have earned an overall grade point average of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale and also must be able to demonstrative positive values in the areas of character and leadership.

Zonta is an international professional business woman’s organization promoting improvement in the status and education of women through community service, study and action. The Aurora Club was established in 1959.

The Inserra Scholarships, provided by the UNICO Foundation, aim to support students of Italian descent pursuing higher education. Two scholarships of $2,500 each are awarded annually to eligible candidates who are U.S. citizens attending accredited colleges or universities full-time. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative reflects UNICO's commitment to empowering the Italian American community through education.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Veterinary Studies, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two scholarships of $2,500 each for students pursuing veterinary studies at accredited U.S. colleges. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time, and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This opportunity supports diverse applicants and emphasizes community service, reflecting UNICO's commitment to Italian American heritage and educational advancement.

The Prostate Cancer Outreach and Screening initiative by the Illinois Department of Public Health aims to enhance awareness and screening for prostate cancer among high-risk populations, particularly Black non-Hispanic and Hispanic males. This program leverages data-driven strategies to address areas with high incidence and mortality rates. Funding supports one nonprofit organization to implement outreach efforts statewide, aligning with the 2022-2027 Illinois Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan and USPSTF guidelines.

The Ralph J. Torraco Fine Arts Scholarship, offered by the UNICO Foundation, awards two $2,500 scholarships to U.S. students studying Fine Arts, including Performing, Visual, or Technical Arts. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens with a minimum GPA of 3.0, enrolled full-time in an accredited college, and planning to continue their studies into the 2025-2026 academic year. This scholarship aims to support and promote Italian American culture and heritage through the arts.

The GPCAH Community Pilot Grant supports innovative research and outreach aimed at enhancing the health and safety of agricultural workers in the Midwest. Funded by NIOSH, this program encourages projects focusing on critical issues like mental health, injury prevention, and chemical safety. With grants up to $30,000, it invites collaboration from various organizations, particularly those within the nine-state region. Special emphasis is placed on proposals addressing the needs of underrepresented groups in agriculture.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Therapy Sciences, provided by the UNICO Foundation, awards two scholarships valued at $2,500 each to full-time students pursuing degrees in Therapy Sciences, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, and speech-language pathology. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year. This scholarship promotes educational advancement within the community.

The Tourism Attraction Grant Program, offered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, aims to enhance tourism attractions that drive economic growth in Illinois. Grants up to $500,000 are available for eligible entities such as local governments and nonprofits. Applicants must demonstrate matching funds and outline performance goals to measure project success, promoting a thriving tourism sector while ensuring compliance with state regulations and funding criteria.

FY27 480-10-3700 Early Childhood Block Grant: Prevention Initiative 0-3

To provide funds for intensive, research-based, and comprehensive child development and family support services for expectant parents and families with children from birth to age 3 to help them build a strong foundation for learning and to prepare children for later school success.

Opportunity Funding

• $169,199,113.00

Funding Sources

• State

Harm Reduction Community Linkages Project (IL)

Program Description

The Harm Reduction Community Linkages Project is to support capacity building at harm reduction organizations statewide to expand their client base and develop more comprehensive linkages to prevention, treatment, and harm reduction services for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD), including prescription opioids as well as illicit drugs such as heroin. This project is funded through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Overdose Data to Action – States (OD2A-S) Cooperative Agreement and Illinois General Revenue Funds. Organizations selected for this funding will need to demonstrate success in engaging individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD), including prescription opioids as well as illicit drugs such as heroin; have experience in linking individuals to opioid use prevention, OUD treatment and injection harm reduction services through community referral networks; and show capacity to cover large geographic regions in Illinois focusing on communities that demonstrate a high burden of opioid overdose. These funds will be used to strengthen partnerships between injection harm reduction community stakeholders and providers of OUD treatment and other needed social services to improve local coordination, connect more individuals to the appropriate support services and treatment for OUD, and provide case management as needed among persons who use opioids.

The Illinois Department of Public Health places health equity as a top priority. Health equity is the “basic principle of public health that all people have a right to health”. Health equity exists when all people can achieve comprehensive health and wellness despite their social position or any other social factors/determinants of health. Most health disparities affect groups marginalized because of socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, disability status, geographic location, or some combination of these. People in such groups not only experience worse health but also tend to have less access to the social determinants or conditions (e.g., healthy food, good housing, good education, safe neighborhoods, disability access and supports, freedom from racism and other forms of discrimination) that support health. Health disparities are referred to as health inequities when they are the result of the systematic and unjust distribution of these critical conditions. The department’s efforts are committed to addressing health through an equity lens by empowering communities who have been historically marginalized and developing intervention strategies with the end goal of furthering health equity among all Illinoisans.

Funding

• Award Range - $27605 - $240961
• Anticipated Number of Awards - 9

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Special Education, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two scholarships of $2,500 each for U.S. students pursuing degrees in Special Education. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and plan to continue their studies into the 2026-2027 academic year. This scholarship supports students with various disabilities, ensuring that education is accessible and equitable for all.

CSX Charitable Investments provide essential in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations focused on supporting military members and community first responders. Through intermodal transportation services, CSX offers equipment and rail services to help reduce transportation costs for eligible organizations. The program also includes occasional donations of railroad materials and equipment based on availability. CSX prioritizes support for organizations operating within its service areas, promoting community betterment and development.

The Robert J. Tarte Scholarship for Italian Studies, offered by the UNICO Foundation, supports students of Italian descent pursuing a major or minor in Italian Studies or Language. Valued at $1,000, this scholarship is awarded to full-time undergraduate students attending accredited institutions in the U.S. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 and continue their studies through the 2026-2027 academic year, with preference given to those demonstrating financial need.

The Guglielmo Marconi Engineering Scholarship, offered by UNICO Foundation, provides $1,250 to students of Italian descent pursuing engineering degrees in various disciplines. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time in accredited programs, and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0. This scholarship not only supports academic achievement but also promotes the heritage and contributions of the Italian American community, continuing UNICO's legacy of service and support.

The Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program aims to expand opportunities in the construction industry for underrepresented populations, including women, veterans, and people of color. Administered by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, this program focuses on areas lacking pre-apprenticeship initiatives and encourages participation from historically underserved communities. With funding ranging from $150,000 to $550,000 and an anticipated 35 awards, it plays a vital role in promoting diversity and inclusion within the building trades.