Search Through Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois in the U.S.

The Chicago Commitment: Advancing Leadership Grant aims to support diverse leaders from historically marginalized communities, fostering equity and inclusion in civic engagement. This initiative seeks to empower individuals who face systemic barriers, enabling them to influence decision-making and contribute to a more equitable Chicago. By funding leadership programs and individual leaders, the grant addresses urgent community needs while promoting collaboration among organizations to enhance their impact on societal change.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Find Your Future (FYF) Program, initiated by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, offers specialized internships to youth in foster care. This initiative matches eligible college students with paid internship opportunities across the state, fostering professional development through workshops and aftercare services. Participants receive stipends and support in resume building, financial literacy, and networking skills, aiming to enhance their career prospects and personal growth. The program is designed to empower youth as they transition into the workforce.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The TFF Capacity Building Grant supports nonprofit organizations, schools, and government agencies in Illinois, helping them strengthen their operational effectiveness. Grants can fund a variety of projects, including professional development and strategic planning. Organizations are required to contribute 10% of the requested amount in cash. This grant aims to enhance organizational impact, enabling recipients to deliver more effective programs and pursue new opportunities.

The Tony Robbins Foundation Grant aims to empower individuals and organizations to improve the lives of marginalized communities, including youth, seniors, and the homeless. By providing financial support to aligned nonprofits, the foundation seeks to create impactful changes globally. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or recognized international entities, with a mission statement that resonates with the foundation's goals. The foundation does not fund personal projects or startups.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Community Impact Annual Grant, provided by The Foundation for Northwest Illinois, supports nonprofit organizations enhancing community welfare in Stephenson, Jo Daviess, and Carroll counties. This grant focuses on initiatives in arts, economic development, child and family services, health, and professional growth. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt nonprofits that serve the community's needs without discrimination. The foundation prioritizes collaborative and impactful projects that align with its strategic vision.

The Retirement Research Foundation offers Organizational Capacity Building Grants to Illinois nonprofits focused on enhancing their management and governance systems. These grants support activities such as strategic planning, financial management, program evaluation, and human resources development. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt, operational for at least three years, and prioritize services for the elderly. This funding aims to strengthen nonprofits' capacity to serve older adults effectively.

The Old National Bank Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations for community impact initiatives across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Focused on four key areas—Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Financial Empowerment—the foundation prioritizes programs that support underrepresented communities. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the foundation’s funding priorities to qualify for grants, which can be applied for every two years.

The Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust provides grants primarily to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations in Iowa and parts of Illinois. Focused on enhancing educational opportunities, the Trust supports projects in elementary and secondary education, higher education, medical research, youth services, and recreation. By funding innovative initiatives, it aims to improve access to educational resources and foster scientific advancement, while also addressing the recreational needs of youth and supporting community development.

The Illinois Family Violence Coordinating Council (IFVCC) Implementation Grant aims to enhance the justice system's response to family violence, including intimate partner and child abuse. By fostering collaboration among government and nonprofit organizations, the IFVCC promotes effective community responses and training opportunities. The program's structure encourages stakeholder engagement, improving awareness and practices in prevention and intervention. With funding ranging from $30,000 to $49,000, this grant supports initiatives that strengthen relationships within local service programs and criminal justice systems.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Illinois aim to support small rural businesses with technical assistance and training. Eligible projects must benefit rural areas outside urbanized cities with populations over 50,000. While there is no maximum grant amount, priority is given to smaller requests. Funds can be used for a wide range of purposes, including training, land acquisition, and community economic development, fostering growth and sustainability in rural economies.

The Cowles Charitable Trust Grant supports initiatives aligned with the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. Focused on education, social justice, health, and the arts, it favors organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) by the IRS. The Trust encourages applications for general operating support and seeks partnerships rather than being the sole funder. Notably, it considers applications from established partners and supports efforts in Downstate New York and South Florida, with a preference for diverse funding sources.

The Impaired Driving Prevention Program in Illinois aims to enhance roadway safety by addressing alcohol and drug-related impaired driving. With a funding amount of $8,000,000, the program focuses on raising public awareness, implementing prevention strategies, and providing resources to law enforcement. It encourages community involvement and educational initiatives to reduce traffic fatalities and promote responsible behaviors. The program supports various eligible applicants, including local governments and nonprofits, to foster a collaborative approach to combating impaired driving.

The Kjellstrom Family Foundation, established in 2004, offers challenge grants and capacity building grants to support local charities in Northern Illinois. With an annual contribution of over $600,000, the foundation focuses on youth, arts, and community services. Grants range from $25,000 to $50,000, depending on the type of funding. KFF prioritizes organizations in Winnebago County and emphasizes partnerships that enhance operational efficiency and governance.

The Junior League of Springfield Capacity Building Fund, managed by the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, offers grants up to $1,500 for professional development to small nonprofits in Central Illinois. This funding aims to enhance the management and governance capabilities of staff and board members through training and workshops. Eligible organizations include registered 501(c)(3) charities, faith-based groups, schools, and municipalities, particularly in Sangamon, Montgomery, and Christian counties.

The Dubuque Racing Association Core Grants aim to enhance community betterment through non-profit initiatives focused on population growth and tourism. These grants prioritize capacity building alongside material purchases, supporting organizations that align with the mission to foster economic vitality in the tri-state area. Eligible applicants include non-profits with specific IRS designations, emphasizing projects that strengthen local resources and improve quality of life while adhering to strict funding guidelines.

The Illinois Department of Public Health is launching a Reproductive Healthcare Navigation Program to create a toll-free abortion navigation hotline. This initiative aims to connect patients with appropriate abortion providers in Illinois while offering educational resources and logistical support. The program seeks experienced grantees to maintain relationships with providers, ensure culturally competent services, and promote the hotline effectively through various channels. The goal is to facilitate access to safe abortion care and support for individuals navigating this process.

The CFNI Community Grants Program, established by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, has distributed over $72 million since 1953 to enhance local quality of life. The program supports nonprofits through a tiered application process based on funding requests, with a focus on Education, Arts, Health, Human Services, Sustainable Communities, and Youth & Families. Grants prioritize projects that address community needs and foster long-term impact, especially in education and wellness.

The Eichacker + Lofton Grant Fund, established by the Keokuk Area Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in the Tri-State Area, covering Hancock County, Illinois, Clark County, Missouri, and Lee County, Iowa. This fund supports nonprofit organizations focusing on arts, culture, education, health, and community betterment. Grants up to $5,000 are available to initiate projects that address local needs, promote collaboration, and foster leadership and self-sufficiency within the community.

The GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness offers grants ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 to support projects that blend arts and wellness. Open to non-profit organizations, hospitals, and clinics across the Midwest, this fund aims to enhance community well-being through artistic initiatives. Eligible applicants must engage professional artists and provide activities that promote health and creativity. This funding round supports activities occurring between December 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, emphasizing the importance of arts in fostering wellness.

The Breakin' It Down Conference Scholarship offers financial support to nonprofit, philanthropy, and fundraising professionals, as well as students, to attend the 2025 Breakin' It Down Conference in Chicago. It aims to assist individuals from under-represented communities, including people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those with disabilities. The scholarship covers full registration fees, providing opportunities for networking and professional development in a supportive environment.

The Elea Institute's Education Grants Program aims to enhance hospice and palliative care education for healthcare providers, patients, and families in Illinois. With grant sizes ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, this initiative supports 1-3 projects over a period of up to two years. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and focus on the specified Illinois counties, fostering community outreach and educational efforts to improve patient care.

The Elea Institute's Integrative Therapy Grants Program aims to support charity care and integrative therapy within 13 Illinois counties, enhancing hospice and palliative care services. This initiative, established by the Elea Institute, focuses on funding innovative programs that improve care quality for patients and their families. Eligible nonprofit organizations can apply for grants ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, covering projects that align with the mission of increasing accessibility to compassionate care.