Best Grants for BIPOC in Illinois

Illinois 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations can receive McGraw Foundation support for education, human services, conservation, health, and cultural programs, generally in the greater Chicago area. Grants of US $2,000 - US $10,000 may fund general operations, specific projects, or occasional capital needs, which can include initiatives serving BIPOC communities.

Graduate students pursuing research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive scholarship support through the American Water Works Association’s Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship. Focused on water-related research, this US $3,000 award may benefit BIPOC students in Illinois working on actionable solutions to current water industry challenges.

Nonprofit organizations hosting community events or fundraising activities in Illinois can seek community sponsorship support for operations, arts and culture access, community development, health, education, and small business initiatives. Focused on community impact, First National Bank of Omaha invites nonprofits, including those serving BIPOC communities, to request unrestricted sponsorships reviewed on a monthly basis.

Nonprofit organizations planning capital campaigns or major projects in Illinois can apply for First National Bank of Omaha’s capital or major donations to support community-focused facilities or infrastructure. Funding can back projects in areas like affordable housing, environmental sustainability, entrepreneurship, education, community health, arts access, and cohesion, which may benefit BIPOC communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Illinois working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture may be eligible for this funding. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help BIPOC-led and equity-focused groups strengthen work, home, and play through programs like job readiness, housing support, financial literacy, and arts access.

Illinois nonprofits and 501(c)(3) emergency response organizations can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation for community safety, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and community vitality projects. Programs primarily serving communities on the Union Pacific network, especially those advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion for BIPOC and other underrepresented residents, may receive US $5,000 - US $30,000 for direct services and capacity building.

Nonprofits serving women and children with self-sufficiency, humanitarian aid, or child welfare programs in Illinois can access funding through The Father's Table Foundation, with awards up to US $750,000. U.S.-based organizations working on homelessness, education, job readiness, food security, health care, anti-trafficking, or disaster relief for BIPOC communities may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving under-resourced communities in areas like social services, health, education, environment, and arts can seek general community funding in Illinois and Wisconsin. Focused on community well-being, the Patrick and Anna M Cudahy Fund invites Illinois groups, including those serving BIPOC residents, to submit LOIs on a rolling basis before proposal deadlines.

Illinois educational institutions and 501(c)(3) charities working on social equity, education, workforce development, housing, food security, climate action, or mental health can access funding through The Caesars Foundation, including in-kind support. Organizations serving BIPOC communities in Illinois counties where Caesars operates may be especially competitive when aligned with these strategic impact areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing human services, legal aid, education, workforce development, health, environment, or arts programs in Illinois (especially Chicago and Cook County) can apply for grants from Venable Foundation, averaging approximately US $10,000. Funding supports general operations or projects serving economically disadvantaged and underserved people, including youth, LGBTQ+ communities, immigrants, and those facing homelessness or food insecurity.

Nonprofit organizations in Illinois with established 501(c)(3), (4), (6), or (19) status and strong financial history can seek US $50,000 - US $400,000 for community sustainability projects. Grants from Green Mountain Energy help fund renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation, and related environmental initiatives that benefit local communities where the company does business.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Illinois conducting biomedical research can apply for small-scale project funding to expand student research experiences and strengthen their campus research environment. The National Institutes of Health supports work in areas like public health, neuroscience, genetics, HIV/AIDS, and more, with awards up to US $375,000 for institutions meeting NIH funding limits.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Illinois seeking support for children’s education, health, development, and welfare, or services for the sick, aged, or disabled may be eligible for this funding. Focused on youth development, education, and health care, the Harvey and Ethel Daeumer Foundation invites local charities, including those serving BIPOC communities, to apply.

Early-career biomedical research scientists at academic or research institutions in low- or middle-income countries can apply for National Institutes of Health Emerging Global Leader Award support to develop independent research careers. Grants from NIH help Illinois-connected and other LMIC investigators working in areas like cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health, women’s health, genetics, and related clinical trials.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Illinois can seek funding to advance education, environmental improvement, or healthy and vibrant communities. Grants from Cleveland Cliffs Foundation help groups serving communities near its operations, including programs for workforce readiness, STEM education, community development, and services that may benefit BIPOC residents.

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 initiatives that benefit low- and moderate-income residents. Focused on racial and social equity, Huntington National Bank invites partners within its footprint to discuss innovative, community-driven projects.

Early-career research scientists in low- or middle-income countries proposing health-related research and career development can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, with approximately US $140,000 available for mentored support. Illinois-based institutions collaborating with LMIC investigators, especially on cancer, mental health, women’s health, or other listed priorities, may be eligible partners.

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.

Illinois environmental and environmental justice organizations can access funding through the Joyce Foundation to advance climate solutions and Great Lakes and drinking water policy. National and regional groups working in Illinois on carbon-free power, clean drinking water, freshwater protection, or water equity for communities of color may be eligible; most support is focused on Great Lakes states.

Illinois 501(c)(3) organizations offering educational opportunities, youth programs, arts education, or community initiatives can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $20,000 from the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust. Programs serving disadvantaged or youth populations may be especially competitive, and funding can support new or enhanced projects, short-term bridge support, or matching and capital campaign needs.

Illinois organizations planning congresses, conferences, or health-related events can seek corporate sponsorship funding for tangible benefits like exhibit space, banners, or other recognition opportunities. Biogen Foundation considers requests across neurological and related disease areas, and BIPOC-led or BIPOC-serving groups may be eligible if their events align with these scientific and medical focus areas.

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.

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. 

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.