Best Grants for Solar Panels for Nonprofits in Illinois

Illinois 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt nonprofits working in education, human services, health, conservation, or cultural programs can seek McGraw Foundation support for general operations, specific projects, or occasional capital needs. Grants, generally limited to the greater Chicago area, range from US $2,000 - US $10,000, with occasional larger awards for especially promising efforts.

Graduate students pursuing research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to address current challenges in the water industry. Focused on water-related research, the American Water Works Association’s Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship may benefit students whose work connects to clean energy, sustainability, or green infrastructure in Illinois and beyond.

Nonprofit organizations hosting community events or general fundraising in Illinois can seek community sponsorship support for operations, arts and culture seasons, and other activities. Focused on community development and well-being, First National Bank of Omaha invites nonprofits to request unrestricted sponsorships that may complement broader sustainability or clean-energy initiatives, including solar-related projects tied to local events.

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 work in areas like affordable housing, environmental stability, education, community health, and arts access. Funding may benefit nonprofits adding solar panels as part of broader construction or renovation efforts.

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, especially those led by people of color, that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in designated U.S. Bank communities.

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. Nonprofits in Union Pacific–served communities, including those advancing sustainability or clean energy access, may be eligible if projects align with these priority cause areas.

Nonprofit organizations in Illinois serving women, children, and families through humanitarian aid, education, homelessness, or job readiness programs can apply for funding from The Father's Table Foundation. The foundation offers up to US $750,000 to expand self-sufficiency, sustainability, and relief efforts, which may benefit nonprofits whose solar projects support these core services.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Illinois working in social services, health, education, environment, or arts and culture may be eligible for this funding, which can support ongoing programs and services. Focused on community well-being, the Patrick and Anna M Cudahy Fund invites metropolitan Chicago-area nonprofits to submit LOIs on a rolling basis.

Illinois nonprofits and educational institutions working on sustainability, climate action, or related community services can access funding and in-kind support through Caesars Foundation. Organizations focused on environmental sustainability, food security, social equity, housing, workforce development, or mental health in eligible Illinois counties may be considered for regional or property-based giving.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Illinois working in human services, legal aid, education, workforce development, health, environment, or arts and culture can apply for Venable Foundation grants; awards are approximately US $10,000 for projects or general operations. Illinois nonprofits with solar or energy-related initiatives that fit these priorities may be competitive.

Nonprofit organizations in Illinois pursuing sustainability projects like solar, renewable energy, efficiency, or conservation initiatives can apply for US $50,000 - US $400,000 through the Sun Club Sustainability Grant. Grants from Green Mountain Energy help eligible 501(c)(3), (4), (6), or (19) organizations with strong financial histories implement impactful environmental projects, including solar panel installations.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Illinois conducting biomedical research can apply for up to US $375,000 in small-scale research funding that engages undergraduates and strengthens campus research capacity. The National Institutes of Health supports projects across fields like public health, neuroscience, genetics, and HIV/AIDS, which may include health-related studies connected to energy or environmental initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Illinois seeking support for children’s education, health, development, or welfare, or for services benefiting the sick, aged, or disabled may be eligible for this funding. Focused on child and patient care, the Harvey and Ethel Daeumer Foundation can support projects that complement energy or facility upgrades like solar installations.

Early-career medical and health researchers at low- or middle-income country institutions, including those in Illinois-listed LMICs, can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award to support mentored clinical research careers. Grants from the National Institutes of Health provide approximately US $140,000 for three to five years of protected research time leading toward independent funding.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Illinois can seek funding for education, environmental projects, or healthy and vibrant community initiatives. Grants from Cleveland Cliffs Foundation help programs in communities where the company operates, which may include solar or other sustainability projects that improve local environments and quality of life.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) status serving Illinois communities within Huntington’s footprint can seek program-specific support for community revitalization, services, housing, and economic development. Focused on strengthening low- and moderate-income communities, Huntington National Bank invites discussions about partnerships that may include clean energy or solar-related initiatives advancing equity and quality of life.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in eligible low- or middle-income countries can apply for National Institutes of Health support to develop independent health research careers. Awards of approximately US $140,000 provide three to five years of mentored research and career development, which may benefit nonprofits and institutions in Illinois collaborating with LMIC investigators.

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 justice-focused nonprofits working on climate policy, clean energy, or Great Lakes and drinking water issues can access funding through the Joyce Foundation to advance policy change in the Great Lakes region. National organizations serving Illinois and other Great Lakes states on these priorities may also be eligible, with an invite-heavy, multi-month application process.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Illinois and other U.S. regions can seek $5,000 - $20,000 from the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust for education-focused programs, especially serving youth and disadvantaged people. Projects with educational components in areas like community initiatives, environmental education, or youth programs may be eligible, including nonprofits that also pursue solar or energy-related improvements.

Organizations planning medical or scientific congresses, events, or initiatives in Illinois can seek sponsorship funding that offers Biogen Foundation tangible benefits like exhibit space or marketing visibility. Biogen Foundation provides Illinois health and research organizations with support for disease-focused events across areas such as neurology, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and related conditions.

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.