Search Through Volunteer Grants in Illinois in the U.S.

We care about the communities in which we live and work. Amcor Cares (formerly the Bemis Company Foundation) was founded as our principal tool in the United States to serve our Amcor Flexibles communities. From volunteer work to monetary donations and community support, Amcor Cares donates several million per year to charitable organizations.

Community Support Grants

Encourage

• Fighting Hunger & Homelessness
• Supporting Disaster Relief

Empower

• Expanding STEM Education
• Building Life Skills
• Improving Health & Wellness

Elevate

• Promoting Arts & Culture
• Funding Amcor Scholarships

Types of support:

• Non-profit Organization Programs
• Non-profit Organization Operating Support
• Capital Campaigns
• STEM Programs

Our Mission

The Old National Bank Foundation believes that social responsibility is essential to fostering vibrant, sustainable communities. We realize this belief through strategic partnerships with charitable organizations addressing defined community needs.

Old National Bank Foundation

The Old National Bank Foundation makes contributions to nonprofit organizations to fund widespread community impact programs and/or projects. The Foundation is part of Old National's overall charitable giving initiative, which enables us to support programs that improve quality of life in areas of Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin where our clients, associates and shareholders live and work.

Invested in our communities

Caring for our clients means being an active and dynamic partner in the cities and towns we serve. Through sponsorships, Old National helps organizations improve the quality of life in the areas where our clients, associates and shareholders live and work.

Old National Bank Foundation Sponsorships

Old National sponsorships provide monetary support for events or activities, while enabling us to partner with many community organizations. Typically such sponsorships are in exchange for advertising and/or publicity that directly benefits Old National. Our goal is to make meaningful contributions, measure the results of our sponsorships, and work closely with the organizations we support.

Here are examples of the types of activities we sponsor:

• One-time events
• Fundraisers
• Golf tournaments/scrambles
• Corporate tables at galas
• Sporting events
• Special events (telethons, marathons, races or benefits)

History & Mission

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust is a private foundation focused on preventing cruelty to animals and promoting the humane treatment of animals, particularly companion animals such as dogs and cats, and other species of animals commonly kept as household pets.  The Foundation also supports efforts to protect the well-being of urban-suburban wildlife, captive exotic wildlife, farmed animals, working animals, and non-human animals generally.  It extends in perpetuity the generosity toward animals in need shown by Kenneth Allen Scott during his lifetime, assisting those who care for them today.

Giving Strategy

The Foundation has two deadlines each year for proposals for Ohio/Great Lake Region Grants, depending on project topic. You may apply for one round or the other, and request funding for only one project in your proposal.

Ohio and Other Great Lakes Grants

The Foundation devotes most of its resources to grants for organizations in Ohio and portions of the other seven states in the Great Lakes watershed (including IL, IN, MI, WI, Western PA, Upstate NY, and Northeastern MN), reflecting the origin of Mr. Scott’s assets. We seek innovative, cost-effective projects that demonstrate our region’s commitment to improving the well-being of animals, especially those in underserved areas or belonging to disadvantaged social groups. We prefer initiatives that are metropolitan, multi-county, statewide or regional or involve collaborations among multiple agencies. Requests from small organizations with localized impact are less likely to be funded. Successful applicants will pursue a high quality of life for individual animals and improve the situation of significant numbers of animals.

Program Areas

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust’s priority is helping organizations go beyond basic care to support initiatives that will provide an enhanced quality of life for homeless and abused companion animals today and in the future.

Funding applications should address one of the following program areas:

Animal Adoption, Behavior Training, and Fostering

• projects to increase successful adoptions or other non-capital means of expanding shelter capacity.

Continuing Education & Training

• opportunities for staff and volunteers to improve delivery of care and retain employees.

Humane & Wildlife Education

• school and community programs that address respecting animals, humane care, health issues and human/wildlife conflicts. 

Community Involvement

We believe in giving back, doing good and making a positive impact in our communities.

Generations of Donaldson employees and their families give their time, energy and aid to various philanthropic efforts, addressing the needs of our local communities and helping transform lives. Organizations are supported in partnership with the Donaldson Foundation and through numerous employee-led volunteer events.

Foundation

Founded in 1966, the Donaldson Foundation is our main vehicle for charitable giving. Led by a volunteer employee board, the Foundation supports organizations and programs that further educational initiatives in our communities.

Led by a Board comprised of employee volunteers, the mission of the Donaldson Foundation is to positively impact our communities by supporting education.

The Donaldson Foundation grants $1.2 million every year to non-profit organizations within our communities where our employees live and work. Our philanthropy focuses on:

• Supporting educational opportunities for those who otherwise would not have them
• Matching grants to educational institutions
• Providing scholarships for post-secondary institutions
• Partnering with our plant communities to address local education needs

Grant Criteria

• Educational focus
• Degree of need for those benefited
• Impact
• Sustainability
• Connection to our communities

GreenState Foundation

The GreenState Foundation of the GreenState Credit Union was founded to further invest in our communities in the areas of Financial Education, Housing and Children’s Health. We feel passionately about these causes and know that each of them will give all of us a brighter, more secure, future. Whether it’s educating our community to make informed financial decisions, affording a home to build equity and participate in the American Dream, or improving the mental and physical health of our youth, our Foundation is actively changing lives,

GreenState Credit Union's mission is to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve. We give back by volunteering time and donating funds to support local organizations and charities that allow our communities to thrive. GreenState is proud to support a variety of events and programs. Our committee meets monthly to evaluate applications and determine funding based on eligibility and compliance within our donation guidelines.

Our primary areas of focus are:

• Financial Education & Economic Empowerment
• Children's Health
• Affordable Housing & Homeownership
• Underserved Communities

GreenState Credit Union Donations

The GreenState Foundation is accepting grant requests for projects or programming that directly support the following three areas of philanthropy:

Financial Education & Economic Empowerment

Education around finance encourages fiscally responsible behavior. We pursue equitable projects and programs that help possess the skills, experience, and knowledge to make informed decisions.

Children's Health

Our children are our future, and we seek out organizations that provide direct or supportive services for their mental and physical health needs.

Affordable Housing & Homeownership

We believe a stable home is the foundation for everything in life. Being able to afford a safe place to live is a key part of the American dream of opportunity.

Funding must be used to support communities within our geographic footprint. Currently, our funding is available in the following geographic regions:

• Iowa - Des Moines, Grinnell, Fort Dodge, Cedar Valley, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Quad Cities & surrounding metros
• Illinois - Quad Cities, Rockford, Freeport, Suburban Chicago
• Nebraska - Omaha

AmeriCorps Competitive Traditional

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) – Serve Illinois and AmeriCorps State and National grants are awarded to eligible organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to strengthen communities. An AmeriCorps member is a person who does community service through AmeriCorps.

Members may receive a living allowance and other benefits. After successful completion of their service, members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award they can use to pay for higher education expenses or apply to qualified student loans.

AmeriCorps State and National improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps State and National brings people together to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving.

This funding opportunity is open to new, recompete, and continuation applicants in any community located in Illinois. Any applicants selected for funding will be notified by IDHS – Serve Illinois and a contract will be sent requiring a signature from the program designee.

Single Award Range:

Awards will vary based on the project. Limit of 1 application per applicant.

John Deere FIRST

John Deere and FIRST are together committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion which encourages teams to be more innovation, creative, and make better decisions. We encourage your team to support and encourage diversity within your team.

John Deere grants are focused on increasing the participation and positive outcomes for students in John Deere home communities who historically have been underserved and underrepresented in STEM (Engineering, Computer Science/IT, and Manufacturing). This focus is supporting John Deere’s Bold Commitment of reaching at least one million underserved/underrepresented youth by 2030.

Current U.S. & Canada John Deere Inspire Home Communities

United States:

• California - Torrance
• Georgia - Augusta
• Illinois - Champaign & Quad Cities
• Iowa - Des Moines, Dubuque, Paton, Ottumwa, Quad Cities, & Waterloo
• Kansas - Coffeyville
• Louisiana - Thibodaux
• Missouri - Springfield
• North Carolina - Raleigh-Durham
• North Dakota - Fargo & Valley City
• Tennessee - Greeneville
• Wisconsin – Horicon

Canada:

• Alberta - Edmonton 
• Manitoba - Altona
• Ontario - Grimsby
• Ontario - Oakville
• Saskatchewan - Regina

John Deere FIRST

John Deere and FIRST are together committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion which encourages teams to be more innovation, creative, and make better decisions. We encourage your team to support and encourage diversity within your team.

John Deere grants are focused on increasing the participation and positive outcomes for students in John Deere home communities who historically have been underserved and underrepresented in STEM (Engineering, Computer Science/IT, and Manufacturing). This focus is supporting John Deere’s Bold Commitment of reaching at least one million underserved/underrepresented youth by 2030.

Current U.S. & Canada John Deere Inspire Home Communities

United States:

• California - Torrance
• Georgia - Augusta
• Illinois - Champaign & Quad Cities
• Iowa - Des Moines, Dubuque, Paton, Ottumwa, Quad Cities, & Waterloo
• Kansas - Coffeyville
• Louisiana - Thibodaux
• Missouri - Springfield
• North Carolina - Raleigh-Durham
• North Dakota - Fargo & Valley City
• Tennessee - Greeneville
• Wisconsin – Horicon

Canada:

• Alberta - Edmonton 
• Manitoba - Altona
• Ontario - Grimsby
• Ontario - Oakville
• Saskatchewan - Regina

We are Stronger Together

2020 was a year like no other. It offered us a unique opportunity to demonstrate the strength of H.B. Fuller’s values, particularly the power of collaboration and courage. Our focus on taking care of employees, solving customers’ challenges in new ways, and supporting our communities when they need us most never faltered.

Our commitment to STEM education and youth leadership development did not waver, and we created a new funding focus to address racial inequities in the areas of employment, education and safety. Additionally, employees around the world took part in company-sponsored matching programs and a variety of virtual or socially-distanced volunteer opportunities to amplify their impact on issues they care about.

Overall, the gifts of time, talent and financial resources provided by H.B. Fuller and its employees in 2020 had an immeasurable effect on communities around the world.

STEM and Youth Leadership Grant

H.B. Fuller’s philanthropic vision is to help young people grow into productive, successful adults.

H.B. Fuller Company Foundation grants are strategically focused in two areas:

• STEM education – youth education initiatives in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)
• Leadership development for youth – organizations and programs that help young people become successful, productive adults

About

The Illinois Department of Human Services was created in 1997 to provide our state's residents with streamlined access to integrated services, especially those who are striving for economic independence, and others who face multiple challenges to self-sufficiency.

AmeriCorps Formula Fixed

Program Description

This funding opportunity is open to new applicants and one continuation applicant. Any applicants selected for funding will be notified by IDHS/Serve Illinois and a contract will be sent requiring a signature from the program designee.

Program Summary

AmeriCorps State and National (ASN) Program improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle some of the country's most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. The primary objective for AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers is to serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving. AmeriCorps helps make service a cornerstone of our national culture.

An AmeriCorps member is an individual who engages in community service through an approved national service position. Members may receive a living allowance and other benefits while serving. Upon successful completion of their service, members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award that they can use to pay for higher education expenses or apply to qualified student loans.

AmeriCorps National grants are awarded to eligible organizations, proposing to engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence- informed interventions/practices to strengthen communities. AmeriCorps National grants are administered in Illinois by a state commission, Serve Illinois, under the purview of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS).

About

The Illinois Department of Human Services was created in 1997 to provide our state's residents with streamlined access to integrated services, especially those who are striving for economic independence, and others who face multiple challenges to self-sufficiency.

AmeriCorps Formula Traditional

Program Description

This funding opportunity is open to new, recompete, and continuation applicants. Any applicants selected for funding will be notified by IDHS/Serve Illinois and a contract will be sent requiring a signature from the program designee.

Program Summary

AmeriCorps State and National (ASN) Program improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle some of the country's most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. The primary objective for AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers is to serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving. AmeriCorps helps make service a cornerstone of our national culture.

An AmeriCorps member is an individual who engages in community service through an approved national service position. Members may receive a living allowance and other benefits while serving. Upon successful completion of their service, members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award that they can use to pay for higher education expenses or apply to qualified student loans.

AmeriCorps National grants are awarded to eligible organizations, proposing to engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence- informed interventions/practices to strengthen communities. AmeriCorps National grants are administered in Illinois by a state commission, Serve Illinois, under the purview of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS).

 MissionThe DRA, through its gaming and entertainment facilities provides for social, economic and community betterment and lessens the burden of Dubuque city and area government, while contributing to the growth and viability of Dubuque area tourism.

Focus for Grant Applications

All requests for funding in 2022 should tie to the mission of People Attraction: Population Growth, Retention and Tourism. This aligns with the DRA’s mission of providing social, economic and community betterment and lessening the burden of Dubuque city and area government, as well as our vision of being a dynamic community resource, acting as a catalyst to enhance the quality of life and financial well-being of the tri-state community.

Executive Summary

The State of Illinois is coordinating agency strategies and investments, partnering with the community to build a strong safety net and permanent housing for Illinoisans facing homelessness and housing insecurity. In coordination with Illinois’ Coordinated Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, the Supportive Housing Program (“SHP” or “Program”) provides grants to qualified applicants (“Recipients”, “Providers”, or “Grantees”) to serve formerly homeless individuals and families, those in danger of becoming homeless, and/or people with chronic disabilities (“Participants”). Created in 2009, the goal of the Program is to help Participants obtain or maintain independent living arrangements in community-based housing.

Required services for all Participants include ongoing case management, advocacy, and counseling. Additional Participant-tailored services must include accessing applicable mainstream public benefits. Other supportive services may include alcohol and substance use counseling; mental health programming; job training; transportation; childcare; and others selected by the Participant to achieve maximum self-sufficiency. All services must be necessary to enhance Participants’ ability to maintain independent living arrangements.

Total Amount of Funding

The Department expects to award approximately $25,000,000, subject to sufficient appropriation of funds.

Anticipated Number of Awards

The Department anticipates funding approximately 80-120 grant awards to provide services under this program.

Eviction Help Illinois Grants

In response to the housing crisis fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic, the IEJF provides grants to nonprofit organizations delivering free legal help and information to people facing eviction and housing stability. These services are provided through Eviction Help Illinois, a statewide network people can access via phone, text or web chat.

For FY 24, the IEJF is focused on funding organizations that provide services in suburban Cook County and/or downstate counties.

The Illinois Equal Justice Foundation will make Eviction Help Illinois grants in the following two categories:

Civil Legal Assistance Grants

The IEJF makes grants to provide legal assistance to low-income Illinois residents who cannot afford to hire an attorney. The IEJF Eviction Response grants will focus on the following two priority areas:

• Eviction Response Legal Services: This includes legal advice, consultations, limited services, full representation, and telephone hotline services in eviction and housing matters. 
• Online Legal Information and Triage Services. These services enable Illinois residents to receive online legal information, triage, and referral services for eviction and housing matters, mediation and available rental assistance.

Mediation Services

The IEJF makes grants to provide mediation services to Illinois residents, as an efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional legal processes. The IEJF will support selected mediation programs whose purpose is to improve access to just resolutions of disputes for those who might not otherwise have such access.

Grants to support mediation services will be made to dispute resolution centers, which are not-for-profit organizations that offer free mediation services to the public that are provided by trained volunteers.

For the purposes of these guidelines, mediation is defined as a voluntary process in which an impartial mediator actively assists disputants in identifying and clarifying issues of concern and in designing and agreeing to solutions for those issues. A mediator is defined as a person who has received at least 30 hours of training in the areas of negotiation, nonverbal communication, agreement writing, neutrality and ethics.

In the Mediation Services category, the IEJF will consider support for:

• New Dispute Resolution Centers: To increase the availability of mediation services throughout Illinois, the IEJF will consider applications for “start-up” grants to new dispute resolution centers – including those that have begun operation and those that will begin offering services during the grant period – that can demonstrate the ability to provide mediation services in accordance with these guidelines.
• Existing Dispute Resolution Centers: The IEJF will consider applications for operating support from existing dispute resolution centers to expand services in response to the eviction crisis. These operating expenses include staff salaries and benefits, as well as other costs directly related to providing mediation services.
• Mediator Training: The IEJF will consider applications for operating support from existing dispute resolution centers aiming to increase the State’s capacity to provide mediation services through training of new mediators or Eviction Response training for existing mediators.

Our Mission

The DRA, through its gaming and entertainment facilities provides for social, economic and community betterment and lessens the burden of Dubuque city and area government, while contributing to the growth and viability of Dubuque area tourism.

Core Grant

• Focus on People Attraction: Population growth, retention, and tourism
• Coaching opportunities provided by the DRA and community partners throughout the grant cycle

Focus for Grant Applications

Applications should align with the mission of People Attraction: Population Growth, Retention and Tourism. This supports the DRA’s mission of fostering social, economic and community betterment while reducing the burden of the City of Dubuque and area government. It also reflects our vision of being a dynamic community resource, acting as a catalyst to enhance the quality of life and financial well-being of the tri-state community.

Capacity Building vs Material Purchases

Historically, the DRA primarily funded material items. However, in 2022, we shifted our approach to prioritize applications that include capacity building alongside material purchases.

What is Capacity Building?

Capacity building is the process of developing and strengthening the skills, processes, resources, and strategies that organizations and communities need to adapt, grow and thrive in a rapidly changing world. 

Examples of capacity building activities and potential projects:

• Planning Activities: Organizational assessments, strategic planning, and creating development plans/strategies.
• Donor Development: Marketing and communications, online donor portals, and enhancements to the donor experience.
• Strategic Relationships: Strengthening relationships with professional advisors and nonprofit partners.
• Internal Operations: Improvements to donor database, financial management systems, volunteer management, and organizational websites.
• Professional Development: Staff, contractor, or affiliate volunteer attendance at regional or national conferences, or participation in local or online training.
• Financial Audits: First-time audits that open additional funding opportunities for the organization.
• Organization Marketing: Website creation/design, marketing materials, and tools to help promote the organization externally.

Executive Summary:

The Employment Barrier Reduction Fund is a state-funded initiative administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to support low-income individuals in overcoming financial and logistical obstacles to employment. The program provides funding to community-based organizations (CBOs) that offer services to individuals receiving SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid, helping them access essential resources to enter and sustain employment.

Additionally, the program seeks to prevent low-income individuals from experiencing financial emergencies or hardships that could push them further into poverty, making it more difficult to participate in employment and education activities. By addressing immediate financial barriers-such as transportation, childcare, and housing stability-the program ensures that individuals can focus on securing sustainable employment, gaining new skills, and improving their long-term economic stability.

Many individuals face challenges such as transportation costs, lack of work-appropriate attire, and childcare expenses, which prevent them from securing and maintaining employment. By funding supportive services, this program helps reduce reliance on public assistance while promoting long-term financial stability and self-sufficiency.

This program uses an intermediary model of service delivery in order to serve the entire state through sub-grantees. Agreements should be in place with all sub-grantees working with the grantee. Performance must conform to all program rules and guidelines. Agreements with sub-grantees are subject to review and approval by the Department.

Goals and objectives of the Program

The EBRP will be used to break down employment barriers, empowering underserved, and vulnerable populations across Illinois. The goal for the program is to impact and strengthen partnerships and referrals from FCRC offices and leverage other funding sources to assist eligible households. Renewed funding is essential to expanding outreach and enabling more individuals and families to achieve economic independence and long-term stability.

GIG Fund

Flexible support to help arts and culture organizations grow their capacity, fund artist engagements, and build community.

What is the GIG Fund?

The GIG Fund is a grant of $2,000-4,000 that supports creative projects and educational events in the Midwest. These funds help organizations present artists in their community by supporting programming and touring costs. The GIG Fund is a grant that supports Midwestern organizations that want to contract with a professional artist to offer activities to their community. 

Matching requirement

Organizations will be required to demonstrate matching funds on a 1:1 basis for the grant amount.

To demonstrate the match, your expenses should each be at least double your GIG Fund grant. Potential sources for the match include salaries and wages, in-kind contributions, volunteer hours, earned and contributed revenue (donations, ticket sales, other non-Federal grants), or cash from the applicant or partner organizations.

The Community Foundation of East Central Illinois (CFECI) will be awarding $60,000 in grants to strengthen the nonprofit sector as part of its vision of raising the quality of life throughout the region it serves.

CFECI will provide grants of up to $5,000 to eligible nonprofits for capacity building and technical assistance to improve an identified area of operations. These Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants require a 10% matching contribution.

Purpose

Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants strengthen nonprofits by increasing their core systems and operations. By improving infrastructure, these time-limited projects help nonprofits more effectively carry out their missions – now and into the future.

This grant program focuses on projects that improve capacity in an identified area of organizational operations, including (but not limited to):

• Communications
• Data management
• Diversity, equity and inclusion
• Financial management
• Fundraising
• Governance
• Leadership
• Mission & strategy
• Program delivery
• Program evaluation

Examples of capacity building projects include:

• Leadership development: supporting a leadership training experience for two or more members of the organization’s leadership/ management team.
• Planning activities: including organizational assessments, strategic planning, fund development, communications/marketing, or business planning.
• Board development: may include activities such as leadership training, executive coaching, defining the role of the board, and strengthening governance.
• Internal operations: improvements to financial management, human resources or volunteer management.
• Technology improvements: IT capacity through upgrades to hardware and software, networking, websites, and staff training to optimize use of technology.

Applicants are encouraged to identify training, consulting and/or 1:1 coaching opportunities that best meet their organizational needs. Upon request, CFECI can provide a list of local consultants with various specialties in nonprofit capacity building.

Amount

Applicants may request up to $5,000, which requires a 10% matching contribution from the applicant organization.

The Spirit of St. Louis Women’s Fund (SOS) strengthens the Greater St. Louis community through informed, focused grant-making by educating and inspiring women to engage in significant giving.

SOS Commitment To Diversity, Equity And Inclusion

SOS is committed to equity, diversity, collaboration, inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability because all people deserve to live full and abundant lives free of prejudice, discrimination and oppression.

We will prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion in our philanthropy.

means full participation of all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender orientation, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, ability, citizenship status, language, religion, geographic location, and national origin, among other identities.

is the condition that would be achieved if one’s identity no longer predicted how one fared in life.

creates a culture and environment for diverse individuals to bring their authentic and full selves. Inclusion results when underrepresented people are seen as fully belonging in a community.

Focus Areas

Grants are not restricted to issues dealing exclusively with women, but are made to organizations focusing on at least one of the following areas:

• Arts and Culture
• Education
• Environment
• Health
• Social Services

Single-year Eligibility

Single-year grants of $5,000 – $25,000 are awarded to nonprofit organizations in the Greater St. Louis community. Applicants are encouraged to submit Letters of Inquiry for general operating support, project/program support, and capacity building. Capacity building strengthens the development of an organization’s core skills and capabilities, such as leadership, management, finance/fund-raising, programs, and evaluation, in order to build the organization’s effectiveness and sustainability.

Multi-year Eligibility

In the 2022-2023 granting cycle, SOS will be investing in one, renewable, three year accelerator grant for $33,333 a year, totaling $100,000. The application can be for a specific project or for general operating support.

Organizations that apply for multi-year grants must:

• Demonstrate a history of successful programming and financial stability
• Show collaboration with other agencies
• Exhibit strong leadership in board and organizational management
• Have a clear multi-year plan that is visionary, meets an urgent community need and significantly enhances the applicant organization’s ability to serve their mission into the future
• Demonstrate how having consistent funding will allow your agency to think big and take chances
• Have specific and numerically measurable project goals, objectives/actions and outcomes/impact described for each year
• Include a three year budget:
  • If applying for a project include a separate project budget for each year
  • If applying for general operating support, submit the organization’s budget for the current year and two subsequent years
  • Have the option to include up to 2 additional supporting documents such as an Annual Report or Strategic Plan
• Organizations that have received single-year SOS grants for the past two consecutive years CAN apply for a multi-year grant. However, organizations applying for a multi-year grant CANNOT apply for an SOS single-year grant in the same grant cycle.

Founded in 2002, the Asian Giving Circle (AGC) is a grassroots philanthropic project that supports Asian and Pacific Islander (API) nonprofits in the Chicago region. AGC is composed of members (i.e. donors) that are committed to pooling and directing their financial resources to organizations that are advancing social justice. AGC is designed and dedicated to being responsive to the current issues facing API communities - a landscape of communities that is incredibly diverse, composed of more than 30 ethnic groups speaking hundreds of languages and dialects.

To date, AGC has contributed more than $800,000 to nonprofit organizations serving API communities in the Chicago region. AGC is one of the oldest active giving circles for API communities and originally started as part of the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP) Giving Circle Network. 

AGC believes that giving is an act that can transform ourselves and our communities to build the world we need now. While AGC supports organizations that serve the API community due to continued histories of disinvestment, we believe our work and the work we support must support, be informed by, and add value to broader struggles for liberation.

2025 Funding Priorities

In 2025, AGC is requesting general operating proposals from API organizations in the Chicago metropolitan region (which includes the city of Chicago as well as Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties).

Background

The IEJF administers the State of Illinois’ appropriation for Civil Legal Aid, which is housed in the Attorney General’s budget. Attorney General Raoul requested and received $5,000,000 for the state appropriation for civil legal aid this year. The budget for this year's grants will be approximately $4.8 million

With this funding, we support programs that:

• Help people access basic needs
• Protect victims of domestic violence
• Recover funds for seniors victimized by fraud
• Help people resolve family crises

Purposes

The Illinois Equal Justice Foundation makes Civil Legal Aid grants in five categories:

• Legal Information for the Public
• Self Help Legal Assistance Projects
• Mediation Services
• Telephone Advice & Referral Services
• Civil Legal Assistance

At its discretion, the Board may also request proposals from non-profit organizations to conduct research, training and technical assistance regarding legal information for the public, mediation, telephone advice and referral services and/or civil legal assistance.

Community Foundation Granting Opportunities

Since its inception in 1972, the Community Foundation’s assets have grown from $1,300 to nearly $27 million. This growth in well-managed endowed funds and other assets, along with administering grant dollars on behalf of the Marajen Stevick Foundation and in cooperation with the Lumpkin Foundation, has enabled us to make $1 million distributions annually for several years to nonprofit organizations in east central Illinois.

As the size of our available granting dollars has grown, our granting strategy has evolved to reflect our commitment to using our donors’ dollars wisely to make sustainable differences in our area. We believe that the combination of grants we offer serve as tools that will yield measurable and lasting results from our investment in impact.

For many years, the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois has distributed, on behalf of our donors, grants to assist nonprofit organizations. These grants are for durable goods and items which will help an organization provide better service but sometimes are not a high priority in their budget.

Each proposal is evaluated on its potential value to east central Illinois, funding available for disbursement and the quality of planning, leadership, support and vision expressed in the application

Types of Projects or Programs Supported

The Community Foundation invites proposals in the areas of:

• arts and humanities,
• environment,
• education,
• health and human services,
• urban affairs, and
• youth activities.

While applications in any of these categories will be considered, awards may not be made in every category. Successful proposals will address problems to be solved or opportunities to be seized upon in the east central Illinois area. While these grants fund durable goods, you are encouraged to submit proposals that:

• Suggest practical approaches to addressing community problems
• Promote collaboration and cooperation among agencies
• Generate community support, both professional and volunteer
• Strengthen an agency’s effectiveness or stability

Illinois Supreme Court, the Lawyers Trust Fund receives revenue from the Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) program; a portion of the annual registration fee paid by Illinois attorneys; and the remittance of unidentified funds from IOLTA accounts. LTF uses the income from these sources to support the provision of direct legal aid services to low-income Illinoisans with civil legal problems.LTF Grantmaking Goals LTF makes grants to Illinois non-profit organizations that provide legal aid services free of charge to low-income families and individuals residing in Illinois. LTF awards grants annually, on a calendar- year basis.

In allocating grant funds and making awards to individual organizations, LTF prioritizes the following broad goals:

• Supporting the availability of legal aid services throughout the state.
• Encouraging the use of a variety of methods to deliver services (e.g., advice desks, brief service projects, neighborhood clinics, unbundled representation, technology-based tools, extended representation by staff and volunteer attorneys).
• Supporting legal services that address the most critical needs of low-income individuals and families, including health, personal safety, family stability, housing, and economic security.
• Supporting legal services that assist low-income individuals and families in overcoming the impacts of historical discrimination and systemic barriers to meeting critical needs, and helping them attain full and equitable participation in society.
• Supporting legal services to meet critical needs that otherwise would not be addressed due to geographic location, area of the law, and/or client characteristics

About

Investing in Southeastern Illinois for good, and forever.

Across America, more than 700 community foundations help individuals, families and organizations make permanent charitable investments in their communities. Each works to create vibrant communities within their specific geographic area. Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation is proud to be in their company.

Mission

Cultivating philanthropy to build better communities.

In support of our mission, Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation is committed to bringing the full capabilities of an independent community foundation to smaller communities in our region by working with local volunteers and donors to improve their hometowns.

Fall Grant Cycle: Teutopolis State Bank Designated Fund 

Since its inception in 1913, Teutopolis State Bank has been a fixture on Main Street in Teutopolis, Illinois. Over the years, they have helped local businesses, individuals and families develop, grow and sustain prosperity through their wide range of financial services. Teutopolis State Bank takes pride in giving back to the community. It is the bank’s desire to leave a lasting footprint in the communities it serves. The amount of time and effort put forth by every employee, matched with the financial resources of the institution, enables Teutopolis State Bank to support various community events that enrich and improve the lives of the people in the community. With the bank’s extensive range of civic involvement, no individual or charity is too big or too small to forego support. As the Teutopolis State Bank continues its civic involvement throughout the community, it remains dedicated to serving shareholders, clients, neighbors, and friends.

The Teutopolis State Bank Designated Fund provides grants for projects that benefit the Teutopolis, Illinois community in the following areas: civic, cultural health, health, education, and social services.

Fall Cycle: Consolidated Communications Fund for Economic Development and Community Leadership 

The shareholders, managers, and employees of Consolidated Communications value their connection to the communities in which they live and in which the company does business. We know our lives are greatly enhanced by the good works of many men and women working on staff or as volunteers with the community and nonprofit organizations. As well, our community is made more vibrant by the creativity and effort of those working across sectors, as entrepreneurs or educators, to drive a vibrant, local economy. Nonprofit organizations that support the efforts of these community leaders are frequently undercapitalized and often lack the financial resources or the human capital – but not the potential – to build truly great institutions and communities. This Fund has been created to recognize their good works and to provide incentives to achieve the fullest community potential.

Mission and Grant Areas: Economic Development and Community Leadership

John Deere FIRST

John Deere and FIRST are together committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion which encourages teams to be more innovation, creative, and make better decisions. We encourage your team to support and encourage diversity within your team.

John Deere grants are focused on increasing the participation and positive outcomes for students in John Deere home communities who historically have been underserved and underrepresented in STEM (Engineering, Computer Science/IT, and Manufacturing). This focus is supporting John Deere’s Bold Commitment of reaching at least one million underserved/underrepresented youth by 2030.

Current U.S. & Canada John Deere Inspire Home Communities

United States:

• California - Torrance
• Georgia - Augusta
• Illinois - Champaign & Quad Cities
• Iowa - Des Moines, Dubuque, Paton, Ottumwa, Quad Cities, & Waterloo
• Kansas - Coffeyville
• Louisiana - Thibodaux
• Missouri - Springfield
• North Carolina - Raleigh-Durham
• North Dakota - Fargo & Valley City
• Tennessee - Greeneville
• Wisconsin – Horicon

Canada:

• Alberta - Edmonton 
• Manitoba - Altona
• Ontario - Grimsby
• Ontario - Oakville
• Saskatchewan - Regina

FIRST Robotics Competition

Combining the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology