Best Will County Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

PetSmart Charities' Adoption Partnerships and Event Grants support organizations in finding loving homes for pets. With over 10 million pets placed, the program offers resources like cash rewards for adoptions and grants for event support. Eligible partners include registered charities and educational institutions. The maximum grant available is $5,000, aimed at maximizing the impact of adoption events. Join us in enhancing the lives of pets and their new families through collaboration and community engagement.

The Banfield Foundation's Disaster Relief Grants support nonprofit animal welfare organizations and government agencies affected by natural disasters. Since 2015, the foundation has provided resources to help pets in crisis, including medical supplies, food, and temporary shelter. Grants are also available for organizations assisting those impacted by disasters. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and directly help animals and their owners in the U.S., ensuring that pets receive the care they need during emergencies.

The Comis Foundation Grant aims to provide equitable opportunities for children to thrive through education and community engagement. It supports innovative programs that enhance educational outcomes, focusing on areas such as capacity building and pilot projects. With funding ranging from $5,000 to $75,000, the foundation prioritizes nonprofit organizations that foster inclusive environments. By emphasizing trust and collaboration, Comis Foundation strives to create lasting impacts in the communities it serves.

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

CSX Charitable Investments offers the Pride in Service Grants to support organizations that honor and assist military members and first responders. Focus areas include safety, mental health, community bridging, workforce development, and addressing food insecurity. Eligible organizations include those with 501(c)(3) status, government entities, and educational institutions. Grants aim to uplift communities and recognize the contributions of those who serve, while ensuring alignment with specific charitable criteria.

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 Karen Colina Wilson Foundation Grant supports programs for children, youth, and women, enhancing their health and well-being through education, art, literature, and music. Established in 2006, the foundation aims to make a positive difference in their lives, particularly in Southern and Western Wayne County, Michigan. Grants typically range from $500 to $10,000, often as matching funds, fostering broader fundraising efforts by local nonprofit organizations.

PetSmart Charities offers Natural Disaster Response Grants to support organizations addressing the urgent needs of pets affected by major disasters. Grant funds can be utilized for shelter supplies, veterinary care, structural repairs, and supplemental staff expenses within 30 to 45 days post-disaster. In special cases, funding may extend up to 60 days. Eligible applicants include authorized disaster responders and nonprofit organizations directly impacted by the disaster, ensuring timely assistance to affected animals and their caretakers.

The Amgen Foundation Inc focuses on non-healthcare donations and sponsorships that target humanitarian, social, educational, and community programs. They offer support to organizations outside the U.S. healthcare community, particularly those recognized as tax-exempt public charities. Eligible organizations must serve specific Amgen communities throughout the U.S. This initiative aims to enhance health outcomes and address critical societal needs, thereby reducing the burden of disease and improving lives.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

The Richard King Mellon Foundation invites innovative proposals that align with their 2021-2030 Strategic Plan, aiming to invest over $1.2 billion to enhance opportunities in southwestern Pennsylvania. Their funding focuses on conservation, economic development, economic mobility, health and well-being, organizational effectiveness, and social-impact investments. The General Application offers flexibility without deadlines, allowing for a variety of support types, including project-specific and general operating funding, aimed at enriching community vitality and environmental stewardship.

The RNP Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing the well-being of underserved communities through education, nutrition, housing, and environmental care. The foundation seeks partnerships with like-minded nonprofits to collaboratively address issues such as homelessness and promote spiritual growth. With a commitment to sustainable development, the RNP Foundation aims to create lasting happiness and security for all individuals, ensuring that basic needs are met before fostering personal and communal spirituality.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund offers grants ranging from $2,500 to $49,999 to support community health initiatives. Gundersen Health emphasizes collaboration and addressing social needs to foster well-being. Eligible organizations include non-profits, schools, and government agencies. The fund prioritizes projects that align with the Community Health Improvement Plan, focusing on health equity, civic engagement, and neighborhood enhancement. This initiative aims to empower communities and improve health outcomes while fostering corporate social responsibility.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Thriving Communities Grant Program supports initiatives that promote sustainability, workforce development, and community resilience across a 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, the program aims to foster economic development and ensure equal access to basic necessities. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt nonprofits, government entities, and public schools, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in their community-focused efforts.

The Edith Winter Grace Trust Grant provides funding exclusively to charitable organizations in Tarrant County, Texas. Key program areas include animal welfare, arts and culture, civic activities, community development, education, environment, human and social services, religious initiatives, and health and medical research. Only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply, while individuals are not permitted to submit grant applications. For more information, visit the foundation finder.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Safety First Grant Program aims to enhance community safety across its 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, it supports organizations that provide safety services or promote safe behavior. This program reflects Norfolk Southern's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, empowering employees to engage locally. By investing in safety and workforce development, Norfolk Southern fosters thriving communities, demonstrating its dedication to social responsibility and community well-being.

The Kawabe Memorial Fund Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on low-income children, families, and seniors, primarily in the Seattle/King County area. Applications are accepted for general operating support and specific programs, with grant requests encouraged. The fund also offers capital grants to churches and scholarships for teachers and clergy, with most grants lasting one year. Note that proposals must be submitted by the second Friday of March, June, or September.

The Quality of Life Grants Program, managed by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, provides funding of up to $25,000 for projects that support individuals living with paralysis. This program emphasizes community engagement and health promotion in all U.S. states and territories. It focuses on funding initiatives that directly impact those affected by various conditions, such as spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis, fostering inclusion and well-being.

The Kyndryl Foundation Grant aims to empower communities through investments in education, technology, and workforce development. With a focus on cybersecurity and AI skills for underrepresented learners, the foundation fosters balanced partnerships and innovation. It prioritizes transparency and integrity, ensuring grants support long-term impact. This initiative aligns with Kyndryl's mission to create a sustainable future by enhancing access to opportunities and resources for all, thereby promoting diversity and inclusivity in economic growth.

The Box Impact Fund Grant offers six $25K awards to nonprofits focused on digital transformation in child welfare, crisis response, and environmental protection. With a total of $150K available, the fund aims to support organizations that align with these missions, enhancing their operational effectiveness and community impact. Eligible applicants must be legally recognized charities and submit projects that demonstrate measurable outcomes and stakeholder inclusion. For more details, visit the Box Impact Fund FAQs.

The Innovating Worthy Projects Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations that develop innovative programs and provide services for children with special needs, chronic disabilities, or acute illnesses. Founded by Estelle and Irving Packer, the foundation aims to create opportunities for all children to thrive, regardless of their challenges. Grants are awarded to organizations, not individuals, and applicants must be qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund Grants support the preservation of historic sites that reflect African American cultural heritage. Grants ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 assist projects in areas like Capital Projects, Organizational Capacity Building, Project Planning, and Programming. Eligible applicants include public agencies, accredited colleges, and nonprofits. The program emphasizes themes such as activism, innovation, and historically significant sites, aiming to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of African American history.

Conserving Black Modernism Grant Program

The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund (AACHAF), a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, has launched the Conserving Black Modernism grant program through funding from and a partnership with the Getty Foundation’s Keeping it Modern initiative. The Conserving Black Modernism grant program is designed to empower and equip preservationists and stewards with funding and technical support to preserve the material heritage, innovation, and legacy of modern architectural sites designed by Black architects.

Integrated into the Action Fund’s existing National Grant Program, the Conserving Black Modernism grant program will support non-profits and municipalities to steward 16 historic assets of modern architecture through funding, technical assistance, public awareness, and education. The program will support eligible project planning activities and seeks to develop future-looking plans that model and strengthen stewardship, interpretation, and asset management. This program aims to increase recognition of Black architects and their artistic expressions as well as diversify the meaning of American modern architecture and design. The Action Fund invites proposals from a broad pool of applicants who steward these places for public benefit and access.

Grants made from Conserving Black Modernism will total $150,000 each. Funding will be flexible and can support planning activities, limited capital improvements, and indirect costs. Funding ratios will be balanced to support and prioritize comprehensive project planning needs. For example, a $150,000 project planning grant with 10% indirect can be allocated to advance a full-scale building evaluation and preservation plan. The grant period for this type of project will be 12 months.

Conserving Black Modernism grants can also support projects consisting of a mix of project planning and limited capital improvements. Funding ratios will be balanced to prioritize project planning. For example, an applicant may propose a project which allocates $90,000 for planning activities, $45,000 for capital expenses, and $15,000 for indirect expenses. The grant period for this type of project will be 18 months.

Grantees can address the building’s priority needs and experience the full cycle of planning, design, and construction. Additional grantee support will include technical assistance, promotion, and conservation management training.

Historic Asset Example Archetypes

While this is not an exhaustive list, we are particularly interested in the following 20th-century property archetypes:

• Buildings Located on HBCU Campuses
• Community and Cultural Centers
• Schools
• Libraries
• Houses and Residences
• Spaces Associated with Sports & Recreation
• Green Book Sites
• Sites associated with Women’s History
• Sites associated with LGBTQ+ History

The Veterans and Nature Grant, offered by the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, aims to engage veterans in outdoor activities that promote physical and mental health. With a funding pool of $100,000, grants of up to $10,000 are available for projects focused on outdoor recreation and wellness activities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) entities partnered with public land organizations, fostering environmental awareness and community involvement.