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

Find nonprofit grants in Illinois, including opportunities in Chicago, Springfield, and Peoria. Updated listings for 501(c)(3) organizations statewide

300+ grants
$193.7M total
$125K median

300+

Available grants

$193.7M

Total funding amount

$125K

Median grant amount

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Last updated: February 2, 2026. Next update: March 1, 2026.
Rolling deadline

Alliant Credit Union Foundation Grant

Alliant Credit Union Foundation

Economic Rights, Justice, & Mobility Financial Literacy Economic Services & Development
Unspecified amount
The Alliant Credit Union Foundation, established in 2008, is dedicated to bridging the digital divide for underserved communities. By providing reliable broadband, digital literacy resources, and technology equipment, the foundation aims to promote economic empowerment and self-sufficiency. They support 501c3 organizations that share similar missions and emphasize the importance of financial literacy. Their initiatives include collaboration with community leaders and organizations to deliver essential resources where they are needed most.
Rolling deadline

Amcor: Community Support Grants Program

The Amcor Cares Foundation

Basic Human Needs Disaster Relief / Humanitarian Aid Food Access & Hunger
More than US $1,000
The Amcor Community Support Grants Program, administered by the Amcor Cares Foundation, provides funding for projects that benefit local communities. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions that serve Amcor Flexibles North America facility communities. Focus areas include fighting hunger, supporting disaster relief, expanding STEM education, and enhancing health and wellness. Applications are reviewed quarterly, and grant amounts typically exceed $1,000.
Rolling deadline

Andrews Family Foundation: Board Grants

Andrew Family Foundation

Education Art & Culture Disaster Relief / Humanitarian Aid
Unspecified amount
The Andrews Family Foundation offers Board Grants to public, non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. Focused on enhancing communities through education, humanitarian work, and the arts, the foundation aims to foster individual growth. Established in 1993 in Chicago, it continues a legacy of community commitment. Grant proposals are reviewed quarterly, with final awards decided by the Board. Eligible organizations must have a budget between $1M and $4M and provide opportunities for board member involvement.

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Rolling deadline

Auto Club Group Foundation Grants

The Auto Club Group Foundation

Automotive Safety Financial Literacy Education - K through 12
US $5,000 - US $15,000
The Auto Club Group Foundation focuses on creating a positive impact through grants that enhance traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy across 14 U.S. states and two territories. With a mission rooted in community service, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations and government entities that align with its goals. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, addressing crucial areas such as traffic safety initiatives, financial literacy for K-12 students, and equitable access to driver education programs.
Rolling deadline

CSX Charitable Investments- In Kind Donations

Csx Foundation Inc

Military & Veterans Services First Responders Community Services
Unspecified amount in in-kind support
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.
Rolling deadline

Elizabeth Morse Genius Charitable Trust Grant

Elizabeth Morse Genius Charitable Trust

Diseases & Conditions Youth Services Senior Services
Unspecified amount
The Elizabeth Morse Genius Charitable Trust Grant focuses on grants that promote values-based initiatives addressing various community needs, particularly in Chicago and Cook County. It supports 501(c)(3) organizations that relieve human suffering, enhance self-esteem, and encourage athletic activities. The Trust emphasizes regional solutions to local challenges, ensuring that the quality of life improves for all citizens. Organizations outside the area may apply if they serve a significant number of Chicago residents.
Rolling deadline

Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation Charitable Grant

Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation

Basic Human Needs Performing Arts Health Care Access & Delivery
Unspecified amount
The Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation Charitable Grant supports qualified charities focused on community betterment and basic human needs. Founded in 2016, it aims to enhance lives through initiatives such as affordable housing, health programs, and the arts. Organizations eligible for funding must be tax-exempt and serve areas where Frankenmuth Insurance operates. Notably, the foundation excludes support for individuals, political groups, and projects typically financed by governments, ensuring its resources benefit the wider community.
Rolling deadline

Gadomski Foundation Grant

Gadomski Foundation

Art & Culture Child Welfare Services Catholicism
Unspecified amount
The Gadomski Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations primarily in the Lehigh Valley, San Francisco Bay Area, Atlantic City, and Chicago. With a focus on education, under-served children, health, and the arts, this private foundation has a history of impactful giving since 2007. Currently, new grants are limited to organizations not previously funded, emphasizing significant contributions and matching grants. The foundation remains committed to its mission despite prior commitments through multi-year pledges.
Rolling deadline

JSF Scholarships for Economically Disadvantaged Students

Theodore R And Vivian M Johnson Scholarship Foundation Inc

Academic Scholarship Programs
Unspecified amount
The JSF Scholarships aim to empower economically disadvantaged students by providing financial assistance for their education. This initiative addresses barriers to education and employment, enabling students to achieve academic success and meaningful careers. The Foundation supports various scholarship programs, partnering with schools and universities, and focusing on areas such as financial need and mentorship. By fostering educational opportunities, the JSF Scholarships contribute significantly to community development and individual empowerment.
Rolling deadline

Sun Club Sustainability Grant

Green Mountain Energy

Renewable/Sustainable Energy Freshwater Conservation Waste Management
US $50,000 - US $400,000
The Sun Club Sustainability Grant, offered by Green Mountain Energy, empowers U.S.-based nonprofits to implement sustainability initiatives. Established in 2002, this grant supports diverse projects, including clean transportation, renewable energy, and resource conservation. Organizations must demonstrate three years of tax-exempt status and a commitment to community impact. Awards range from $50,000 to $400,000, focusing on measurable environmental, social, and financial benefits. Join us in fostering a greener future through innovative solutions and community engagement.
Rolling deadline

Topfer Family Foundation Grant

THE TOPFER FAMILY FOUNDATION

Youth Development & Leadership Child Welfare Services Children’s Health & Pediatrics
Up to US $100,000
The Topfer Family Foundation Grant aims to empower individuals by providing essential resources and support in various program areas, including child abuse prevention, youth enrichment, job training, children's health, and aging in place. This grant is focused on fostering self-sufficiency through initiatives that promote education, practical life skills, and access to healthcare. The foundation prioritizes organizations in the greater Austin, Chicago, Denver, and Broward County areas, ensuring that funds directly benefit local communities.
Letter of inquiry due Feb 18, 2026

Joyce Foundation: Education & Economic Mobility Grants

The Joyce Foundation

Economic Rights, Justice, & Mobility Teacher Development & Training Educational Access & Equity
Unspecified amount
The Joyce Foundation's Education & Economic Mobility Grants aim to close income and race disparities in college and career success. The foundation prioritizes equitable access to high-quality education, supporting policies for effective educators, high school graduation, and affordable college credentials. Focused on racial equity and economic mobility, it addresses the needs of historically underserved young people in the Great Lakes region and invests in research, policy development, and advocacy to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Letter of inquiry due Mar 30, 2026

Impact Fund Grants

The Impact Fund

Social Justice / Human Rights Environmental Justice & Advocacy Economic Rights, Justice, & Mobility
US $10,000 - US $50,000
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.
Full proposal due Apr 2, 2026

A. Montgomery Ward Foundation Grant

A Montgomery Ward Foundation 32 48652 4

Education Art & Culture Humanities & Social Science
Unspecified amount
The A. Montgomery Ward Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations that enhance educational and cultural programs in Chicago and surrounding areas. Established in 1959, it aims to empower local communities through quality programming. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, focusing on arts, culture, and education. Grants typically last for one year, with a commitment to fostering community growth and development.
Applications due Apr 10, 2026

Hollie & Anna Oakley Foundation Grant

Hollie & Anna Oakley Foundation

Education Volunteerism & Philanthropy Religion & Spirituality
Unspecified amount
The Hollie & Anna Oakley Foundation Grant supports religious, educational, and charitable initiatives in the Wabash Valley, Indiana. Organizations with valid 501(c)(3) status can apply for funding to make a significant impact in west-central Indiana. The foundation prioritizes projects that directly benefit the community and encourages applications year-round, reviewed quarterly by its Board of Trustees. Note that scholarships are funded only for qualifying institutions.
Letter of inquiry due May 2, 2026

RRF: Responsive Grants - Advocacy

Retirement Research Foundation

Aging / Gerontology Senior Services
US $10,000 - US $160,000
The Retirement Research Foundation (RRF) offers Responsive Grants for advocacy projects that significantly impact older Americans. These grants support initiatives focused on critical policy issues like economic security and health care. RRF aims to fund projects that use strategic efforts to address systemic challenges and encourage partnerships for resource optimization. Organizations must ensure that RRF funds are not used for lobbying activities. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations targeting individuals aged 60 and older.
Letter of inquiry due May 16, 2026

Needmor Core Grants

Needmor Fund For Social Justice

Social Justice / Human Rights Governance & Democracy Civic Engagement & Education
Unspecified amount
The Needmor Fund for Social Justice aims to promote social justice by supporting community organizing efforts in the Midwest. With a focus on low- and moderate-income communities, BIPOC groups, and other marginalized populations, the fund provides grants for up to three years to organizations committed to long-term empowerment and advocacy. The initiative seeks to foster inclusive participation in democracy, ensuring that all voices are heard in shaping policies affecting their lives.
Applications due May 31, 2026

Gladys Brooks Foundation Grants

The Gladys Brooks Foundation

Education - Higher Education Health Facilities & Clinics Library Services
US $50,000 - US $150,000
The Gladys Brooks Foundation supports innovative projects in libraries, education, hospitals, and clinics. Grants focus on resource endowments, capital construction, and equipment aimed at improving public access to information and educational resources. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located in specific states and demonstrate that projects will be funded primarily by the grant. Applications for direct salary support or research projects are not accepted.
Applications due Jun 13, 2026

Ralph J. Torraco Food Bank/Shelter Fund Grant

UNICO Foundation Inc

Food Access & Hunger Food Delivery & Distribution Services Supportive Housing & Shelters
Unspecified amount
The Ralph J. Torraco Food Bank/Shelter Fund Grant, offered by the UNICO Foundation Inc., aims to combat hunger and provide shelter for the homeless and indigent. Eligible applicants include registered non-profit food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in 13 U.S. states. The grant focuses on direct services, ensuring that all funds are used for food and shelter, not for operating expenses, thereby promoting effective community support for vulnerable populations.
Applications due Jul 10, 2026

Old National Bank Foundation Grants

Old National Bank

Real Estate & Housing Financial Literacy Economic Services & Development
Approximately US $15,000
The Old National Bank Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations for community impact initiatives across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Focused on four key areas—Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Financial Empowerment—the foundation prioritizes programs that support underrepresented communities. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the foundation’s funding priorities to qualify for grants, which can be applied for every two years.
Applications due Aug 1, 2026

Donaldson Foundation Organizational Grants

Donaldson Foundation

Education
US $5,000 - US $20,000
The Donaldson Foundation offers organizational grants focused on enhancing educational opportunities and community involvement. With an annual budget of $1.2 million, the foundation supports various initiatives, including scholarships and matching grants to educational institutions. It prioritizes organizations that demonstrate a clear need and impact, especially in areas where Donaldson operates. Eligible recipients must be IRS tax-exempt and located in specific U.S. regions, ensuring the foundation's commitment to local communities.
Letter of inquiry due Aug 7, 2026

Improving Veteran Mental Health

CIGNA Foundation

Military & Veterans Services Mental Health & Psychiatric Diseases
US $100,000 - US $150,000
The Cigna Foundation is dedicated to enhancing veteran mental health through strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative targets the alarming issue of homelessness among veterans, with nearly 40,000 veterans without shelter nightly and 1.5 million at risk. By funding evidence-informed programs, the foundation aims to increase access to permanent housing, improve affordability, and provide essential wraparound services, ultimately fostering mental health stability and resilience within veteran communities.
Applications due Sep 3, 2026

Strengthening Families and Communities (Social Drivers of Health) Grant

Telligen Community Initiative

Health Disparities & Social Determinants of Health Maternal And Perinatal Health School Health
Up to US $150,000
The Strengthening Families and Communities Grant by Telligen Community Initiative focuses on enhancing the resilience of youth and families through community-based funding. This initiative is transitioning to two-year funding periods, with applications due in March and October for different states. The grant aims to address social determinants of health, providing targeted support based on extensive applicant feedback. The program emphasizes a narrowed applicant pool to ensure more consistent funding for impactful projects.
Letter of inquiry due Oct 2, 2026

CTF: Rooted in Justice Grants

Cedar Tree Foundation

Greening & Beautification Environmental Stewardship Environmental Conservation
Up to US $56,000
The CTF: Rooted in Justice Grants program aims to empower youth aged 12 to 20 by funding community-based organizations that engage them in environmental and food justice initiatives. With two-year grants of $25,000 per year, this program prioritizes youth-led urban greening efforts, acknowledging the importance of youth voices in creating equitable communities. Eligible organizations must operate in specific U.S. states and have existing programs that align with social justice principles.
Applications due Feb 1, 2027

McGraw Foundation Grant

McGraw Foundation

Environmental Conservation Family Services Hospice / End of Life Care
US $2,000 - US $10,000
The McGraw Foundation offers annual grants to not-for-profit organizations, primarily in the greater Chicago area, focusing on education, conservation, and human services. Grant amounts typically range from $2,000 to $10,000, with larger grants available for particularly impactful projects. While supporting diverse initiatives, the Foundation does not fund individuals or specific events. Organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS regulations to qualify for funding. The Foundation encourages innovative approaches and partnerships in grant applications.

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Illinois Grants for Nonprofits Highlights

Illinois grants for nonprofits provide funding to support education, healthcare, arts, and economic development initiatives. The following grants empower organizations to address state-specific challenges, promote equity, and enhance quality of life for Illinois communities.


Search Instrumentl's Illinois Grants Database


Discover 300+ funding opportunities for nonprofits in Illinois, with $193.7M available. Instrumentl streamlines access to funding by providing deadline tracking, advanced search tools, and funder intelligence to drive meaningful change throughout Illinois.

Last updated: February 2, 2026. Next update: March 1, 2026.

Top Searched Illinois Grants for Nonprofits

Illinois Grants for Nonprofits from Private Funders
Illinois Grants for Nonprofits over $20k
Illinois Grants for Nonprofits for Projects & Programs
Illinois Grants for Nonprofits from Government Funders

Grant Insights : Illinois Grants for Nonprofits

Grant Availability

How common are grants in this category?

Common — grants in this category appear regularly across funding sources.

300+ Illinois grants for nonprofits grants for nonprofits in the United States, from private foundations to corporations seeking to fund grants for nonprofits.

200+ Illinois grants for nonprofits over $25K in average grant size

200+ Illinois grants for nonprofits over $50K in average grant size

49 Illinois grants for nonprofits supporting general operating expenses

200+ Illinois grants for nonprofits supporting programs / projects

3,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Education

2,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Art & Culture

Grant Deadline Distribution

Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Illinois grants for Nonprofits?

Most grants are due in the second quarter.

Q1
20.5%
Q2
35.7%
Q3
24.9%
Q4
18.9%

Typical Funding Amounts

What's the typical grant amount funded for Illinois Grants for Nonprofits?

Grants are most commonly $125,000.

Min.
Median
Average
Max.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grants are available in Illinois?

There are currently 300+ individual grants available in Illinois. Of these, 200+ have an average award size of over $25,000.

Among these grants, over 3,000+ are for education, and another 2,000+ focus on art & culture. Additionally, 200+ grants support nonprofit programs and projects, and 49 grants are available for general operating expenses.

What types of grants are available for nonprofits in Illinois?

In Illinois, nonprofits can access various types of grants from different funders. Here's a breakdown of where you'll find the most grant opportunities:

  • State & Local Government: There are 156 state and local government grants available in Illinois. Many of these grants focus on public health, education support, community support, and environmental initiatives.
  • Private Foundations: There are around 78 private foundation grants available in Illinois, supporting causes ranging from healthcare to economic growth to the arts and culture.
  • Corporate Funders: There are 27 grants available from corporate funders, largely targeting workforce development, community engagement, and education projects.

State and local government grants provide the largest number of opportunities in Illinois. While government grants offer larger awards, they do require nonprofit organizations to fulfill strict compliance needs.

When is the best time to apply for grants in Illinois?

Available data shows that the best time to apply for grants in Illinois is in Q2 when about 35.7% of deadlines for grants occur, offering nonprofits the most opportunities to secure funding. Q4, on the other hand, is the grant period with the least activity, with only 18.9% of deadlines. Prioritizing your grant strategy for Q2 can help increase your odds of winning grant funding in Illinois.

What is the overall funding landscape in Illinois?

Based on funding reports sent to the IRS, overall grant funding decreased in Illinois from $15.9 billion in 2021 to $8.3 billion in 2022, reflecting a 47.62% drop. The largest areas for funding included professional societies and associations, alliance/advocacy organizations, and research institutes and/or public policy analysis. The top counties that received the most funding during this time were Cook County ($5.2 billion), Lake County ($547.8 million), and Champaign County ($445.3 million).

How can Instrumentl help nonprofits find and win more grants in Illinois?

If you want to find and win more grants in Illinois, Instrumentl uncomplicates the process. You’ll access tools for grant discovery, keeping up to date with deadlines, and application management. Instrumentl helps nonprofits uncover the best funding opportunities.

Instrumentl also has a database of 20,000 live grants and 400,000 funders. For insights into which tools are the best for managing grants, check out our guide to the best grant management software to learn how Instrumentl can help your organization succeed.