Illinois Community Projects Funding via Awesome Foundation
Nonprofits and other groups in Illinois with creative community projects can receive US $1,000 micro-grants to launch or test “awesome” ideas. The Awesome Foundation supports a wide range of efforts, from arts to technology and community development, through local and thematic chapters that favor projects benefiting their own communities.
The Awesome Foundation
Social Impact Funding from Draper Richards Kaplan
Early-stage social impact nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits in Illinois tackling urgent social or environmental problems can seek up to US $300,000 from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation for scalable, impact-first solutions. With a mission to support innovative, systems-focused models, the foundation provides multi-year capital plus intensive capacity-building and community support to help organizations grow their reach.
Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation
Fish Family Foundation Support for Education
Nonprofit organizations seeking funding for missions, education scholarships, independent churches and ministries, medical research, or job creation can apply, including those serving Illinois communities. Focused on faith-based charitable work, Fish Family Foundation of Maine invites requests for program support, construction, renovations, equipment, and related materials from qualifying organizations.
Fish Family Foundation of Maine
Coefficient Giving Grants for Illinois Health
Nonprofits and other organizations working on global health, wellbeing, or related policy initiatives in Illinois and beyond may be considered for highly selective support to advance evidence-based impact. With a mission to strengthen global health, Coefficient Giving provides limited opportunities for projects in areas like disease research, animal welfare, poverty alleviation, and public health policy.
Coefficient Giving
Illinois Community Services Funding via State Farm
Nonprofits and community organizations in Illinois seeking support for community services or cause-related marketing initiatives can access funding through State Farm Companies Foundation’s marketing sponsorships. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help groups that align with its brand and marketing strategies, offering partnership opportunities at both local and national levels across the U.S.
State Farm Companies Foundation
Neo Philanthropy Support for Illinois Advocacy
Nonprofit and advocacy organizations working on social justice, civic engagement, environmental, or human services initiatives in Illinois can seek funding for charitable, social welfare, lobbying, and limited electoral activities. Neo Philanthropy, through the NEO Action Fund, supports mission-aligned groups with rapid-response grants, capacity building, and strategic advocacy support nationwide.
Neo Philanthropy Inc
Arts and Culture Funding from Nikon
Nonprofit and other USA-based organizations planning arts, culture, or humanities programs in Illinois can seek sponsorship support for innovative projects that highlight Nikon products. Nikon USA supports creative initiatives nationwide by evaluating brand fit, consumer reach, and community impact. Requests must be submitted at least six months before the program start date.
Nikon USA
Illinois Community Development Funding via Rotary Foundation
Nonprofit Rotary clubs planning large international humanitarian, education, health, or economic development projects that include partners in Illinois can apply for Rotary Foundation Global Grants, with awards from US $30,000 - US $400,000. The Rotary Foundation supports sustainable, measurable initiatives through Rotary’s areas of focus, including peacebuilding, disease prevention, clean water, maternal and child health, education, and local economic growth.
The Rotary Foundation Of Rotary International
American Heart Association Grants for Illinois Health
For-profit and nonprofit organizations addressing healthcare access, food security, or economic vitality in Illinois can seek funding to scale evidence-based, community-driven health solutions. Grants from American Heart Association help U.S. and Puerto Rico organizations, including those serving Illinois communities, strengthen social and environmental determinants of health with awards up to US $500,000.
American Heart Association
Takeda Support for Illinois Community Programs
Nonprofit organizations running food access or STEM education programs in Illinois, especially near Greater Chicago, can seek corporate philanthropic support to expand their community impact. With a mission to advance better health and brighter futures, Takeda provides U.S. nonprofits with funding for Food is Health initiatives and Building STEM Foundations efforts serving communities in need.
Takeda
TED Support for Illinois Transformative Initiatives
Nonprofits, NGOs, and institutions with proven, large-scale social impact initiatives in Illinois and beyond can seek multi-year philanthropic backing for bold, transformative ideas through The Audacious Project. With a mission to catalyze grand-scale change, TED provides established organizations (typically $2M+ annual budget) with support to refine, present, and launch ambitious projects across diverse issue areas.
TED
American Psychological Foundation Community Grants in Illinois
Letter of inquiry due Aug 1, 2026
Illinois nonprofits and other organizations implementing evidence-based psychological interventions can access funding through American Psychological Foundation to support community services, LGBTQIA+ initiatives, and related projects. Grants up to US $60,000 back direct-action programs that serve marginalized communities, reduce prejudice and stigma, prevent violence, and explore mind-body health connections, with expert involvement in the project’s evidence base required.
American Psychological Foundation Inc
Impact Fund Grants for Illinois Justice
Full proposal due Aug 6, 2026
Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation in Illinois can access recoverable funding for out-of-pocket litigation costs through the Impact Fund, with awards of US $10,000 - US $50,000. Grants from the Impact Fund help U.S. social, environmental, racial, and economic justice cases that benefit communities facing systemic oppression and may support Illinois-based corporate accountability efforts.
The Impact Fund
iF Design Support for Illinois Social Impact
Applications due Aug 19, 2026
Nonprofits and other organizations in Illinois with implemented social impact projects can receive €100,000 to advance work aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. iF Design supports initiatives such as poverty alleviation, education, clean water, renewable energy, community development, and climate action, offering both prize funding and global visibility through its iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE.
iF Design
Illinois Environmental Project Funding via Quadratec
Applications due Oct 31, 2026
Individuals, groups, and nonprofits in Illinois with environmental projects can apply for Quadratec’s Energize The Environment grants, which provide US $3,500 for a single initiative. Funding supports efforts like trail restoration, park beautification, litter prevention, sustainable land management, and community or youth environmental education anywhere in the U.S.
Quadratec
London School of Economics Social Impact Grants in Illinois
Applications due Nov 10, 2026
Nonprofit and for-profit social ventures working on areas like climate, education, health, democracy, or refugee support in Illinois can access flexible catalytic funding and accelerator support. Focused on large-scale social impact, London School of Economics invites post-pilot, high-traction ventures into its 12-week 100x Impact Accelerator, offering £150,000 and global mentorship.
London School of Economics
Illinois Early Childhood Funding via Stranahan Foundation
Letter of inquiry due Dec 3, 2026
U.S. nonprofit organizations, school districts, and colleges improving early childhood professional development can seek up to US $500,000 over three years to scale workforce and leadership models. Stranahan Foundation supports early childhood education in Illinois and nationwide by funding innovative coaching, leadership development, substitute pools, and reinvestment projects serving predominantly low-income children birth to five.
Stranahan Foundation
Illinois Research Funding via John Templeton Foundation
Full proposal due Dec 4, 2026
Nonprofits and other charitable entities conducting interdisciplinary research or public engagement projects in Illinois can seek funding for discrete, project-based work in areas like science, philosophy, economics, and religion. The John Templeton Foundation supports field-leading research and high-impact public engagement that explores character, freedom, life sciences, physical sciences, and religion, science, and society worldwide.
The John Templeton Foundation
Illinois Social Impact Funding via Duke University
Pre proposal due Dec 5, 2026
Nonprofit and for-profit social enterprises scaling social or environmental impact can receive US $150,000 in unrestricted funding through Duke University’s F. M. Kirby Prize. This global prize is open to enterprises with at least three years of impact, strong leadership, and a U.S. taxpayer presence, including those serving Illinois communities.
Duke University
US $150,000 - US $250,000
Illinois K-8 Learning Funding via NewSchools
Applications due Jan 9, 2027
Illinois education nonprofits and entrepreneurial teams developing K–8 literacy, numeracy, or learning-technology solutions can seek US $150,000 - US $250,000 from NewSchools Venture Fund. Focus is on early-stage tools, content, and models that accelerate reading and math growth, support teachers and families, and may leverage generative AI to improve instruction.
NewSchools Venture Fund
Papé Family Foundation Grants for Illinois Nonprofits
Letter of inquiry due Jan 16, 2027
Focused on small capital and facility needs, nonprofits in Illinois may be eligible for Papé Family Foundation support if they operate within 50 miles of a listed trustee city; awards range from US $5,000 - US $10,000. Funding can support small capital projects, building improvements, equipment, and start-up operations excluding salaries.
Papé Family Foundation
American Psychiatric Association Foundation Mental Health Grants in Illinois
Applications due Jan 31, 2027
American Psychiatric Association Foundation provides Illinois nonprofits addressing minority mental health with recognition awards and US $5,000 to support their work. Community organizations that have operated at least two years and improve awareness, access, or quality of mental health care for underserved minority populations may be eligible.
American Psychiatric Association Foundation
Catalyze Career Learning Grants in Illinois
Letter of inquiry due Feb 27, 2027
Nonprofits and other organizations expanding career-connected learning for historically underserved youth in Illinois can apply for Catalyze’s Catalyze Challenge Grant. Catalyze supports early-stage innovations in career exploration for adolescents and work-based learning through employer partnerships. Finalists may receive up to US $300,000 to pilot or scale direct-service programs for learners aged 11–22.
Catalyze
Community Project Funding for Nonprofits from Rotary Foundation
Applications due May 15, 2027
Nonprofit organizations and Rotary clubs in Illinois seeking support for community or international service projects, scholarships, youth leadership, or humanitarian efforts may be eligible for Rotary Foundation district grants. Focused on flexible, small-scale, short-term activities, these grants are administered at the district level and can fund youth programs, disaster recovery, and vocational training teams.
The Rotary Foundation Of Rotary International
Sustainability Project Funding for Nonprofits from Zayed Sustainability Prize
Applications due Jun 22, 2027
Nonprofits and SMEs in Illinois working on health, food, energy, water, or climate action projects can apply for the Zayed Sustainability Prize, with awards of US $600,000 for proven, scalable sustainability solutions. Organizations must demonstrate measurable impact and a clear plan to expand access, efficiency, or resilience in their chosen category.
Zayed Sustainability Prize
I Could Do Great Things Grants for Illinois Education
Applications due Jul 1, 2027
Focused on innovative charitable ideas, I Could Do Great Things Foundation invites Illinois nonprofits, community organizations, businesses, and individuals to seek funding for concrete projects. Education, community, and Jewish-focused initiatives with clear plans and strong commitment may be eligible, though the foundation does not cover organizational overhead or profit-making business ventures.
I Could Do Great Things Foundation
US $100,000 - US $500,000
Qatar Foundation Support for Global Education Innovation
Applications due Jun 27, 2028
Nonprofit and other legally registered education organizations in Illinois and worldwide can seek US $100,000 - US $500,000 to develop and scale innovative learning solutions. Qatar Foundation’s WISE Prize for Education backs MVP-stage projects improving learning or life outcomes, especially for marginalized learners, responsible AI in education, core skills, culture and language, or learner wellbeing.
Qatar Foundation