Illinois Community Development Grants

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is offering the Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets (RDMS) Capital Grant Program to support capital projects aimed at revitalizing commercial corridors and downtown areas in Illinois. This initiative is part of the effort to accelerate economic recovery following the pandemic, targeting areas that have experienced significant disinvestment. The program will fund projects such as the improvement and repair of infrastructure (roads, sidewalks, lighting), development of public spaces, and mixed-use developments. Grants range from $250,000 to $2,000,000, with an anticipated total funding of $20,000,000. Eligible applicants include economic development organizations, local units of government, and private businesses. The application period is from April 22, 2024, to July 22, 2024.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that offer housing and supportive services to individuals and families who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or living with chronic disabilities in Illinois.

This grant provides funding for projects that restore and enhance forests and wetlands in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley, benefiting wildlife and promoting community resilience, particularly for local landowners and conservation organizations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to a regional organization in Westchester to enhance mental and behavioral health services for children and families by fostering community collaboration and integrating family and youth perspectives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local law enforcement agencies in Illinois for acquiring and improving equipment related to ballistic testing and analysis to enhance their crime-solving capabilities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Illinois school food authorities for purchasing or renovating equipment that improves meal quality and food safety in school meal programs.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to volunteer-driven nonprofit organizations in Golconda, Illinois, for the redevelopment and stabilization of a historic building to enhance community safety and economic activity.

This program provides $40,000 to small public-facing businesses in the Illinois Capitol Complex to help them recover from revenue losses due to nearby construction.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has introduced the Home Illinois Workforce Pilot as part of the Job Training Economic Development Program, with a $5 million budget to address homelessness and workforce development. This grant targets Continuum of Care (COC) areas, aiming to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with employment opportunities, thereby enhancing financial stability and access to permanent housing. The program prioritizes employment navigation, partnerships, support services, work readiness, and training and education. It seeks to create a system where homeless individuals can secure and retain quality jobs, contributing to their long-term economic and housing stability.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to educational organizations in Illinois to improve training and resources for preschool programs serving children with disabilities.

This funding opportunity supports academic enrichment and youth development programs for students in high-poverty, low-performing schools during non-school hours, while also providing family literacy and educational support.

The Governor and the General Assembly direct the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to administer grants for specific miscellaneous purposes to bolster the state’s economy, promote a clean environment, and improve the overall quality of life throughout the state of Illinois. This grant program is available to any entity receiving funding via lump sum appropriation. Eligible costs for this program are bondable costs associated with site improvements. This includes demolition; grading/earthwork; landscaping; sidewalks; replacement of bridges; construction and/or upgrade of roads, parking lots, curb and gutter, parks and other open spaces as well as structures within them; etc. This may include associated streetscaping.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that expand dental services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who face challenges accessing traditional dental care.

This program provides funding to certified local tourism and convention bureaus outside Chicago to enhance international marketing efforts and attract global visitors to Illinois.

Value: The Highland Area Community Foundation (H.A.C.F.) appears to be offering a grant for community-related projects. Applicants are required to submit a proposal narrative that includes a description of the organization's general purpose, objectives, and operational scope; a statement of the problem addressed; details on the purpose and expectations of the specific project for which funding is sought, including its relevance to community needs; a proposed program design; and a detailed project budget including other funding sources. Funds must be used specifically for the purpose stated in the grant award, and a progress report with photos is required within 12 months of receiving the award.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is offering the Community Development Block Grant-Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) Urban Shelter Program, focusing on constructing, reconstructing, rehabilitating, or acquiring properties for homeless shelters. With $15 million in federal funding, the program aims to return shelter capacities to pre-COVID levels. Eight awards, ranging from $500,000 to $2,000,000, are anticipated. The program prioritizes projects that address the impacts of COVID-19, with an emphasis on assisting the homeless population and enhancing public health and safety. Eligible applicants include local government units with direct HUD funding and entities with a strong homelessness support network.

This program provides financial support to neighborhood and homeowner associations in Peoria for small-scale community improvement projects that enhance local quality of life and foster civic engagement.

This grant opportunity from Grand Victoria Foundation is focused on supporting organizations in Elgin that are dedicated to inclusive civic engagement and high-functioning human services, education, and economic systems. The foundation awards Mission Grants to organizations meeting the needs of the community and Partnership and Collaboration Grants to those working with local institutions to bring about positive community change. Eligible organizations must be registered as a 501(c)(3) public charity or partnered with a fiscal sponsor, demonstrate high quality and impact, good governance and management, and fiscal health. The foundation does not fund individuals, political campaigns, religious purposes, or governmental entities. They welcome multi-year requests from organizations with which they have an existing or prior funding relationship and generally consider proposals for two-year grants. The application process begins with the submission of a Letter of Inquiry (LOI), which can be submitted throughout the year. Potential applicants are encouraged to review the program areas and eligibility requirements before completing the online LOI application. For more information about this grant opportunity and to begin your application, please visit: https://grandvictoriafoundation.givingdata.com/portal/campaign/gvfletterofinquiry

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Illinois to enhance clinician training and health system capacity for effectively addressing opioid and stimulant use disorders through evidence-based practices and systemic improvements.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for park districts in larger municipalities to improve infrastructure and enhance community spaces in Urbana, Illinois.