Illinois Recreation Grants

This program provides funding to municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and local promotion groups in Cook County to boost tourism through marketing initiatives that attract visitors from outside the area.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to certified convention and visitors bureaus in Illinois for projects that enhance tourism infrastructure and visitor experiences along Route 66, particularly in anticipation of its 100th anniversary.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to counties, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and local tourism promotion groups outside of Cook County to enhance tourism marketing initiatives that attract visitors and boost regional economic activity.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to local public agencies in Madison and St. Clair Counties, Illinois, for developing comprehensive plans focused on parks, recreation, and environmental management.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to certified convention and visitors bureaus in Illinois for enhancing and promoting the historic Route 66 tourism experience in preparation for its centennial celebration in 2026.

This program provides financial assistance to coalitions of local governments, organizations, and stakeholders in Illinois to plan and develop greenways and trails that promote conservation, recreation, and community connectivity.

This program provides funding to local governments and qualified organizations in Madison and St. Clair Counties, Illinois, for the development and improvement of public parks, trails, and recreational facilities.

This funding program provides financial support to community organizations and neighborhood groups in Aurora for hosting public events and festivals that promote civic engagement and community connection.

This program provides funding to individuals and groups for small-scale projects that improve neighborhood accessibility, promote environmental stewardship, and foster community connections.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments and eligible agencies in Illinois for developing non-motorized transportation infrastructure that enhances regional connectivity and promotes sustainable transportation options.

The Jackson National Life Insurance Company (Jackson) offers Community grants aimed at strengthening families and increasing economic opportunities. These grants align with Jackson's mission to support non-profits that positively impact individual trajectories and provide stability for families. The program has two main focus areas: Economic Opportunities and Strong Families, reflecting the foundation's strategic priorities to build on stability and help break cycles of poverty and trauma. Under the Economic Opportunities focus, Jackson supports non-profits that provide access to finance, employment, and education. This includes initiatives related to Career Pathways and Job Skills, Financial Education and Coaching, and Homeownership and Wealth Building. The expected outcome is to change individual trajectories by providing the tools and resources necessary for financial independence and stability. While specific measurable results are not explicitly stated, the focus on tangible areas like job skills and homeownership implies a theory of change where targeted interventions lead to improved economic well-being. The Strong Families focus is dedicated to supporting non-profits that help families overcome generational poverty and trauma by addressing their most critical needs. This encompasses programs providing Emergency Shelter, Access to Food, Intervention and care after crisis, Resilient Parenting and accessible Childcare, and Youth Mentoring. The goal is to provide stability and support, leading to a break in cycles of poverty and trauma. The foundation's theory of change here is that by providing foundational support and care, families can achieve greater resilience and well-being. Jackson awards funding to local nonprofits in specific geographic areas, including Lansing, MI, Nashville, TN, and Chicago, IL, through a competitive grant process. The eligibility criteria emphasize support for 501(c)3 tax-exempt organizations, with specific restrictions against funding individuals, private foundations, certain health and disease-specific organizations, religious organizations (unless broadly accessible and free from religious orientation), and schools or school-affiliated sports teams/clubs. This highlights Jackson's commitment to partnering with established non-profits that align with their community-focused mission and strategic priorities.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and public entities in Sangamon County, Illinois, to create accessible recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Will County has allocated $225,000 in grant funding to support early child care providers within the county. This grant program aims to enhance the quality of child care services by funding improvements in educational materials, physical environments, technology, and developmental support services. The program's mission aligns with fostering a robust early childhood education ecosystem, recognizing the critical role these providers play in child development and community well-being. The grant targets DCFS Licensed Childcare Providers located in Will County. Priority is given to providers serving specific populations, including children ages birth to five in Will County R3 Zones, those receiving Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) funds, children 0-5 years of age whose families speak English as a Second Language (ESL), children in the Early Intervention program, children with developmental or medical diagnoses, and children with active Individually Education Plans (IEP) in the public school system. The impact goal is to strengthen the capacity of these providers to offer high-quality care, particularly to vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to developmental and educational resources. The program prioritizes several key areas for funding. These include the acquisition of educational materials such as books, art supplies, and STEAM/STEM resources; improvements to the physical environment including safety, sanitation, furniture, and air/water filtration; technology upgrades for security systems, computer software for administrative tasks, and parent communication; and developmental supports like screening tools, consultant hiring, social-emotional program enhancements, and health screenings. The focus is on creating safe, stimulating, and technologically advanced environments that cater to the holistic developmental needs of young children. Expected outcomes include improved learning environments, enhanced safety and health standards, more efficient administrative processes, and increased access to specialized developmental support services for children. Measurable results will be seen through the implementation of new educational tools, upgraded facilities, advanced technology systems, and the provision of targeted developmental interventions. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the overall well-being and readiness for school of Will County's young children, thereby supporting the county's broader strategic priorities in early childhood development and community health.

This program provides matching grants to local businesses in Libertyville to support growth and sustainability through various improvements, excluding general operational costs.

This initiative provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Chicago to create or improve youth and community centers, addressing the urgent need for safe spaces for young people in areas with high youth populations.

This grant provides financial support to licensed daycare centers and home daycare programs in Decatur to improve facilities, retain staff, and enhance outdoor spaces for infants and toddlers, particularly those serving families receiving childcare assistance.

Grants are available through the Metro East Park and Recreation District for events that promote the use of public parks, trails, and outdoor recreation facilities in Madison and St. Clair Counties in Illinois. The Event Sponsorship Grant Program offers funding of up to $2,500 for public organizations and up to $1,000 for 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations. Eligible events include walking, running, hiking, biking, biathlons, and triathlons that take place within MEPRD's jurisdiction and contribute at least ten percent of event proceeds towards funding improvements or developments to public parks or trails in the designated counties. Eligible applicants must be public organizations or 501(c)3 organizations headquartered within MEPRD's jurisdiction or within 15 miles of it. Only one event sponsorship grant award is allowed per MEPRD fiscal year. For more information, visit MEPRD's website.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations associated with Illinois' seven nationally designated scenic byways for research and marketing initiatives that promote tourism and economic development along these scenic routes.

This program provides funding to local organizations in Iroquois County to enhance their existing food, shelter, and emergency assistance services for individuals and families in need.

The City of Naperville in Illinois is offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, funded by the National Multistate Opioid Settlement, for approved opioid remediation programs and services that benefit Naperville residents, with applications open to a wide range of organizations including school districts, medical providers, and non-profits.