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Illinois Recreation Grants

Explore 98 grant opportunities

Sparking Change Grant
$10,000
USA for UNHCR
Private

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Oct 18, 2024

This grant provides funding to empower community leaders who have experienced forced displacement, supporting innovative projects that foster collaboration and integration between refugees and local communities in select U.S. states.

Employment Labor and Training
County governments
Bike Path Grant Program (BIKE)
$200,000
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
State

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Jul 28, 2025

This program provides funding to local governments in Illinois for the development and improvement of public, off-road bicycle paths and related facilities to promote safe and accessible biking.

Recreation
City or township governments
Recreation Trails Program (RTP)
$200,000
Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
State

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Jan 27, 2025

This program provides funding to government agencies, nonprofits, and private operators for developing and maintaining public recreational trails, with a focus on enhancing outdoor access and conservation efforts.

Recreation
Individuals
Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD)
$1,125,000
Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
State

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Jun 13, 2025

This program provides financial assistance to local governments in Illinois for acquiring and developing land dedicated to public outdoor recreation.

Recreation
City or township governments
Neighborhood Festival Funding Program
$1,000
City of Aurora Community Services Department (CSD)
Local

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

May 19, 2026

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.

Community Development
Nonprofits
Nita M. Lowey Twenty-First Century Community Learning Centers Grant
$600,000
Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)
State

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Jul 26, 2024

This funding opportunity provides financial support to various organizations to create after-school programs that enhance academic achievement and offer enrichment activities for children in low-income and underperforming schools.

Education
Independent school districts
Pike County Tourism Grant
Contact for amount
Pike County
Local

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Aug 20, 2026

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that promote tourism and benefit the community in Pike County, targeting individuals, businesses, and organizations with a presence in the area.

Recreation
Individuals
Special Events and Community Arts Program
Contact for amount
City of Naperville (Community Services Department)
Local

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Sep 19, 2024

The City of Naperville's Special Events & Community Arts Grant Fund Program is a one-year grant available to tax-exempt nonprofit organizations and individual artists, aimed at supporting special events and artistic cultural experiences that promote inclusivity and diversity, with applications due by October 4, 2024.

Arts
Nonprofits
Tourism Attraction Grant Program
$200,000
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
State

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Oct 3, 2025

This program provides funding to municipalities, non-profits, and businesses in Illinois for developing and improving tourism attractions that draw visitors from outside the local area.

Community Development
Nonprofits
1511 Voucher Respite Program
$1,792,100
Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
State

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Aug 7, 2026

This funding opportunity provides short-term respite support for families caring for children and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities who are not receiving other state-funded services, helping to alleviate caregiver stress and promote family stability.

Income Security and Social Services
Exclusive - see details
Illinois Habitat Fund
$300,000
Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
State

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Jun 16, 2026

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit organizations and government entities in Illinois for projects that enhance and protect wildlife habitats across the state.

Natural Resources
Nonprofits
Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant Program
$750,000
Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
State

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Jun 13, 2025

This program provides funding to local governments in Illinois for acquiring land designated for public outdoor recreation, such as parks and natural areas.

Natural Resources
City or township governments
AmeriCorps Competitive Traditional Grant Program
$800,000
Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
State

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Aug 10, 2026

This funding opportunity provides financial support to eligible organizations in Illinois to engage AmeriCorps members in community service projects that address education, economic opportunity, health, and veteran support.

Community Development
Native American tribal organizations
State Pheasant Fund
$171,000
Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
State

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Jun 16, 2026

This program provides funding to non-profit organizations and government entities in Illinois for projects that enhance and protect pheasant habitats and related wildlife ecosystems.

Natural Resources
Nonprofits
Off-Highway Vehicle Program (OHV)
$500,000
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
State

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Jul 28, 2025

This funding program provides financial support for the development and maintenance of off-highway vehicle parks and trails in Illinois, targeting local governments, private clubs, and individuals to promote responsible recreational use.

Recreation
County governments
Tourism Private Sector Grant Program
$50,000
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
State

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Nov 6, 2024

This program provides funding to various Illinois-based organizations and businesses to support tourism initiatives that attract visitors and increase overnight stays in the state.

Community Development
Nonprofits
International Tourism Grant Program
$150,000
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
State

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Sep 26, 2025

This program provides funding to certified local tourism organizations outside Chicago to boost international marketing efforts and attract global travelers to Illinois.

Recreation
Nonprofits
Douglas C. Anderson Bird Conservation Mini-Grant
$1,000
Chicago Ornithological Society
Private

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Feb 3, 2025

This funding opportunity supports educators and organizations in the Chicago area to engage youth in community-driven projects that promote bird conservation and education.

Recreation
Nonprofits