Illinois Local Grants

This program provides financial incentives and design support to property and business owners in the Mt. Sterling Uptown Business District to improve the appearance and condition of their commercial facades while preserving the area's historic character.

This grant provides financial support for small businesses and cultural projects in under-resourced commercial areas of Chicago to promote economic growth and community revitalization.

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 program provides financial support to public and nonprofit organizations for community events that promote outdoor recreation and environmental education in Madison and St. Clair Counties, Illinois.

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

This program provides financial incentives to commercial property owners in Carbondale's BPR Primary Business District to convert unused upper stories into livable apartments, promoting urban revitalization.

This program provides financial assistance to homeowners in Mt. Sterling, Illinois, for exterior improvements that enhance the curb appeal of their residential properties.

This grant provides financial support for businesses and nonprofit organizations to develop and improve commercial and cultural spaces in underserved neighborhoods of Chicago.

This program provides financial support to small retail food businesses in Chicago that enhance access to fresh and affordable food in underserved communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to nonprofit organizations in McHenry County facing urgent, unforeseen challenges that threaten their operations or mission.

This program provides substantial funding to support the development of commercial, cultural, industrial, and mixed-use projects in Chicago, aimed at enhancing community infrastructure and services.

This program provides financial assistance to low-income homeowners in St. Charles, Illinois, for urgent home repairs that ensure safety, health, and code compliance.

This program provides funding to residents and businesses in Westmont, Illinois, for home and property improvements that promote responsible lighting practices to reduce light pollution and enhance nighttime visibility.

This funding initiative provides financial support to local transit districts and eligible public agencies for the development of interconnected non-motorized bike paths that enhance regional trail connectivity in Madison and St. Clair Counties, Illinois.

The Islamic Scholarship Fund (ISF) initiated the Film Grant program in 2014 with the core mission of creating a stronger narrative of Muslim stories and supporting Muslim filmmakers. This aligns directly with ISF's broader goal of changing the narrative and empowering Muslim voices. Since its inception, the program has grown significantly, awarding $510,000 to promising filmmakers and cultivating a pipeline of over 96 American Muslim filmmakers, demonstrating a clear commitment to fostering talent within the community. The grant specifically targets emerging Muslim filmmakers who are creating artistic, engaging, and positive stories about their community. This focus on emerging talent aims to diversify storytelling and empower new voices within the film industry. The program's impact goals include not only providing financial support but also offering crucial mentorship and networking opportunities from industry professionals, thereby contributing to the long-term career advancement and success of grant recipients. The program prioritizes projects that are either narrative or documentary, and it supports various formats including feature-length films, short films, and animation (web series are not accepted). Key focuses for eligibility include that the filmmaker must be a U.S. citizen, at least one member of the creative team (producer or director) must be Muslim, and the content must feature American Muslim characters or themes. Additionally, at least 50% of the project must be filmed in the U.S., emphasizing the grant's commitment to American Muslim storytelling. Expected outcomes of the ISF Film Grant include the production of high-quality films that offer positive and authentic portrayals of American Muslim experiences. Measurable results include the number of grants awarded (ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 per category), the provision of creative support, and the facilitation of networking opportunities. The ISF also organizes screenings after film completion, providing a platform for visibility and audience engagement. This comprehensive approach reflects ISF's strategic priority of cultural empowerment through media, aiming to shift perceptions and build understanding through the power of storytelling.

This program provides financial assistance to low- to moderate-income homeowners in Urbana, Illinois, for essential repairs and accessibility modifications to ensure safe and habitable living conditions.

This program provides financial assistance to property owners in Freeport's downtown area for exterior improvements to their commercial buildings, aiming to enhance the visual appeal and economic vitality of the district.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations in DeKalb, Illinois, that provide essential services to help homeless individuals, low-income residents, the elderly, and people with disabilities achieve greater independence and self-sufficiency.

This program provides financial support to social equity-licensed cannabis businesses in Cook County to help cover startup and operational costs, prioritizing those in historically marginalized communities.

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.