FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

DCEO (few highlighted below)

CDBG Public Infrastructure Program

Description: “The purpose of grants relative to the Public Infrastructure (PI) Notice of Funding Opportunity is to fund water and sanitary systems and storm sewer construction projects that alleviate public health, safety, and public welfare and help communities with substantial low to moderate-income populations. Project areas must be primarily residential in character.”

Eligibility includes: “Only units of general local government (i.e., cities, villages, townships and counties) may apply for funding.”… “Municipalities must not be a HUD direct Entitlement community or be located in an urban county that receives "entitlement" funds.”

Award Range: $300,000 - $1,500,000

Deadline: August 27, 2026 at 5:00 PM

CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Program

Description: “The purpose of grants relative to the Housing Rehabilitation (HR) Notice of Funding Opportunity is to provide units of general local government with funds to address housing needs of eligible low-to-moderate income (LMI) households. The program targets projects which preserve single family, owner-occupied housing needing rehabilitation and encourage neighborhood revitalization.”

Eligibility includes: “Only units of general local government (i.e., cities, villages, townships and counties) may apply for funding.”… “Municipalities must not be a HUD direct Entitlement community or be located in an urban county that receives "entitlement" funds.”

Award Range: $300,000 - $800,000

Deadline: August 27, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Small Business Development Centers

Description: “…“DCEO” is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to seek qualified host organizations to operate Illinois Small Business Development Centers and provide program services.” “…Illinois SBDCs deliver professional, high-quality, individualized, confidential one-on-one advising and technical assistance to existing small businesses and pre-venture entrepreneurs.”

Eligibility includes: 

“Fully accredited institutions of higher education such as public and private universities, state, and community colleges. 

Private nonprofit organizations engaged in economic development activities. 

Local counties or municipalities with established community/economic development departments and/or programs. 

Public economic development institutions such as workforce investment boards and economic development corporations. 

“…specifically in the geographical areas noted below. Any areas outside of those listed below will not be considered. 

This area includes: (this was updated in the NOFO in March 2, 2026)

City of Chicago Neighborhoods 

Far Southeast Side (Chatham, Avalon Park, South Deering, Hegewisch, Riverdale, West Pullman, Roseland, Burnside, Calumet Heights, South Chicago)

Cook County Municipalities 

Elgin

Counties 

Grundy and Kankakee

Award Range: $80,000 - $525,000

Deadline: rolling 

Illinois Economic Empowerment Centers

Description: "The EEC Grant Program was developed to help create an inclusive business ecosystem within communities that have historically faced systemic barriers to entry and growth through dynamic partnerships, targeted outreach, and tailored programs and initiatives. DCEO has previously awarded $2.5 million in grant funding to 10 recipients through the EEC Grant Program."

Eligibility includes: 

"Career education agencies; and

Non-profit organizations, including but not limited to: local development corporations, chambers of commerce, community based outreach centers, and community based organizations that provide services to underserved businesses and entrepreneurs."

Award Range: $250,000-$500,000 ("A minimum overall matching contribution of 100% of the grant amount is required." Please see NOFO for more details.)

Deadline: Rolling until funding is exhausted

Innovation Vouchers Program

Description: “Innovation Vouchers will provide grants for companies to engage in research projects in partnership with an Illinois institute of higher education. This will facilitate the sharing of technologies, knowledge, facilities, and equipment, and ultimately lead to the production of more Illinois-based goods and services and spur economic growth in the state.”

Eligibility includes: “Illinois-based companies with 500 or fewer total employees; Commit to maintain operations in Illinois for duration of project; Businesses that operate in key industries, including agribusiness and agtech; energy; information technology; life sciences and healthcare; manufacturing; and transportation and logistics”

Award Range: “…cover up to 75% of the cost of the research engagement (not to exceed $75,000).”

For a complete list of DCEO grants, please visit our website.

ADDITIONAL STATE GOVERNMENT OPPORTUNITIES

• Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) - Institute to Innovate (i2i) Capacity Building and Violence Prevention Grant Program
• Description: “The purpose of this funding opportunity is to strengthen community-based organizations, including locally rooted grassroots organizations, working to prevent violence and improve public safety throughout Illinois.” Open to “Nonprofit organizations; For-profit businesses, including corporations and limited liability companies; and Other legally organized entities authorized by ICJIA and the applicable funding source.”
• Award Range: up to $250,000
• Deadline: September 17, 2026 at 5:00pm 
•  
• Illinois Treasurer: Charitable Trust Grant Program – Food and Housing Grants
• Description: “…helps small nonprofit organizations with annual budgets of $1 million or less and at least one full-time employee. The fund gives special consideration to applicants serving areas with high poverty, unemployment, and economic distress.” Open statewide to eligible nonprofits, 501(c)3.
• Award Range: up to $20,000
• Deadline: September 30, 2026
•  

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Carroll and Jo Daviess counties - Genz Small Business Development Fund

Description: “the Genz Small Business Development Fund was formalized in 2020 to assist individuals in the Galena Trade Area who have been turned down for a traditional bank loan. The fund, which totals over $500,000, is intended to serve as gap financing, to aid with pilot projects, or fill in gaps not filled by equity and traditional capital.”

Eligibility: includes “retailers, small manufacturers, wholesalers, those in the hospitality industry, along with farmers and food processors.”

Award Range: varies, past awards range from $4,000 - $19,000

Deadline: varies

Cook County Small Business Source: Business Support Organizations

Description: “The Cook County Bureau of Economic Development (BED) will select up to 20 non-profit Business Support Organizations (BSOs) to provide business advising services for the Cook County Small Business Source (The Source) … Eligible applicants must be a business facing nonprofit organization located in Cook County that has prior experience as a BSO or Referral Partner in The Source or have demonstrated equivalent experience in relationship to the City of Chicago or the State of Illinois.”

Award Range: $95,000 - $235,000

Deadline: August 21, 2026

Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability’s (DES) free Businesses Reducing Impact on the Environment (BRITE) program

Description: Open to businesses in suburban Cook County who have 500 or less employees, were negatively impacted by COVID-19 pandemic, were in operation prior to January 1, 2020 and are in the following industries: 

Dry cleaning facility

Auto body or auto repair shop

Metal finisher

Metal fabricator

Food and beverage manufacturer 

Award Range: up to $300,000 (please note, “To receive a BRITE grant, small businesses must complete the interest survey by DES or must have had a similar environmental assessment conducted by a DES partner or third party.)

Will County On-The-Job Training Grant (OJT)

Description: "This program will subsidize up to 50% of an eligible new hire wages while learning their new skill."

Award Range: up to 50% of the wage rate of the participant

Eligibility: employers "in a targeted industry, including Healthcare, Manufacturing, IT, Finance/Professional Services, and Transportation/Distribution/Logistics."

Deadline: varies

City of Carbondale - Downtown Facade Program (loan program)

Description: “The downtown façade improvement loan program was established in August 1990 and has been amended to meet the changing needs of downtown property owners. Structures eligible for the program must be located within the loan program area...”

Deadline: rolling

City of Champaign Storefront Improvement Program

Description: “The Storefront Improvement Program helps business and property owners improve the appearance of storefronts in the City’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts. The program provides financial assistance for exterior building improvements that make commercial areas more attractive and welcoming for customers.”

Eligibility: business owners in TIF districts

Award Range: up to $10,000 per building

Deadline: rolling

City of Chicago: Commercial Corridor Storefront Activation (CCSA) Program

Description: “The CCSA program offers reimbursable grants to small businesses and property owners for capital improvements to vacant and existing commercial spaces, as well as wraparound technical assistance at no cost to the corridor businesses.”

Eligibility: located within CCSA corridor boundaries

Award Range: up to 75% of eligible project costs

Deadline: August 21, 2026

City of Chicago: Small Business Improvement Fund 

Description: “promotes economic development by providing small businesses and property owners with reimbursement grants for permanent building improvement costs.”

Award Range: $75,000 multi-tenant properties, $150,000 commercial properties, and $250,000 industrial properties 

Deadline: varies

City of Naperville Special Events and Community Arts (SECA) Program

Description: “The City of Naperville encourages celebrations of community that focus on the heritage, diversity, and character of Naperville. In support of these activities, the City of Naperville established the Special Events and Community Arts (SECA) Fund in 2004 as ‘a separate fund used solely for the funding of social and artistic events and entities, providing cultural experiences for the Naperville community and its visitors.’”

Eligibility: Non-profit organizations and/or artists; must attend one of two SECA applicant workshops (August 20th or 24st)

Award Range: varies

Deadline: October 2, 2026

Mandatory workshops: August 20 or 24

PRIVATE/COMMUNITY RESOURCES

• RFP: Coalitions Advancing Economic Mobility – Policy Change
• Description: “The Chicago Community Trust’s Policy Change strategy seeks to create a more equitable and prosperous Chicago region by advancing policies, systems and practices that expand economic opportunity and increase household and community well-being among financially vulnerable individuals and communities.” Open to nonprofits, 501(c)3, within or primarily serving residents in Chicago or Cook County. 
• Award Range: $50,000 and $150,000 per year
• Deadline: Letter of Intent due August 27, 2026
•  
• Arab-American Business and Professional Association (ABPA) emPOWER26 Small Business Grant
• Description: “The Arab-American Business and Professional Association is back with the emPOWER grant program for ambitious, aspiring female entrepreneurs looking for start-up funding for an Illinois-based business.” Open statewide.
• Award Range: up to $10,000
• Deadline: August 30, 2026
• 
  
• LGBTQ Community Fund 2026 Request for Proposals
• Description: “The LGBTQ Community Fund, an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, was founded in 2010 with the commitment to advance the Chicago region’s LGBTQ community through research, connection, and focused grantmaking.”  “For 2026, the Fund seeks to support organizations that serve the LGBTQ community in two areas: basic needs, or civil rights and advocacy.”
• Award Range: $10,000 to $40,000
• Deadline: September 2, 2026 at 11:59 PM
• 
  
• Community Engagement Funds
• Description: “Community Engagement Funds (CEF) is a community grant program that empowers Target stores and distribution center leaders to make meaningful, localized giving decisions that meet the needs of the communities where our team members and guests live, work, and thrive.” Open nationwide to nonprofits, 501(c)3 organizations, and schools including colleges and universities. 
• Award Range: $1,000 to $15,000
• Deadline: September 4, 2026
• 
  
• Stanley 1913 Creators Fund 
• Description: “Stanley 1913 is a community of Creators, Builders and Inventors with one thing in common: we want to create in a better way, for a better life and world.” Open to eligible nonprofits nationwide. 
• Award Range: up to $50,000
• Deadline: September 13, 2026
• 
  

Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois Annual Grant Opportunity

Description: “The Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois is a charitable foundation that provides grants to support the provision of free, direct civil legal services to low-income Illinois residents. To pursue this mission, LTF makes annual grants to support services that help low-income people meet critical legal needs through a variety of delivery methods.”

Award range: minimum of $25,000

Deadline: September 15, 2026

2027 Creative Catalyst Fellowship Open Call

• Description: “The Creative Catalyst Fellowship supports individual artists whose work engages the public on critical issues facing Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) and can serve as a catalyst for civic participation. Selected artists join a cohort convened for peer sharing and learning, with access to communications consultation and promotion of their final work.” 

Award Range: $30,000

Deadline: October 15, 2026

• Verizon Small Business Digital Ready $10,000 national grant

Description: Verizon, in partnership with LISC, will award $10,000 national grants to small businesses throughout the year. Each month, 10 small businesses will be selected for grants.

Award Range: $10,000

Deadline: Rolling from June – December 2026

Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council Commercial Lease Grant

Description: "to lease vacant commercial space in McLean County (must be new lease space, not a relocation)."

Eligibility: "The grant is targeted for Small Businesses registered to do business in the State of Illinois and with a business plan approved by the Illinois Small Business Development Center of McLean County at Illinois Wesleyan University."

Award Range: $10,000

Deadline: varies

• Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) – Food & Beverage Apprenticeship Grant
• Description: “IMEC (Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center) works directly with manufacturers, including food and beverage companies, to design apprenticeship programs that fit real production environments leading to improved employee engagement and retention.” “IMEC manages everything for you: program design, registration, compliance, reporting, and funding guidance. You get a proven apprenticeship program without the hassle.”
• Award Range: “Funding is limited and available on a first-come basis and slots are limited”
• Deadline: Rolling

Down Payment Assistance Program (DPAP)

Description: “SomerCor helps small businesses purchase owner-occupied commercial real estate through the Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 financing. With SomerCor’s new Down Payment Assistance Program (DPAP), eligible businesses in Cook County can receive a grant to reduce upfront costs when purchasing their first building.”

Award Range: up to $25,000

American Heart Association Ventures – Social Impact Funds

Description: “The Social Impact Funds support community-led transformation by strategically deploying capital to social entrepreneurs who are using their lived experience to tackle three vital social drivers of health [health care access & quality, food security and economic empowerment]”. “…currently accepting applications for projects in Chicago, Florida, Los Angeles, Minnesota, New York City, Philadelphia, Toledo and West Virginia. Both for-profit and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for funding from the Social Impact Funds.”

Award Range: $150,000 – $500,000

The Community Foundation for McHenry County – Emergency Grants 

Description: “The Community Foundation for McHenry County is committed to enhancing county services and expanding financial support to local non-profits.” “The Emergency Grant program supports nonprofits facing unexpected expenses that significantly impact their ability to fulfill their mission or deliver services. This grant is intended to help organizations address unbudgeted, unforeseen, and time-sensitive emergencies.” 

Award Range: unknown

Deadline: “This grant operates on a rolling application cycle”

ComED Small-Medium Business Customer Relief Fund

Description: “The fund is intentionally designed to support small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) customers by offering one-time matching grants up to $500 to help offset a past-due bill balances and improve financial stability.”

Eligibility: “The fund is available to eligible small- and medium-sized business (under 500 kW) customers who are behind on electric bill payments.” 

“Business must meet these eligibility criteria to apply including:

Active service at the time of application

Past-due bill balance 

No unpaid tampering fees and no bankruptcy 

Commercial Meter Account 

Home-based businesses and Non-Profit organizations are ineligible not eligible; these groups qualified to receive assistance from last year’s customer relief fund.”

• Award Range: “one-time matching grants up to $500”
• Deadline: “Funding will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while funds last."

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**Traducciones En Español**

¡Hola a todos!

Aquí está el informe quincenal (cada dos semanas) sobre oportunidades de financiación, según solicitado por el grupo de trabajo de Oportunidades de Financiamiento - Colectivo para Negocios Latinx.

**En el futuro, para ayudar a diferenciar entre los recursos que ya he enviado anteriormente y los ‘nuevos’ (recursos que yo no he enviado por correo electrónico), voy a marcar los nuevos en amarillo. Espero que eso ayude.**

GRACIAS - A

Amor Montes de Oca

Cindy Patino

Los que previamente han enviado recursos que siguen incluidos porque todavía no han expirado. 

Si alguien más conoce recursos que se puedan compartir con el grupo, por favor envíalos a Erik y Diana.

OPORTUNIDADES DE FINANCIAMIENTO

Departamento de Comercio y Oportunidades Económicas (DCEO, por sus siglas en inglés) (algunas destacadas abajo)

• Programa de Infraestructura Pública CDBG
• Descripción: El propósito de las subvenciones del Aviso de Oportunidad de Financiamiento para Infraestructura Publica (PI, para sus siglas en inglés) es para financiar proyectos de construcción de sistemas de agua y saneamiento y drenaje pluvial que alivien problemas de salud pública, seguridad, y bienestar comunitario y ayudar comunidades con una proporción significative de población de ingresos bajos a moderados. Las áreas del proyecto deben ser principalmente de carácter residencial.
• Elegibilidad Incluye: Solo las unidades de gobierno local general (como ciudades, pueblos, municipios y condados) pueden solicitar financiamiento.... Los municipios no deben ser comunidades beneficiarias directas de fondos de HUD "Entitlement" ni estar situados en un condado urbano que reciba esos fondos.
• Cantidad de subvención: $300,000 - $1,500,000
• Fecha Límite: 27 de agosto de 2026 a las 5:00 PM
•  
• Programa de Rehabilitación de Vivienda CDBG
• Descripción: El propósito de las subvenciones del Aviso de Oportunidad de Financiamiento para la Rehabilitación de Vivienda (HR, para sus siglas en inglés) es para dar las unidades de gobierno local general los fondos necesarios para atender las necesidades de vivienda de los hogares elegibles con ingresos bajos a moderados (LMI, para sus siglas en inglés). El programa se enfoca en proyectos que preserven viviendas unifamiliares, ocupadas por su dueño, que requieren rehabilitación y que apoyan la revitalización de los vecindarios.
• Elegibilidad Incluye: Solo las unidades de gobierno local general (como ciudades, pueblos, municipios y condados) pueden solicitar financiamiento.... Los municipios no deben ser comunidades beneficiarias directas de fondos de HUD "Entitlement" ni estar situados en un condado urbano que reciba esos fondos.
• Cantidad de subvención: $300,000 - $800,000
• Fecha Límite: 27 de agosto de 2026 a las 5:00 PM
•  
• Centros de Desarrollo de Pequeñas Empresas (SBDC, por sus siglas en inglés)
• Descripción: El Departamento de Comercio y Oportunidad Económica de Illinois (DCEO, por sus siglas en inglés) está emitiendo este Aviso de Oportunidad de Financiamiento (NOFO, por sus siglas en inglés) para buscar organizaciones anfitrionas calificadas que operan los Centros de Desarrollo de Pequeñas Empresas de Illinois y proporcionar servicios del programa. Los SBDCs de Illinois ofrecen asesoría profesional y asistencia técnica de alta calidad, individualizada y confidencial, para los pequeños negocios existentes y para emprendedores en etapa previa al lanzamiento.
• Elegibilidad Incluye:
• Instituciones de educación superior completamente acreditadas, como universidades públicas y privadas, además de colegios estatales y comunitarios. 
• Organizaciones privadas sin fines de lucro enfocados en actividades de desarrollo económico. 
• Condados o municipios con departamentos y/o programas establecidos de desarrollo comunitario o económico.
• Instituciones públicas de desarrollo económico, como juntas de inversión en la fuerza laboral y corporaciones de desarrollo económico.

…específicamente en las áreas geográficas indicadas abajo. Cualquier área fuera de las mencionadas no será considerada. 

• Esta área incluye: (esto se actualizo en el NOFO el 2 de marzo de 2026)
• Barrios de la ciudad de Chicago
• Extremo sureste (Chatham, Avalon Park, South Deering, Hegewisch, Riverdale, West Pullman, Roseland, Burnside, Calumet Heights, South Chicago)
• Municipios del Condado de Cook
• Elgin
• Condados
• Grundy y Kankakee
• Cantidad de subvención: $80,000 - $525,000
• Fecha límite: de manera continua
•  
• Centro de Empoderamiento Económico de Illinois
• Descripción: El Programa de Subvenciones EEC fue desarrollado para ayudar a crear un ecosistema empresarial inclusivo dentro de comunidades que históricamente han enfrentado barreras sistémicas para la entrada y el crecimiento a través de asociaciones dinámicas, divulgación dirigida, y programas e iniciativas personalizados. Previamente, DCEO ha otorgado $2.5 millones en financiamiento de subvenciones a 10 beneficiarios mediante el Programa de Subvenciones EEC.
• Elegibilidad Incluye:
• Agencias de educación profesional; y
• Organizaciones sin fines de lucro, incluyendo, pero no limitado a: corporaciones de desarrollo local, cámaras de comercio, centros comunitarios de divulgación y organizaciones comunitarias que brindan servicios a negocios y emprendedores desatendidos.
• Cantidad de subvención: $250,000-$500,000 (Se requiere un contribución minima del 100% del monto de la subvención. Para mas detalles, por favor consulte con la convocatoria de propuestas, NOFO para sus siglas en inglés.)
• Fecha Límite: Continua hasta que se agoten los fondos.
• 
  
• Programa de bonos de innovación
• Descripción: Los Bonos de Innovación proporcionarán subvenciones a las empresas para que participen en proyectos de investigación en colaboración con un instituto de enseñanza superior de Illinois. Esto facilitará el intercambio de tecnologías, conocimientos, instalaciones y equipos, y en última instancia conducirá a la producción de más bienes y servicios basados en Illinois y estimulará el crecimiento económico en el estado.
• Elegibilidad Incluye: Empresas de Illinois con 500 empleados o menos; Comprometerse a mantener las operaciones en Illinois mientras dure el proyecto; Empresas que operan en sectores clave, como la agroindustria y la tecnología agrícola, la energía, las tecnologías de la información, las ciencias de la vida y la sanidad, la industria manufacturera y el transporte y la logística.
• Cantidad de subvención: …cubren hasta el 75% del costo del proyecto de investigación (sin exceder, $75,000).
• 
  
• Para una lista complete de subvenciones de DCEO, por favor visite nuestro sitio de web.

Oportunidades Adicionales del Gobierno Estatal 

• Autoridad de Información de Justicia Criminal de Illinois (ICJIA, por sus siglas en inglés) - Programa de Subvenciones para el Fortalecimiento de Capacidades y Prevención de la Violencia del Instituto para Innovar (i2i, por sus siglas en inglés)
• Descripción: El propósito de esta oportunidad de financiamiento es fortalecer a las organizaciones comunitarias, incluyendo organizaciones locales, que trabajan para prevenir la violencia y mejorar la seguridad pública en todo Illinois. Abierto a organizaciones sin fines de lucro; negocios con fines de lucro, incluyendo corporaciones y compañías de responsabilidad limitada; y otras entidades legalmente organizadas autorizadas por ICJIA y el financiamiento correspondiente.
• Cantidad de subvención: hasta $250,000
• Fecha límite: 17 de septiembre de 2026 a las 5:00pm 
•  
• Tesorería de Illinois: Programa de Subvenciones de Charitable Trust  – Subvenciones para Alimentos y Vivienda
• Descripción: …ayuda a pequeñas organizaciones sin fines de lucro con presupuestos anuales de $1 millón o menos y al menos un empleado de tiempo completo. El fondo da consideración especial a solicitantes que sirven áreas con altos niveles de pobreza, desempleo, y dificultades económicas. Abierto en todo el estado para organizaciones sin fines de luco elegibles, 501(c)3. 
• Cantidad de subvención: hasta $20,000
• Fecha límite: 30 de septiembre de 2026

Gobiernos locales  

 

Condado de Carroll y Jo Daviess - El Fondo de Desarrollo para Pequeños Negocios Genz