Here is the weekly update on funding opportunities per the request of the Latinx Business Colectivo – Funding Opportunities working group.

**To help differentiate between resources I have sent previously and ‘new ones’ (resources I haven’t emailed about) I will highlight the new ones in yellow. Hope that helps.**

THANK YOU- To

• Cindy Patino from Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA),
• Those who have previously sent resources that are still listed given they are not expired. 

If anyone else knows of resources that can be shared with the group, feel free to share those with me.

Funding Opportunities: 

• DCEO (few highlighted below)

• Clean Energy Career Pathway Program
  • Description: “The Clean Energy Career Pathway Program will provide funding directly to eligible recipients to support the planning and implementation of a Clean Energy Career Pathway. Programs will include coursework, field experiences, and work-based learning designed to prepare students for entrance into careers focusing on clean energy. To ensure equitable pathways for students, this funding opportunity seeks qualified, eligible entities working with secondary school students in partnership with Local Workforce Innovation Areas and institutions of higher education. This program will recruit students into clean energy fields (with a priority for EV occupations) and create pathways encompassing technical and employability skills with dual credit options.” 
  • Eligibility Includes: “Eligible entities for this NOFO are defined as Regional Offices of Education (ROEs); Intermediate Service Centers (ISCs); state institutions of higher education; schools designated as laboratory schools, public university laboratory schools approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE); area vocational centers; charter schools; cooperatives and other joint agreements with a governing body or board of control; schools operated by an ROE, ISC, or state agency; and school districts eligible applicants include, but are not limited to industry associations, Regional Offices of Education (ROEs); Intermediate Service Centers (ISCs); community-based organizations, including faith-based organizations; or Indian tribes or tribal organizations (as defined in the federal Indian Self[1]Determination and Education Assistance Act). Entities that are approved shall be responsible for ensuring that they have facilities available and educators who are appropriately trained on use of any technologies or devices acquired for the purposes of the grant. Collaborative applications will be accepted. Eligible Applicants must partner with a Community College, a Local Workforce Innovation Area, and employers to pilot clean the energy pathway programs.”
  • Award Range: $250,000 - $750,000
  • Deadline: June 30, 2025 at 5:00pm

• Future Energy Job Act Multi-Cultural Grant Program (Notice of Funding Opportunity 2875-2990)
  • Description: “The Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) and Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) were created to stimulate job growth in the clean energy economy with investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean energy workforce development. The Multi-Cultural Jobs Program provides an opportunity to take action toward providing innovative, employer-driven training approaches that pair education and occupational training with work-based learning and supportive services to individuals in need of self-sustaining employment.”
  • Eligibility Includes: “Applicants must be a diversity-focused community organizations that have a record of successfully delivering job training and also meet the specific eligibility criteria listed in Section A of this NOFO. Only entities that meet the requirements of the application categories and properly operate in accordance with Federal, State, and local law, in the state of Illinois, may submit a proposal for consideration.”
  • Award Range: $500,000 - $1,000,000
  • Deadline: July 1, 2025, 5:00PM

• Solar Pipeline Training Program (Notice of Funding Opportunity 2750-2996)
  • Description: “Through this NOFO, DCEO is making $3 million available for eligible organizations to provide skill development, supportive services, and solar training services for qualified, traditionally underserved participants seeking employment in the clean energy industry, specifically in solar occupations.”
  • Eligibility Includes: “Applicants must be an organization that has a record of successfully delivering job training and also meet the specific eligibility criteria listed in section A of this NOFO and properly operate in accordance with Federal, State, and local law, in the state of Illinois, may submit a proposal for consideration.”
  • Award Range: varies
  • Deadline: July 1, 2025, at 11:59PM

• Illinois Grocery Initiative - Equipment Upgrade Program (Round 2) (Notice of Funding Opportunity 3295-2956)
  • Description: “The Illinois Grocery Initiative Equipment Upgrades Program, authorized by Public Act 103-0561, will provide grants for new energy-efficient equipment upgrades for existing independently-owned for-profit grocery stores, cooperative grocery stores, or not-for-profit grocery stores.” “DCEO has contracted with Chicago State University (CSU) and Western Illinois University (WIU) to provide technical assistance services for Illinois Grocery Initiative applicants and grantees.” (page 1-2 of NOFO). There is a matching component please read the NOFO. 
  • Eligibility includes:
    • “Grants will be limited to projects making energy-efficient investments in existing bricks[1]and-mortar operations in Illinois. 
    • This grant opportunity will be limited to independently-owned grocers or cooperatives with fewer than 500 employees and no more than 4 grocery stores. 
    • Grocery locations must be consistent with the following to be eligible:
      • The store is or will be classified as a supermarket or other grocery retailer in the 2022 North American Industry Classification System under code 445110, a meat retailer under code 44524, a fruit and vegetable retailer under code 44523, or a fish and seafood retailer under 44525. 
      • The store cannot derive more than 30% of its revenue from alcohol and tobacco sales.
      • The store must accept or will accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children benefits.
      • The store must contribute to diversity of fresh foods available in the community by selling fresh foods such as meats, fruits and vegetables that have not been processed in any manner”
  • Award Range: $25,000 - $250,000
  • Deadline: December 15, 2025 at 5:00PM or until funds are exhausted (applications accepted on rolling basis) 

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

• Additional DCEO funding

• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • Description: “Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to support income eligible households with utility costs. LIHEAP will begin accepting applications on October 1, 2024, through August 15, 2025, or until funds are exhausted.”
  • Deadline: August 15, 2025

• Additional State of Illinois

• Capital Development Board
  • Title: General- Remodel & Rehab
  • Description: “Install Heaters, Garage Doors, Renovate Restrooms, Upgrade HVAC,” Location: 11801 S Ridgeland Ave, Worth, IL 60445
  • Deadline: June 24, 2025 at 11:00am 

• Illinois Environmental Protection Agency - Energy Efficiency Assessment Program
  • Description: “The Energy Efficiency Assessment Program provides funding to public housing authorities, local governments, or nonprofit organizations to conduct energy efficiency assessments at properties benefiting residents receiving housing assistance from a state or federal program.”
  • Award Range: $5,000 to $25,000
  • Deadline: No specified due date. Note this has been open for a while. 

• Local Governments

• City of Aurora - One Aurora Neighborhood Empowerment Grant Program
  • Description: “This program provides one-time funding to assist residents with reimbursement for projects such as paint, window, and door screen repair, siding repairs, general landscaping, fencing improvements, and small repairs that affect the exterior presentation of the home.”
  • Award Range: up to $1,000
  • Deadline: “…on a rolling basis until funds are depleted through December 31, 2025”

• City of Rockford’s Commercial Corridor Property Revitalization Program
  • Description: “The City of Rockford’s Commercial Corridor Property Revitalization Program offers forgivable loans to business and property owners who make investment in commercial and industrial spaces in specific corridors in Rockford. The Program offers to cover 75% of project costs up to $25,000 to assist property owners and/or tenants make building improvements. Ideal projects add value, extend the longevity of the qualifying properties, and make substantial or aesthetic improvements to the property.” This is a “… first-come first-serve basis (for approved projects)…”
  • Funding Range: up to $25,000
  • Deadline: June 20, 2025 (or until funds run out – whichever comes first)

• 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.)

• Village of Gurnee – Impact Grant
  • Description: “This is a 1:1 matching grant open to a business of any size located within the Village of Gurnee corporate limits, generate sales tax, in good standing with the Village and compliant with all obligations, & a building owner of a qualifying business. No minimum project size with a rolling application period.”
  • Award Range: $10,000 - $20,000

• Private/Community Resources 

• Small Certified Supplier Innovative Finance Program
  • Description: Open to certified minority-, women-, veteran-, and LGBTQ+ owned businesses (certified by national or state organizations) in the following states California, Georgia, Kansas, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Pennsylvania, or New Jersey. The annual revenue of the business should be between $250,000 to $10 million.
  • Award Range: $5,000

• National Grassroots Organizing Program (NGO) from Ben & Jerry’s Foundation
  • Description: “The National Grassroots Organizing Program (NGO) offers two-year unrestricted, general operating support grants of up to $30,000 per year, with an average grant size of $20,000 per year, to small (budgets under $350,000), constituent-led grassroots organizations throughout the United States and its territories.” Organizations must be a nonprofit, 501(c)3 or have a fiscal sponsor. 
  • Award Range: up to $30,000 per year

• The Affirm Cares Employee Foundation
  • Description: “Affirm Cares funds 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations who seek to make a positive impact in one or more of our core three pillars; financial literacy & inclusion, technology education & training, and vibrant communities.”
  • Award Range: $1,000 to $10,000
  • Deadline: rolling until funds are exhausted

• eBay Up & Running Grant
  • Description: “In partnership with Hello Alice, this initiative empowers eBay business sellers to stay up and running and grow with confidence. Whether you’re looking to expand your product line, streamline your operations, or invest in the tools needed to take your business to the next level, this grant is here to help.” Open nationwide to businesses actively selling on eBay, “Rated “Above Standard” or “Top Rated” on eBay,” and etc. 
  • Award Range: $10,000 and “$500 stipend to purchase essential technology from eBay Refurbished”
  • Deadline: June 6, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.

• 2026 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Fashion & Design and Fashion & Culture
  • Description: “The Vilcek Foundation will award six Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in the amount of $50,000 in two categories: Fashion & Design and Fashion & Culture. In each category, three young immigrant fashion professionals who demonstrate outstanding early achievement in their field will individually receive an unrestricted cash prize of $50,000.”
  • Award Range: $50,000
  • Deadline: June 9, 2025 at 4:00pm 

• Jobber Grants – Home Service Businesses 
  • Description: “Home service businesses provide a one time or recurring install, repair, maintenance, or mobile services to clients at residential or commercial properties. Examples include landscaping, residential and commercial cleaning, contracting, painting, HVAC, plumbing, pool maintenance, mobile car detailing, etc.” Open nationwide. 
  • Award Range: $10,000
  • Deadline: June 11, 2025

• Old National Bank Foundation
  • Description: “…grant applications from nonprofit organizations serving communities located within our banking footprint. Nonprofits must have obtained recognition of tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) as a public charity under Code 509(a) 1, 2, or 3 and in good standing. If an organization is exempt under Section 509(a)(3), it must be Type I or Type II.” “Our funding targets innovative programs that enhance the quality of life within our communities in support of the following four strategic initiatives: Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Financial Empowerment. We prioritize programs that serve underrepresented communities and low- to moderate-income people.”
  • Award Range: average grant is $15,000
  • Deadline: June 11, 2025

• RFP: Arts & Culture for Community Wealth – Collective Power
  • Description: “The Arts and Culture for Community Wealth RFP seeks to support projects that integrate arts and culture into public spaces and drive economic growth in underinvested communities… By focusing our funding in high-traffic areas with proximity to existing economic or cultural corridors, this project-based grant opportunity aims to engage residents, strengthen community connections, and increase economic growth in underinvested communities.” Open to nonprofits, 501(c)3 and primarily serving residents of Chicago or Cook County. 
  • Award Range: 
  • Deadline: June 12, 2025 (LOI deadline) 

• The Cécred x BeyGOOD Fund: Salon & Barbershop Business Grants
  • Description: “…business grants to 37 salon and barbershop business owners who have demonstrated financial hardship. These grants are designed to empower licensed entrepreneurs with the resources they need to grow and thrive. In addition to financial assistance, these grants are designed to provide access to critical business development tools, mentorship and resources provided by The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC). The top 40% of non-selected finalists will receive extended support including group coaching and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification resources.” Open nationwide to qualifying businesses.
  • Award Range: $10,000
  • Deadline: June 13, 2025

• Progressive® Driving Small Business Forward 2025
  • Description: “Progressive is dedicating $1 million to award 20 deserving businesses with a $50,000 grant each. Grant recipients will also be invited to attend an exclusive 12-week virtual Boost Camp coaching program, designed to provide small business owners with coaching, connection, and resources to take the next leap forward.” Open nationwide to businesses with 10 or fewer employees, generate less than $5 million in annual revenue, need a commercial vehicle for their business, and not an independent contractor. 
  • Award Range: $50,000 and invitation to a virtual boot camp
  • Deadline: June 20, 2025 at 5:00pm

• Honeycomb Celebration $2,500 Small Business Grant
  • Description: “This grant is open to all small business owners and entrepreneurs, regardless of industry, location, or stage of business.” Open nationwide to brick and motors, online businesses, consultants, etc. who qualify. 
  • Award Range: $2,500
  • Deadline: June 27, 2025 at 10:59pm 

• Vilcek Foundation (grant to support orgs who support immigrant artists)
  • Description: “…invites applications for grants to support nonprofit organizations that work with immigrant artists and communities, and that promote diversity in the arts, sciences, education, and humanities.” Open nationwide and U.S. territories nonprofits with 501(c)3 status.
  • Award Range: $5,000 and $20,000
  • Deadline: June 30, 2025

• Faire Small Business Grant Program 2025
  • Description: “…small business grant program gives select new stores $5,000 to use on Faire to stock their shelves with amazing products.” “The grant is open to independent retail stores who are based in the US, and started their business in the last year, or plan to open this year.” Spring cycle is now open
  • Award Range: $5,000 credit
  • Deadline: June 30, 2025

• Envisioning Justice Grants for Individuals
  • Description: “These project-based grants support individuals such as educators, organizers, artists, and others who use the arts and humanities to work toward a truly just society. Research projects, podcasts, grassroots publications, and public performances are just a few of the impactful initiatives we fund to create understanding about mass incarceration and its impact on communities in Illinois.” “Based anywhere in Illinois; individuals from the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply: East St. Louis, Decatur, Carbondale, Galesburg, Urbana-Champaign, and the Bloomington-Normal Metro Area. However, applicants from anywhere in Illinois are eligible.”
  • Award Range: Up to $5,000
  • Deadline: June 30, 2025 at 5:00pm

• Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation Local Grant Application
  • Description: “The Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation is proud to support leading mental health initiatives whose scale and technology bring access to care, awareness and education to communities nationwide. We also recognize that local, community-based organizations are critical in offering support to the health and wellbeing of those they serve. For the fourth year, we are proud to renew our fund to support ten U.S.-based, local organizations serving the mental health of those in need with the Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation Local Grant Program. Qualifying non-profits are invited to submit a short proposal for a grant to fund their work.”
  • Award Range: $10,000 to $30,000
  • Deadline: July 1, 2025

• The Home Depot Foundation - Veteran Housing Grants Program
  • Description: “The Foundation's Veteran Housing Grants Program awards grants to nonprofit organizations for the new construction or rehabilitation of permanent supportive housing for veterans.” They “award grants throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Rural areas will be considered, but priority will be given to “large cities” defined as populations over 300,000 people.” Specifically, one of the cities is Chicago, IL. 
  • Award Range: $100,000 to $500,000
  • Deadline: July 3, 2025

• Spark Good Local Grants
  • Description: “Each year, Walmart U.S. stores, Sam’s Clubs and Distribution Centers award local cash grants... These local grants are designed to address the unique needs of the communities where [they] operate”. Must have a Spark Good Account from Walmart.com. Open to nonprofits – 501(c)3, government entity, or “K-12 public or nonprofit private school, charter school, community/junior college, state/private college or university; or a church or other faith-based organization with a proposed project that benefits the community at large…”, Read more about the eligibility at: https://walmart.org/how-we-give/program-guidelines/spark-good-local-grants-guidelines
  • Award Range: $250 to $5,000
  • Deadline: July 15, 2025

• Pillars of Giving
  • Description: “Eligible organizations [501(c)3 nonprofits] that support one of the five pillar focus areas and whose programs benefit those within Nicor Gas’ service area are encouraged to apply for a pillar grant.” This cycle focuses on two pillars: 1) Community and Culture 
    • 1) Community and Culture: “Our Community and Culture pillar provides support to cultural and community organizations that create engagement in the arts and organizations that work to ensure that individuals from all backgrounds can thrive and reach their full potential. Organizations funded under this pillar include museums and theatres and organizations that create access to opportunities for all. Nicor Gas supports a broad range of programs that promote community and culture, including but not limited to:
      • Arts education and cultural enrichment programs
      • Community-based exhibitions and performances
      • Programs that promote access to resources and opportunity for all”
    • 2) Family and Social Services: “The Family and Social Services pillar provides support to social services programs. We focus on communities where stabilization needs are the greatest. Organizations funded under this pillar include social services agencies, non-core health services such as mental health, substance abuse, disability services, and organizations that target civic development.”
  • Award Range: up to $5,000
  • Deadline: July 31, 2025

• Intuit Quickbooks & Mailchimp: Small Business Hero Program
  • Description: “Celebrate a small business in your community. Nominate a small business who has shown courage, perseverance and integrity…”. Open nationwide to entities (for profit business or nonprofit – 501(c)3) who have been established for at least one year. 
  • Award Range: $20,000
  • Deadline: August 14, 2025 at 10:59pm 

• General Operating Grants
  • Description: “These grants support organizations that are firmly rooted in the humanities. From cultural and ethnic organizations to museums, libraries, and consortiums, these organizations broaden possibilities and increase access to the public humanities. These unrestricted funds empower growth and sustainability by providing recipients with more flexibility and freedom to allocate resources wherever they need them most.” Eligibility including being a humanities based organization, nonprofit, based in Illinois, have an annual budget of $250,000 or less, etc. 
  • Award Range: up to $10,000
  • Deadline: August 15, 2025

• Impact Grants – Nonprofit Grant
  • Description: “All registered nonprofit organizations in Canada and the USA are encouraged to apply for an IMPACT Grant. In the USA, your organization should hold a 501c3 status, while in Canada, it must be a registered charity recognized by the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency). We are excited to support your mission-driven initiatives that aim to create a lasting IMPACT.”
  • Award Range: $1,000
  • Deadline: August 30, 2025

• Foot Locker Foundation Community Empowerment Program
  • Description: “LISC and Foot Locker, Inc., through the Foot Locker Foundation, are launching a fifth round of grants for the Foot Locker Foundation Community Empowerment Program, which funds nonprofit community organizations that connect youth to mentorship, education, career development, and health services.” “Grants to support current youth programming, create new programming or extend existing programming. These grants will range from $25,000 to $75,000 over one year.” “Grants to support capital improvement projects that enhance the impact of youth programming. These grants will range from $25,000 to $100,000 over one year.” Open to certain cities including Chicago, IL (note, “counties within 20 miles of the listed target market cities can be considered for funding”) and must be a nonprofit – 501(c)3 that meets the eligibility. 
  • Award Range: $25,000 - $75,000 or $25,000 - $100,000
  • Deadline: September 30, 2025