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Funding Opportunities from DCEO

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Funding Opportunities from DCEO

Small Business Finance Health & Lifestyle Economic Development Local Communities Business Government programs and resources Funding & Grants

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

  • Letty Velez from IC U Latinas & IC Clean Energy, 
  • Cindy Patino from Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA),
  • Those who have previously sent resources that are still listed given they are not expired. 

 

Note, Latinx Business Colectivo – Building Trust working group, has asked that we keep an update on the OE3 Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program in these emails. - The application window for the Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment (OE3) Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program officially closed Monday, April 7, 2025 at 5:00 PM. The Department received an unprecedented number of submissions, and our team is now finalizing the merit review process. Due to the high volume of applications received, we anticipate that Applicants will be notified of their status, whether through a Notice of State Award (NOSA) or Notice of Declination, in early October 2025. Please note that this is an updated estimated timeline and may be subject to change.

 

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


Job Opportunities: For a full list, click HERE



Funding Opportunities: 

  • DCEO (few highlighted below)

 

    • Route 66 Grant Program
      • Description: “…to award grants to certified convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) for the development of tourism, education, preservation and promotion of the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in 2026.”
      • Eligibility includes: “Eligible applicants include: convention and visitors bureaus certified by the Department pursuant to 20 ILCS 605/605-707”
      • Award Range: $20,000 - $1,000,000
      • Deadline: October 15, 2025 at 5:00 PM
  •  
    • International Tourism Grant Program
      • Description: “…to provide grants to certified convention and visitors bureaus outside the City of Chicago to assist with international marketing efforts.”
      • Eligibility includes: “Local Tourism and Convention Bureau certified by the Department to receive funds under 20 ILCS 605/705 and are located outside the City of Chicago”
      • Award Range: $10,000 - $150,000
      • Deadline: October 15, 2025 at 5:00 PM
  •  
    • Tourism Attraction Grant Program
      • Description: “…to provide grants to assist in the development or improvement of tourism attractions that increase the economic impact of tourism throughout the State.”
      • Eligibility includes: 
  • “1. Units of local government means counties, municipalities, townships, special districts, and units, designated as units of local government by law, which exercise limited governmental powers or powers in respect to limited governmental subjects, but does not include school districts.;
  • 2. Counties;
  • 3. Municipalities;
  • 4. Not-for-profit organizations;
  • 5. Local promotion groups means any non-profit corporation, organization, association, agency or committee thereof formed for the primary purpose of publicizing, promoting, advertising or otherwise encouraging the development of tourism in any municipality, county, or region of Illinois; and
        • 6. For-profit businesses
      • Award Range: $15,000 - $200,000
      • Deadline: November 3, 2025 at 5:00pm 
  •  
    • Tourism Private Sector Grant Program
      • Description: “…to provide grants for the purpose of attracting, hosting and developing new events and festivals in Illinois or enhancing existing festivals and events.”
      • Eligibility includes: 
  • “1. Illinois for-profit entity
  • 2. County;
  • 3. Municipality;
  • 4. Not-for-profit entity;
  • 5. Local promotion groups – means any non-profit corporation, organization, association, agency or committee thereof formed for the primary purpose of publicizing, promoting, advertising or otherwise encouraging the development of tourism in any municipality, county, or region of Illinois”
      • Award Range: $10,000 - $50,000
      • Deadline: November 3, 2025 at 5:00pm
  •  
    • Marketing Partnership Program – Cook County
      • Description: “The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to match/leverage local funds with State funds to promote destination drivers to market and promote destinations, attractions and events throughout the State. The goal of the program is to increase overnight stays in paid accommodations.”
      • Eligibility includes: 
        • “Counties located inside Cook County
        • Municipalities located inside Cook County
        • Not-for-profit organizations located inside Cook County
        • Local promotion groups located inside of Cook County any non-profit corporation, organization, association, agency or committee thereof formed for the primary purpose of publicizing, promoting, advertising or otherwise encouraging the development of tourism in any municipality, county, or region of Illinois”
      • Award Range: $10,000 - $100,000
      • Deadline: November 3, 2025 at 5:00pm
  •  
    • Marketing Partnership Program - Balance of State
      • Description: “The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to match/leverage local funds with State funds to market and promote destinations, tourism attractions and tourism events throughout the State. The goal of the program is to increase overnight stays in paid accommodations.”
      • Eligibility includes: 
        • “Counties located outside Cook County
        • Municipalities located outside Cook County
        • Not-for-profit organizations located outside Cook County
        • Local promotion groups located outside of Cook County that includes any non-profit corporation, organization, association, agency or committee thereof formed for the primary purpose of publicizing, promoting, advertising or otherwise encouraging the development of tourism in any municipality, county, or region of Illinois.”
      • Award Range: $10,000 - $100,000
      • Deadline: November 3, 2025 at 5:00pm
  •  
    • 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 State of Illinois

 

  •  
  • 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 Champaign (for complete details on both programs)
      • Title: New Business Program
      • Description: “Applicants are start-up businesses or those that first generated revenue within the last two (2) years. Businesses should have fewer than three full-time equivalent employees and generate less than $250,000 in gross annual revenues.”
      • Award Range: up to $10,000 reimbursement
      • Deadline: October 26, 2025
  •  
      • Title: Growing Business Program
      • Description: “Applicants are businesses that began generating revenue more than two (2) years ago and are seeking to grow their operations and/or expand employment. Businesses should have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees and generate less than $2 million in gross annual revenues.”
      • Award Range: up to $20,000
      • Deadline: October 26, 2025
  •  
    • 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 Moline: Business Improvement Grant (BIG) Program
      • Description: “The BIG Program is funded in large part through the City of East Moline’s Business Development District #2, established in 2024 to provide economic incentives through a 0.75% sales tax. Under the BIG Program, grant awardees are reimbursed for eligible project costs…” “Eligible Projects: Commercial or Industrial projects that are located or locating within the City of East Moline's Business Development District... This area includes all major commercial and industrial areas of the city.”
      • Award Range: up to $50,000
      • Deadline: ongoing
  •  
    • Cook County – Catalyst Grant
      • Description: Open to businesses in one of the following industries: construction, finance and insurance, information technology, manufacturing, professional services, and real estate that are located in Cook County; with at least 1 full time employee plus the owner and have revenue between $500,000 to $10,000. 
      • Award Range: $100,000
      • Deadline: October 31, 2025, 5:00 p.m.
  •  
  •  
    • 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

 

    • 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”

 

    • Finish Line Grant 
      • Description: “The Finish Line Grant Program (“FLG Program”) is designed to support local businesses throughout the City of Aurora (“City”) by providing property owners and tenants with financial assistance for labor, materials and equipment for new or existing commercial or mixed-use properties (“Project”). The goal of the FLG Program is to foster economic growth, boost the local economy, and improve the community.”
      • Award Range: up to $50,000 or $75,000 for restaurants
      • Deadline: rolling until funds are exhausted 
  •  
    • Stephen L. Tadlock Grant
      • Description: “This grant was created in honor of U.S. Navy Veteran Stephen L. Tadlock, brother of Founders First CEO Kim Folsom.” Open nationwide to veteran led small businesses, between 2 – 100 employees, minimally 1 year in business, and has an annual revenue not to exceed $5 million. 
      • Award Range: $1,000 grant and program access 
      • Deadline: October 7, 2025

 

    • Mentorship in the Arts Initiative
      • Description: “The Orlebeke Foundation is launching the Mentorship in the Arts Initiative, a pilot funding opportunity to expand meaningful arts access for Chicago’s K–8 youth – paired with the mentorship and advocacy each child may need to fully participate and thrive.” Open to “Nonprofits and fiscally sponsored organizations serving K–8 youth (or a subset of this age group) in historically under-resourced Chicago communities.”
      • Award Range: up to $150,000
      • Deadline: October 10, 2025 (statement of interest) 

 

    • Spark Good Local Grants
      • Description: “Walmart believes that investing in local communities strengthens our business as well as the communities we serve. Local grants are designed to support local organizations that meet the unique needs of the communities where we operate, build pride among all associates, and deepen relationships with our customers.” Open nationwide to 501(c)(3) public charity, Government entity (non-501(c)(3)), school, and Church or other faith-based organization with a proposed project that benefits the community at large. 
      • Award Range: $250 to $5,000
      • Deadline: October 15, 2025

 

    • The Community Foundation for McHenry County – Transformational Grants
      • Description: “Transformational Grants aim to fund significant, high-impact projects that bring about lasting positive change in our community.” “Transformational Grants require the involvement of one or more nonprofit organizations that are equally committed to a project benefiting residents of McHenry County. The project must address a recognized community need and include a strategy for sustaining its impact throughout the grant period.”
      • Award Range: “…$150,000, distributed over two years at $75,000 per year.”
      • Deadline: October 15, 2025 

 

    • Toast Changemakers Program
      • Description: “The Toast Changemakers Program, presented in partnership with Hello Alice and GEN, is here to support restaurants making a difference in their local communities by addressing food insecurity.” Open nationwide to restaurants, cafes, or other food service businesses working to address food insecurity in their community, with no more than 15 locations and each location must have less than 50 employees, operating for at least 6 months, have an annual revenue less than $3 million in 2024 and be independently owned. 
      • Award Range: $10,000
      • Deadline: October 17, 2025 at 5:00pm 

 

    • Restaurant Accelerator and Community Fund Grant
      • Description: “…small, independent restaurants across the United States can apply for the chance to join a program designed to spark growth, innovation, and long-term success. Applicants who attend at least three of National ACE’s expert-led virtual Restaurant Accelerator sessions in November will be eligible…” 
      • Award Range: $5,000
      • Deadline: October 24, 2025 by 10:59pm 

 

    • Jack’s Community Grants Program – Fall 2025
      • Description: Open nationwide to 501(c)3 to orgs “…whose primary mission is to feed, educate, and empower youth in our restaurant communities are invited to apply for funding, located within 50 miles of a Jack in the Box, etc.” 
      • Award Range: $5,000 - $10,000
      • Deadline: October 31, 2025 by 2:00pm 

 

    • The Suter Company Community Enrichment Grant Program
      • Description: “Eligible applicants are 501(c)3 non-profit organizations that provide direct assistance, services, and/or benefits to DeKalb County, Illinois residents”
      • Award Range: up to $25,000
      • Deadline: November 7, 2025

 

    • The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation
      • Description: “The Foundation makes grants to non-profit organizations across the United States.” “The Foundation aims to support organizations and programs for which a relatively small amount of funding might make a large difference. The Foundation will consider requests to support museums, cultural and performing arts programs; schools and hospitals; educational, skills-training and other programs for youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities; environmental and wildlife protection activities; and other community-based organizations and programs.”
      • Award Range: $1,000 to $20,000
      • Deadline: November 10, 2025 at 10:59pm

 

 

    • Chef Works Grant Opportunity
      • Description: Open nationwide to nonprofits 501(c)3, to support their initiatives that are part of Chef Works focus areas: “elimination of children living in poverty, children and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and protecting and improving the environment.” 
      • Award Range: $5,000 - $25,000
      • Deadline: December 1, 2025

 

    • DoorDash Local Business Disaster Relief Fund
      • Description: Open nationwide to “…- small business including, but not limited to, restaurant, gastropub or bakery, flower shop, liquor store, convenience store, pet store, or local grocery store, with a brick & mortar location that:
        • has experienced a loss in revenue as a direct result of a state of emergency or [federally-declared natural disaster](https://www.fema.gov/disaster/declarations) which occurred within the last 12 months;
        • has 3 or fewer total locations;
        • has 50 or fewer employees per location;
        • has been open for at least 6 months;
        • has revenues of $3M or less per location in 2024; AND
        • is independently-owned.”
      • Award Range: $5,000 - $15,000
      • Deadline: January 5, 2026 at 5:00pm 


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