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Funding Opportunities from DCEO

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Funding Opportunities from DCEO

Finance Government programs and resources Funding & Grants

Funding Opportunities: 

  • DCEO (few highlighted below)

 

    • SSBCI Technical Assistance Grant Program
      • Description: “to seek application proposals from qualified technical assistance providers to deliver assistance to businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI1) or very small businesses (VSBs2) participating in, or seeking assistance from the state’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funded programs. The technical assistance providers will provide support to eligible beneficiaries of the SSBCI Technical (TA) Grant Program located in Region 4: North.” 
      • Eligibility includes: “Legal, Accounting, or Financial advisory Non-Profit or For-Profit entities. Applicants must administer the following three (3) TA services– legal, accounting, and financial advisory services – either directly or through a coalition of contractual partners NOFO ID: 2932-31688.” “The U.S. Treasury has provided guidance stating that entities must meet at least one of the following criteria in order to be defined as a “legal, accounting, or financial advisory firm” for the purposes of the TA Grant Program:
        • 1. A primary purpose of the entity or a central part of the entity’s mission is to provide legal, accounting, and/or financial advisory services,
        • 2. The entity regularly markets or publicizes itself as providing legal, accounting, and/or financial advisory services, or
        • 3. At least 25% of the entity’s revenues or staff are dedicated to providing legal, accounting, and/or financial advisory services.”
      • Award Range: $700,000 (we will only be awarding one grant)
      • Deadline: January 22, 2026 at 5:00 PM (extended to January 22nd) 


    • Bioprocessing Research Infrastructure Program (Round 2)
      • Description: DCEO “is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to seeks to promote bioprocessing in Illinois by providing assistance with the infrastructure and capital equipment necessary to expand bioprocessing training and research capacity in the state.” 
      • Eligibility includes: educational and nonprofit organizations who are located in DCEO’s east central region and “Proposed project must have been previously designated as a Technology Hub by the 
      • U.S. Economic Development Administration's Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs”
      • Award Range: $100,000 - $7,700,000
      • Deadline: February 16, 2026 at 5:00pm 
  •  
    • Regional Site Readiness Program - Capital Ready - Round 2
      • Description: “…to support infrastructure and other capital improvements on sites across the state to advance the readiness of properties with industrial and manufacturing economic development potential.”
      • Eligibility includes: 
        • “Local governments
        • Economic development organizations… 
        • Nonprofit organizations
        • For-profit organizations
        • Private landowner”
      • Award Range: $100,000 - $5,000,000
      • Deadline: March 31, 2026 at 5:00 PM or until funds are exhausted (applications accepted on rolling basis) 
  •  
    • Regional Site Readiness Program – Planning – Round 2
      • Description: “…to support planning and due diligence activities for sites across the state to advance early-stage site readiness on properties with industrial and manufacturing economic development potential.”
      • Eligibility includes: 
        • “Local governments
        • Economic development organizations… 
        • Nonprofit organizations
        • For-profit organizations
        • Private landowner”
      • Award Range: $150,000 - $150,000
      • Deadline: March 31, 2026 at 5:00 PM or until funds are exhausted (applications accepted on rolling basis)
  •  
    • Manufacturing Training Academies
      • Description: “…to provide capital grants to establish advanced workforce training facilities at downstate community colleges.”
      • Eligibility includes: specific community colleges in central and southern regions, see NOFO for complete list. 
      • Award Range: $3,000,000 - $6,000,000
      • Deadline: April 30, 2026 at 5:00pm 
  •  
    • 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: 
    • City of Chicago Neighborhoods 
      • West Side (Austin, Garfield Park, North Lawndale, Near West Side) o Far Southeast Side (Chatham, Avalon Park, South Deering, Hegewisch, Riverdale, West Pullman, Roseland, Burnside, Calumet Heights, South Chicago) 
    • Cook County Municipalities 
      • Elgin and Central and Southwest Cook County municipalities including, but not limited to, Forest Park, Oak Park, McCook, Burr Ridge, Maywood, Palos Hills, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Alsip, Homer Glen 
    • Counties 
      • Adams, Bond, Brown, Calhoun, Cass, Christian, Clay, Clinton, Crawford, Edwards, Greene, Grundy, Hancock, Henderson, Henry, Jasper, Jersey, Kankakee, Knox, Logan, Macoupin, Madison, McDonough, Menard, Mercer, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Pike, Rock Island, Sangamon, Scott, Schuyler, St. Clair, Wabash, Warren, Washington, Wayne”
      • Award Range: $80,000 - $525,000
      • Deadline: rolling 


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


  • Additional State Government
    • Creative Learning Grants for Schools (CLGS)
      • Description: “…supports arts learning opportunities in Illinois schools. The goal of this grant is to enable schools to acquire supplies, materials, equipment, or services from Illinois artists or arts organizations that are needed to address student needs for arts learning opportunities. K-12 School districts, public schools, and charter schools are eligible to apply…”
      • Award Range: up to $20,000
      • Deadline: February 18, 2026, at 11:59pm
  •  
    • Request for Qualifications for Illinois State University Fine Arts Complex (Normal, IL)
      • Description: “The Art-in-Architecture Program of the Capital Development Board is pleased to announce a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to Illinois professional artists to create permanent original public art for the Illinois State University (ISU) Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts Complex in Normal, Illinois.” “…open to all professional artists, artisans, or artist-led teams that live and work in the state of Illinois.”
      • Deadline: March 4, 2026 at 3:00pm 
  •  
    • SERVICE DELIVERY C4 R3 Reentry | Economic Development | Civil Legal Aid
      • Description: “Program funds will be used to reduce gun violence through intervention and prevention, improve re-entry and diversion services for people involved with the criminal justice system, provide access to legal representation and advice, encourage investment and economic growth, and support programs that improve the social determinants of health.” Open to organizations who provide services in R3 designated areas. 
      • Award Range: $25,000 - $1,000,000
      • Deadline: March 6, 2026 at 2:00pm
  •  
    • SERVICE DELIVERY C4 R3 Youth Development | Violence Prevention
      • Description: “Program funds will be used to reduce gun violence through intervention and prevention and support programs that improve the social determinants of health.” Open to organizations who provide services in R3 designated areas.
      • Award Range: $25,000 - $1,000,000
      • Deadline: March 6, 2026 at 2:00pm
  •  
  • Local Governments

 

    • 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 Chicago: Community Development Grant – Medium
      • Description: “…to support eligible commercial, cultural, industrial, institutional, social service and mixed-use projects.” “Private and non-profit developers, tenants and property owners are eligible to apply…”
      • Award Range: $300,001 to $5 million
      • Deadline: February 13, 2026
  •  
    • City of Chicago: Neighborhood Opportunity Fund
      • Description: “The Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) provides capital development grants…for small business and cultural projects located along West, Southwest, and South Side commercial corridors.”
      • Award Range: to $250,000
      • Deadline: February 13, 2026
  •  
  •  
    • Kane County - Grand Victoria Riverboat Fund Program
      • Description: “Kane County provides Grand Victoria Riverboat funds to non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations and units of local government for eligible projects that benefit Kane County residents” “All projects should address at least one of the following priorities:” education, environment, economic development
      • Award Range: “Applicants may not receive more than $100,000…”
      • Deadline: midnight, Wednesday, March 4, 2026
  •  
    • 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 

 

    • 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”

 

    • ANCHOR Grants – (Advancing Neighborhood & Community Health, Opportunity & Resilience)
      • Description: “Partnerships should work on a project that fosters lasting community improvements and addresses social and economic disparities, and co-create and/or co-lead as a team (community-based organization and Northwestern representatives)”. Eligible areas are Evanston and Chicago. 
      • Award Range: $25,000 to $65,000
      • Deadline: Letter of interest due January 26, 2026

 

    • 2026 VITA Funding
      • Description: “Prosperity Now, in collaboration with the Wells Fargo Foundation, invites certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs and organizations that directly support VITA operations across the United States to apply for funding for the 2026 filing season.” Open nationwide. 
      • Award Range: $5,000-$20,000
      • Deadline: January 27, 2026

 

    • Shakespeare in American Communities
      • Title: Shakespeare in American Communities: Schools
      • Description: “This opportunity is open to 501c3 professional theater companies that are located in the U.S. or the Native Nations that share this geography. Applicants should have a minimum of two years of experience providing both performances and related educational activities for middle and/or high school students.”
      • Award Range: $15,000 – $25,000
      • Deadline: January 29, 2026

 

      • Title: Shakespeare In American Communities: Juvenile Justice
      • Description: “This opportunity is open to 501c3 theater companies or organizations that are located in the U.S. or the Native Nations that share this geography. Applicants should have a minimum of two years of experience partnering with the juvenile justice system to provide theater education programs.”
      • Award Range: $15,000 – $25,000
      • Deadline: January 29, 2026

 

      • Title: Shakespeare in American Communities: Apprenticeships
      • Description: “This opportunity is open to 501c(3) professional theater companies that are located in the U.S. or the Native Nations that share this geography. Applicants should have a minimum of two years of experience providing community-based, cross-sector theater activities.” “The programming that apprentices support does NOT have to be Shakespeare related.”
      • Award Range: $20,000 – $30,000
      • Deadline: January 29, 2026

 

    • 2026 EmpowHer Grant
      • Description: “EmpowHer grants support impact-focused female founders who need early-stage business capital, a network of business advisors, or both.” Open nationwide to businesses operating no more than 5 years and who are “female entrepreneurs 22 years of age and older with businesses registered and operating solely in the United States.” “Businesses that are eligible for an EmpowHer grant address one of the following social issues through their product or business model: Poverty, Hunger, or Humanitarian Aid; Sustainability & the Environment”. 
      • Award Range: up to $50,000 
      • Deadline: January 30, 2026 at 11:00pm 

 

    • Dr. Scholl Foundation
      • Description: Open nationwide to nonprofits, 501(c)3 with at least 3 years of financials. “…grants are considered in the following areas but not limited to: education, social service, healthcare, civic and cultural, and environmental.” 
      • Award Range: on average, grants range from $5,000 to $25,000
      • Deadline: January 31, 2026 at 4:00pm (letter of intent)

 

 

    • Illinois Green Business Grant Program
      • Description: “The Green Business Engagement National Network (GBENN) and Intuit, the maker of Quickbooks, have partnered to help small businesses in five states save energy and money by implementing energy efficiency upgrades so businesses can operate more sustainably.” Open to 5 states including Illinois. The business must have less than 100 employees and have equal to or less than $3.5 million and projects must be completed by May 31, 2026. 
      • Award Range: rebates up to $1,500
      • Deadline: February 2, 2026

 

    • 2025-2026 NGLCC & Grubhub FOOD: Fueling Opportunities for Owner Development
      • Description: “Applications are now open for the NGLCC FOOD Program! Eligible LGBTQ+ and allied restaurants can receive up to a $2,500 grant and participate in virtual learning sessions designed to strengthen operations, marketing, and long-term growth.” The e-learning cohorts begin January 26, 2026-cohort 1 or February 17, 2026 – cohort 2
      • Award Range: up to $2,500 and e-learning
      • Deadline: February 10, 2026

 

    • Chicago Community Trust RFP: Community & Civic Leadership – Collective Power & Policy Change
      • Description: “The Civic & Community Leadership RFP is open to organizations [501(c)3] that provide leadership training and development to residents in the Chicago region [entity is located in or serves residents in Chicago or Cook County].
      • Award Range: “…$25,000 - $75,000 per year for up to two years”
      • Deadline: Letter of Intent due February 12, 2026 and full application due March 19, 2026

 

    • 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: February 14, 2026 at 10:59pm 

 

    • 2026 AMPT Grant
      • Description: “…supports organizations that have been directly impacted by recent shifts in the national political landscape”. Prioritizing organizations who have less than $2 million budget, Black & Latine led organizations serving Black and/or Latine neighborhoods in Chicago. 
      • Award Range: $10,000
      • Deadline: February 16, 2026

 

    • National Grassroots Organizing Program from Ben & Jerry’s Foundation
      • Description: “The National Grassroots Organizing Program (NGO) offers unrestricted, general operating support grants…throughout the United States…”. Open nationwide to 501(c)3 nonprofits with an annual budget under $350,000, and who “use grassroots, collective-action organizing campaigns as the primary strategy for creating social change”. 
      • Award Range: up to $30,000
      • Deadline: February 18, 2026 at 3:00pm 

 

    • McKinsey Fast Grants
      • Description: “McKinsey and A4CB will provide a $10,000 grant to four organizations whose founders show significant promise for impact.” Open to nonprofits and businesses in Chicago.
      • Award Range: $10,000 and “…access to McKinsey expertise/support to help refine and scale their organizations over a six-month period (May through November 2026)”
      • Deadline: February 18, 2026 at 5:00 pm

 

    • ComEd Powering Safe Communities Grant Program
      • Description: Grants for “…for local public safety and clean transportation projects…” Open to ComEd service areas. Must be a nonprofit, municipality township, county, and other local government in ComEd service area.
      • Award Range: up to $10,000
      • Deadline: March 13, 2026 at 5:00pm 

 

    • ComEd Powering the Arts Program
      • Description: “Through this program, ComEd and the League of Chicago Theatres look to reach audiences that have otherwise been unable to access the richness of cultural offerings throughout the ComEd service area.” “Eligible applicants are nonprofit arts and cultural institutions that are located within ComEd’s service territory and must be in good standing with ComEd related to provision of utilities.”
      • Award Range: $20,000 - $10,000
      • Deadline: March 13, 2026 at 5:00pm 

 

    • NFL Foundation Grassroots Program
      • Description: “…provides non-profit, neighborhood-based organizations with financial and technical assistance with the goal of improving the quality, safety, and accessibility of local football fields.” Open nationwide to eligible entities. 
      • Award Range: up to $250,000
      • Deadline: March 30, 2026

 

    • T-Mobile Hometown Grants Program (Spring)
      • Description: “…fund projects that foster local connections, like technology upgrades, outdoor spaces, the arts, and community centers.” Open nationwide to “Elected officials, town managers/employees, tribal leaders, or nonprofit [501(c)3 & 501(c)6] community leaders from small towns with population less than 50,000…”
      • Award Range: up to $50,000
      • Deadline: March 31, 2026
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