Funding Opportunities: 

Connect Illinois Round 4-Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program (BEAD) (Notice of Funding Opportunity 3504-2942)

Description: “BEAD-Funded Connect Illinois Round 4 deploys broadband service to unserved and underserved locations. In accordance with the BEAD Program, this program prioritizes projects that provide fiber connectivity directly to the end-user while considering projects that use other technologies to ensure universal coverage.”

Eligibility Includes: “Eligible participant type: Entities that can deploy broadband are eligible to apply. Eligible entities include, but are not limited to, an incorporated business or partnership, a political subdivision, a nonprofit organization, a cooperative association, or a limited liability corporation organized for the purpose of expanding broadband access…”

Deadline: February 26, 2025 at 5:00PM

Tech Incubator Enhancement Program (Notice of Funding Opportunity 3503-2943)

Description: “The intent of this program is to strengthen the overall Illinois tech network by increasing the resilience of existing tech incubators and encouraging investment in new incubators that are aligned with the State’s key growth industries, as outlined by the Illinois 2024 Economic Growth Plan (https://dceo.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dceo/documents/ilinois-2024-economic-growth-plan.pdf).” 

Eligibility Includes: “Existing startup incubators that opened before March 1st, 2020 and are currently still in business. Further defined as: Non-profit organizations, including accredited public colleges or universities, that meet…” that meet the criteria in the NOFO.

Award Range: $10,000 - $3,000,000

Deadline: March 17, 2025 at 5:00PM

Apprenticeship Expansion Competitive Grant Program (Notice of Funding Opportunity 3523-2970)

Description: “The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to establish high-impact apprenticeship intermediaries focused on expanding Registered Apprenticeship Programs throughout the State of Illinois.” 

Eligibility: “Eligible applicants for the Illinois Apprenticeship Expansion Program include Community-based organizations, municipalities, education institutions (i.e. school districts, community colleges), industry associations, state-agencies, workforce boards, and non-profits who will perform the duties of a high-impact intermediary as outlined above. Applicants must have the capacity to meet the program requirements outlined in this NOFO.” 

Award Range: $200,000 - $1,000,000

Deadline: March 21, 2025 at 11:59pm 

Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program (Notice of Funding Opportunity 2160-2940)

Description: “…to businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI) or very small businesses (VSBs)1 to support small business capital improvement projects. This program will offer small business grants across the state to help eligible businesses achieve sustainable growth, improve efficiency, and create and retain jobs.”

Eligibility:

“Businesses owned by Socially Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SEDI) with a maximum of 25 full-time permanent employees

Very Small Businesses (VSBs), businesses with less than 10 employees”

Note: All applicants must be prequalified to apply (register with sam.gov, GATA, etc.) 

Award Range: $10,000 - $245,000

Deadline: April 7, 2025 at 5:00pm

Illinois Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program (IDEC) (Notice of Funding Opportunity 3522-2972)

Description: “The Illinois Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program will empower and equip individuals and communities with the skills, resources, and confidence they need to use the internet to fully participate in Illinois’ modern society and economy.”

Eligibility: “Eligible Applicants include: 1. A political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality of a State, including an agency of a State that is responsible for administering or supervising adult education and literacy activities, or for providing public housing, in the State. 2. An Indian Tribe, an Alaska Native entity, or a Native Hawaiian organization. 3. A foundation, corporation, institution, or association that is: a. a not-for-profit entity; and b. not a school. 4. A community anchor institution, meaning a public school, a public or multi-family housing authority, a library, a medical or healthcare provider, a community college or other institution of higher education, a State or Territory library agency, and any other nonprofit or governmental community support organization. 5. A local educational agency. 6. An entity that carries out a workforce development program. 7. A partnership between any of the entities described in paragraphs (1) through (6). 8. A partnership between[1]a. an entity described in any of paragraphs (1) through (6); and b. an entity that the Assistant Secretary, by rule, determines to be in the public interest; and is not a school.”

Award Range: $90,000 - $900,000

Deadline: May 8, 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) 

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

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. 

Illinois Treasurer’s Office Charitable Trust Grant

Description: “Charitable Trust is intended to help small non-profits with annual budgets of $1 million or less and a full-time employee. Grant applicants located in an area where pervasive poverty, unemployment, and economic distress exist will be given special attention.” “The Spring 2024 Grant Cycle, running from January 1 – March 31, will award grants to non-profit charitable programs in two categories: Food and Housing.” Open statewide

Award Range: up to $20,000

Deadline: March 31 2025

Federal Government

National Endowment for the Arts - Notice of Funding Opportunity: FY 26 Challenge America

Description: “Challenge America supports projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved groups/communities. The program welcomes applications from applicants that are primarily small organizations, first-time applicants to the NEA, and/or returning Challenge America applicants. Eligible applicants include: nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3), U.S. organizations; units of state or local government; Federally recognized tribal communities or tribes; and applicants that have not been recommended for funding in any of the three most recent Fiscal Years in the NEA’s Grants for Arts Projects, Our Town, or Research Awards grant programs”

Award Range: $10,000

Deadline: April 24, 2025 at 10:59pm 

Western Suburbs Giving Circle of Chicago Foundation for Women (WSGC)

Description: Open to nonprofits, 501(c)3 – with a 50% staff leadership and 40% of Board members identify as a woman, transgender or gender non-binary person, with an operating budget of $3 million or less and who primarily serve the western suburbs of Chicago. Grants are for “programs or operations addressing economic security, freedom from gender-based violence or access to health…”

Award Range: $5,000 to $15,000

Deadline: February 12, 2025 at 5:00pm 

The Old National Bank Foundation – Grant Opportunity

Description: Open to nonprofits, 501(c)3, in the areas where Old National Bank is located. “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: February 12, 2025

Pre-Development Fund – The Chicago Community Trust

Description: “…the Trust seeks to support neighborhood-scale development projects that catalyze economic growth and create thriving neighborhoods where residents can stay and grow their wealth with improved quality of life and well-being, regardless of income.” Open to nonprofits 501(c)3 and 501(c)6. “Eligible geography is limited to communities within Cook County.”

Award Range: $75,000 – $150,000

Deadline: February 13, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. CT. 

World Business Chicago - RFP: Video Jukebox of Business Testimonials

Description: “World Business Chicago (WBC) is seeking a creative and strategic partner to bring to life the idea of a "Video Jukebox,” an initiative to amplify Chicago’s position as a premier destination for business investment, growth, and expansion via video testimonials of Chicago business leaders, decision-makers, and pro-Chicago decisions. This project aims to spotlight authentic stories of businesses that have chosen Chicago, using compelling testimonials and supporting digital assets.”

Deadline: February 14, 2025 at 11:59p.m. 

World Business Chicago - RFP: Just The Facts Marketing Campaign

Description: “World Business Chicago is seeking a creative and innovative partner to execute the "Just the Facts" Marketing Campaign, a data-driven initiative designed to highlight Chicago’s top business rankings and key economic advantages. This campaign aims to position Chicago as the ideal city for investment, relocation, and expansion, leveraging compelling data, infographics, and video testimonials of business leaders and pro-Chicago decisions.”

Deadline: February 14, 2025 at 11:59p.m.

Boundless Futures Foundation – 2025 EmpowHer Grant

Description: Open nationwide. “… provide financial and leadership resources for aspiring female entrepreneurs building businesses to solve today’s biggest social issues so they can have a boundless impact in society.” Businesses must not be more than 3 years old.

Award Range: up to $25,000

Deadline: February 15, 2025 at 11:00pm

Community Grant Program Application from Nike in partnership with Michael Jordan

Description: Open nationwide to nonprofits 501(c)3 who mission is in line with one of the focus areas: 

“ECONOMIC JUSTICE: Expand pathways to generational wealth to Black people through access to financial literacy and career development coaching.

EDUCATION: Support Black students by increasing the amount of Black educators, supporting educators in underserved neighborhoods, and providing access to higher education opportunities.

NARRATIVE CHANGE: Increase awareness of the role race plays in our history to drive a deeper understanding of the consequences of racism in our everyday lives.

SOCIAL JUSTICE: Grow the Black Community’s social and political capital by investing in and advocating for policy reform to increase voter registration and turnout.”

Deadline: February 16, 2025

The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge

Description: “Open only to individuals (U.S. residents, 18 or older) who own and operate an independent (non-franchised) small business (9 or fewer employees) in the U.S.”

Award Range: $35,000

Deadline: February 19, 2025

Citi Trends – Black History Makers

Description: “In celebration of Black History Month, Citi Trends, Inc. is acknowledging Black entrepreneurs that are making history today with a for-profit or non-profit business that has a confirmed business history of offering services and/or selling products (excluding any businesses involved in the manufacturing, distribution or sale of food, beverages, supplements or the like). Citi Trends, Inc. shall provide selected Black entrepreneurs with Grants to help advance and further their businesses.” Open nationwide including Illinois. 

Award Range: $5,000

Deadline: February 28, 2025 at 10:59pm

AARP® Purpose Prize® award

Description: “The AARP Purpose Prize award is a national award in the United States that celebrates people 50 and older who are using their life experience to make a difference. Through the Purpose Prize award, AARP celebrates the creativity, innovation, and inspiration that life experience brings. Up to five winners who have founded a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) non-profit organization will win $75,000 for their organization to honor the winner’s achievements. They will also have access to a number of technical supports and resources to help broaden their organizations’ impact.”

Award Range: $75,000

Deadline: February 28, 2025 at 4:00pm 

The Chicago Community Trust – Sponsorships

Description: “This funding opportunity provides sponsorship support for programming events, such as meetings, panels, forums, and conferences.” “Eligible organization types include: 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, and organizations that have a nonprofit fiscal sponsor.” Should be in the Chicago region. 

Award Range: up to $10,000

Deadline: February 28, 2025

DoorDash Restaurant Disaster Relief

Description: “…DoorDash has partnered with Hello Alice to create the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund. The fund supports restaurants impacted by natural disasters, severe weather events, or major infrastructure failures…” Open nationwide to “a restaurant, gastropub or bakery with a brick & mortar location that has experienced a loss in revenue as a direct result of a natural disaster, severe weather event, or major infrastructure failure which occurred within the last 12 months”, been opened at least 6 months, “Own a maximum of three locations, and employ fewer than 50 employees per location”, and “Have revenues of $3M or less per location in the last 12 months.”

Award Range: $10,000

Deadline: Winter Round due March 3, 2025 at 5pm; Spring Round due May 30, 2025 at 5pm 

Wood Fund Chicago Grants 

Description: “Woods Fund Chicago funds over $4 million each year to grantee partners who organize their communities in the fight for racial and economic justice.” Nonprofits, 501(c)3, located in Chicago metropolitan area, your org should build power through community organizing and/or public policy advocacy and utilize a framework of racial equity and/or justice within organizing efforts. 

Award Range: up to $35,000

Deadline: March 3, 2025

The Chicago Community Trust - RFP: Together Fund (Workforce) – We Rise Together

Description: “Youth unemployment remains a critical challenge across Chicago’s economically disenfranchised communities. Many young individuals face obstacles such as limited access to competency-building programs, inadequate training opportunities, and systemic barriers that prevent entry into sustainable employment. This issue is compounded by gaps in wraparound services, such as childcare, transportation, and mentorship, which are critical to successful workforce development. There is a significant opportunity to invest in solutions that equip young people with the competencies, resources, and connections needed to secure meaningful employment. While this RFP invites existing youth-focused strategies and organizations that serve young people, We Rise Together also values innovation and encourages applicants to propose bold, novel approaches to addressing youth workforce needs in transformative and impactful ways.”

Award Range: “For organizations with operating budgets under $1,000,000: Grants of up to $75,000…” and “For organizations with operating budgets over $1,000,000: Grants of up to $200,000…”

Deadline: March 13, 2025

Workforce Innovations Grant – National Alliance to End Homelessness

Description: “…the National Alliance to End Homelessness (Alliance) is offering a new opportunity to encourage small-scale innovation… Eligible activities include any that support the recruitment, promotion/advancement, and retention of high-quality homeless services staff…”

Award Range: up to $50,000

Deadline: March 28, 2025

ComEd Green Region Grant

Description: “The ComEd Green Region Grant was created in 2013 to support open space projects in Northern Illinois.” “Eligible applicants are non-profit organizations, schools, school districts, housing authorities, townships, counties, park districts, conservation districts, forest preserve districts, and municipalities-including municipal entities, such as water reclamation districts-within ComEd’s service territory…” “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: up to $10,000

Deadline: March 28, 2025 at 5:00pm 

ComEd Powering the Arts Program

Description: “Recognizing that access to art is crucial to the quality of our lives, ComEd has partnered with the League of Chicago Theatres to support cultural institutions in northern Illinois in their efforts to reach new and diverse audiences. The ComEd Powering the Arts program has been designed to assist local institutions in these efforts by providing funding for some expenses toward these goals.”

Award Range: up to $10,000

Deadline: March 28, 2025 at 5:00pm

ComEd Powering Safe Communities Grant Program

Description: “The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus is proud to partner with ComEd to administer the Powering Safe Communities program…for local public safety and electrification projects.”

Award Range: up to $10,000

Deadline: March 28, 2025 at 5:00pm

Rx Foundation – Building Capacity for Health Advocacy

Description: “This grant program is open to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, or organizations with a suitable fiscal sponsor, anywhere in the United States. Grants will be awarded for up to five years in the amount of $150,000 annually.”

Award Range: $150,000 annually up to five years

Deadline: March 31, 2025 at 4pm

Honeycomb Credit – Breakthrough Grant

Description: “Open to all small business owners. You can use the funds to expand your product line, move to a new space, purchase new equipment, or anything else that will help you breakthrough in 2025!”

Award Range: $10,000

Deadline: April 2, 2025

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