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: September 30, 2025 (extended)
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  • 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) 
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  • 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
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• Additional State of Illinois

• Capital Development Board
  • Title: Illinois Capital Development Board Art-in-Architecture Program
  • 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 Southeastern Illinois College Stanford D. Williams Career and Training Center in Carmi, Illinois.”
  • Deadline: Friday, July 25, 2025 at 3:00pm 
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  • Illinois Arts Council – Creative Projects Grant
    • Description: “…support art projects for Illinois artists, eligible not-for-profit organizations [501(c)3], municipal entities, or colleges and universities. CPG projects must include a public release or presentation of the work accomplished during the grant period.” Open statewide to eligible entities. 
    • Award Range: up to $12,000
    • Deadline: open until funds are expended 
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  • Illinois Treasurer - 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.” Open statewide to eligible nonprofits. This cycle “…will award grants to organizations in two categories: Food and Housing.”
    • Award Range: up to $20,000
    • Deadline: September 30, 2025 
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• Federal Government
  • Small Business Translator: MedTech and Digital Health Technologies
    • Description: “The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to encourage eligible small business concerns (SBCs) to pursue translational activities and clinical studies to advance the development of technologies to prevent, monitor, diagnose, and treat disorders within the missions of participating Institutes, Centers, and Offices.”
    • Estimated Post Date: July 21, 2025
    • Estimated Deadline: October 20, 2025
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• 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”
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  • 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.)
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  • 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 

• Obama Foundation - OPC Janitorial & Maintenance Supplies, Equipment, and Materials Invitation for Bid
  • Description: “The Obama Foundation is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) to solicit competitive bids from qualified vendors to supply cleaning supplies, paper products, and custodial equipment, with associated support services, for the Custodial Services operations at the Obama Presidential Center (OPC) campus, located in Jackson Park, Chicago. More information will be provided upon execution of a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).”

• 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”

• Allstate Main Street Grants Program
  • Description: “The Allstate Main Street Grants Program, presented in partnership with Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), is here to support the small businesses fueling communities across the U.S” “Through this program, 250 entrepreneurs will be selected to participate in a 12-week Boost Camp accelerator focused on helping business owners strengthen their operations, plan for growth, and improve financial stability. A select group of 63 participants will receive a $20,000 grant to invest in tools, growth strategies, or resources that strengthen their business operations.” Open nationwide to for-profit businesses who made at least $25,000 in annual revenue in 2024, have a need for funding and coaching, etc. 
  • Award Range: coaching and opportunity to apply for $20,000 grant 
  • Deadline: July 25, 2025 at 5:00pm 
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  • Builders + Backers
    • Description: “This national call is open to anyone in the U.S. with a novel idea—no business plan, no pitch deck, no startup experience required.”
    • Award Range: Accelerator program or AI platform program for those selected, then participants in those programs are eligible to apply for the Pebble funds
    • Deadline: July 29, 2025
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  • 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
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  • Breva™ Thrive Grant
    • Description: Open nationwide to businesses that meet the criteria: business demonstrates impact on their community, preferably business has been operating for at least 1 year, minimum annua revenue of $35,000, and prefer businesses that directly impact underrepresented communities.
    • Award Range: $5,000
    • Deadline: July 31, 2025
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  • The Community Foundation for McHenry County - Capacity Development Grant
    • Description: “The Community Foundation for McHenry County is committed to enhancing county services and expanding financial support to local non-profits.” “The Capacity Development Grant is designed to enhance an organization’s ability to fulfill its mission and effectively serve its community.” “Organizations that have annual budgets of $100,000 or less are eligible to apply.”
    • Award Range: coming soon
    • Deadline: July 31, 2025 
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  • Kentucky Fried Wishes
    • Description: Open nationwide to 501(c)3 nonprofits that need funding for capacity building projects. This round focuses on food and shelter, examples are food pantry remodel, community garden creation, animal shelter upgrades, and building repairs or renovations.
    • Award Range: $10,000
    • Deadline: July 31, 2025
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  • Backing Small Business Grant backed by American Express
    • Description: “Eligible small businesses are those businesses (i) that have been in operation on or before January 1, 2024, (ii) that have a physical location (meaning “brick-and-mortar” location) which was opened on or before January 1, 2025 that operates in an older or historic main street, downtown or commercial district in the United States or U.S. territories, (iii) that have not previously received a Backing Small Businesses grant in any previous cycle or a grant supported by American Express in 2025, (iv) that employ 20 or fewer full-time employees (including the company owners), (v) that are a registered business entity in good standing in the state in which it was formed and the state in which it does business (e.g., not an unincorporated contractor or self-employed individual), (vi) that are not a nonprofit, and (vii) that are not part of a national franchise. Applicants must be an owner of the eligible small business and 18 years of age or older.”
    • Award Range: $10,000
    • Deadline: July 31, 2025
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  • 2025 EmpowHer Grant Application Q3
    • Description: Open nationwide to “Female entrepreneurs 22 years of age and older with businesses registered and operating solely in the United States. An applicant’s business must make a social impact through its product or business model, must be earning revenue, and must not be more than 3 years old. To be awarded grant funding, applicants must self-report a credit score and agree to a third-party background check.”
    • Award Range: up to $25,000
    • Deadline: August 1, 2025
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  • South Side Pitch
    • Description: “Every year, small businesses across the South Side of Chicago participate in South Side Pitch, sharing stories about their roots, their impact, and their visions for the future. The contest ends with a shark-tank style event where finalists pitch their businesses to a city-wide audience and a panel of judges for the chance to win a portion of cash prizes that total over $34,000”
    • Award Range: $1,000 - $15,000
    • Deadline: August 4, 2025
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  • 2025 Improving Veteran Mental Health Grant
    • Description: “…support nonprofit organizations that leverage evidence-informed programs and services (such as the Housing First model) to help veterans feel stable where they live and ultimately create positive impact on their mental health.” Open to select states including the state of Illinois. Organization that applies must be a 501(c)3 nonprofit. 
    • Award Range: $100,000 - $150,000
    • Deadline: August 7, 2025 at 4:00pm
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  • 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

• Game On-Community Places to Play Initiative
  • Description: “Game On-Community Places to Play is an initiative of The DICK’s Sporting Goods Foundation and LISC. The initiative provides funding and technical assistance to community-rooted organizations working to create and renovate multi-use sports facilities for youth ages 6-24 years old in low-to-moderate income communities.” “Non-profit community-based organizations leading renovation projects are eligible to apply.” Open to Chicago, IL and other select cities across the country. 
  • Award Range: $50,000-$100,000 and will require 1:1 match funding
  • Deadline: August 29, 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

• 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 Basic Human Needs 
    • “Our Basic Human Needs pillar is focused on services where there is a critical or acute need to solve problems immediately. Organizations funded under this pillar include those that provide food, shelter, clothing and disaster relief.”
  • Award Range: up to $5,000
  • Deadline: August 31, 2025

• Sponsorships – The Chicago Community Trust
  • Description: “This funding opportunity provides sponsorship support for programming events, such as meetings, panels, forums, and conferences.” “To be considered for funding, an event must be produced by an eligible organization that is located in the Chicago region. Eligible organization types include: 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, and organizations that have a nonprofit fiscal sponsor.”
  • Award Range: up to $10,000
  • Deadline: September 3, 2025 (opens July 30, 2025)

• DoorDash Local Business Disaster Relief Fund
  • Description: Open nationwide to for-profit businesses: “ small business that is a restaurant, 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 natural disaster, severe weather event, or major infrastructure failure, which occurred within the last 12 months declared by state, tribal, or federal government.” “ Own a maximum of three locations, and employ fewer than 50 employees per location; Have been open for at least six months; Have revenues of $3M or less per location in 2024 and be independently-owned”
  • Award Range: $5,000 - $15,000
  • Deadline: September 29, 2025 at 5:00pm 

• 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

• AT&T Small Business Contest
  • Description: Open nationwide to small business owners who have 50 employees or less. See their webpage for full details.
  • Award Range: $5,000 or $50,000 plus “One full year of AT&T service with a brand new device”, etc.
  • Deadline: September 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.” Summer cycle is now open
  • Award Range: $5,000 credit
  • Deadline: September 30, 2025