Funding Opportunities: 

• DCEO (few highlighted below)

• 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

• 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)

• 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: 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 

• 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 (Opens July 1, 2025)

• 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 (Opens July 1, 2025) 

• 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

• 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”

• 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

• 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”

• 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

• Ignite Fund Grants
  • Description: “…Grants for community centered, public-facing visual arts projects that represent experimental, unconventional, and accessible practices by Chicago-area artists and artist-led collectives”. Chicago area means “Current residents of the Chicago metropolitan area (Cook, DuPage, Kane, McHenry, Lake, and Will counties).”
  • Award Range: $6,000
  • Deadline: June 30, 2025, 11:59PM

• Bank of America Charitable Foundation Philanthropic Strategy
  • Description: This RPF is focused on Stable Housing and Empowering Communities. Open nationwide to 501(c)3 nonprofits in selected markets including Chicago, IL and St. Louis, MO/IL areas, and who are aligned with the funding proprieties. 
  • Award Range: varies 
  • Deadline: June 30, 2025

• Racial Equity Advancement and Defense Initiative (READI) Legal Support Fund: Call for Applications
  • Description: “The Racial Equity Advancement and Defense Initiative (READI) Legal Support Fund, a fund hosted at the Tides Foundation, proudly invites your organization to submit an application for funding to support your response to legal and/or security threats aimed at reducing or eliminating your Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, racial equity, or racial justice grantmaking and/or programming.” Open nationwide to 501(c)3 nonprofits, with an operating budget of less than $1 million, and “Have a track record of serving communities or populations that have been historically marginalized.”
  • Award Range: up to $75,000
  • Deadline: June 30, 2025

• 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

• Wintrust Business Spotlight
  • Description: “Submit a nomination for the Wintrust Business Spotlight, a pitch competition for minority and female-owned businesses, hosted in partnership with Chicago Innovation, Wintrust and the Chicago Cubs.” “To be considered, the innovation must have been developed in the Chicago region within the last 4 years by an organization founded or owned by a woman or person of color.”
  • Award: varies – meeting with innovative leaders, promotion, etc.
  • 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

• FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab – Beginner’s Cohort
  • Description: “The Beginners’ Cohort program is intended to support small business owners who are trying out e-commerce for the first time, do not currently have an active e-commerce presence, or are experiencing stagnant sales in their online shops. Participant businesses should sell packaged products (either shelf-stable pre-packaged food or non-food general merchandise. e.g. fashion, beauty, home décor). The majority of program graduates have historically identified as women, people of color, and/or low-income business owners, but any business owner who meets the eligibility criteria is welcome and encouraged to apply.” Open nationwide to businesses who have been in business for at least 6 months, make less than $500,000 in annual revenue, etc. 
  • Award Range: $5,000 and more upon program completion
  • Deadline: July 3, 2025 at 4:00pm 

• Lincoln Park Zoo – Request for Proposals FY2026 HVAC Phase 1
  • Description: “Lincoln Park Zoo is seeking proposals from qualified vendors for the procurement, installation, and upgrading of specific HVAC systems throughout the Zoo.”
  • Deadline: July 7, 2025 (Site visits must be completed prior to June 30, 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

• Rémy Martin This is My City Grant Program
  • Description: “Rémy Martin’s This is My City grant program is seeking visionary artists, musicians, designers, DJs, radio personalities, fashion creatives, community space operators, and entrepreneurs who are driving cultural change and creating economic opportunities in their communities.” Open nationwide. 
  • Award Range: $20,000 and mentorship, etc. 
  • Deadline: July 18, 2025 at 5:00pm

• 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 

• 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

• 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 (opens July 1, 2025)

• 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

• 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

Sincerely,

Diana

Diana Alfaro (she/her)

Latinx Business Development Manager

Office of Economic Equity & Empowerment (OE3)*

Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

Phone: 312-919-3620

diana.alfaro@illinois.gov

https://dceo.illinois.gov/

Office of Economic Equity & Empowerment (illinois.gov)