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Funding Opportunities

Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

We participate in a Funding Opportunities Working Group. This page is a collection of current funding opportunities across Illinois.

  • DCEO 
    • Route 66 Grant Program
      • Description: “The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) 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: “convention and visitors bureaus certified by the Department pursuant to 20 ILCS 605/605-707”
      • Award Range: $20,000 - $300,000
      • Deadline: September 16, 2024 at 5:00PM

 

    • Equitable Energy Future Grant Program (Notice of Funding Opportunity 3054-2878)
      • Description: “…to provide pre-development funding opportunities to eligible contractors to support the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects benefitting businesses, community organizations, and the workforce in Illinois with a specific focus on historically disadvantaged communities. The grant program is designed to help remove barriers to project, community, and business development caused by lack of capital.”
      • Eligibility includes: “Equity Eligible Contractors (EEC) that can provide an Illinois Power Agency EEC certification” or “An Illinois business or nonprofit or cooperative organization that meets the equity building criteria in paragraph (9.5) of subsection (g) of Section 8-103B of the Public Utilities Act.”
      • Award Range: $250,000 - $1,000,000
      • Deadline: December 31, 2024 at 5:00PM

 

    • COMING SOON
      • “The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is planning to re-release the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the following Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) workforce programs in select regions:
        • Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program (Workforce Hubs). Regions that will be accepting applications: Danville, Peoria, Kankakee, Carbondale
        • Energy Transition Navigator Program. Regions that will be accepting applications: Kankakee, Champaign 

 

Attend a NOFO Outreach Event

Interested potential applicants are encouraged to attend a virtual outreach event on August 28th to learn about the funding opportunity and resources available to applicants to help them apply. The event will take place on August 28th from 10:00 am – 11:30 am via Zoom. REGISTER HERE.

 

The NOFO will be publicly released shortly after the outreach event. Applications for these target regions will be due November 1st.”

 

    • For a complete list of DCEO grants, please visit our website. Please note there are several due June 2024 that I didn’t list in case you want to go to our website and review those now.

 

    • Illinois Works Bid Credit Program
      • Eligibility: “Contractors or subcontractors that employ apprentices that have completed the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program on any project (stated or privately funded) are eligible to earn bid credits they can use to make their bids for future state-funded public works projects more competitive.”
      • Bid Credit Range: varies, here is more info on bid credits

 

  • Additional State
    • Capital Development Board  - Solicitations

 

 

 

    • Illinois Treasurer’s Office – Charitable Trust Grant
      • Description: Open to
        • Small non-profits that have charitable programs in: Food, Economic & Workforce Development
        • Additional criteria listed on the Illinois Treasurer’s website, click HERE.
      • Award Range: grants of up to $20,000
      • Deadline: September 30, 2024

 

    • HOME-ARP Non-Congregate Shelter (NCS) Development Program – Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA)
      • Description: “IHDA has released this Request for Applications for the development of Non-Congregate Shelter (“NCS”) through the federal HOME-ARP Program. HOME-ARP defines NCS as one or more buildings that provide private units or rooms as temporary shelter to individuals and families and does not require occupants to sign a lease or occupancy agreement. With this funding, IHDA seeks to expand the availability of quality emergency shelter space statewide in order to better serve Illinois’ residents with the greatest need for emergency housing resources.” “Eligible applicants must be current shelter providers that participate in the Emergency Solutions Grant Program or the Emergency & Transitional Housing Program administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services or have another verifiable operating funding source.”
      • Deadline: “All interested applicants must submit a complete Preliminary Project Assessment by Monday, October 7, 2024…Applications are due to IHDA by 5:00 p.m. CST on Thursday, February 20, 2025.”

 

  • Federal Government

 

    • Academy of Women Entrepreneurs
      • Description: “The U.S. Mission to the UAE announces this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for organizations to submit proposals to implement the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) in the UAE. The 14-month program will include a 4–6-month training and mentorship program to support at least 20 UAE-based, women-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) build the knowledge, skills, and networks to expand market reach by taking advantage of the UAE entrepreneurship ecosystem and bilateral trade opportunities.” Eligible applicants includes: “Not-for-profit organizations (U.S. or UAE based) Think tanks Public and private educational institutions Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions”
      • Award Range: $150,000
      • Deadline: September 20, 2024

 

    • U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), 2024 Build to Scale Program (EDA-B2S-2024)
      • Description: “The Build to Scale (B2S) program aims to increase the capacity of entrepreneurs in regions throughout the United States to demonstrate, deploy, and deliver new technologies by starting and growing new companies and creating and sustaining new, good jobs.” “Eligible applicants include a state, an Indian Tribe, a city or other political subdivision of a state, and an entity whose application is supported by a state or political subdivision of a state and that is: a nonprofit organization; an institution of higher education; a public-private partnership; a science or research park; a Federal laboratory; a venture development organization; an economic development organization or similar entity that is focused primarily on improving science, technology, innovation, or entrepreneurship; or a consortium of any of the aforementioned entities”
      • Award Range: up to $5 million
      • Deadline: October 28, 2024 at 3:59pm

 

    • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program (Community Chamber Grants)
      • Description: “The Community Change Grants will fund community-driven projects that address climate challenges and reduce pollution while strengthening communities through thoughtful implementation. This historic level of support will enable communities and their partners to overcome longstanding environmental challenges and implement meaningful solutions to meet community needs now and for generations to come. There will be two tracks of funding under this opportunity. Track I will fund approximately 150 large, transformational community-driven investment grants of $10 million - $20 million. Track II will fund approximately 20 meaningful engagement grants of $1 million - $3 million.”. Here is a link to more info, click HERE.
      • Award Range: up to $20,000,000
      • Deadline: November 21, 2024 at 10:59 PM

 

  • Local Governments

 

    • City of Chicago - Good Food Fund
      • Description: “The Good Food Fund will provide support to food entrepreneurs in communities with inequitable access to food.” This is round 2. Open to food and beverage entrepreneurs in Chicago that hold a current food and beverage business license, have an established business bank account and filed a federal tax return in 2023.
      • Award Range: $10,000 - $100,000
      • Deadline: September 13, 2024

 

in support of the City’s goals for climate resiliency and sustainability. The SUN program provides

funding to support programs, services, or small-scale improvement projects that further one or more

of the following:

  • Promotes healthy, sustainable, community living
  • Fosters creativity and collaboration to enhance climate resiliency
  • Includes diverse, multi-generational Urbana residents in the process of creating climate related actions and strategies”

Open nonprofits or individuals/neighborhood groups with a nonprofit sponsor.

      • Award Range: “…targeted grant amount is $10,000 per project. The city will accept applications for larger projects on a case-by-case basis.”
      • Deadline: November 4, 2024

 

 

    • 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 - Translation & Interpretation Services Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
      • Description: “The Barack Obama Foundation will be seeking qualifications and quotes from vendors specializing in translation and interpretation services for one or more of the following languages: English, Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin), French, Polish, and Tagalog. More information and deadlines will be provided upon execution of a Non-Disclosure Agreement.”

 

 

    • 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

 

 

    • 2025 YCLC Fund - People’s Climate Innovation Center
      • Description: “The YCLC Fund provides financial awards to young BIPOC climate leaders [ages 18 – 32 years old] who are advocating for and transforming their communities toward racial and environmental justice.” Open nationwide.
      • Award Range: $2,000 - $10,000
      • Deadline: September 10, 2024

 

    • Simply Organic Giving Fund Grant Program
      • Description: “…committed to focusing the Simply Organic Giving Fund Grant Program on addressing an issue that’s especially persistent and critical… food insecurity. We’re working to help non-profit organizations across the United States and Canada to nourish the millions of food insecure in our communities by supporting organizations that provide access to nutrient-dense, organic food option”
      • Award Range: $30,000 - $100,000
      • Deadline: September 12, 2024

 

    • Fast Break for Small Business Grant Program
      • Description: Open nationwide “Small businesses that have been in operation for at least three months are eligible for a $10,000 small business grant and/or up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services. Entrepreneurs who have yet to launch their business are eligible for up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services.”
      • Award Range: “$10,000 small business grant and/or up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services”
      • Deadline: September 13, 2024 at 7pm

 

    • Heinz Black Kitchen Initiative Year 4
      • Description: Heinz “… in partnership with The Lee Initiative and SRRJ Coalition to provide more than $1MM in grants and other business resources to Black food businesses [“Food and service based, bakeries, restaurants, cafes, pop-ups, farmer's markets and catering”] businesses in communities nationwide.”
      • Award Range: $20,000
      • Deadline: September 15, 2024 by 10:59pm

 

    • Her Village Grants
      • Description: Open nationwide to qualifying nonprofits. “Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations that support female entrepreneurs through education, mentorship, financing, and/or other mission-aligned programming.”
      • Award Range: up to $30,000
      • Deadline: September 15, 2024

 

    • United Neighborhoods Equity Fund: Grant Application
      • Description: “The Fund is intended to support small organizations [nonprofits/501(c)3 or fiscally sponsored] located on Chicago's South and West Sides and in the south suburban region, ideally aligned with the United Way's of Metro Chicago's Neighborhood Network coalitions. Organizations with BIPOC leadership, rooted and respected in local communities, and with an interest in building new capacity are encouraged to apply.” “Budget of less than $1,000,000”
      • Award Range: $50,000 of unrestricted funds over 2 years
      • Deadline: September 16, 2024 at 5:00pm

 

    • Building Economic Resilience Through Financial Wellness in Latino and Immigrant Communities from NALCAB with support from Wells Fargo Foundation
      • Description: “This program is designed to support and strengthen a nationwide network of organizations that serve low- and moderate-income Latino and immigrant communities.” “…prioritizing organizations located in Wells Fargo’s priority geographic markets*” This does include Chicago, IL and it is open to nonprofits 501(c)3.
      • Award Range: $30,000
      • Deadline: September 18, 2024

 

    • Visiting Nurse Association of Chicago
      • Description: VNA Foundation awards grants to support [nonprofit/501c3] home– and community-based healthcare and health services for the medically underserved in Cook, Lake, McHenry, DuPage, Kane and Will counties — with a focus on Chicago
      • Award Range: “average grant is in the $35,000 to $50,000 range, and our maximum is generally $65,000 to $80,000”
      • Deadline: September 19, 2024 (Letter of Intent Due)

 

    • Request for Consultant Proposals - Crear y Crecer su Negocio Small Business Initiative
      • Description: Hispanic Federation and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) “…seeks a consultant (individual and/or entity) to create a scope of work and learning curriculum outline defining topics, time frame, outcomes and requirements that would meet the needs of the Latino small businesses within New York’s 13th Congressional District (NY-13)”
      • Funds Range: up to $10,000
      • Deadline: September 20, 2024

 

    • Adolf Busch Award
      • Description: “To recognize and honor organizations that use music to address social injustice, inequity and lack of opportunity.” Open to 501c3 organizations in the United States, who have been established for at least 3 years, have an operating budget of less than $3 million. For more information on eligibility click HERE.  One organization will be awarded.
      • Award Range: $10,000 “with smaller awards often given to additional compelling applicants”
      • Deadline: September 20, 2024 at 4pm

 

 

    • Wells Fargo Small Business Grant Program
      • Description: “Wells Fargo, A4CB, QCDC, and West Side Forward will provide $5,000 problem solving grants to 20 entrepreneurs with physical storefronts on the South[Kenwood, Oakland, Douglas, Grand Boulevard] and West Sides [Near West Side, East Garfield Park, North Lawndale, Lower West Side (Pilsen)] of Chicago.” “Revenues between $50K and $500K in either 2022 or 2023”
      • Award Range: $5,000
      • Deadline: September 27, 2024

 

    • PepsiCo Juntos Crecemos Grant Program
      • Description: “PepsiCo’s Juntos Crecemos Grant Program, twenty (20) grants of $10,000 each will be awarded to small business owners in the food and beverage industry.” Open nationwide to “woman-owned restaurant, bodega, carnicería, catering service or food truck in the food and beverage industry,” who demonstrate a need for funds, and is willing to participate in a virtual boot camp beginning in January 2025.
      • Award Range: $10,000, virtual boot camp, and more
      • Deadline: September 27, 2024 at 5:00pm

 

 

 

 

    • Foot Locker Foundation Community Empowerment Program
      • Description: “LISC and Foot Locker, Inc., through the Foot Locker Foundation, are launching a fourth round of grants for the Foot Locker Foundation Community Empowerment Program, which funds nonprofit community organizations offering a range of services for young people, including health and wellness, education and life skills, mentoring, and career development”. Open to nonprofits, 501c3, in underserved communities in Chicago, IL. For additional cities, click HERE.
      • Award Range: $25,000 - $100,000
      • Deadline: September 30, 2024

 

    • Midland States Bank Foundation Fall Awards
      • Description: “[Midland States Bank Foundation] are proud to offer grants to non-profit organizations and initiatives that align with [their] key focus areas: education, work force development, financial empowerment, housing, small business development and health & wellness.” This grant is open to 501(c)3 or 501(c)6 organizations serving the communities in the geographic areas of Midland.
      • Award Range: $7,500+
      • Deadline: September 30, 2024

 

    • Hometown Grants – T-Mobile
      • Description: Open nationwide to small towns. “Elected officials, town managers/employees, tribal leaders, or nonprofit community leaders from small towns with population less than 50,000 can apply.” T-Mobile will “fund projects that foster local connections, like technology upgrades, outdoor spaces, the arts, and community centers.”
      • Award Range: up to $50,000
      • Deadline: September 30, 2024

 

    • Mission Sustainability Initiative (MSI) Grants via Forefont
      • Description: “…the Mission Sustainability Initiative (MSI) at Forefront provides grants to nonprofit organizations to support the exploration of long-term or permanent strategic partnerships.” This round is open to nonprofits/501(c)3 based in Cook, Lake, DuPage, Kane, and Kendall Counties.
      • Award Range: $5,000, a one-year complementary Forefront membership, and more
      • Deadline: October 2, 2024 at 5:00 pm

 

    • Spark Good Local Grant- Walmart
      • 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, such as food pantries, soup kitchens and clothing closets”, Read more about the eligibility at: https://walmart.org/how-we-give/program-guidelines/spark-good-local-grants-guidelines
      • Award Range: “range from a minimum of $250 to a maximum of $5,000”
      • Deadline: October 15, 2024

 

    • Berwyn Development Corporation (BDC) Finish Line Grant
      • Description: “This grant program assists businesses and property owners with interior and exterior renovation costs, such as awnings, façade improvements, rodent abatement, and buildouts. If your business or commercial property is located within one of Berwyn’s active TIF Districts, you may be eligible to receive up to 50% reimbursement on your renovation expenses.”
      • Award Range: maximum grant amount $50,000
      • Deadline: December 13, 2024
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