Grants in Illinois

Overview

The Neighborhood Grants Initiative provides direct funding opportunities for resident-led projects in West Pullman, Greater Grand Crossing, and Austin neighborhoods. These grants aim to enhance community cohesion and improve the physical environment through grassroots initiatives.

Focus Areas

Projects funded by the initiative should:

• Positively impact the neighborhood

• Bring the community together

• Enhance the physical environment

Eligibility

To be eligible for funding, projects must meet the following criteria:

• Located within West Pullman, Greater Grand Crossing, or Austin neighborhoods

• Engage at least five people or households

• Led by a core planning group of at least three individuals

• Must allow for a visit date from Habitat Chicago (e.g., event day, workday, block club meeting)

• Must adhere to legal requirements (e.g., permits)

• Cannot primarily benefit the business of any core planning group member

• Requests for funds must be for future activities only

Ineligibility

The following projects are ineligible for funding:

• Projects outside the specified neighborhoods

• Projects that do not engage the required number of participants

• Projects led by core planning groups with fewer than three members

• Projects that do not comply with legal requirements

Contacts

For more information and application details, please visit:

• Additional Information: https://www.habitatchicago.org/grants/info

• Eligibility and Maps: https://www.habitatchicago.org/grants/eligibility

• Application Information: https://www.habitatchicago.org/grants/instructions

• FAQ: https://www.habitatchicago.org/grants/FAQ

• Application Tutorial: https://youtu.be/WKvKWUAu8Lk

• Apply Online: https://www.habitatchicago.org/grants/apply

• Contact: neighborhoods@habitatchicago.org | Phone: 312-563-0296 x 313

Overview

The Kiwanis Club of Rockford, Illinois, supports local high school seniors through the Budding Artists Education Grant, recognizing their achievements in art and community involvement, and providing financial aid for higher education.

Focus Areas

This grant focuses on acknowledging high school seniors participating in the Budding Artists event and supporting their educational pursuits at college, university, or trade school.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be senior students from Rockford District 205 high schools, Boylan, Lutheran, Keith Country Day, Rockford Christian, or Christian Life, participating in the 2024 Budding Artists event.

• They must have formal admission to a college, university, or trade school.

Ineligibility

• Applications from students not involved in the Budding Artists event.

• Incomplete applications or those missing required components (application, transcript, and two non-family letters of recommendation).

Preferences

Preference is given to applicants who:

• Demonstrate a commitment to community service and artistic achievement.

• Have formal admission to higher education institutions.

Contacts

• Application Information: Available at - http://kiwanisclubofrockford.com/

• Submission Deadline: April 1, 2024

o Submit completed applications via email to the address provided on the website or drop them off at the designated school office by 9:30 am on the deadline day.

o Late applications will not be considered.

Additional Information

• Kiwanis Club of Rockford Grant Information - http://kiwanisclubofrockford.com/

• Club President: Lana Dresser

o Email: lanadresser@gmail.com

o Phone: (815) 988-0368

• General Inquiries: KiwanisClubofRockford@gmail.com

Overview*

The Opportunity Grant Funding program, administered by the Community Foundation of Central Illinois (CFCI), supports local organizations in central Illinois by providing grants of up to $1,000. These grants are intended to address unforeseen events, support special projects benefiting a substantial number of citizens, and enhance organizational capacity through various initiatives.

Focus areas

• Assistance for unforeseen events causing significant interruptions to essential services.

• Support for special events or projects benefiting a substantial number of citizens.

• Opportunities for organizational capacity building, including trainings, conferences, strategic planning, and board development.

Grant Eligibility

• Open to organizations with tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, those operating under a fiscal agent with 501(c)(3) status, churches, schools, units of government, or other qualified entities.

• Projects must benefit individuals within a 50-mile radius of the city of Peoria, IL (excluding Knox and McLean County).

• Programs must comply with all applicable laws and be current on all grant evaluations.

Ineligibility

• Organizations located outside the designated service area or lacking tax-exempt status.

• Projects not aligned with CFCI's grantmaking priorities or failing to demonstrate economic viability.

Preference

Preference is given to projects that:

• Address established CFCI and donor-designated priorities.

• Have well-defined objectives and measurable outcomes.

• Improve the quality or scope of charitable work in the community.

• Foster collaboration and leverage resources effectively.

Application Requirements and Dates

• Applications are available on the CFCI website 60 days prior to the deadline.

• Submission deadlines are strictly enforced; late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

• Each organization may submit only one application per grant program per year.

• Applications must be signed/approved by the grant writer and executive-level personnel.

• Applicants will receive a response within 2-3 weeks of submission, with applications reviewed twice a month.

Reports to the Foundation

• Grantees must submit a grant evaluation within one month of program completion.

• Failure to submit a complete report within the specified timeframe renders the grantee ineligible for consideration for at least two years.

How to Apply

• Submit completed applications, including the IRS Determination letter, via email to sarah@communityfoundationci.org or by mail to the address below.

• For further inquiries or assistance, contact Sarah Fletcher, Director of Grants and Community Initiatives, at 309-674-8730 or sarah@communityfoundationci.org.

Contacts

• Sarah Fletcher, Director of Grants and Community Initiatives

• Email: sarah@communityfoundationci.org

• Phone: 309-674-8730

• Mailing Address: Community Foundation of Central Illinois, 3625 North Sheridan Road, Peoria, IL 61604

For detailed guidelines, FAQs, and additional information, visit the CFCI website: http://communityfoundationci.org/for-grant-seekers/grantmaking-principles-guidelines/

The Opportunity Grant Funding program seeks to strengthen central Illinois communities by supporting initiatives that respond to critical needs, enhance community services, and foster organizational development. Applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with CFCI's strategic priorities to maximize their chances of funding approval