• DCEO

• • 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)

• • SSBCI Technical Assistance Grant Program
    
    • Description: “to seek application proposals from qualified technical assistance providers to deliver assistance to businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI1) or very small businesses (VSBs2) participating in, or seeking assistance from the state’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funded programs. The technical assistance providers will provide support to eligible beneficiaries of the SSBCI Technical (TA) Grant Program located in Region 4: North.”
    • Eligibility includes: “Legal, Accounting, or Financial advisory Non-Profit or For-Profit entities. Applicants must administer the following three (3) TA services– legal, accounting, and financial advisory services – either directly or through a coalition of contractual partners NOFO ID: 2932-31688.” “The U.S. Treasury has provided guidance stating that entities must meet at least one of the following criteria in order to be defined as a “legal, accounting, or financial advisory firm” for the purposes of the TA Grant Program:
      
      • 1. A primary purpose of the entity or a central part of the entity’s mission is to provide legal, accounting, and/or financial advisory services,
      • 2. The entity regularly markets or publicizes itself as providing legal, accounting, and/or financial advisory services, or
      • 3. At least 25% of the entity’s revenues or staff are dedicated to providing legal, accounting, and/or financial advisory services.”
  • Award Range: $700,000 (we will only be awarding one grant)
  • Deadline: January 8, 2026 at 5:00 PM

• • Job Training Economic Development Program – Round 3
    
    • Description: “The Department is releasing this JTED NOFO focusing on services that address the economic impacts experienced by employers and individuals who are either under-employed, unemployed, or  underrepresented facing one or more barriers to employment, defined as risk factors, by providing career pathway opportunities and support services needed for successful re-entry or advancement into the labor force.”
    • Eligibility Includes: “Applicants must have demonstrated expertise and effectiveness in administering workforce development programs [20 ILCS 605/605-415(b)] and must meet the requirements outlined in this NOFO. Entities that are eligible to apply for the JTED NOFO consist of:
      
      • Employers;
      • Private nonprofit organizations (which may include a faith-based organization);
      • Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) administrative entities;
      • Community Action Agencies;
      • Industry associations; and
      • Public or private educational institutions
        
        • Local governments that are not WIOA administrative entities are not eligible to apply.”

• • • Award Range: $250,000 – $750,000
    • Deadline: January 16, 2026 at 11:59pm

• • Regional Site Readiness Program – Capital Ready – Round 2
    
    • Description: “…to support infrastructure and other capital improvements on sites across the state to advance the readiness of properties with industrial and manufacturing economic development potential.”
    • Eligibility includes:
      
      • “Local governments
      • Economic development organizations…
      • Nonprofit organizations
      • For-profit organizations
      • Private landowner”
    • Award Range: $100,000 – $5,000,000
    • Deadline: March 31, 2026 at 5:00 PM or until funds are exhausted (applications accepted on rolling basis)
  • Regional Site Readiness Program – Planning – Round 2
    
    • Description: “…to support planning and due diligence activities for sites across the state to advance early-stage site readiness on properties with industrial and manufacturing economic development potential.”
    • Eligibility includes:
      
      • “Local governments
      • Economic development organizations…
      • Nonprofit organizations
      • For-profit organizations
      • Private landowner”
    • Award Range: $150,000 – $150,000
    • Deadline: March 31, 2026 at 5:00 PM or until funds are exhausted (applications accepted on rolling basis)

For a complete list of DCEO grants, please visit our website.  

• Federal Government 
  • National Endowment for the Arts Big Read
    
    • Description: Open to nonprofits nationwide. “These grants support community reading programs designed around a single NEA Big Read book. As our nation moves into its 250th year, the goal of this program is to honor America’s rich artistic and cultural heritage, inspire meaningful conversations, celebrate local creativity, elevate a wide variety of voices and perspectives, and build stronger connections in each community.”
    • Award Range: $5,000 to $20,000
    • Deadline: “…Intent to Apply is January 15, 2026. Full applications are due January 29, 2026.”
• 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”

• • City of Chicago: Small Business Improvement Fund
    
    • Description: “promotes economic development by providing small businesses and property owners with reimbursement grants for permanent building improvement costs.”
    • Award Range: $75,000 multi-tenant properties, $150,000 commercial properties, and $250,000 industrial properties
    • Deadline varies
  • City of Chicago: Community Development Grant – Medium
    • • Description: “…to support eligible commercial, cultural, industrial, institutional, social service and mixed-use projects.” “Private and non-profit developers, tenants and property owners are eligible to apply…”
      • Award Range: $300,001 to $5 million
      • Deadline: February 13, 2026
  • City of East Moline: Business Improvement Grant (BIG) Program
    
    • Description: “The BIG Program is funded in large part through the City of East Moline’s Business Development District #2, established in 2024 to provide economic incentives through a 0.75% sales tax. Under the BIG Program, grant awardees are reimbursed for eligible project costs…” “Eligible Projects: Commercial or Industrial projects that are located or locating within the City of East Moline’s Business Development District… This area includes all major commercial and industrial areas of the city.”
    • Award Range: up to $50,000
    • Deadline: ongoing
  • City of Rockford: Business Advancement Loan Program
    • Description: “…offers 5-year forgivable loans at a 1:1 match to for-profit businesses with a commercial or industrial-zoned brick and mortar location for the advancement of business operations.” Open to eligible businesses within the City of Rockford.
    • Award Range: up to $25,000
    • Deadline: 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
  • W.K. Kellogg Foundation
    • Description: “Education, health, food and workforce systems are intertwined with community efforts toward racial equity and racial healing in serving what children need to thrive. We aim to support holistic solutions across these integrated systems.” Open nationwide to eligible: Nonprofit organization, 501(c)(3) or equivalent (i.e., school, hospital or religious institution), Public or governmental entity, and For-profit entity doing charitable work.
    • Award Range: depends
  • 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”

• • Hiring Our Heroes’ Small Business Grant Program
    • Description: Open nationwide to small businesses owned by veterans and/or military spouses that have 3 to 20 employees (includes full/part time and contractors), “…less than $5 million in annual revenue and located in an economically vulnerable community, or the business can otherwise demonstrate financial need brought on by hardship beyond the owner’s control.”
    • Award Range: $10,000 or $25,000
    • Deadline: December 15, 2025 at 10:59pm
  • Scaling Pathways to Homeownership – Capital One
    
    • Description: “The Scaling Pathways to Homeownership Open Call, sponsored by the Capital One Foundation will fund projects that will expand access to housing and homeownership in the United States.” “This Open Call seeks bold solutions that expand access to affordable homeownership in the U.S. through fresh thinking and disruptive models. Projects should demonstrate measurable potential to expand pathways to homeownership for low- and moderate-income households while building meaningful collaboration across broad stakeholders and sectors.” Open nationwide to 501(c)3 nonprofits.
    • Award Range: “…ten finalists a $200,000 project development grant and five Awardees with a $4.6 million Award over up to five years.”
    • Deadline: Must register by December 17, 2025 by 4:00pm and application due January 29, 2026 at 4:00pm
      
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  • Spark Good Local Grants
    • Description: “Walmart believes that investing in local communities strengthens our business as well as the communities we serve. Local grants are designed to support local organizations that meet the unique needs of the communities where we operate, build pride among all associates, and deepen relationships with our customers.” Open nationwide to 501(c)(3) public charity, Government entity (non-501(c)(3)), school, and Church or other faith-based organization with a proposed project that benefits the community at large.
    • Award Range: $250 to $5,000
    • Deadline: December 31, 2025
  • FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund
    • Description: “The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund supports grassroots organizations expanding access to quality education and sports for children in underserved communities.” “Applicants must be community-based, grassroots organizations serving between 500 and 10,000 individuals.”
    • Award Range: $50,000- $250,000
    • Deadline: December 31, 2025
  • DoorDash Local Business Disaster Relief Fund
    • Description: Open nationwide to “…- small business including, but not limited to, restaurant, gastropub or bakery, 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 state of emergency or [federally-declared natural disaster](https://www.fema.gov/disaster/declarations) which occurred within the last 12 months;
      • has 3 or fewer total locations;
      • has 50 or fewer employees per location;
      • has been open for at least 6 months;
      • has revenues of $3M or less per location in 2024; AND
      • is independently-owned.”
        
        •  
    • Award Range: $5,000 – $15,000
    • Deadline: January 5, 2026 at 5:00pm

• • Pre-Development Fund from Chicago Community Trust
    
    • Description: Open nonprofits 501(c)3 and 501(c)6 serving the eligible area –  “…to communities within Cook County with a focus on neighborhoods on the South and West Sides”. “Through this program, 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.”
    • Award Range: up to $100,000
    • Deadline: January 12, 2026 at 4:00pm
  • Amex Shop Small Grants Program
    
    • Description: “…American Express is teaming up with Main Street America this Small Business Saturday® to launch the Amex Shop Small Grants Program.” This program is open nationwide to small businesses that operate out of a physical brick and motor and have 20 or less full time employees.
    • Award Range: $20,000
    • Deadline: Friday, January 16, 2026 at 11:59 CT
  • ANCHOR Grants – (Advancing Neighborhood & Community Health, Opportunity & Resilience)
    • Description: “Partnerships should work on a project that fosters lasting community improvements and addresses social and economic disparities, and co-create and/or co-lead as a team (community-based organization and Northwestern representatives)”. Eligible areas are Evanston and Chicago.
    • Award Range: $25,000 to $65,000
    • Deadline: Letter of interest due January 26, 2026
  • Shakespeare in American Communities
    
    • Title: Shakespeare in American Communities: Schools
    • Description: “This opportunity is open to 501c3 professional theater companies that are located in the U.S. or the Native Nations that share this geography. Applicants should have a minimum of two years of experience providing both performances and related educational activities for middle and/or high school students.”
    • Award Range: $15,000 – $25,000
    • Deadline: January 29, 2026

• • • Title: Shakespeare In American Communities: Juvenile Justice
    • Description: “This opportunity is open to 501c3 theater companies or organizations that are located in the U.S. or the Native Nations that share this geography. Applicants should have a minimum of two years of experience partnering with the juvenile justice system to provide theater education programs.”
    • Award Range: $15,000 – $25,000
    • Deadline: January 29, 2026

• • • Title: Shakespeare in American Communities: Apprenticeships
    • Description: “This opportunity is open to 501c(3) professional theater companies that are located in the U.S. or the Native Nations that share this geography. Applicants should have a minimum of two years of experience providing community-based, cross-sector theater activities.” “The programming that apprentices support does NOT have to be Shakespeare related.”
    • Award Range: $20,000 – $30,000
    • Deadline: January 29, 2026
  • Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley -YEP Grantmaking Program
    • Description: Open to nonprofits who have programs or projects that support children and youth ages 0 – 22 and are within the organization’s service area (e.g., City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County).
    • Award Range: $500 – $5,000
    • Deadline: February 1, 2026