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Community foundations in Illinois

4 community foundations serve Illinois nonprofits in this list. Each link goes to the foundation's own page for grant seekers.

A community foundation is a public charity that makes grants in one area, usually a city, a few counties or a state. For a local nonprofit it is often the most realistic private funder: it funds organizations of your size, in your place, and its staff will usually talk to you before you apply.

• Community Foundation of Central Illinois 50-mile radius around Peoria · Runs grant programs nonprofits can apply to Emergency grants ongoing plus competitive programs; register in the online grant portal
• Community Foundation of Northern Illinois Boone, Ogle, Stephenson and Winnebago counties · Runs grant programs nonprofits can apply to Several programs; online grant portal
• DuPage Foundation DuPage County · Runs grant programs nonprofits can apply to Several programs, each with its own eligibility rules and timing; grantee portal
• The Chicago Community Trust Chicago region; endowment grants for organizations based in or primarily serving Cook County · Runs grant programs nonprofits can apply to Applications through GrantCentral, the Trust's online portal

Last checked on October 7, 2026. Programs change without notice, so confirm with the funder before you apply. Deadlines are not listed here because they change.

A starting list of the larger foundations, not every one in Illinois. If your area is not covered, search for your county's name with "community foundation". SeeGrant is not affiliated with these organizations.