If you are currently exploring options for funding community projects and programs, don’t hesitate to reach out to my team regarding state opportunities you may be eligible for.
State grants
Browse all current state funding opportunities here. For grants through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, click here. For grants through the Illinois Arts Council, click here. To view recorded grant training sessions and sign up for technical assistance through DCEO, click here.
Cook County grants
Funding opportunities, economic development resources and more are available to Cook County communities, organizations and businesses through the Bureau of Economic Development. There, you can find grants and financial assistance and connect with the Cook County Small Business Source.
City of Chicago grants
Small Business Improvement Fund
The Small Business Improvement Fund opens for grants every month in various TIF districts across the city. SBIF grants provide up to $150,000 for commercial properties and up to $250,000 for industrial properties for permanent building improvements and repairs. Click here to see the 2025 rollout calendar.
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events supports creatives and expands access to the arts in all of Chicago’s neighborhoods. Visit Chicago.gov/DCASE for information on cultural grants, including the CityArts Program, Neighborhood Access Program and more.
Visit the Department of Procurement Services website for a list of bid opportunities and information about becoming BEPD or M/WBE-certified.
Federal grants
Explore all current federal grant opportunities at Grants.gov and browse the federal catalog of assistance listings at SAM.gov.
For those looking to start or expand a small business, the Small Business Administration provides help in the form of loans, advisory and technical assistance, such as business counseling. Find programs as well as state and local SBA offices at SBA.gov.
Additional federal resources
OMB Grants Guidance (Office of Management and Budget)
OMB establishes government-wide grants management policies and guidelines. See the most updated guidance here.
Student Aid on the Web (U.S. Department of Education)
For information on funding education beyond high school, including grants, loans and work-study assistance for qualified students, visit StudentAid.gov.
Some federal agencies have developed special dashboards or other sites to help identify potential funding. For example:
- The U.S. Department of Transportation provides a competitive transportation grants dashboard at Transportation.gov.
- The Federal School Safety Clearinghouse has an easy-to-use grants finder tool at SchoolSafety.gov.
- For the mental and behavioral health field, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides a grants dashboard that also includes forecasted opportunities at SAMHSA.gov.
