Environment & Animals Grants in Illinois

Explore verified institutional foundations, typical award distributions, and active grantmakers supporting environment programs across Illinois.

Total Capital Deployed
$242M

Across 3,662 verified foundation awards

Typical Grant Size
$66,090

Median award for environment in Illinois

Open to New Applicants
47%

Of active environment foundations accept unsolicited proposals

Environment & Animals Grant Funding Landscape in Illinois

Nonprofits focused on Environment & Animals in Illinois received $242M across 3,662 verified foundation grants over recent tax filings. The typical (median) environment grant in Illinois is $66,090, though awards range from smaller $5,000–$25,000 community programming grants up to multi-million-dollar institutional and endowment commitments.

Major Illinois funders actively supporting environment initiatives include The Andrew W Mellon Foundation, New Venture Fund, John D and Catherine T MacArthur Foundation (consolidated), alongside national foundations funding Illinois organizations, youth initiatives, and community programs. Of the active institutional grantmakers funding environment in Illinois, 47% accept unsolicited grant proposals from new applicants, offering immediate funding opportunities for growing 501(c)(3) organizations.

Top Funded Cities in IllinoisBy Total Capital
Chicago81,530 grants awarded
$5.21B
Decatur1,194 grants awarded
$1.98B
Various115 grants awarded
$368.4M
See Attached39 grants awarded
$238.3M
Evanston4,315 grants awarded
$235.6M
Grant Size Distribution TiersBy Grant Count
Grassroots & Seed (<$25,000)77%
Ideal for emerging nonprofits, project pilots, and local programming
Mid-Tier & Capacity ($25K – $100K)15%
Core operational funding, staff expansion, and multi-year programs
Major Endowments ($100,000+)8%
Capital campaigns, statewide initiatives, and major institutional grants
Top Institutional Foundations Funding Environment & Animals in IllinoisRanked by annual charitable capital distribution • Form 990-PF & Community Foundations
FoundationHeadquartersAnnual GivingTypical GrantApplication StatusAction
The Andrew W Mellon Foundation
EIN: 131879954
New York, NY$555M$500KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
New Venture Fund
EIN: 205806345
Washington, DC$359.6M$101KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
John D and Catherine T MacArthur Foundation (consolidated)
EIN: 237093598
Chicago, IL$356.1M$160KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors INC
EIN: 133615533
New York, NY$275M$100KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Jpmorgan Chase Foundation
EIN: 237049738
New York, NY$193M$600Invitation OnlyView Profile →
Fidelity Foundation
EIN: 046131201
Boston, MA$156.2M$400Invitation OnlyView Profile →
Fjc
EIN: 133848582
New York, NY$41.7M$17KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
National Arbor Day Foundation
EIN: 237169265
Lincoln, NE$11.6M$38KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Willow Springs Charitable Trust
EIN: 204383299
Mt Carroll, IL$11.4M$95KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Movement Strategy Center
EIN: 201037643
Oakland, CA$11.1M$28KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Natural Resources Defense Council INC
EIN: 132654926
New York, NY$5.3M$17KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Forefront
EIN: 237376023
Chicago, IL$4.6M$63KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
The Lumpkin Family Foundation
EIN: 237423640
Mattoon, IL$4M$6KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Susan and Stephen Baird Family Foundation
EIN: 200478557
Chicago, IL$2.2M$25KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Walton Family Foundation INC
EIN: 133441466
Bentonville, AR$1K$650Invitation OnlyView Profile →
Showing verified grantmakers • Commercial DAFs & university endowments excludedView all in Illinois directory →

Frequently Asked Questions About Environment & Animals Grants in Illinois

How much grant funding is available for environment in Illinois?

Over $242M has been deployed across 3,662 verified foundation grants in Illinois according to recent Form 990-PF and 990 filings.

What is the typical environment grant size in Illinois?

The median grant award is approximately $66,090. However, local grassroots initiatives often receive $5,000–$25,000, while regional endowments can exceed $250,000+.

Which foundations in Illinois accept unsolicited proposals?

Approximately 47% of verified institutional grantmakers funding environment in Illinois accept unsolicited applications without a pre-existing relationship.

How can my nonprofit find foundations that match our mission?

Use NPO Grant to analyze peer award ledgers in Illinois, identify foundations with active giving history in your city, and contact verified program officers directly.