Philanthropy & Grants Grants in Illinois

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

Total Capital Deployed
$1.95B

Across 10,057 verified foundation awards

Typical Grant Size
$193,711

Median award for philanthropy in Illinois

Open to New Applicants
27%

Of active philanthropy foundations accept unsolicited proposals

Philanthropy & Grants Grant Funding Landscape in Illinois

Nonprofits focused on Philanthropy & Grants in Illinois received $1.95B across 10,057 verified foundation grants over recent tax filings. The typical (median) philanthropy grant in Illinois is $193,711, 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 philanthropy initiatives include The Ford Foundation, The Andrew W Mellon Foundation, Dechomai Foundation INC, alongside national foundations funding Illinois organizations, youth initiatives, and community programs. Of the active institutional grantmakers funding philanthropy in Illinois, 27% accept unsolicited grant proposals from new applicants, offering immediate funding opportunities for growing 501(c)(3) organizations.

Top Funded Cities in IllinoisBy Total Capital
Chicago84,432 grants awarded
$6.71B
Decatur1,212 grants awarded
$1.98B
Various115 grants awarded
$368.4M
See Attached39 grants awarded
$238.3M
Evanston4,488 grants awarded
$237.9M
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 Philanthropy & Grants in IllinoisRanked by annual charitable capital distribution • Form 990-PF & Community Foundations
FoundationHeadquartersAnnual GivingTypical GrantApplication StatusAction
The Ford Foundation
EIN: 131684331
New York, NY$844.7M$100KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
The Andrew W Mellon Foundation
EIN: 131879954
New York, NY$555M$500KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Dechomai Foundation INC
EIN: 061676688
Jacksonville, FL$498M$309KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
The Jewish Federations of North America INC
EIN: 131624240
New York, NY$432.7M$75KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Druckenmiller Foundation
EIN: 133735187
New York, NY$135.7M$30KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Pepsico Foundation INC
EIN: 136163174
Purchase, NY$37.6M$100KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Stamps Family Charitable Foundation INC
EIN: 042943910
Boston, MA$19.4M$10KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Illinois Children's Healthcare
EIN: 030503425
Oak Brook, IL$6.1M$125KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
The Sidley Austin Foundation
EIN: 203980527
Chicago, IL$4M$5KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
The First Spoke Foundation
EIN: 200894628
Chicago, IL$3.3M$60KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Hlh Family Foundation INC
EIN: 133501674
Dallas, TX$2.8M$50KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Susan and Stephen Baird Family Foundation
EIN: 200478557
Chicago, IL$2.2M$25KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
George E Richmond Foundation
EIN: 204234710
Chicago, IL$1.3M$40KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Allison M Brandt Foundation
EIN: 201616843
Chicago, IL$869K$864KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln INC
EIN: 204191391
Springfield, IL$302K$25KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Showing verified grantmakers • Commercial DAFs & university endowments excludedView all in Illinois directory →

Frequently Asked Questions About Philanthropy & Grants Grants in Illinois

How much grant funding is available for philanthropy in Illinois?

Over $1.95B has been deployed across 10,057 verified foundation grants in Illinois according to recent Form 990-PF and 990 filings.

What is the typical philanthropy grant size in Illinois?

The median grant award is approximately $193,711. 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 27% of verified institutional grantmakers funding philanthropy 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.