Funders
Foundations that fund nonprofits in Illinois
Foundation funding in Illinois across 15 causes, drawn from IRS Form 990-PF and 990 Schedule I filings. Each cause page ranks the funders most focused on it, with grant counts, typical grant sizes and whether they accept unsolicited applications.
Funding by cause
Performing arts organizations — 385 funders, median grant $10,000
Museums and historical organizations — 367 funders, median grant $10,000
K-12 schools — 358 funders, median grant $8,771
International relief and development organizations — 315 funders, median grant $12,500
Food banks and food programs — 304 funders, median grant $7,500
Youth development programs — 295 funders, median grant $12,513
Community development organizations — 283 funders, median grant $31,873
Disability services organizations — 268 funders, median grant $16,688
Arts and culture organizations — 247 funders, median grant $17,000
Family services organizations — 225 funders, median grant $15,000
Affordable housing organizations — 216 funders, median grant $12,500
Animal shelters and rescues — 201 funders, median grant $4,000
Children's services, foster care and adoption organizations — 180 funders, median grant $15,000
Senior services organizations — 167 funders, median grant $12,500
Youth sports leagues — 67 funders, median grant $3,750
Funders active across several causes
The Chicago Community Trust — among the top funders for 7 of these 15 causes: performing arts organizations; K-12 schools; youth development programs; community development organizations; arts and culture organizations; children's services, foster care and adoption organizations; youth sports leagues.
Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation — among the top funders for 2 of these 15 causes: performing arts organizations; arts and culture organizations.
NCRC Community Development Fund Inc — among the top funders for 2 of these 15 causes: performing arts organizations; museums and historical organizations.
United Way of Metropolitan Chicago Inc — among the top funders for 2 of these 15 causes: disability services organizations; children's services, foster care and adoption organizations.
Illinois Humanities Council Incorporated — among the top funders for 2 of these 15 causes: museums and historical organizations; arts and culture organizations.
League of Chicago Theatres Foundation — among the top funders for 2 of these 15 causes: performing arts organizations; arts and culture organizations.
Dick's Sporting Goods Foundation — among the top funders for 2 of these 15 causes: youth development programs; youth sports leagues.
Terra Foundation for American Art — among the top funders for 2 of these 15 causes: museums and historical organizations; arts and culture organizations.
Invest for Kids Inc — among the top funders for 2 of these 15 causes: K-12 schools; children's services, foster care and adoption organizations.
Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA — among the top funders for 2 of these 15 causes: youth development programs; youth sports leagues.
See which funders fit your organization
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Grant counts and medians cover IRS filings through tax year 2024. Filing lag means recent grants may not yet appear.
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