These foundations have a track record of funding social justice work in Illinois, based on IRS 990 grant data. Use the list below to find funders aligned with your mission, then sign up free to see how well your nonprofit fits each one.
Open Grant Opportunities
Live programs funding social justice in Illinois that your nonprofit can apply to now.
Open nowCloses in 6 days (Jul 3, 2026)Award: Varies
community organizingsocial justiceracial justice+7 more
Who can apply: Membership-based, democratically run community organizing groups serving low- and moderate-income communities; multi-issue; engaged in direct action; strong leadership development; well managed and financially sound. Needmor does not fund community development corporations, scholarships/fellowships, private businesses, training programs or direct services, cultural enrichment programs, media productions, books/publications/research, conferences, capital improvements, litigation, projects outside the United States, government sponsored/controlled projects, or national organizations.
community organizingsocial justiceracial justice+6 more
Who can apply: Organizations should primarily organize low- and moderate-income people; serve low-income and moderate-income communities; be membership-based and democratically run; develop grassroots leaders; have a multi-issue agenda; engage in direct action; balance issue work with base building; build power over time; and be well managed with strategic planning and diversified fundraising. Additional interest in groups working across race, class, gender, faith, labor, and community lines, and those linked to broader organizing networks.
Climate JusticeCreative Culture and ArtsEconomic Justice and Community Power+2 more
Who can apply: Open to 501(c)(3) organizations based in the United States. Successful applicants connect their work to one or more issue areas in the Foundation's What We Believe statement. The Foundation does not support or provide funding to organizations engaged in discriminatory or illegal activities.
Who can apply: Organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and certain governmental entities. Fiscal sponsorship permitted (written fiscal sponsorship agreement required for Full Application). Arts funding prioritizes small- and mid-size arts organizations (annual budgets $1.5M or less). Priority given to projects benefiting Greater Pittsburgh (minimum 75% of yearly awards).
Who can apply: Organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and certain governmental entities. Groups without 501(c)(3) may apply through a fiscal sponsor (must provide signed fiscal sponsorship agreement). Arts funding prioritizes small- and mid-sized arts organizations (annual budgets of $1.5M or less). Social & Economic Justice funding has no strict size limit. Priority given to projects that benefit Greater Pittsburgh; minimum ~75% of awards go to the region.
Racial justiceBlack-led movement workCivil liberties+10 more
Who can apply: 501(c)(3) organizations and certain governmental entities; groups without 501(c)(3) may apply via a fiscal sponsor. No size limit for social & economic justice funding (organizations of any budget size may apply). Priority given to projects benefiting Greater Pittsburgh.
Get the Full Picture on Social Justice in Illinois Foundations
Create a free Kindora account to unlock AI insights, detailed grant history, similar funders, and personalized matching for 123 social justice in illinois foundations.