United Association of Plumbers &

Blazer Foundation

Rockford, IL

The Blazer Foundation funds research, development, and direct-service programs that improve the lives of people with mental or physical disabilities, primarily in Winnebago County and adjoining counties of northern Illinois. Its 2025 grants ranged from $3,500 to $702,000, with a median of $10,000. It says it funds preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.

The Kjellstrom Family Foundation

Rockford, IL

The Kjellstrom Family Foundation supports local charities, especially youth-serving and arts organizations, as well as work in education, human services, disability services, literacy, nature, and organizational development. It funds organizations serving Winnebago, Boone, Ogle, and Stephenson counties in Illinois, with emphasis on Winnebago County; grants are typically around $12,000, generally capped at $40,000, with some larger challenge grants. It accepts applications on a stated schedule, with deadlines of April 15, August 15, and November 15.

Enterprise Holdings Foundation

Saint Louis, MO

The Enterprise Holdings Foundation supports education, environmental stewardship, disaster relief, hunger relief, health, arts, and community needs, with emphasis on organizations connected to Enterprise employees, their families, or established customers. It gives across communities where Enterprise operates; its 2024 median grant was $3,000, though grants ranged widely. Applications are accepted at any time, but the profile does not say whether unsolicited requests are accepted.

Community Foundation of Northern IL

Rockford, IL

The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois supports community needs through grants for areas including basic needs, health, arts, education, career pathways, and youth and families. Its competitive grants serve organizations in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties; awards vary widely, with a 2024 median of $13,030. It accepts unsolicited requests through its grant programs, including the Community Grants Program.

Bergstrom Inc Charitable Foundation XXXXX2008

Chicago, IL

The foundation funds a broad range of charitable work, including community services, education, arts and sciences, and support for people facing homelessness or food insecurity, with a strong preference for Illinois organizations. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,000 to $110,000, with a median of $5,000. It accepts applications through an online process; applicants should describe the proposed use of funds and include their 501(c)(3) letter.

Woodward Governor Charitable Trust

Chicago, IL

Woodward Governor Charitable Trust reports grantmaking in Illinois, with 2024 awards totaling $3.7 million across 98 grants and 2023 awards totaling $1.45 million across 96 grants; its 2025 filing lists one $2.785 million grant. The profile does not specify funding areas or a typical grant size, and says the trust does not limit giving to preselected organizations; it does not clearly state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

United Way of Metropolitan Chicago Inc

Chicago, IL

United Way of Metropolitan Chicago funds nonprofit work on basic needs and community-led efforts, including healthcare, housing, food assistance, early learning, safety, legal services, and workforce development across greater Chicago and the surrounding region. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,002 to $2,038,325, with a median of $25,000; the current Impact Grants cycle is closed to new applicants and limited to current partners, and the BridgeBuilders application is also closed.

Kristin L Anderson Charitable Foundation

Rockford, IL

The foundation supports charitable organizations working in culture, education, youth services, social welfare, veteran affairs, and religion, with a geographic emphasis on Illinois and some funding elsewhere. Its 2024 grants ranged from $200 to $6,000, with a median of $1,750. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.

Field Foundation of Illinois

Chicago, IL

The Field Foundation of Illinois funds Chicago community power-building through arts and culture, resident-led community work, journalism and storytelling, and leadership awards, with a focus on the South and West Sides. Its 2025 grants ranged from $300 to $1,156,480, with a median of $25,000; application access varies by program, including open or rolling opportunities for some, while Community Investments is invitation-based.

The Medline Foundation

Northfield, IL

The Chicago Community Trust

Chicago, IL

The Chicago Community Trust funds nonprofits advancing economic mobility, narrowing the wealth gap, and meeting urgent needs, with priorities including Black and Latine income and assets, homeownership, and investment in underinvested communities. Its 2024 median grant was $25,000, though awards varied widely; funding generally benefits Chicago-region residents. It accepts applications for listed open opportunities through GrantCentral; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests outside those opportunities.

Arthur J Gallagher Foundation

Rolling Meadows, IL

The Arthur J Gallagher Foundation funds education, philanthropy and voluntarism, and human services, with a primary focus on Illinois, California, and New York. Its 2024 grants ranged from $10 to $100,000, with a median of $250. It gives only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.