Healing Illinois Grant

Healing Illinois, led by the Illinois Department of Human Services, is granting over $4.3 million to nonprofits for the 2025-2026 cycle, focusing on fostering racial and community healing. Since 2020, the program has supported healing initiatives across Illinois, engaging thousands in transformative projects that emphasize storytelling, dialogue, and the reclamation of community spaces. With an aim to reach over 20,000 residents in 30 counties, this initiative promotes resilience and connection among diverse communities.

NOTE: Attending info sessions or office hours is optional but encouraged. These sessions help applicants understand the RFP, eligibility, and application process.
Since its launch in 2020, Healing Illinois has funded community-driven healing initiatives across Illinois with nonprofits developing community programming and creating infrastructure for long-term healing. Together, these projects are helping to change the narrative of what's possible when Illinoisans come together to listen, learn and heal.
In the 2024-2025 grant cycle, Healing Illinois invested more than $4 million in 28 counties, supporting healing activities that engaged more than 17,000 Illinois residents. With a focus on community resilience and highlighting stories of how communities overcome challenges and bridge lines of difference, the 2025-2026 cycle aims to expand its reach to more than 20,000 people in 30 counties.
Healing Illinois supports projects that:
Bring people together across cultures, generations, and geographies.Create safe and inclusive spaces for dialogue, reflection, and belonging.Share and celebrate stories that honor the diverse experiences of Illinois residents.Strengthen local and statewide connections that advance racial healing.Projects should be ready to implement quickly and be completed within 7-8 months, with funds spent by June 30, 2026.
Funding Priorities:

• Healing Illinois funds projects through three interconnected priorities:

This category supports projects that share untold, erased, or misunderstood stories - illuminating truth, resilience, and hope through oral histories, creative arts, or community-based storytelling.Healing Through Dialogue:Healing happens in relationships. This category funds projects that bring people together across race, culture, and geography to build trust, empathy, and shared purpose through healing circles, peace circles, or dialogue-based events.Healing Through Place:Communities carry history in their landmarks, parks, and gathering spaces. This category supports projects that reimagine or reclaim community spaces as sites for remembrance, reflection, and renewal - helping residents see their stories reflected in the places they share.
Funding Amount
Typical Regional Awards: $10,000-$20,000Multi-Regional / Statewide Awards: $20,000-$40,000

Eligibility

Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State, or a public agency (school, library, park district, or municipality).Serve Illinois residents.Be GATA compliant at the time of application.Submit only one proposal for the current cycle.Community-based or unincorporated groups may apply with a fiscal sponsor that meets GATA requirements. Learn more about GATA compliance.