Prairie State Access Fund

Prairie State Access Fund

Funder: Michael Reese Health Trust in partnership with the Office of the Governor

Overview: The Prairie State Access Fund is a new initiative created to sustain and strengthen the reproductive health ecosystem in Illinois to ensure access for all.

Geographic Scope: Illinois statewide

Focus Areas:

Reproductive and sexual healthcare

Sustaining and strengthening reproductive health providers and organizations

Supporting organizations serving as critical access points for reproductive healthcare

Background: Illinois has become a critical access point for reproductive and sexual healthcare, serving nearly one in four people nationwide who must travel for reproductive and sexual healthcare, placing unprecedented strain on providers and communities across the state.

Funding Goal: The fund seeks to raise $5 million between the launch date (January 28, 2026) and the end of 2026.

Recent Grant Awards:

Round 1 (March 27, 2026): $1 million awarded to four organizations:

- Chicago Abortion Fund
- Planned Parenthood of Illinois
- Repro TLC
- Red Tent Fund

Key Quote: "Illinois is now serving nearly one in four people nationwide who must travel for reproductive and sexual healthcare, placing unprecedented strain on providers and communities across our state. The Prairie State Access Fund was created to meet this moment by delivering the flexible, pooled support organizations need to sustain care and respond in real time." - Ameya Pawar, President & CEO of Michael Reese Health Trust

Contact Information:

Leah Israel and Camille Salcetti

Email: philanthropy@liletteadvisors.com