Celebrate National Illinois Day with These Five Grants

Editor’s Note: This is part of a series recognizing each of the 50 states by providing state-specific grants for each. These articles follow the National Day Calendar Year. The calendar began celebrating each state in the order they entered the union starting the week of Independence Day. National Illinois Day is celebrated on December 7th, And Illinois was the 21st state to join the union.

So, in honor of National Illinois Day, GrantWatch is sharing some of its favorite grants below that are specifically for the state.

When it comes to the state of Illinois, there are plenty of aspects to love. The name actually originates from the word “Illini,” which was once a confederation of Indian tribes. The state is also known for its state slogan “Land of Lincoln” in honor of the time Abraham Lincoln spent living in the state’s capital, Springfield, before becoming President.

Even though Springfield is the capital, Illinois is most well-known for Chicago, the largest city in the state. Most of the state’s population is in Chicago, though there are many rural areas outside of the city as well. The city is even home to one of the largest skyscrapers in the world, the Willis Tower. The tower is 1450 feet or 108 stories tall.

Along with these interesting facts about Illinois for National Illinois Day, here are a few other facts you might not know about the state.

10 Interesting Facts about Illinois

1. Firstly, in 1885 the first modern skyscraper was in Chicago
2. Jimmy Dewer invented Twinkies in River Forest, Illinois
3. The first all-color TV station debuted in Chicago.
4. Barack Obama was senator for Illinois before he became the 44th president of the United States.
5. Boeing is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
6. The state produces more nuclear energy than any other in the U.S.
7. Almost 80 percent of Illinois is farmland. 
8. Benny Goodman and Gene Krupa coined the term ‘jazz’ in Illinois in 1914
9. On Feb. 1, 1865, Illinois became the first state to ratify the 13th Amendment of the Constitution
10. Finally, Illinois’ State Pie is pumpkin pie.

Five Illinois Specific Grants:

1. Grants of up to $30,000 per project to Illinois nonprofits, units of government (such as schools, school districts, park districts, library districts), and institutions of higher education to host groups, performing artists, and companies.
2. There are also grants of up to $5,000 and scholarships of up to $3,000 to Illinois organizations, groups, and individuals for programs and research studies that enhance the agricultural sector. The Foundation aims to support educational, research, and leadership development activities that benefit farming and promote choices in agricultural production and marketing.
3. Funding for Illinois nonprofits for health education, research, and healthcare services. Grants are available for Illinois nonprofit organizations in eligible locations for direct health care services, research, and medical and nursing education.
4. In addition, there are grants available to Illinois individuals and families in eligible areas for housing support during the Coronavirus.
5. Grants available to Illinois Public Libraries for facility remodeling, construction and remodeling. Funds will be available to Illinois public libraries for construction projects.

GrantNews Notes:

GrantWatch has an entire website dedicated exclusively to grants for Illinois. You can also find grants for all the other 49 states, as well as the territories and some international regions on the site by using the search bar and changing the geographic focus option to match.

And make sure to sign up for a paid subscription to GrantWatch to gain access to all of the tools available for grant seekers and the full information to all of the grants listed.