Grants for Mentoring Programs in Illinois

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation focused on making grants to support environmental, human services and other causes.

The Lawrence Foundation was established in mid-2000. We make both program and operating grants and do not have any geographical restrictions on our grants. Nonprofit organizations that qualify for public charity status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or other similar organizations are eligible for grants from The Lawrence Foundation.  

Grant Amount and Types

Grants typically range between $5,000 - $10,000. In some limited cases we may make larger grants, but that is typically after we have gotten to know your organization over a period of time. We also generally don’t make multi-year grants, although we may fund the same organization on a year by year basis over a period of years.

General operating or program/project grant requests within our areas of interests are accepted. In general, regardless of whether a grant request is for general operating or program/project expenses, all of our grants will be issued as unrestricted grants.

Community Ties Giving Program

As part of the Community Ties Giving Program, Local Grants help us achieve our mission by providing small and medium-sized grants within our priority cause areas to local organizations spread widely across Union Pacific's footprint.

Funding Priorities & Objectives

Throughout its existence, the success of Union Pacific's business has been inextricably linked to the economic and community wellbeing of cities and towns across the nation. We take pride in the role we have played in helping communities thrive and believe the impact we can have on local communities is greatest when it is authentic to our history and reflective of the diverse company we are today.

As such, we have carefully aligned our Local Grants cause areas to our company's unique heritage, strengths, and assets. Specifically, we prioritize funding for direct services and efforts that build the capacity of organizations focused on the following causes within our local operating communities. Within each focus area, we aim to support programs and organizations working to advance the diversity, equity and inclusion of underrepresented populations within the local context and issue areas addressed. Find more information about our commitment to DEI in our FAQs.

Safety

In order for communities to thrive, all residents must feel safe. Just as the safety of our employees and community members is paramount to how we operate, Union Pacific is committed to helping communities prevent and prepare for incidents and emergencies, and helping residents get home safely at the end of each day. As such, we prioritize funding for projects and programs that seek to: 

• Encourage safe behaviors and prevent incidents through education and awareness, particularly projects which focus on rail, driver, bike, and pedestrian safety, and ensure outreach efforts reach underserved populations.
• Eliminate risks and improve safe and equitable access to community spaces through infrastructure improvements, such as signage, proper lighting, and public trail improvements.
• Prepare and equip residents and emergency responders* to effectively respond to incidents and emergencies if or when they occur.
  • *Union Pacific supports publicly funded emergency responders through a variety of corporate programs; only independent nonprofit, 501(c)(3) emergency response organizations, such as volunteer departments, are eligible for funding through this grant program
• Prevent crime and violent incidents and support survivors of domestic violence through efforts that address the root causes of these issues and seek to mitigate their occurrence.
• Build the capacity of safety-focused organizations to integrate practices that improve upon the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of the organization. This can take the form of internal capacity building or the creation/expansion of culturally relevant programming and services that seek to impact a broad and diverse audience. 

Workforce Development

For more than 160 years, Union Pacific has helped stimulate economic growth in cities and towns throughout the nation by training and providing employment to millions of workers. More than ever, we are committed to helping underrepresented residents in our communities achieve family-supporting careers like those offered by Union Pacific. As such, we prioritize funding for programs that seek to:

• Put youth on the right track by creating awareness of and pathways toward employment opportunities; building foundational skills, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); establishing necessary technical skills and life skills; and providing mentorship and positive role models for the future.
• Raise awareness of, educate and prepare young adults for middle skills jobs like those Union Pacific offers, for instance through community colleges, vocational and career training programs, workforce readiness initiatives, and programs that assist with job placement and/or on-the-job experience.
  • Programs that develop proficiency in areas relevant to Union Pacific operations such as welding, electrical work, machine operations, and civil and electrical engineering are given priority.
• "Up-skill" the existing workforce by providing training and resources that enable them to reach the next level of their career.
  • Programs that develop proficiency in areas of relevance to Union Pacific operations are given priority.
• Resolve barriers to employment such as transportation, childcare, acquiring necessary equipment for work, and second chance employment programs.
• Build the capacity of workforce development-focused organizations to integrate practices that improve upon the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of the organization. This can take the form of internal capacity building or the creation/expansion of culturally relevant programming and services that seek to impact a broad and diverse audience. 

Community Vitality

Union Pacific Railroad is committed to establishing vibrant, healthy and inclusive communities for employees, customers and residents to work, visit and call home. Just as the railroad opened avenues for economic development and opportunity more than 160 years ago, we maintain this tradition by cultivating unique cultural and recreational experiences and equipping community members with opportunities to live healthy, vital lives. As such, we prioritize funding for projects and programs that seek to:

• Create, sustain or expand artistic and cultural experiences offered to a broad and diverse audience (e.g., museums, theaters, zoos, cultural and local heritage, visual and performing arts, etc.)
• Provide recreational opportunities that foster wellbeing, enrichment and/or an appreciation for our natural environment (e.g., parks, libraries, senior centers, recreation centers, learning centers, etc.).
• Revive neighborhoods and main street areas, especially in historically underinvested neighborhoods, to improve livability, promote commerce and attract more residents, businesses and visitors to town.
• Ensure residents’ basic needs are met and barriers are overcome (e.g., safe shelter and homelessness prevention, hunger relief, mental health and community health needs, etc.).
• Offer youth development and educational opportunities to ensure young people can thrive into healthy and productive community members (e.g., mentoring, leadership development, tutoring, services for youth in foster care, etc.).
• Build the capacity of community vitality-focused organizations to integrate practices that improve upon the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of the organization. This can take the form of internal capacity building or the creation/expansion of culturally relevant programming and services that seek to impact a broad and diverse audience. 

Environmental Sustainability

The future of our business, communities and planet depends on bold, collective action to reduce and slow the impacts of climate change while building a more sustainable economy for the next generation. Union Pacific is taking deliberate steps to reduce our environmental impact and helping our partners improve their own. Extending this commitment to our community investments, we seek to support leading environmental nonprofits and community-based organizations to advance the health of our environment. As such, we prioritize funding for projects and programs that seek to:

• Preserve and restore nature, including programs focused on natural habitats, ecosystems, and biodiversity.
• Protect and enhance water, soil and air quality through innovative and proactive solutions such as water conservation, carbon sequestration and emission reduction programs.
• Reduce waste through initiatives focused on promoting recycling and circularity throughout the community, including recycling and composting programs and other efforts that reduce waste.
• Develop environmental stewards through youth programs focused on fostering environmental appreciation, responsibility, and leadership.
• Advance a sustainable economy by helping communities accelerate their transition to environmental jobs and renewable energy, as well as helping nonprofits and small businesses build their own capacity to operate more sustainably.
• Promote environmental justice through initiatives that ensure access to clean air, water, and land and protect underserved populations from disproportionate and adverse environmental effects.
• Build the capacity of sustainability-focused organizations to integrate practices that improve upon the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of the organization. This can take the form of internal capacity building or the creation/expansion of culturally relevant programming and services that seek to impact a broad and diverse audience.

Background

The Robert F. Schumann Foundation was established by Mr. Schumann out of his beliefs that the environment is essential to sustain the future of the planet, that education is essential to solve many quality of life issues for society, and that arts and cultural programs offer society hope and the ability to dream.  Mr. Schumann was an avid environmentalist and fought for open spaces where birds and other animals could maintain habitats and where people could enjoy nature.  He supported efforts to improve the planet through environmental education, as well as artistic and cultural institutions that sought to raise the quality of life for local communities. Robert F. Schumann developed a love of birds early in his life.  From a young age, he continued to learn and understand the importance of protecting the environment from over-development and pollution.  He purchased acreage in upstate New York where he created a bird sanctuary known as Nuthatch Hollow.  There he began a partnership with the local university allowing students, faculty and staff to use the land for environmental studies.  Mr. Schumann served on the board of many environmental and educational institutions seeking to encourage the interests of students of all ages to understand and appreciate the importance of protecting and enjoying the environment. Robert F. Schumann died on December 8, 2011.  His legacy of support for the environment, education, arts and culture will continue through the work of his foundation for many years to come.

Mission

The Robert F. Schumann Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life of both humans and animals by supporting environmental, educational, arts and cultural organizations and agencies.

There are no program limitations; however, the foundation is interested in primarily supporting environmental sustainability, education, the arts and humanities.

Program areas

• Environment, animals

Background

Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), now including the Pepco Holdings utilities, is the nation’s leading competitive energy provider, with 2015 revenues of approximately $34.5 billion. Headquartered in Chicago, Exelon does business in 48 states, the District of Columbia and Canada. Exelon is one of the largest competitive U.S. power generators, with more than 32,700 megawatts of owned capacity comprising one of the nation’s cleanest and lowest-cost power generation fleets. The company’s Constellation business unit provides energy products and services to approximately 2 million residential, public sector and business customers, including more than two-thirds of the Fortune 100. Exelon’s six utilities deliver electricity and natural gas to approximately 10 million customers in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania through its Atlantic City Electric, BGE, ComEd, Delmarva Power, PECO and Pepco subsidiaries

Grants

One way we connect with our communities is through local grants. Exelon’s grant applications are easy to complete. You can submit online applications for program, event and sponsorship support.

Exelon Directs Corporate Giving To Four Key Areas:

We fund programs that deliver measurable, sustainable improvements in the communities we serve. We invest in organizations that have proven track records in these areas:

Through our Building Exelon’s Future Workforce focus area, Exelon funds organizations, institutions, and programs that offer Science, Technology, Math, and Engineering (STEM) education and enrichment opportunities for students; scholarship and mentoring support to increase the number of students graduating with college degrees in STEM fields, STEM career and technical education, occupational skills training programs for older youth and adults, and assistance to remove barriers to employment. The following list includes a selection of strategies that Exelon and its operating companies support to build Exelon’s future workforce:

• Out-of-school education & enrichment programs such as summer or after school STEM programs and clubs,
• STEM career exposure opportunities for students such as career fairs and field site visits,
• Novel in-school STEM learning opportunities such as mobile labs and science outreach,
• K-12 STEM teacher training and professional development opportunities,
• STEM classroom resources and lab equipment,
• High school STEM trades career and technical education and training programs,
• Community college-based STEM trade education, training, and apprentice programs,
• Postsecondary scholarships for students majoring in STEM fields,
• STEM career mentoring and tutoring,
• STEM trade occupational skills training programs for adults and older youth, and
• Employment barrier removal assistance services.

Through our Energy Empowerment in Our Communities focus area, Exelon funds organizations and programs that improve the quality of our environment; promote environmental education, conservation, and preservation; develop cleaner sources of energy; protect endangered species; and beautify neighborhoods. Examples of programs that Exelon and its operating companies support through Energy Empowerment grants include, but are not limited to, the following strategies:

• Alternative energy development, installation, and education,  
• Vehicle electrification,
• Climate resilience or adaptation initiatives and education,
• Endangered species protection, wildlife conservation, promotion of biodiversity,
• Landscape and watershed conservation, restoration, and preservation,  
• Neighborhood beautification and green space initiatives, and
• Environmental and energy efficiency education and outreach.  

Through our Enrichment through Local Vitality focus area, Exelon funds a broad range of organizations and institutions that create local employment opportunities, support families, foster resilience, and strengthen communities. Examples of ways in which Exelon and its operating companies support Enrichment through Local Vitality include, but are not limited to, the following strategies:

• Anchor institutions such as universities, colleges, hospitals, and other organizations that provide employment opportunities, economic benefit, and enrichment in communities,
• The establishment and promotion of business districts,
• Projects carried out through community development corporations,
• Community-based programs and nonprofit organizations,
• Emergency preparedness programs, resiliency hubs, and resources that promote public safety,
• Programs that increase local economic investment and employment opportunities, and
• Local Chambers of Commerce.

Exelon believes that our lives are enriched and our communities are strengthened through individual interactions and collective experiences with the arts. Through our Equal Access to Arts and Culture focus area, Exelon funds cultural institutions with broad public exposure and programs designed to make arts and culture more accessible to a wider and more diverse audience. Exelon and its operating companies support a broad range of programs that promote Equal Access to Arts and Culture, including, but not limited to, the following strategies:

• Arts education and enrichment for all ages carried out through schools, community programs, arts institutions, and other organizations,
• Community-based exhibition spaces such as galleries, theaters, performance spaces, and specialty museums,
• The acquisition and exhibition of culturally and locally relevant arts content, and
• The establishment and promotion of theater and arts districts.

Mission

The mission of the Hearst Foundations is to identify and fund outstanding nonprofits to ensure that people of all backgrounds in the United States can build healthy, productive and satisfying lives. Through its grantmaking, the Hearst Foundations support well-established nonprofit organizations that address significant issues within their major areas of focus—culture, education, health and social service—and that primarily serve large demographic and/or geographic constituencies. In each area of funding, the Foundations seek to identify those organizations achieving truly differentiated results relative to other organizations making similar efforts for similar populations. The Foundations also look for evidence of sustainability beyond their support.

Whether providing a scholarship to a deserving student, supporting a rural health clinic or bringing artists into schools so children can see firsthand the beauty of the arts, the Foundations’ focus is consistent: to help those in need, those underserved and those underrepresented in society. Since the Foundations were formed in the 1940s, the scale and capabilities of the grant making have changed, but the mission has not.

Culture Grant

The Hearst Foundations fund cultural institutions that offer meaningful programs in the arts and sciences, prioritizing those that enable engagement by young people and create a lasting and measurable impact. The Foundations also fund select programs nurturing and developing artistic talent. Supported organizations include arts schools, ballets, museums, operas, performing arts centers, symphonies and theaters.

Funding Priorities in Culture

In the recent past, 25% of total funding has been allocated to Culture. Organizations with budgets over $10 million have received 60% of the funding in Culture.

The Hearst Foundations are only able to fund approximately 25% of all grant requests, of which about 80% is directed to prior grantees and about 20% is targeted toward new grantees.

Types of Support

Program, capital and, on a limited basis, general and endowment support

Centene Charitable Foundation

Successful corporate citizenship happens when companies invest in the local organizations that know their communities best. The Centene Foundation works with our local partners on initiatives that focus on inclusion, the whole person and community development.

Vision

Centene’s purpose is transforming the health of the community, one person at a time. The Centene Foundation is an essential part of how we pursue this purpose. We achieve measurable impact for the communities we serve through partnerships and philanthropy efforts that invest in initiatives with holistic approaches to dismantling barriers to health.

Areas of Focus

Reflecting Centene’s commitment to the needs of those who rely on government-sponsored health care and to addressing social determinants of health and health equity, preference will be given to initiatives in three distinct areas of focus.

• Healthcare Access
• Social Services
• Education

Making community possible

At U.S. Bank, we are dedicated to supporting our communities through responsive and humbled actions focused on addressing racial and economic inequities and creating lasting change in our communities. Through our Community Possible Grant Program, we are partnering with organizations that focus on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing and communities connected through arts and culture.

The U.S. Bank Foundation is committed to making Community Possible through Work, Home and Play. We advance this work through collaborative grant making to bring equitable and lasting change through our focus on sustainable, high-impact funding with 501c3 nonprofit partners.

How we partner with nonprofits

We focus on collaborative grantmaking and sustainable, high-impact funding with 501(c)(3) nonprofit partners. We partner with organizations that support:

• Economic and workforce advancement
• Safe and affordable housing
• Community arts and culture

Our strategy

Our community affairs and foundation team work closely with U.S. Bank regional leadership, business resource groups and our National Community Advisory Committee to ensure that prevailing needs are addressed in all the communities we serve.

To make the most meaningful impact, we prioritize organizations that:

• Focus on economic development issues related to work, home and play
• Address more than one of the grant pillars (work, home and play)
• Are based in and serve designated U.S. Bank communities
• Advance diversity, equity and inclusion

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust is devoted solely to the funding of charitable, scientific, medical and educational organizations.

The Board endeavors to support soundly-managed charitable organizations that give service with a broad scope, have a substantial effect on their target populations, and contribute materially to the general welfare. The Board does not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation or religion.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation Grant

The Foundation will consider requests to support museums, cultural and performing arts programs; schools and hospitals; educational, skills-training and other programs for youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities; environmental and wildlife protection activities; and other community-based organizations and programs.

Community Grants

State Farm is committed to helping build safer, stronger and better-educated communities.

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​We are committed to auto and home safety programs and activities that help people manage the risks of everyday life.
• We invest in education, economic empowerment and community development projects, programs and services that help people realize their dreams.
• We help maintain the vibrancy of our communities by assisting nonprofits that support community revitalization.

Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants focus on safety, community development and education.

Focus Areas

Safety Grants

We strive to keep our customers and communities safe. That's why our funding is directed toward:

• Auto safety — improving driver, passenger, vehicle or roadway safety
• Home safety — shielding homes from fires, crime or natural disasters
• Disaster preparedness and mitigation
• Disaster recovery

Community Development

We support nonprofits that invest and develop stronger neighborhoods. That's why our funding is directed toward:

• Affordable housing — home construction and repair
• Commercial/small business development
• Job training
• Neighborhood revitalization
• Financial literacy
• Sustainable housing and transportation
• Food insecurity

Education

Our education funding is directed toward initiatives that support the following programs:

• Higher education
• K-12 academic performance
• K-12 STEM
• Pathways for college and career success

Mission

Driven by a philanthropic calling to support marginalized communities throughout the world, the Semnani Family Foundation partners with on-the-ground organizations and leverages its resources in a cost-effective and efficient manner that delivers the maximum benefit.

History

Guided by his grandmother Maliheh’s example and teachings, Khosrow Semnani and his wife Ghazaleh established the Semnani Family Foundation in 1993. The foundation’s first grant was issued through CARE International to an orphanage in Romania that cared for newborns affected by HIV. Over the last few decades, the foundation has continued to build upon its mission to empower the disaffected, partnering with a variety of organizations in different countries who can make the greatest impact.

In addition to its global influence, the Semnani Family Foundation established roots within the state of Utah with the founding of Maliheh Free Clinic in 2005 to provide free healthcare to thousands of uninsured people in the Salt Lake City area.

Where We Work

The Semnani Family Foundation focuses primarily on promoting health, education, and disaster relief for marginalized communities all around the world. Driven by a clear mission to adapt and serve at the global level, we have leveraged our resources to make a meaningful impact in the following countries so far:

• Afghanistan
• Bosnia
• Colombia
• England
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Guatemala
• India
• Iran
• Kenya
• Madagascar
• Mali
• Mexico
• Pakistan
• Philippines
• Romania
• Somalia
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Tonga
• Uganda
• United States
• Yemen

At the heart of the Foundation lies a fervent commitment to human welfare, always prioritizing health and the needs of society’s most vulnerable.

Ameriprise Financial Grantmaking

At Ameriprise Financial, giving back is deeply rooted in our culture. We’ve initiated positive change in the communities where we live and work for more than 120 years. We believe our community involvement enables us to actively live our values. Through grant making, volunteerism and employee and financial advisor gift matching programs, we support a diverse group of over 6,000 nonprofits across the country.

Focus Areas

Awarding grant dollars to nonprofits is one way we strengthen our communities and help individuals on a path to financial independence. To ensure we're meeting the needs of our communities and making an even greater collective impact, we focus on three key giving areas when awarding grants.

Volunteer engagement is a priority across all focus areas:

The engagement of Ameriprise employees and financial advisors is a critical component of our philanthropy. Whether it’s serving on a nonprofit board, engaging friends, clients and community members in volunteering or providing skills-based support, our relationships with nonprofits go deep. For this reason, we give priority across all focus areas to applications where there is active volunteer engagement of Ameriprise advisors and employees. 

Meeting Basic Needs

At Ameriprise Financial, we help clients achieve financial security and peace of mind. That’s satisfying, meaningful work. We also help the people in our neighborhoods who struggle to meet basic needs such as where their next meal comes from, where they’ll sleep tonight or how they’ll find a higher wage job. We’re here to help them through the three platforms of our Meeting Basic Needs focus area.

Consideration is given to applications addressing the following: 

• Hunger
• Food banks, food shelves and food pantries, daily meal programs or meal services for the homebound
• Hunger-relief programs targeted to meet the special needs of children, ethnic populations or veterans
• Food programs run by nonprofits where hunger is not their sole focus, for example a youth meal program at the YWCA or a backpack program run by a Boys & Girls Club
• Shelter
• Emergency shelter, including youth homelessness
• Transitional housing, permanent supportive housing and efforts to end chronic homelessness
• Housing-first models (programs quickly providing housing and then addressing needed services)
• Achieving and maintaining home ownership, repair and maintenance efforts helping keep seniors, veterans and other populations in their homes 
• Adult Self-Sufficiency: Programs serving adults age 21 and older that help address the following areas:
• Basic hard and soft skills that help adults achieve economic and family stability
• Basic financial and budgeting skills
• Increase employability and wages, including work readiness and job transitions
• Employment of disabled adults

Supporting Community Vitality

We believe communities should be strong, healthy and resilient. We want livable places for all, where neighbors look out for one another, cultural events are well-attended and people pull together in times of crisis and joy. We work to create economic vitality and cultural enrichment through the following areas of focus.

Consideration is given to applications addressing the following: 

• Community Development
• Neighborhood revitalization
• Economic development
• Strengthening and supporting small businesses and nonprofits through technical expertise
• Cultural Enrichment
• Arts education
• Access for underserved populations
• Diverse artists and performances that spark topical community conversations 

Volunteer Driven Causes: Ameriprise employees and financial advisors are outstanding volunteers who serve in teams and also as individuals bringing personal skill-sets to nonprofits. Volunteering is part of the culture at Ameriprise and we are proud to support communities through contributions of both service and financial resources. 

Funding for Volunteer-Driven Causes is determined by current Ameriprise volunteerism. In general, funding is in proportion to the size of the Ameriprise volunteer team supporting a nonprofit. A team may include employees, financial advisors and/or staff or a combination of any Ameriprise volunteers. 

John Deere FIRST

John Deere and FIRST are together committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion which encourages teams to be more innovation, creative, and make better decisions. We encourage your team to support and encourage diversity within your team.

John Deere grants are focused on increasing the participation and positive outcomes for students in John Deere home communities who historically have been underserved and underrepresented in STEM (Engineering, Computer Science/IT, and Manufacturing). This focus is supporting John Deere’s Bold Commitment of reaching at least one million underserved/underrepresented youth by 2030.

Current U.S. & Canada John Deere Inspire Home Communities

United States:

• California - Torrance
• Georgia - Augusta
• Illinois - Champaign & Quad Cities
• Iowa - Des Moines, Dubuque, Paton, Ottumwa, Quad Cities, & Waterloo
• Kansas - Coffeyville
• Louisiana - Thibodaux
• Missouri - Springfield
• North Carolina - Raleigh-Durham
• North Dakota - Fargo & Valley City
• Tennessee - Greeneville
• Wisconsin – Horicon

Canada:

• Alberta - Edmonton 
• Manitoba - Altona
• Ontario - Grimsby
• Ontario - Oakville
• Saskatchewan - Regina

John Deere FIRST

John Deere and FIRST are together committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion which encourages teams to be more innovation, creative, and make better decisions. We encourage your team to support and encourage diversity within your team.

John Deere grants are focused on increasing the participation and positive outcomes for students in John Deere home communities who historically have been underserved and underrepresented in STEM (Engineering, Computer Science/IT, and Manufacturing). This focus is supporting John Deere’s Bold Commitment of reaching at least one million underserved/underrepresented youth by 2030.

Current U.S. & Canada John Deere Inspire Home Communities

United States:

• California - Torrance
• Georgia - Augusta
• Illinois - Champaign & Quad Cities
• Iowa - Des Moines, Dubuque, Paton, Ottumwa, Quad Cities, & Waterloo
• Kansas - Coffeyville
• Louisiana - Thibodaux
• Missouri - Springfield
• North Carolina - Raleigh-Durham
• North Dakota - Fargo & Valley City
• Tennessee - Greeneville
• Wisconsin – Horicon

Canada:

• Alberta - Edmonton 
• Manitoba - Altona
• Ontario - Grimsby
• Ontario - Oakville
• Saskatchewan - Regina

FIRST Robotics Competition

Combining the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology

John Deere FIRST

John Deere and FIRST are together committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion which encourages teams to be more innovation, creative, and make better decisions. We encourage your team to support and encourage diversity within your team.

John Deere grants are focused on increasing the participation and positive outcomes for students in John Deere home communities who historically have been underserved and underrepresented in STEM (Engineering, Computer Science/IT, and Manufacturing). This focus is supporting John Deere’s Bold Commitment of reaching at least one million underserved/underrepresented youth by 2030.

Current U.S. & Canada John Deere Inspire Home Communities

United States:

• California - Torrance
• Georgia - Augusta
• Illinois - Champaign & Quad Cities
• Iowa - Des Moines, Dubuque, Paton, Ottumwa, Quad Cities, & Waterloo
• Kansas - Coffeyville
• Louisiana - Thibodaux
• Missouri - Springfield
• North Carolina - Raleigh-Durham
• North Dakota - Fargo & Valley City
• Tennessee - Greeneville
• Wisconsin – Horicon

Canada:

• Alberta - Edmonton 
• Manitoba - Altona
• Ontario - Grimsby
• Ontario - Oakville
• Saskatchewan - Regina

John Deere FIRST

John Deere and FIRST are together committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion which encourages teams to be more innovation, creative, and make better decisions. We encourage your team to support and encourage diversity within your team.

John Deere grants are focused on increasing the participation and positive outcomes for students in John Deere home communities who historically have been underserved and underrepresented in STEM (Engineering, Computer Science/IT, and Manufacturing). This focus is supporting John Deere’s Bold Commitment of reaching at least one million underserved/underrepresented youth by 2030.

Current U.S. & Canada John Deere Inspire Home Communities

United States:

• California - Torrance
• Georgia - Augusta
• Illinois - Champaign & Quad Cities
• Iowa - Des Moines, Dubuque, Paton, Ottumwa, Quad Cities, & Waterloo
• Kansas - Coffeyville
• Louisiana - Thibodaux
• Missouri - Springfield
• North Carolina - Raleigh-Durham
• North Dakota - Fargo & Valley City
• Tennessee - Greeneville
• Wisconsin – Horicon

Canada:

• Alberta - Edmonton 
• Manitoba - Altona
• Ontario - Grimsby
• Ontario - Oakville
• Saskatchewan - Regina

Why Education?

We have chosen education because we believe that it is the best means to empower people to get better jobs, to become more independent and to participate more fully in our society.

Our Grantmaking Strategy

JSF makes grants to organizations that help people overcome barriers to education and employment. Addressing these barriers enables them to graduate and find good jobs, thereby contributing to and enriching their communities.

JSF assists people indirectly by making grants to schools, universities, and non-profits, and funds initiatives such as scholarships, mentoring, tutoring and internships. Grants are focused on three areas: individuals with disabilities, individuals with financial need, and Indigenous peoples.

Economically Disadvantaged Students

Our purpose is to help economically disadvantaged students pursue and achieve success in education so that they can obtain meaningful employment. Our programs to serve that purpose are focused on scholarships.

The Foundation has developed a broad spectrum of scholarship programs. Most of them are leveraged by matching funds (sometimes as much as 4 to 1) and, where available, government grants. Some programs seek to reach students in middle or high school on the theory that preparation and mentoring are necessary if these students are to succeed at the post -secondary level. Others are straight scholarship programs at the university level.

The Foundation’s university and college scholarships to students in financial need are offered at Berklee College of Music, Palm Beach Atlantic University, South Florida University, University of Florida, and University of West Florida. The Foundation also provides scholarship for dependents of UPS employees who attend college or university in Florida.

The Foundation has funded scholarships and endowment building at Florida's state (community) college level and has recently entered into an innovative project with the University of Central Florida and 4 state colleges in the DirectConnect partnership, which allows graduates from those state colleges to go directly to UCF and obtain scholarship support.

Examples of programs that seek to reach middle or high school students are the Johnson Take Stock program in the School District of Palm Beach County, Florida, and Providence St. Mel School in Chicago, Illinois. Both of these seek to engage disadvantaged students with a mentoring and scholarship program aimed at helping them to graduate from high school and attend postsecondary institutions.

We have strong partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country that are working to advance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities. Our focus areas include basic needs like food and housing, workforce development and education, and community development. In addition to our philanthropic investments, we also encourage our employees to make a difference by offering robust employee giving and volunteering programs, including the opportunity to direct funds to organizations they support through volunteer efforts, and a matching gifts program that doubles their individual giving to causes they care about. Last year, we invested $350 million in the communities we serve, and employees contributed more than 1 million volunteer hours and directed $65 million through individual giving and matching gifts to support nonprofits.Through our regional U.S. sponsorships, we support the economic, social and cultural life of the places we live and work. We provide an extensive program of arts and sports sponsorships to help maintain vibrant, healthy communities.Sponsorships supporting communitiesBank of America welcomes your sponsorship proposal for opportunities that make our communities a better place to live and work. We are particularly interested in providing support to address needs vital to the health of our communities through a focus on:

• preserving neighborhoods;
• educating the workforce for 21st century jobs;
• addressing critical needs such as hunger and emergency shelter;
• arts and culture;
• the environment; and
• diversity and inclusion programs.

Grants are made at the Foundation’s discretion based on our current funding strategies focused on housing, jobs and hunger. 

Purpose

Teens for Tomorrow (T4T) is a youth philanthropy group made up of high school students from Rock Island County in Illinois and Scott County in Iowa. These young leaders become philanthropists by learning about community needs, developing a grant opportunity, evaluating applications, making site visits, and awarding grants. Each year, T4T awards a total of $10,000 to nonprofits meeting a variety of needs in the Quad City Area. 

Teens for Tomorrow grants will provide operational and program support to organizations that improve the lives of Quad Cities residents through services related to Domestic Violence and Abuse Support and Prevention, Homelessness, Immigration Support, and Food Insecurity. 

RAP Flex Funds Cash Assistance - 1B Peoria Repost (IL)

The Provider will issue flex fund checks, as approved by casework supervisory staff, to purchase items and services needed to prevent placement or aid in reunification efforts. Items and services will be identified by casework staff as approved and signed off by supervisory staff. Planning for flex fund spending should primarily occur within the Child & Family Team meetings. Flex funds are intended to be highly individualized to the needs of the child and family consistent with child welfare best practice.

Services are to promote permanency by maintaining, strengthening and safeguarding the functioning of families to:

• prevent substitute care placement,
• promote family reunification,
• stabilize foster care placements,
• facilitate youth development, and
• ensure the safety, permanency and wellbeing of children.

The Flex Funds Cash Assistance Program provides assistance on behalf of children and families to ensure that a child is not placed in substitute care or to assist in returning and remaining home. The program is specifically intended to aid in and improve reunification efforts/performance.

Flexible funds are intended to be highly individualized. The following is not intended to be an exhaustive list, but provides examples of how flex funds may be used:

• Hard goods and services necessary to provide child safety that are not accessible through Norman funding. Please note – Norman must be accessed first for all Norman certified families seeking assistance for Norman eligible payments.
• Service co-pays for clients that are not accessible or affordable through other means.
• Mentors and other para-professional services
• Transportation costs if required to access services in the client service plan.
• Fees for children to attend enrichment activities such as camps, YMCA, etc.
• Non-traditional therapeutic-like services such as art classes, etc.

Funding

• Award Ceiling - $192,696.00
• Award Floor - $1,295.00
• Expected Number of Awards - 1

RAP Flex Funds Cash Assistance - 2A Aurora Repost (IL)

The Provider will issue flex fund checks, as approved by casework supervisory staff, to purchase items and services needed to prevent placement or aid in reunification efforts. Items and services will be identified by casework staff as approved and signed off by supervisory staff. Planning for flex fund spending should primarily occur within the Child & Family Team meetings. Flex funds are intended to be highly individualized to the needs of the child and family consistent with child welfare best practice.

Services are to promote permanency by maintaining, strengthening and safeguarding the functioning of families to:

• prevent substitute care placement,
• promote family reunification,
• stabilize foster care placements,
• facilitate youth development, and
• ensure the safety, permanency and wellbeing of children.

The Flex Funds Cash Assistance Program provides assistance on behalf of children and families to ensure that a child is not placed in substitute care or to assist in returning and remaining home. The program is specifically intended to aid in and improve reunification efforts/performance.

Flexible funds are intended to be highly individualized. The following is not intended to be an exhaustive list, but provides examples of how flex funds may be used:

• Hard goods and services necessary to provide child safety that are not accessible through Norman funding. Please note – Norman must be accessed first for all Norman certified families seeking assistance for Norman eligible payments.
• Service co-pays for clients that are not accessible or affordable through other means.
• Mentors and other para-professional services
• Transportation costs if required to access services in the client service plan.
• Fees for children to attend enrichment activities such as camps, YMCA, etc.
• Non-traditional therapeutic-like services such as art classes, etc.

Funding

• Award Ceiling - $379,842.00
• Award Floor - $7,030.00
• Expected Number of Awards - 1

ADP Adoption Respite Program - Repost (IL)

Respite and mentoring services will be provided to youth who were former youth in care of DCFS and who were adopted or are in a subsidized guardianship placement, as well as private and international adoptions. The respite and mentoring services will be described throughout this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

The Provider agrees to support achievement of the outcomes of safety, permanency, and well-being for children and their parents and other family members served under this Agreement. The Provider also agrees to ensure the safety and well-being of all clients while receiving services under this Agreement. The physical plant must be safe, adequately maintained, and free from damage. Staffing levels must assure the adequate supervision necessary to provide therapeutic treatment to clients. A safe and caring environment is critical for supporting therapeutic treatment, and the Provider must facilitate and maintain this environment so that all treatment services provided to clients are supported.

The Provider will ensure services are provided in the primary language or method of communication of each youth and, as applicable, to the youth’s parent(s), guardian(s) and/or other significant persons involved with the youth.

Services are family-driven; they will be individualized to each family with sensitivity to cultural and adoption issues. The family plays a crucial role in establishing how the service will look. Services can be provided to one youth, a sibling group or the entire family, dependent on need. Therapeutic respite/mentor workers are matched with families receiving individual respite or mentoring based on the family requests and the best clinical fit. A single worker is assigned, when possible, to the same family throughout the duration of services, allowing for consistency, building of trusting relationships, and improved quality of care. The program operates from the belief that parents are experts on what their family needs, so development of a positive relationship between parent and provider is crucial. The program tries to ensure development of such a relationship in several ways. Parents are key participants in the planning and delivery of services. Parents assist in the development of the service plan, which defines how, when and where the service is delivered. Individual therapeutic mentoring is available 7 days per week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. This can be flexible if agreed upon by the Provider and the family. Sessions typically occur in settings throughout the community or can be in the home if identified as a need by the family. Therapeutic mentors provide activities that promote the youth’s adaptive skill set and serve to better link the entire family with the community. They also work in conjunction with the Adoption and Guardianship Support and Preservation therapist or case manager, or other identified service providers, if applicable, to assist with working towards therapeutic goals. Therapeutic mentors engage the youth(s) in the natural resources available throughout the community (such as park districts, libraries, recreation centers, churches, synagogues etc.) that will be available to the family once the services end. Sessions are typically 3 hours in duration, most typically scheduled once per week. Average length of service in the program is 6 months, with services being reviewed every 3 months for continued need and progress toward goals. Services will not exceed 1 year without prior permission of the Statewide Post Adoption Program Manager.

Respite services are available 7 days per week, either throughout the day or overnight. Respite services are provided to assist families with youth who have special needs and require ongoing additional or specialized care needs. The respite is meant to provide a break to ensure that the family has some relief to best care for the youth in their home. Typically respite providers are chosen by the families and are vetted by the Provider to ensure the respite provider has cleared a background check or that the parent has properly executed a release of liability. Respite services typically occur once per month but can be assessed based off of the family’s needs and the program’s allotted funding.

Respite services can also include specialized camps, funding for specialized camps, and services that provide relief and therapeutic guidance throughout the school day for youth who have been suspended from school. Respite cases are also assigned a therapist, case manager, or supervisor who will check in with the family on a monthly basis to ensure goals are being met and services are being properly provided.

The frequency and duration of respite and mentoring services will be determined by the Provider based on the individual needs of the referred client within the timelines established in the Agreement.

Funding

• Award Ceiling - $283,514.00
• Award Floor - $283,514.00
• Expected Number of Awards - 1

RAP Flex Funds Cash Assistance - 4A East St. Louis Repost (IL)

The Provider will issue flex fund checks, as approved by casework supervisory staff, to purchase items and services needed to prevent placement or aid in reunification efforts. Items and services will be identified by casework staff as approved and signed off by supervisory staff. Planning for flex fund spending should primarily occur within the Child & Family Team meetings. Flex funds are intended to be highly individualized to the needs of the child and family consistent with child welfare best practice.

Services are to promote permanency by maintaining, strengthening and safeguarding the functioning of families to:

• prevent substitute care placement
• promote family reunification,
• stabilize foster care placements,
• facilitate youth development, and
• ensure the safety, permanency and wellbeing of children.

The Flex Funds Cash Assistance Program provides assistance on behalf of children and families to ensure that a child is not placed in substitute care or to assist in returning and remaining home. The program is specifically intended to aid in and improve reunification efforts/performance.

Flexible funds are intended to be highly individualized. The following is not intended to be an exhaustive list, but provides examples of how flex funds may be used:

• Hard goods and services necessary to provide child safety that are not accessible through Norman funding. Please note – Norman must be accessed first for all Norman certified families seeking assistance for Norman eligible payments.
• Service co-pays for clients that are not accessible or affordable through other means.
• Mentors and other para-professional services
• Transportation costs if required to access services in the client service plan.
• Fees for children to attend enrichment activities such as camps, YMCA, etc.
• Non-traditional therapeutic-like services such as art classes, etc.

Funding

• Award Ceiling - $351,648.00
• Award Floor - $3,885.00
• Expected Number of Awards - 1

RAP Flex Funds Cash Assistance - 1A Rockford Repost (IL)

The Provider will issue flex fund checks, as approved by casework supervisory staff, to purchase items and services needed to prevent placement or aid in reunification efforts. Items and services will be identified by casework staff as approved and signed off by supervisory staff. Planning for flex fund spending should primarily occur within the Child & Family Team meetings. Flex funds are intended to be highly individualized to the needs of the child and family consistent with child welfare best practice.

Services are to promote permanency by maintaining, strengthening and safeguarding the functioning of families to:

• prevent substitute care placement,
• promote family reunification,
• stabilize foster care placements,
• facilitate youth development, and
• ensure the safety, permanency and wellbeing of children.

The Flex Funds Cash Assistance Program provides assistance on behalf of children and families to ensure that a child is not placed in substitute care or to assist in returning and remaining home. The program is specifically intended to aid in and improve reunification efforts/performance.

Flexible funds are intended to be highly individualized. The following is not intended to be an exhaustive list, but provides examples of how flex funds may be used:

• Hard goods and services necessary to provide child safety that are not accessible through Norman funding. Please note – Norman must be accessed first for all Norman certified families seeking assistance for Norman eligible payments.
• Service co-pays for clients that are not accessible or affordable through other means.
• Mentors and other para-professional services
• Transportation costs if required to access services in the client service plan.
• Fees for children to attend enrichment activities such as camps, YMCA, etc.
• Non-traditional therapeutic-like services such as art classes, etc.

Funding

• Award Ceiling - $222,222.00
• Award Floor - $2,590.00
• Expected Number of Awards - 1

RAP Flex Funds Cash Assistance - 4A East St. Louis Repost

The Provider will issue flex fund checks, as approved by casework supervisory staff, to purchase items and services needed to prevent placement or aid in reunification efforts. Items and services will be identified by casework staff as approved and signed off by supervisory staff. Planning for flex fund spending should primarily occur within the Child & Family Team meetings. Flex funds are intended to be highly individualized to the needs of the child and family consistent with child welfare best practice.

Services are to promote permanency by maintaining, strengthening and safeguarding the functioning of families to:

• prevent substitute care placement
• promote family reunification,
• stabilize foster care placements,
• facilitate youth development, and
• ensure the safety, permanency and wellbeing of children.

The Flex Funds Cash Assistance Program provides assistance on behalf of children and families to ensure that a child is not placed in substitute care or to assist in returning and remaining home. The program is specifically intended to aid in and improve reunification efforts/performance.

Flexible funds are intended to be highly individualized. The following is not intended to be an exhaustive list, but provides examples of how flex funds may be used:

• Hard goods and services necessary to provide child safety that are not accessible through Norman funding. Please note – Norman must be accessed first for all Norman certified families seeking assistance for Norman eligible payments.
• Service co-pays for clients that are not accessible or affordable through other means.
• Mentors and other para-professional services
• Transportation costs if required to access services in the client service plan.
• Fees for children to attend enrichment activities such as camps, YMCA, etc.
• Non-traditional therapeutic-like services such as art classes, etc.

Funding

• Award Ceiling - $351,648.00
• Award Floor - $3,885.00
• Expected Number of Awards - 1

Objective

The objective of the Social Services Grant (SSG) Program is to enhance social service activities for community benefit.

Strategy

Provision of financial support for enhancement of social services (including labor, supplies, and materials) including, but not limited to those concerned with employment, crime prevention, child care, health, drug abuse, education, fair housing counseling, energy conservation, emergency financial assistance, recreational needs, senior services, or training for local agencies and institutions. The grant year starts on January 1 and ends on December 31.

Funding Priorities

The Social Services Grant was established with five main priorities in mind. Those priorities and eligible activities are listed below. Depending on emerging community needs, Staff performs assessment each year to determine if additional funding priorities should be emphasized.

• Emergency Services
  • Provide funding for emergency shelter
  • Food and personal care items
  • Emergency assistance
• Seniors
  • Respite care
  • Meal delivery
  • Home sharing
  • Mental health counseling
• Self-Sufficiency
  • Medical care for the uninsured
  • Financial counseling
  • Childcare
  • Employment services
  • Counseling/Substance abuse services/Case management
• Special Populations: Individuals with mental, physical and developmental disabilities
  • Caregiver support/Respite services
  • Community integration/Socialization/Independent living skills
• Youth
  • Mentoring
  • Counseling
  • Pregnancy prevention/education

Transportation is a priority in each category to fund the following objectives:

• Provide subsidy for a public transit voucher program.
• Provide subsidy for a gas voucher program.
• Provide subsidy for a taxi voucher program.

Illinois Energy Transition Navigators Program (CEJA) (IL)

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to support the Illinois Energy Transition Navigators Program. The goal is to establish a network of community-based providers across the state of Illinois. These providers will offer community education, outreach, and recruitment services to encourage eligible individuals to participate in clean energy workforce and contractor development programs.

The Energy Transition Navigators Program will provide outreach and recruitment for the CEJA workforce and contractor programs. The Department seeks to contract with the community-based provider(s) (“Navigator Teams”) to connect people to the CEJA workforce and contractor programs. Navigator Teams will provide outreach and recruitment services to eligible populations to ensure they are aware of and engaged in the statewide and local workforce and contractor development programs.

Navigator Teams will prioritize individuals eligible for the following programs:

• Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program (20 ILCS 730/5-20) - Creates 13 workforce hubs run by community-based organizations to provide clean jobs training and a career pipeline for eligible participants.
• Illinois Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program (20 ILCS 730/5-40) - Creates 3 preapprenticeship centers to train equity investment eligible individuals for careers in clean energy sector construction and building trades.

To ensure that people are fully able to participate in these two workforce programs, Navigator Teams will assist eligible individuals in accessing Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Program services (20 ILCS 730/5-30), including tools, mentoring, travel stipends, work clothes, certifications, childcare, and other support services. These services will be offered through the Climate Jobs Workforce Network and the Illinois Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Programs. 

Additionally, Navigator Teams will engage eligible individuals to participate in the following programs:

• Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program (20 ILCS 730/5-45) - Creates regional contractor incubators to provide training, mentorship, low-cost capital, business planning, low-interest loans, and recruitment opportunities for small clean energy businesses and contractors.
• Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program (20 ILCS 730/5-55) - A program for contractors seeking to expand their capacity and fill the role of the prime contractor on clean energy projects through a structured five-year program with mentorship, operation support grants, business coaching, assistance applying for certifications, procurement programs, and preparing bids

Funding

$200000 - $500000