Charitable Trust Stabilization Fund Grants

The Charitable Trust Stabilization Fund, created in 2007, helps small nonprofit organizations with annual budgets of $1 million or less and at least one full-time employee. The fund gives special consideration to applicants serving areas with high poverty, unemployment, and economic distress.

Since its launch, the Charitable Trust Grant Program has awarded $5 million through 251 grants to 209 charitable organizations in 67 cities across Illinois. The fund is supported by fees paid by larger nonprofit corporations when they file annual reports with the Illinois Secretary of State, not by personal or property tax dollars.

Spring Grant Cycle Now Open

Apply before March 31, 2026, for consideration

Spring Charitable Trust Grants will be awarded to non-profit charitable programs in two categories: Food and Economic & Workforce Development.

Apply Today

2026 Grant Cycles and Focus Areas

  • Spring: January 1 – March 31, 2026. Categories: Food and Economic & Workforce Development.
  • Fall: July 1 – September 30, 2026. Categories: Food and Housing.

In each area, the Charitable Trust Board will consider a range of programs, such as but not limited to the following:

Food Programs

  • Food Pantries
  • School Meal Support (after-school & weekend)
  • Summer Meal Programs
  • SNAP Enrollment & Outreach
  • SNAP at Farmers Markets
  • Fresh Produce Access
  • Home-Delivered Meals

Housing

  • Short-term housing and support services
  • Emergency financial help to prevent homelessness
  • Foreclosure prevention help and counseling
  • Affordable housing support (building, repairing, and improving homes)
  • Accessible housing options (for people with disabilities)
  • Fair housing help and education
  • Homebuyer counseling
  • Renter rights information and support

Workforce & Economic Development

  • Small business support centers
  • Entrepreneurship training and support
  • Resume help
  • Interview coaching
  • Job placement and help with staying employed
  • GED classes
  • Career and job skills training
  • Apprenticeship training
  • Industry certification programs
  • Workforce training and support for people with disabilities

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the online application and submit all required forms and supporting documents. Those who need help because they do not have access to a computer or the internet can contact the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office at 217-836-4590.

The application asks for basic information about your organization and its leadership, confirmation that your organization meets the grant requirements, a short narrative explaining how the funds will be used, and documents that show your nonprofit is in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State, the Illinois Attorney General, and the federal government. Applicants must also provide other materials that demonstrate the organization’s financial health. For a full list of requirements and application details, visit the program page.

Questions?

Questions about this program or the application can be directed to:

CharitableTrust@illinoistreasurer.gov or 217-836-4590

For more information about eligibility and the criteria used to evaluate applications, click here.

Board Members

Treasurer Frerichs and the State Treasurer’s Office work with an 11-member committee that oversees the management and guidelines of the Fund. The committee is made up of appointees from state government agencies and private citizens.

  • Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, Co-Chair
  • Erica Spangler Raz, Designee for Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Co-Chair
  • Ariana Correa, Designee for Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton
  • Dan McManus, Designee for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
  • Brandon Purcell, Designee for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
  • Andreason Brown, Appointee
  • Ron Budzinski, Appointee
  • Joan Dixon, Appointee
  • Sheila Simon, Appointee

Charitable Trust Meeting Materials

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