• Illinois offers numerous state grants.illinois outline image by Kim Jones from Fotolia.com
  
  Illinois is home to Chicago--a major metropolitan area located along Lake Michigan--as well as rural communities further south. According to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website, Illinois was home to nearly 13 million residents in 2005. The state also is home to O'Hare International Airport and Midway Airport, Amish culture, and numerous parks, lakes and streams that provide recreational opportunities. With such a diverse culture, the Land of Lincoln offers many state grants.
  
  

AgriFIRST

• The State of Illinois Department of Agriculture offers AgriFIRST grants to aid farmers in establishing new businesses and to support the state's rural economy. The grant program was established in 2001 and since its start, the Department of Agriculture has given out more than $3 million in funds to aid various agricultural ventures throughout Illinois. Individuals or any joint venture located in Illinois is encouraged to apply for the grant. Funding is awarded to provide financial assistance for feasibility studies, technical assistance and capital construction.
  
  State of Illinois Department of Agriculture
  P.O. Box 19281, State Fairgrounds
  Springfield, IL 62794-9281
  217-782-2172
  agr.state.il.us
  
  

Library Grants

• The Illinois Office of the Secretary of State and the Illinois State Library administer numerous grants for state libraries each year. The School Library Grant Program helps to provide books and other materials for public school students in the state. The state legislature awards 75 cents per student per qualifying school library. The state also funds public library construction grants. Funding is provided by the sale of state bonds. Qualifying libraries may use state funds for building new libraries or renovating and remodeling existing facilities. Other state grants provide financial aid to fight illiteracy and support people with disabilities.
  
  The Illinois State Library
  300 South Second St.
  Springfield, IL 62701
  1-800-665-5576
  library.sos.state.il.us/
  
  

Women's Health Grants

• The Illinois Department of Public Health provides grants geared for women's health. The Penny Severns Breast, Cervical, and Ovarian Research Fund offers grants to study breast, cervical and ovarian cancer. In addition to research, grant money supports early detection of various cancers specific to women as well as treatments. The Women's Health Initiative Grants, established in 1998, aims to assist programming that augments women's health. Priorities are given to agencies that provide education on eating disorders, menopause and osteoporosis. Ticket for the Cure Community grants provide grant funding for breast cancer research and services for breast cancer survivors. Revenue for the grants comes from the sale of instant lottery tickets.
  
  Illinois Department of Public Health
  535 W. Jefferson St.
  First Floor
  Springfield, IL 62761-0001
  217-524-6088
  idph.state.il.us
  
  

Environmental Grants

• The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation has been awarding grants to improve the environmental quality in the state since 2001. Since its inception, the foundation has distributed more than 3,000 grants totaling more than $150 million Illinois agencies. The foundation focuses a majority of its efforts on providing assistance to make buildings more energy efficient. In addition, the foundation provides grants for the creation of renewable energy sources and to preserve natural habitats.
  
  Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation
  2 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 1140
  Chicago, IL 60602
  312-372-5191
  illinoiscleanenergy.org