Treasurer Michael Frerichs Unveils $200,000 in Grants to 10 Small Nonprofits Throughout Illinois

Help on the Way to Chicago, Champaign, Metro East, Rockford, Kankakee, Mount Vernon, Oak Park, Lombard, Freeport.

Eric Krol - Office of the Illinois State Treasurer

Feb 28, 2026 8:15 AM

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today unveiled nearly $200,000 in Charitable Trust grants to 10 small nonprofits that help people stay in their homes and get job training.

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“We are helping people who need a helping hand at a time when so many folks are struggling due to higher costs and as our federal government yanks away lifelines,” Treasurer Frerichs said at a news conference at Rockford. “I’m proud to partner with nonprofit organizations that tirelessly work to improve the lives of Illinoisans in need and make our communities better places to live.”

Where Is the Money Going?

An independent panel chose the 10 grant recipients from 68 applicants.

Champaign: Greater Community AIDS Project of East Central Illinois - $19,870
Chicago: GAP Community Center - $20,000
Chicago: Jewish Free Loan Chicago Inc. - $20,000
Freeport: Boys & Girls Club of Freeport & Stephenson County - $18,000
Kankakee: Fortitude Community Outreach - $20,000
Lombard: Senior Home Sharing - $20,000
Mount Vernon: United Way of South Central Illinois - $20,000
Oak Park: YEMBA Inc. - $20,000
Rockford: Life Decisions - $20,000
Wood River: Riverbend Family Ministries - $20,000

What Are Nonprofits Saying?

The latest grant recipients say the money will help them carry out their missions.

“We’re grateful for the Treasurer’s Charitable Trust support of our Youth Internship Program,” said Jake Rogers, chief visionary officer at Life Decisions in Rockford. “Many young people come to us with potential but have never held a job, lack foundational employability skills, or have never had anyone model what healthy employment looks like. Through paid internships paired with mentorship, we see real transformation — participants leave with basic workplace habits, practical skills, and relationships that sustain forward momentum. Over five years, we’ve learned that restoration happens one relationship at a time, and this partnership helps us continue that work.”

“Through this grant, Jewish Free Loan Chicago will offer interest-free loans to neighbors of all religious and cultural backgrounds who are facing housing-related financial emergencies,” said Leah Greenblum, the Chicago organization’s founder and executive director. “These loans help prevent short-term crises from becoming long-term instability. Because our loan fund is continuously recycled, the impact of these dollars will extend well beyond the initial lending period.”

“The Charitable Trust program has been a transformative support for our work with families facing housing instability in Madison County,” said Rachel Craddick, executive director of Riverbend Family Ministries in Wood River. “Through this grant, we are able to provide direct rental and utility assistance that helps families remain housed, maintain stability, and navigate moments of crisis with dignity. By stepping in at critical points, this support strengthens individual outcomes while also stabilizing neighborhoods and the broader community. This partnership empowers our work and creates lasting change for the families we serve.”

What Are Charitable Trust Grants?

The Charitable Trust Stabilization Fund assists small nonprofits that have annual budgets of $1 million and at least one full-time employee. Money in the fund comes from fees that not-for-profit corporations pay when filing annual reports with the Illinois Secretary of State – and not from personal or property tax dollars.

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Charitable Trust grants help nonprofits fulfill their missions to serve people in need by providing housing, food, and workforce and economic development assistance. For the spring 2025 grant cycle, funds were awarded to nonprofits in two categories: organizations that provide housing services and organizations with workforce and economic development programs.

An independent 11-member committee, which oversees the management and guidelines of the fund, selects the grant recipients. The maximum award amount is $20,000 for each organization. Grant applicants located in an area where pervasive poverty, unemployment and economic distress exist will be given special attention. Previous grant recipients are eligible to apply if the term of their grant has been complete for at least one calendar year.

What Has the Impact Been?

Since being established in 2017, the Charitable Trust Stabilization Fund program has awarded 251 grants — totaling more than $5 million — to 209 nonprofit organizations. The program has impacted hundreds of thousands of people’s lives for the better.

What’s the Deadline for Small Nonprofits to Apply?

The Charitable Trust Stabilization Fund’s current grant application period is open until March 31 and will award grants to nonprofit charitable programs in two categories: food and economic and workforce development. For more information, visit ilcharitabletrust.com or contact the Treasurer’s Office at (217) 836-4590.

About the Illinois Treasurer

The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office is a powerful economic engine that invests in people to drive prosperity, development and growth throughout the state. As State Treasurer, Michael Frerichs (FRAIR’iks) is the state’s Chief Investment and Banking Officer and actively manages approximately $60 billion. The investments help families pay for college and trade school; workers save for a dignified retirement; and local governments process bill payments more efficiently so they can pass along the savings to taxpayers. The office provides financial institutions with money to loan to farmers, small business owners, and qualified individuals at below-market rates because better jobs create stronger communities. The office operates the state’s largest consumer-protection initiative, the missing money ICash program, which has returned a record-breaking $2.4 billion since Frerichs was elected.

For more news about the State Treasurer’s Office, please sign up for our newsletter and follow Treasurer Frerichs on Instagram at IL Treasurer, Threads @iltreasurer, LinkedIn and on Facebook at Invested in You – Treasurer Michael Frerichs.

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