Financial Assistance and Grant Programs Resources
La Casa Norte serves youth and families confronting homelessness by providing access to stable housing and comprehensive services aimed at transforming lives. Programs include case management, health and nutrition community outreach, emergency shelters, drop-in centers for unaccompanied youth ages 16 to 24, and a variety of transitional, rapid and permanent supportive housing options. All housing placements (transitional, rapid and permanent) are made through Chicago’s Coordinated Entry System.
La Casa Norte uses a Housing First/Continuum of Care service model that is bilingual, trauma-informed, culturally competent and impactful.
For more information, call La Casa Norte at (773) 276.4900 or email info@lacasanorte.org.
La Rabida Children’s Advocacy Center
La Rabida Children’s Advocacy Center (LRCAC) provides a safe and child-friendly environment where children and adolescents can receive supportive services following allegations of sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, other forms of child maltreatment or exposure to violent crime.
The LRCAC’s mission is to reduce trauma and provide supportive services to children and families involved in investigations of child abuse and violent crime using a multidisciplinary team approach that combines efforts of law enforcement, child protection investigators, prosecutors, medical personnel and mental health providers.
LRCAC provides forensic interviewing, advocacy, and follow-up services at no cost to children and families living in the south suburbs of Cook County.
For questions, please call the LRCAC at (708) 481-9799. Call are taken Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Ladder Up provides free programs to eligible Chicagoland residents to help them move up the economic ladder. Individuals can receive guidance in financial education, tax help and preparation, and turning the dream of college into reality. Ladder Up programs and services include:
- Tax help and resolving tax disputes
- Planning for college workshops and financial aid tools
- Money basics and financial education workshops
For questions, please call Ladder Up at (312) 409-1555 or email info@goladderup.org.
Lake County Center for Independent Living
Lake County Center for Independent Living (LCCIL) is a non-residential, cross-disability organization governed and staffed by a majority of people with disabilities. The center advocates for a fully accessible society that is inclusive of everyone. LCCIL serves Lake and McHenry counties.
LCCIL offers transition services to adults who want to live independently in their homes in the community and youth who seek a fully productive, independent life as they transition into adulthood. Programs include community transition services, pre-employment transition services and youth transition services.
LaSalle/Putnam Educational Alliance for Special Education
The LaSalle/Putnam Educational Alliance for Special Education‘s (LEASE-SPED) website provides quick links, event calendars and resources to help navigate the transition to adulthood, as well as training and educational resources for parents, students, social workers and educational professionals.
The LaSalle/Putnam Educational Alliance for Special Education provides:
- Parent resources
- The Illinois Valley Transition Planning Committee (IVTPC)
- Upcoming events
- Quick links to MyInfinitec and more
For questions, please call (815) 433-6433 or email lease@lease-sped.org.
A roundup of helpful information, including funding, education, housing, immigration, food and more for the Latino community.
Learning Disabilities Association of Illinois
The Learning Disabilities Association (LDA) of Illinois offers resources and supports to empower individuals with learning disabilities throughout their lifespan. It provides people with learning disabilities, their families, teachers and other professionals information on state legislation, learning disabilities, awards and scholarships, and more.
Learn more about LDA of Illinois scholarship opportunities for students, special education teachers, parents and other awards.
Legal Aid Chicago provides free legal assistance in civil cases to people living in Chicago and suburban Cook County with limited income or special legal needs. It focuses on helping in the following key areas:
- Family and safety – where personal safety and financial stability are at risk
- House and apartment – protecting safe and affordable housing for tenants and homeowners
- Money and debt – protecting income and assets from unfair collections and fraud
- Work and employment rights – protecting the rights and benefits of workers and reducing barriers to employment
- Health, disability and basic needs – accessing and protecting benefits for basic human needs
- Immigration – obtaining protected status for victims of crime, including U-visa, VAWA (for victims of domestic violence) and T-visa (for victims of human trafficking)
For questions, visit the Contact Us page on Legal Aid Chicago’s website.
Life’s Plan Mini Grant for Self-Advocates
Life’s Plan mini grants provide self-advocates start-up money to build a micro-industry business. A micro-industry is a business run by an adult or adults with a disability to earn money and be more financially independent. The micro-industry mini grant will provide up to $2,000 in funding.
Individuals may be supported by staff or advocates to run a variety of business such as jewelry making, used book resale, greeting cards, errand running, food cart, shredding, lawn/snow removal services and other ideas. Agencies and service organizations are not eligible for this grant.
Grant applications are available year-round:
- Mini grants application instructions and contacts in English
- Mini grants application instructions and contacts in Spanish
LifeLine Pilots is a non-profit group providing free air transportation to patients seeking a second opinion or in need of treatment at a clinic far from home for non-emergency medical needs.
The organization serves individuals who may not be able to travel long distances any other way or have financial or health-related needs. Volunteer pilots fly passengers in need within a 10 state region. Lifeline Pilots also works with other volunteer pilot organizations to arrange flights beyond their service area.
If you have questions or need to determine if you qualify for services, call 800-822-7972 or fill out the mission request form.