Resource Directory /

Financial Assistance and Grant Programs Resources

  • 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:

  • LifeLine Pilots

    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.

  • Lions of Illinois Foundation

    The Lions of Illinois Foundation is a nonprofit charitable organization that serves people throughout Illinois with vision and hearing needs. Programs and services include Camp Lions, children’s vision screenings, and help with accessing vision and hearing services and equipment.

    See the Lions Club Programs and Services brochure for more details.

    Visit the Lions of Illinois Foundation Social Services page to learn more about how Lions Clubs statewide can help provide vision and hearing services or to fill out an application.

    For questions, please contact the Lions Club of Illinois Foundation at (815) 756-5633 or (815) 756-5633 V/TTY RELAY.

  • Living Independently Now Center Incorporated of Southern Illinois (LINC Inc.)

    The Living Independently Now Center of Southern Illinois Incorporated (LINC Inc.) provides support and resources for individuals with disabilities and their families in St. Clair, Monroe and Randolph counties. LINC Inc. has offices in Swansea and Red Bud. Its resources and programs include:

    • Deaf and hard-of-hearing services
    • Assistive technology equipment loan program
    • Community reintegration
    • Computer literacy
    • Mental health resources
    • Peer-to-peer counseling and support groups
    • Respite care program for active duty Air Force and Navy families

    For questions, please contact LINC Inc. at (618) 282-2123 or support@lincinc.org.

  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

    The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services (primarily heating during winter months).

    Illinois residents with a household income that does not exceed an amount determined annually by the Department of Commerce are eligible. The program determines annual eligibility levels based on available funding and may not exceed 200 percent of the federal nonfarm poverty level.

    See the How to Apply for LIHEAP page for more information. To help find an office serving your area, visit this complete list of LIHEAP application agencies based on county.

    For more program information, check out the LIHEAP frequently asked questions or call the Help Illinois Families Call Center at (833) 711-0374.

  • Magic Wheelchair

    Magic Wheelchair is a nonprofit organization that builds costumes for children and youth in wheelchairs at no cost to families.

    To be eligible for a Magic Wheelchair costume, a child must be between 5 and 17 years old and primarily use a wheelchair for mobility.

  • Magical Moments Foundation

    Magical Moments Foundation is a wish-granting organization for children with facial differences. Working with the children and their families, the foundation creates experiences and adventures to comfort, inspire, and encourage children who face the world with a difference. Family members, medical professionals, teachers and others may nominate a child for a magical moment. To be eligible, a child must:

    • Have a congenital or acquired facial difference
    • Be between the ages of 3 and 18
    • Not yet received a wish from another wish-granting organization

    Visit the Magical Moments Foundation website for more details.

  • Margaret Hackett Family Program

    Congenital anomalies of the central nervous system (CNS) are congenital disabilities of the physical structure of the brain or spinal cord that occur during fetal intrauterine growth, such as spina bifida, hydrocephalus and other conditions. The Margaret Hackett Family Program (MHFP) at the University of Chicago provides individuals and families with help in diagnosing, understanding, caring for, and addressing the challenges of living with CNS congenital anomalies. MHFP also provides research and research grants.

    The Margaret Hacker Family Program also offers:

    • A monthly, virtual “Connect Group” for individuals and families affected by CNS anomalies
    • In-person quarterly socials
    • In-person events twice a year featuring food, giveaways, fun activities and resources
    • Help with finding resources and medical care

    For questions, please call (773) 795-0622 or email mhfcp@bsd.uchicago.edu.

  • Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Digital Library

    The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Digital Library serves the MCH community by providing a wide array of evidence-based information and resources to help strengthen and support State Title V programs, community agencies, educators, students, researchers, policymakers and families. The MCH Digital Library provides quick access to evidence-based/informed resources and programs to support states in developing, implementing, and evaluating Evidence-based Strategic Measures (ESMs) in support of their National Performance Measure (NPM) efforts.

    MCH Digital Library resources include:

    • Seminal and historic materials from federal, state and local programs
    • Resource guides
    • Professional resources
    • School and family resources
    • Title V toolkits

    Visit MCH Digital Library’s FAQ page to learn more about how to use the website.

  • Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) – City of Chicago

    The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) provides education and training, benefits counseling, information and referral, direct services and more to help foster accessibility, full participation and equal opportunities for people with disabilities.

    MOPD services and programs include: