Resource Directory /

Financial Assistance and Grant Programs Resources

  • Illinois Housing Development Authority

    The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) connects people with financing programs for their homes.

    IHDA provides mortgage loans, rental assistance, grants that enable low-income homeowners to pay for repairs and improvements to their homes and free foreclosure prevention assistance for homeowners struggling with mortgage payments.

    IHDA also provides resources to help people across the state find apartments that fit their budgets.

  • Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living

    The Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living (INCIL) supports 22 Centers for Independent Living (CILs) across the state. The goal of these non-profit organizations is to provide community-based, non-residential support for people with disabilities so they may achieve independence in every aspect of their lives, including home, work and school. 

    INCIL also oversees the Home Modification Program that provides funding for improvements to make eligible homes and rental properties more accessible.

  • Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies

    The Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA) is a statewide organization that partners with the state’s 16 local Child Care Resources and Referral (CCR&R) agencies. It is a recognized leader, catalyst and resource for making high-quality, affordable early care and education and school-age care options available for children and families in Illinois.

    CCR&R’s connect and coordinate programs and services for young children and their families. CCR&R’s manage the application and information for families to receive child care assistance, allowing them to work and/or go to school while their children have access to quality early care and education.

    Visit www.inccrra.org/about/sdasearch to find your local CCR&R.

  • Illinois Resources for Voters With Disabilities

    The U.S. Vote Foundation’s Illinois Voters with Disabilities Guide offers valuable resources, including information on accessible voting options, voter rights and guidance on the voting process. This Illinois guide empowers individuals to exercise their right to vote in a private, independent and accessible way.

    The U.S. Vote Foundation is a private, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that provides voter information for each state.

    For more information, you can also contact the help desk team for individual, personalized answers to your voting questions.

  • Illinois Respite Coalition

    The Illinois Respite Coalition (IRC) is a not-for-profit organization of caregivers and respite providers dedicated to supporting families and ensuring access to quality respite services for the residents of Illinois. The IRC assists caregivers by connecting them to resources in their area, providing training on respite topics and having funding available for emergency respite. The IRC helps caregivers of individuals across the lifespan with any disability.

    The Emergency Respite Care Program offers funding and resources to support caregivers who are not receiving any respite services and have an urgent need for respite care in the absence of any other funding source.  Emergency respite care may be for an unplanned or planned event for reasons including:

    • Caregiver illness (physical, mental or emotional)
    • Caregiver hospitalization
    • Work-related situation
    • Reduction of stress level

    The website gives examples of qualifying circumstances and information on how to apply. For more details see the:

    For more information, contact:

  • Illinois Spina Bifida Association

    The Illinois Spina Bifida Association (ISBA) works to improve the quality of life of children, adults and families with spina bifida. ISBA works to accomplish its mission by:

    • Promoting skills development and independence
    • Supporting individuals and families through outreach, education and advocacy
    • Investing in people by funding scholarships, mobility equipment, research and emergency help

    For more information or to participate in these programs, visit ISBA’s website or call (773) 444-0305.

  • Illinois STAR NET

    Illinois STAR NET helps provide early childhood professionals and families with the support needed to provide all children with a high-quality, equitable education in inclusive environments. STAR NET provides workshops, funding opportunities, technical assistance and more to promote:

    • Evidence-based inclusive practices for young children with disabilities from birth to age eight
    • Professional development to support educators and families
    • Meaningful child outcomes through innovative and engaging learning experiences

    See the STAR NET Statewide Map to learn more about each regional service area.

    Illinois STAR NET is operated through a grant awarded by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). The project receives annual funding from federal sources.

  • Illinois STAR NET Chicago Region V

    Illinois STAR NET Chicago Region V provides regional technical assistance, professional development, family learning opportunities and resources to support the education and development of young children with disabilities from birth through age eight. Support includes workshops, webinars (both live and on-demand), resource specialists, a virtual library and more.

    Visit STAR NET Chicago Region V’s website to learn more and register for webinars, training and events near you.

    See the STAR NET Statewide Map to learn more about each regional service area.

    For questions about STAR NET Region V, email starnet@cps.edu or call (773) 553-5596.

    The STARNET Project is operated by the Chicago Public Schools, Office for Students with Disabilities, through a grant from the Illinois State Board of Education.

  • Illinois STAR NET Northern Regions II and VI

    STAR NET Northern Regions II and VI offer a range of regional resources to early childhood professionals and parents of young children with disabilities from birth through age eight. Resources include training, consultation, webinars and events for families and professionals, a lending library and more.

    Visit the STAR NET Northern Regions II and VI website to learn more and register for webinars, training, and events near you.

    See the STAR NET Statewide Map to learn more about each regional service area.

    For more information, email STAR NET Regions II and VI at starnet2and6@cntrmail.org or call (224) 366-8579.

    Illinois STAR NET is operated through a grant awarded by the Illinois State Board of Education, which receives annual funding from federal sources.

  • Illinois STAR NET Northwest Region I and Central Region III

    STAR NET Northwest Region I and Central Region III provide regional training and resources to early childhood community professionals and families of young children with disabilities from birth through age eight. Support includes workshops, webinars (live and on-demand), technical assistance and resource specialists, a lending library and more.

    Visit STAR NET Northwest Region I and Central Region III’s website to learn more and register for webinars, training and events near you.

    See the STAR NET Statewide Map to learn more about each regional service area.

    For questions about STAR NET Northwest Region I and Central Region III, email starnet@wiu.edu or call (309) 298-1634.

    Illinois STAR NET is operated through a grant awarded by the Illinois State Board of Education, which receives annual funding from federal sources.