Resource Directory /

Financial Assistance and Grant Programs Resources

  • Illinois STAR NET Southern Region IV

    STAR NET Southern Region IV provides 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.

    Regional support includes:

    • Webinars and training
    • A lending library
    • Family support and resources
    • Professional and family events

    Visit STAR NET Southern Region IV’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 more information about STAR NET Southern Region IV, call (618) 825-3966.

    Illinois STAR NET is administered by the St. Clair County Regional Office of Education through a grant awarded by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), which receives annual funding from federal sources.

  • Illinois State Board of Education

    The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is state agency providing information and resources on all aspects of education, including early childhood, general education, special education and assistive technology.

  • Illinois Student Assistance Commission

    The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) provides Illinois students with information and assistance to help make education beyond high school accessible and affordable.

    ISAC offers free comprehensive, objective, and timely information on education and financial aid for students and their families. Help includes:

    • The ISAC Student Portal with free online tools, events and resources for students, as well as short videos about college planning and financial aid.
    • State scholarship and grant programs
    • ISAC College Q&A, a free texting service that allows any student to submit their financial aid and college planning questions and receive a response from ISAC staff.

    ISAC also offers assistance through the agency’s call center at (800) 899-4722 (ISAC).

  • Illinois Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

    The Illinois Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ITDHH) focuses on promoting the professional growth of teachers and the quality of education for people who are deaf and hard of hearing throughout Illinois. The organization hosts an annual conference and provides annual scholarship opportunities for teachers and students.

    ITDHH annual scholarship and grant opportunities for Illinois students and teachers include:

    • The “Hazel Bothwell Memorial Scholarships and Grants For Educators of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing” provides funding to teachers to help strengthen learning and educational services for children who are deaf and hard of hearing. You must be a current ITDHH member to apply.
    • The “Jacki Marcus Memorial Scholarship for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students” is for high school seniors planning to pursue a two- or four-year college degree. 
    • The “Pierce-Scherer Student Scholarship for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students” is for high school seniors planning to attend a vocational or trade school.

  • Illinois Unidos – Advocating for Latinx Families

    Illinois Unidos provides a collection of resources developed for and focusing on Latinx families to address:

    • Frequently asked questions regarding vaccinations and mitigation measures
    • Accessing health, economic and mental health community services
    • The devastating economic impact of COVID-19

    Illinois Unidos is a consortium of more than 150 Latino elected and appointed officials, health professionals and representatives of community-based organizations.

  • Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living (IVCIL) in Spring Valley

    The Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living (IVCIL) serves individuals with disabilities and their families living in LaSalle, Marshall, Bureau, Putnam, and Stark counties. Located in Spring Valley, IVCIL provides services and advocates for the rights of people with disabilities to choose what is best for themselves and their families.

    IVCIL also provides community grants. Individuals and agencies can apply year-round. Other IVCIL programs and services include:

    • Independent living and community services
    • Youth and transition services
    • Peer counseling
    • Personal assistant program
    • Site accessibility assessments

  • Illinois Valley Industries

    Illinois Valley Industries helps adults with intellectual, sensory, physical and developmental disabilities participate in their community, live independently, contribute to society and enhance the quality of their lives. Illinois Valley Industries programs for Grundy County residents include community day services, self-direction assistance, community employment and personal support services.

    For questions or more information, contact Illinois Valley Industries at (815) 942-6133 or info@ivigrundy.com.

  • Illinois Warm Line

    If you or one of your family members has mental health and/or substance use challenges and would like to receive support by phone, call the Illinois Warm Line at (866) 359-7953.

    Wellness support specialists are professionals who have experienced mental health and/or substance use recovery in their own lives. They are trained in recovery support, mentoring and advocacy.

    The Illinois Warm Line is not a crisis hotline, but is a source of support as you recover or help a family member to recover. Illinois Warm Line hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except holidays.

    The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) also provides a list of state and national helplines offering someone to talk to or help during a crisis.

  • IllinoisJobLink.com

    IllinoisJobLink.com is a robust, dynamic and comprehensive, web-based workforce development system for job seekers, employers, training providers and workforce professionals with realtime
    data. For job seekers, it features job matching, resume creation and career management tools and resources.

    See the IllinoisJobLink.com brochure for more information.

  • Immigrant Services of Champaign-Urbana

    Immigrant Services of Champaign-Urbana (ISCU) provides a welcoming hand and a variety of resources to help immigrant families build success. ISCU partners with over 45 faith-based, university and community groups and hundreds of individuals from across the greater Champaign-Urbana area. Help includes food, family liaisons and community guides, English-as-a-second-language classes, legal assistance and more depending on the families’ needs. 

    ISCU programs and services include:

    • Case management
    • Transportation to medical and legal appointments
    • The New Beginnings Assistance Program offering gently used furniture and household items
    • Community Health Program providing referrals, outreach events and health awareness