Resource Directory /

Financial Assistance and Grant Programs Resources

  • Bounce Children’s Foundation

    Bounce Children’s Foundation is a Chicago area non-profit that aims to transform the lives of chronically ill children and their families, shifting all from surviving to thriving. The foundation serves children from birth to 18 years of age.

    Bounce’s free programs aim to build the resilience needed to cope with the ongoing, unexpected setbacks that define chronic illness. Programs include family adventures, education to strengthen vital coping skills, donated tickets to high-demand events, themed care packages for families, access to resources, peer support and more.

    For any questions, please email info@BounceChildrensFoundation.org or call (844) 626-8623.

  • Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation

    The Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation provides financial assistance to people of all ages with spinal cord injury and neurological disorders. It also offers funding for medical research. Financial assistance includes post-high school education scholarships and charitable grants to help pay for items such as van modifications, wheelchairs and ramps.

    The foundation awards scholarships annually. It reviews charitable grants quarterly in January, March, June, and September. Wisconsin residents receive priority. Individuals anywhere in the United States may receive financial assistance depending on available funds. For program applications and more information, visit:

  • C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation

    C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation (C.E.F.S.) is a non-profit that serves residents in the Illinois counties of Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby.

    C.E.F.S. aims to help economically and socially disadvantaged people become more self-sufficient. Its support and services include:

    • Summer youth program and college scholarships
    • Housing programs
    • Employment and training services
    • Education services
    • Food and utility assistance

    For more information, visit the C.E.F.S. website.

    You can also call (217) 342-2193 or email cefs@cefseoc.org​. Translation services are available.

  • Carbondale Area Interfaith Refugee Support

    Carbondale Area Interfaith Refugee Support (CAIRS) is a network of community members that helps refugees from around the world adjust to and build a new life in Southern Illinois. CAIRS provides the support necessary to navigate the transition, become citizens, find employment and become neighbors and friends.

    CAIRS provides resources that include:

    • A “New to the Area” resource page in English and Spanish
    • Immigration support services and legal help
    • Money to help with housing and other expenses

  • Career Access Network at Trinity Services

    The Career Access Network at Trinity Services assists people with disabilities and mental illness in finding community-based employment with competitive earnings and benefits.

    For more information, contact Trinity Serves at (815) 485-6197 or info@trinityservices.org.

  • Catholic Charities Diocese of Joliet

    Catholic Charities Diocese of Joliet serves people in need in Will, Grundy, DuPage, Kendall, Kankakee, Ford and Iroquois counties. Its programs and services include:

  • Catholic Charities Diocese of Springfield Crisis Assistance

    Catholic Charities offers a crisis assistance program to help individuals and families facing short-term, one-time crises that may put them at risk of eviction or utility shut off.  The service is free for residents living in the 28-county Springfield diocese.

    For help or information, contact the Catholic Charities Diocese of Springfield, Illinois, at any of these offices:

    • Effingham office at (217) 857-1458, Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
    • Granite City office at (618) 877-1184, ext. 201 or 205, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    • Springfield office at (217) 523-4551, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  • Catholic Charities Social Services Archdiocese of Chicago

    Catholic Charities Social Services Archdiocese of Chicago provides help, including homelessness prevention, food and basic needs, and crisis assistance. It also connects people to other organizations that can help with emergency assistance in Chicago, suburban Cook County and Lake County. Services include:

    • Burial and funeral assistance
    • Case management services
    • Crisis assistance
    • Rental and utility assistance
    • Emergency shelter services
    • Stabilization services (pharmaceutical assistance, transportation assistance, clothing vouchers)

    The organization also provides family support programs, including child care and pregnancy and parenting support services, domestic violence support, behavioral health programs, and immigrant and refugee support.

  • CEDA: Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County

    CEDA: Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County offers a variety of services to families and individuals in need.

    Its programs include:

    • Utility bill assistance with gas, electric, water and furnace repair
    • Home weatherization providing long-term home repair solutions to reduce energy costs and make homes more energy efficient
    • Housing services including housing information counseling, education and advice for homebuyers, homeowners, renters and the homeless
    • Services for women, infants and children including food, education and support for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children under age 5
    • Suburban Cook County student scholarship program

  • Center of Concern

    The Center of Concern is a non-profit social service agency providing housing solutions, support services and counselors for individuals with disabilities, older adults and others in need in Cook County, enabling them to live safely and independently.

    If you have any questions, please call the Center of Concern at (847) 823-0453 or email concern@centerofconcern.org.