Financial Assistance and Grant Programs Resources
The Central Illinois Foodbank provides food, raises awareness, and creates solutions to food insecurity in partnership with over 140 agencies across 21 central and southern Illinois counties.
The Central Illinois Food Bank is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information, call (217) 522-4022 or email info@centralillinoisfoodbank.org.
Challenged Athletes Foundation
The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life. CAF provides several grant programs, events and support to people with physical challenges who are pursuing active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. CAF resources include:
- Grants to help pay for sports prostheses, adaptive sports equipment, coaching and competition expenses
- Adaptive sports videos
- A list of adaptive sports organizations and collegiate programs
- Information about adaptive sports equipment
For questions, use the contact page on CAF’s website or call (858) 866-0959.
Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation
The Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation provides opportunities and resources to critically and chronically ill children and their families.
The program includes The Tiana Fund, which provides assistance to economically at-risk persons or families in need that will strengthen their ability to care for themselves, enhance their stability and security, and improve their quality of life or their ability to contribute to the community. Applications are only available at Chicago-area hospitals or pre-approved community organizations.
If you have any questions, please fill out the Contact Us form on the Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation website.
Chase’s Warrior Foundation (CWF) provides information and adaptive, therapeutic equipment to families of children and young adults with altered physical conditions and/or special needs. CWF funds equipment that will improve the applicant’s potential for recreation, mobility and everyday living success.
CWF provides life-changing adaptive equipment to families with children and young adults under 26 who have a disability or long-term injury that challenges their everyday lives:
- CWF reviews each request on an individual basis
- CWF grants requests depending on the funds available at the time of the request
- Families will receive a letter, email or phone call notifying them of the decision to either grant or deny funding
- Requests may be full payments or partial payments, depending on financial need
- Anyone receiving grant funds must wait two years before applying again.
For any questions, please contact Chase’s Warrior Foundation at info@cwfusa.org.
Cherished Creations grants two types of “wishes” to help children who are seriously ill or have disabilities (up to 21 years old). “Dreams Wishes” provide help with trips, attending special events or buying gifts to better a child’s life within the lower 48 states. “Support Wishes” fulfill practical needs such as ramps, medical equipment not covered by insurance and other needs, especially for children who might not be able to live at home otherwise.
You can find Cherished Creations eligibility rules and applications on its website.
For other questions, please email Bianca Kovalcik at bkovalcik@cherishedcreations.com or call (908) 790-0616.
Chicago Adaptive Sports provides programming, support and advocacy for individuals with physical and visual disabilities of all ages and backgrounds. The organization adapts programming to meet the needs of individuals who use manual or power wheelchairs or have other ambulatory disabilities such as amputation, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, stroke and other spinal cord or orthopedic impairments. No prior experience is necessary to participate. Financial assistance is available. Participants will not be turned away due to their ability to pay.
Chicago Adaptive Sports programs include:
- Chicago No Limits Fishing
- Wheelchair basketball
- Wheelchair softball
- Wheelchair tennis
- Sled hockey
Chicago Autism Network and Therapy Assistance Grants
The Chicago Autism Network is a nonprofit dedicated to helping locals find and afford effective autism therapy and supports.
The network offers therapy assistance grants for anyone living in Illinois with a current autism diagnosis. It also holds free monthly Autism Parent Workshops.
The Chicago Autism Network also provides a statewide Autism Services Directory to help families connect with services that meet their needs closer to home.
Chicago Coordinated Entry System for Housing
The Coordinated Entry System for Chicago (CES) connects people experiencing homelessness to housing opportunities in Chicago. CES can refer youth, individuals and families to housing. Its website includes information for individuals and service providers on finding housing, walk-in locations for assessments and updates, and more. The website also includes resources for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.
For more information, email ces@chicagococ.org or leave a voicemail at (872) 296- 5004.
Anyone who needs emergency shelter should call 311.
Chicago Dental Society Resources for Affordable and Special Needs Care
The Chicago Dental Society shares a variety of resources to help the Chicago community find accessible dental care and specialized services. Its website shares resources for low-cost or no-cost dental services as well as where to find dental care for adults and children with special needs.
The Chicago Help Initiative (CHI) provides meals and access to social services to Chicagoans who are experiencing homelessness, hunger and economic insecurity. CHI offers Wednesday dinners, adult learning, one-on-one tutoring, a job club, arts and culture outings, and the New Foundations program to help guests apply for and connect with key services, benefits and supports that improve the quality of their lives.
CHI also offers this Resource Guide to provide crucial information on food, shelter and help for those in immediate need.
Contact CHI using the online form.
The Chicago Help Initiative office is located at 440 N Wells St., Ste. 440, Chicago, IL 60654.
For more details, call (312) 448-0045.