Resource Directory /

Financial Assistance and Grant Programs Resources

  • 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

    Visit the C.E.F.S. website for more information.

  • C.I.T.Y. of Support

    Children in Therapy and You (C.I.T.Y.) of Support is an online and in-person community that supports all families navigating the needs of their child in therapy, regardless of diagnosis, age, therapeutic needs or overall situation. Information, resources and events are available online.

    C.I.T.Y. of Support includes members from all across Chicagoland. Local leaders help coordinate on-site events and opportunities within specific geographic regions. C.I.T.Y. programs include:

    • In-person and online events and classes
    • Celebrations and inclusive playgroups
    • NICU welcome kits
    • GENERO-C.I.T.Y. Toy Shop

    C.I.T.Y. of Support also sponsored the creation of the Accessibility Support Collection at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. Children in therapy and their caregivers may borrow therapeutic toys/tools/print materials from the library to explore at home.

  • Camp Big Sky in West Central Illinois

    Camp Big Sky provides accessible cabins and recreational opportunities for children and adults with developmental, physical, cognitive, sensory, and age-related disabilities. Located in northern Fulton County, Camp Big Sky offers three distinct and totally accessible activity areas with two lakes and a campground.

    Daytime activities are free for people of all ages with a disability and their families, friends and caregivers. Overnight camping in cabins and tents is available for a nominal fee. Groups of campers are also welcome. Reservations are required for all visits.

    See the Camp Big Sky fact sheet for more details.

  • Camp New Hope

    Camp New Hope offers year-round recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities ages 8 and older. Camp New Hope is accessible to all and located on 41 rolling acres overlooking Lake Mattoon. Year-round programming includes summer camp, respite weekends, and bowling and parties.

  • Camp Sunshine for Children with Life-Threatening Illnesses and Their Families in Maine

    Camp Sunshine helps children with life-threatening illnesses and their families find hope, community and a safe space for recharging together. Located in Maine, the camp offers medical support and free, year-round camping sessions for children ages 21 and under, their siblings, parents and caregivers. Campers come from all over the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world. Bereavement sessions are also available for families who have experienced the death of a child from a supported illness.

    Camp Sunshine offers sessions of varying lengths throughout the year. Supported conditions and diagnoses include:

    • A brain tumor, cancer and retinoblastoma
    • Kidney disease
    • Sickle cell disease
    • Hematologic conditions
    • Phenylketonuria (PKU) and more

  • Caregiver Action Network

    Caregiver Action Network (CAN) is a national nonprofit organization that aims to improve the quality of life for Americans who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease or the frailties old age.

    CAN provides a Family Caregiver Toolbox on a variety of topics.

    CAN also has a “Caring for Rare Disease Caregivers” website that includes helpful information, tips, and resources, including communicating effectively with healthcare professionals, looking for respite care, handling complex emotions and more.

  • Caring Conversations Toolkit for Families and Providers

    The Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition (PPCC) offers a Caring Conversations Toolkit to help determine when and how to start a conversation about hospice or palliative care. Separate toolkits targeting the needs of families and providers are available.

    Each toolkit offers a series of questions to consider in deciding if it is time to start a conversation about hospice or palliative care for a child with serious illness and how to navigate the discussion.

  • 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.

    Catholic Charities Diocese of Springfield, Illinois, serves the following areas:

    • Effingham office at (217) 857-1458, Monday through Friday from 8:30 – 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.