Funding search · environmental justice · Illinois
Who funds environmental justice work in Illinois
15 funders have a record of paying for environmental justice work by Illinois recipients: 78 grants totaling $12.5M, most recently in 2025 — mostly private foundations, plus grantmaking charities. The largest by matched giving are John D and Catherine T MacArthur Foundation (Consolidated) ($5.0M), Builders Vision Foundation ($5.1M) and The Chicago Community Trust ($577,000).
From IRS Form 990-PF and 990 Schedule I filings, 2019–2025. Grants already paid to Illinois recipients — evidence of what these funders back, not open calls.
John D and Catherine T MacArthur Foundation (Consolidated)Chicago, IL
6 matching grants · $5.0M · through 2024Largest: $1.0M to The Little Village Environmental Justice Organization — in support of its project the chicago environmental justice network
Largest: $675,000 to Little Village Environmental Justice Organization — to build the capacity of chicago's frontline environmental justice organizations through the chicago ej fund
The Chicago Community TrustChicago, ILCharity · may take applications
6 matching grants · $577,000 · through 2023Largest: $100,000 to Law and Civics Reading and Writing Institute — in support of law and civics reading and writing institute's environmental justice field research program.
Largest: $10,000 to LITTLE VILLAGE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ORG — all contributions were made for the general, charitable, educational or scientific purpose of each organization.
Senser FoundationHighland Park, IL
5 matching grants · $50,000 · through 2024Largest: $10,000 to LITTLE VILLAGE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ORGANIZATION — environmental justice
Largest: $20,000 to LITTLE VILLAGE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ORG — general operating support
Central Indiana Community FoundationIndianapolis, INCharity · may take applications
5 matching grants · $230,000 · through 2024Largest: $50,000 to Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance — urban roots environmental justice program
Largest: $15,000 to Little Village Environmental Justice Organization — for the chicago asian americans for environmental justice organization
Solutions ProjectLos Angeles, CACharity · may take applications
5 matching grants · $217,500 · through 2024Largest: $100,000 to Little Village Environmental Justice Org — communicating our power pass-through grant
Center for Neighborhood TechnologyChicago, ILCharity · may take applications
5 matching grants · $207,500 · through 2024Largest: $90,000 to Little Village Environmental Justice Organization — misc and 1780
Largest: $100,000 to LITTLE VILLAGE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ORGANIZATION — general operating
Julian Grace FoundationHighland Park, IL
4 matching grants · $291,000 · through 2024Largest: $105,000 to LITTLE VILLAGE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ORGANIZATION — general operating support
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Start with one paperBroader: environmental justice funders nationally · all Illinois-based grantmakers