Funding search · higher education access · Illinois
Who funds higher education access work in Illinois
15 funders have a record of paying for higher education access work by Illinois recipients: 53 grants totaling $13.2M, most recently in 2025 — mostly private foundations, plus grantmaking charities. The largest by matched giving are The Chicago Community Trust ($5.8M), Robert R McCormick Foundation ($4.4M) and The Sobrato Family Foundation ($1.1M).
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.
The Chicago Community TrustChicago, ILCharity · may take applications
17 matching grants · $5.8M · through 2022Largest: $390,000 to Network for Young Adult Success — to support the utmostu college access and completion program. support to the 4-year college access and completion program at utmostu for the 2022-2023 school year. to support emerg…
Robert R McCormick FoundationChicago, ILCharity · may take applications
5 matching grants · $4.4M · through 2024Largest: $2.0M to BIG SHOULDERS FUND — civic education pilot, college access and success program, productive play in pre-k and k expansion, matching gifts and sponsorship
Largest: $337,500 to ONEGOAL — strengthening postsecondary access and success for first generation students of color in southern alameda, san mateo and santa clara counties
Largest: $35,000 to BIG SHOULDERS FUND — college access program
Largest: $25,000 to CHICAGO SCHOLARS — to support the operational and programmatic supports provided to nearly 5,300 scholars and alumni including scholar recruitment efforts, college access workshops, eight 1:1 counsel…
Largest: $90,000 to BUILD Inc — build college access and persistence academy (capa)
Largest: $50,000 to ONEGOAL — strengthening college access & success for low-income students of color in the bay area
Largest: $500,000 to THE CHICAGO SCHOLARS FOUNDATION — to support college access and success for chicago students
Largest: $10,000 to Chicago Debate Commission — to support competitive debate program serving mostly low-income students of color, expanding college access and life opportunities
Largest: $10,000 to EVANS SCHOLARS FOUNDATION — evans scholars college access and success program - greater st. louis
Largest: $35,000 to IMENTOR — enhance first generation students from low income communitiies to graduate high school, succeed in college and achieve their ambitions
Largest: $20,000 to Christ the King Jesuit College Prep — college access and alumni persistence program
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Start with one paperBroader: higher education access funders nationally · all Illinois-based grantmakers