The Hey Helen Grant awards $10,000 to U.S. women founders growing mission-driven businesses. Funds can support operations, marketing, hiring, growth, or infrastructure.
Apply by April 30, 2026
National
The O’Shaughnessy Fellowships & Grants award $100,000 to researchers, builders, and creatives to turn bold ideas into reality—100% ownership, no equity, committees, or thesis. One-year program.
Apply by April 30, 2026.
National
The National Foster Care Innovation Challenge offers $800,000 for nonprofits and social enterprises advancing foster care solutions. Nonprofits compete for $700,000 in grants; one for-profit receives a $100,000 investment.
Apply by April 17, 2026.
National
Grants.gov makes it easier for nonprofits and government partners to find and apply for federal grants by centralizing opportunities and streamlining the application process.
National
A searchable directory to find your local chamber of commerce by state, city, or territory, helping businesses connect with their nearest chamber.
National
CO— by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce offers small business owners actionable advice, expert content, tools, and resources to help start, run, and grow successful companies.
National
Venturize offers flexible loan options and capital solutions to help small businesses grow, expand operations, and strengthen financial footing with accessible funding support.
National
Somercor provides loans, grants, and advisory support to help small businesses and nonprofits grow, create jobs, and strengthen communities across Illinois and the Midwest.
Illinois
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready empowered one coffee entrepreneur with a $10K grant and financial mastery courses—he hired a CPA, upgraded branding and scaled his business nationwide. Learn More Here.
Securing a small business grant can be a game-changer, but competition is fierce. A strong application doesn’t just happen, it requires strategy, clarity, and attention to detail. Here’s how to make your proposal stand out and increase your chances of winning funding. Start with the Basics Before you begin writing,…
Are you winging it with grant applications? Or do you juggle grant writing across multiple team members – but have no clear owner driving the work?
Mona Ventures is a platform connecting U.S. small businesses to affordable loans and grants, offering personalized support and coaching throughout the application process.
National
The Mission Sustainability Initiative (MSI) at Forefront supports Illinois-based nonprofits in exploring strategic partnerships through confidential consultations, educational resources, and $5,000 grants for partnership readiness.
Illinois
The WE Hub Money Finder helps Illinois women entrepreneurs find grants, loans, and funding opportunities tailored to their business needs.
Illinois
Capital is a critical resource ... For more than 30 years, we’ve specialized in flexible lending products and creative real estate solutions that help nonprofits achieve their growth goals and best serve their communities.
For more information, visit IFF.org
National
OFN’s free CDFI Locator helps you find community development financial institutions (CDFIs) across the U.S. that provide mission-driven financing for small businesses, nonprofits, and community projects.
For more information, visit OFN.org
National
Greenwood Archer Capital provides $10K–$500K loans to small businesses in historically disinvested communities, offering flexible capital to support growth, stability, and long-term success.
Illinois
Comcast RISE is supporting the growth of all small businesses and entrepreneurs committed to uplifting their local communities. The program is built to help businesses and their communities thrive with a focus on economic growth.
TechRise Resources offers guides, templates, and tools to help founders build, launch, and grow tech businesses with practical advice and actionable insights.
Illinois
