Invest For Kids Chicago Grants 2026 – Apply Now

Invest For Kids Chicago Grants 2026 provides eligible nonprofits in Chicago with funding of up to $200,000. The grant seeks to support young people from low-income households by giving them access to education from early childhood to college. Applications are open currently and will close on Friday, February 27, 2026.

About The Invest For Kids Chicago Grants 2026

Invest For Kids offers an annual grant program for children and young people from low-income homes to give them access to better education. The grant targets nonprofits in Chicago who work closely with young people to improve their lives and impact the community. With the grant funding, underserved families can give their children the best education right from early childhood up to college. To become eligible to apply, organisations must be small nonprofits and do not exceed an annual fiscal budget of $1 – $5 million. 

Funding Size

• Typical grant amount: $200,000 per grant
• Maximum award: $200,000
• Project duration supported: multi-year funding

Read Also: Youth Grantmakers 2026 – Apply Now

Who Can Apply for the Invest For Kids Chicago Grants 2026

• Eligible organisation types:

• • Nonprofits

• Registration requirements:

• • Organisations must be nonprofits that work closely with young people in need from low-income households. 
  • Small organisations with annual budgets of between $1 – $5 million. 
  • They must have been in operation for at least three years. 
  • Organisations must qualify under the 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. 
  • Charter schools registered under the Chicago Board of Education or the State of Illinois can apply. 
  • Geographic eligibility: Chicago

• Sector or thematic focus:

• Education and mentoring
• College access and career readiness
• Health and physical fitness
• Social services

Application Process

1. Applicants should visit the official grant website to review the eligibility requirements. 
2. Fill and submit an application form before the due date. 
3. Applicants undergo an initial screening exercise. 
4. Shortlisted applicants will then undergo an interview session and fact-checking of the organisation’s administration board. 
5. The announcement of grantees will take place in August 2026.

Read Also: Vilcek Foundation Grants 2026 – Apply Now

Required Materials

• Project proposal 
• Annual budget
• Proof of the organisation’s registration
• Prior work experience working with young people.

Key Dates

• Application deadline: Friday, February 27, 2026
• Notification timeline: August 2026
• Grant distribution: December 2026

Selection Notes

• • The grant is highly competitive and focuses on improving the lives of young people through education.
  • Priority focus areas: Projects that give education access to young children and youths. 

• Exclusions:

• Projects and organisations outside Chicago. 
• Projects that do not focus on children’s and youth’s education. 

Official Source of the Invest For Kids Chicago Grants 2026

• Official Application Page: https://investforkidschicago.org/application-process/