If you’re a Chicago nonprofit dedicated to Black youth and mental health, you know funding can be a struggle—but there are real opportunities out there from local foundations, corporate funders, and state partners. Here’s a curated list of grants you can apply for (or plan for the next cycle), with everything you need to know to get started.

1. Grant Healthcare Foundation – Youth Mental Health Cohort & Annual Grants

• Deadline: Annual LOI due each June (e.g., June 13, 2025 for this year; next round: June 2026).
• What’s it for? Multi-year general operating support for organizations providing youth mental health services on Chicago’s South and West Sides. Also offers one-year project grants for mental health initiatives.
• How much? Multi-year grants (cohort) usually $50,000+ per year for three years; project grants typically $10,000–$40,000.
• Extra info: Must be a Chicago 501(c)(3); focus on health equity for BIPOC youth. LOI (Letter of Intent) is the first step.
  More info

2. Cigna Group Foundation – Improving Youth Mental Health Grants

• Deadline: Opens February, due March (2025 round closed March 13; prep for Feb/March 2026).
• What’s it for? Program-specific grants for projects that expand youth mental health access, early intervention, caregiver supports, or close equity gaps in mental health care for youth ages 5–18.
• How much? $100,000–$150,000 for one year.
• Extra info: Only program grants (no general operating). Must serve Illinois and fit Cigna’s mental health focus. Application period is short, so plan ahead.
  Cigna Foundation

3. Decolonizing Wealth Project – Liberated Capital Youth Mental Health Fund

• Deadline: July 10, 2025 (for current cycle; check for future annual cycles).
• What’s it for? General operating or program-specific grants for organizations expanding access to community-based, culturally responsive mental health care for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth.
• How much? $30,000–$250,000 depending on grant type (Anchor or Opportunity grant).
• Extra info: Preference for organizations led by BIPOC/LGBTQ+ leaders, strong youth voice, and organizations older than 5 years (for bigger Anchor grants). Application via JustFund platform.
  Liberated Capital Youth Mental Health Fund

4. Polk Bros. Foundation

• Deadline: By invitation—contact early and build relationship.
• What’s it for? General operating or project support for programs addressing mental health access, prevention, and racial equity for Chicago youth.
• How much? $25,000–$100,000 (typically one-year, can be renewed).
• Extra info: They value strong ties to community and proven impact. No open RFP; start by connecting with program officers.
  Polk Bros. Foundation

5. Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation (ILCHF)

• Deadline: RFPs released periodically—sign up for alerts!
• What’s it for? Program-specific grants for innovative youth mental health initiatives, school-based counseling, or system-of-care collaborations in Illinois.
• How much? Usually $100,000+ (can be multi-year for special initiatives).
• Extra info: Focus on children/youth, health equity, and reducing barriers for underserved communities.
  ILCHF Grants

6. Chicago Community Trust – Various Funds

• Deadline: Rolling for some funds; special initiatives announced throughout the year.
• What’s it for? Program grants for mental health, peace and healing, violence prevention, or emergency response for youth in high-need neighborhoods.
• How much? $1,000–$10,000 (microgrants) up to $50,000+ (special initiatives).
• Extra info: Great for piloting grassroots ideas or rapid-response youth mental health activities.
  Chicago Community Trust – What We Fund

7. Northern Trust Foundation Fund

• Deadline: LOI is the first step, fall LOI opens July 7 and due July 18.
• What’s it for? Program support for organizations helping 16–24-year-olds with health (including mental health), basic needs, and transition to adulthood on Chicago’s South/West Sides.
• How much? $25,000–$50,000 (single year, renewable).
• Extra info: Focus on stability for Black and Latinx youth; must serve high-need neighborhoods.
  Northern Trust Foundation

8. The Hulsebosch Hope Foundation (HHF)

• Deadline: LOI due April 30, 2025.
• What’s it for? Program grants to mid-sized, growth-oriented 501(c)(3) public charities in the City of Chicago, focused on enhancing life and opportunity in under-resourced communities (especially south and west sides).
• How much? $10,000–$20,000.

9. Morgan Stanley Alliance for Children’s Mental Health

• Deadline: Application Due July 7, 2025.
• What’s it for? Invites U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities (under $5M annual revenue) to submit innovative ideas for advancing children’s mental health.
  • Innovation Awards: $100,000 each (open to all)
  • Next Gen Innovation Awards: $25,000–$50,000 each (for nonprofits led by leaders under 32 years old, 2+ years in operation)
• How much? Up to $550,000 in grants; select applicants join the Leadership Learning Series.
• More info:
  Morgan Stanley Children’s Mental Health Awards

Tips for a Successful Grant Application

• Start Early: Many grants require Letters of Intent or have brief application windows—give yourself at least 4–6 weeks to prep materials.
• Tell a Story: Explain the unique challenges Black youth in your community face and how your program brings culturally responsive, evidence-based solutions.
• Show Impact: Use data (even small numbers!) to show your results: How many youth served? What changed for them? Include testimonials or short stories.
• Highlight Collaboration: Funders love to see partnerships—mention any schools, health clinics, or other youth groups you work with.
• Budget Clearly: Match your budget request to your project goals—be realistic and explain how each dollar helps more youth get the support they need.

Bookmark this page and check back for updates, new funding cycles open each year!