Apply | Charitable Trust Grant

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How to Apply

Applicants must complete the online application and submit all required forms and supporting documents. Those who need help because they do not have access to a computer or the internet can contact the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office.

The application asks for basic information about your organization and its leadership, confirmation that your organization meets the grant requirements, a short narrative explaining how the funds will be used, and documents that show your nonprofit is in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State, the Illinois Attorney General, and the federal government. Applicants must also provide other materials that demonstrate the organization’s financial health.

Required Application Materials

Please provide all of the following supporting documentation. The Charitable Trust Committee and the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office may request any additional information deemed necessary. The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office may also require a site visit to the Applicant’s program site.

Note: Applicants who do not include supporting documentation without an explanation will not be considered.

  • IRS determination letter showing your current tax-exempt status.
  • Most recent IRS Form 990 or 990-N, including Schedule A.
    • If you have not filed one, include a brief explanation.
  • Illinois Charitable Organization Registration Statement (Form CO-1). You may also submit other official proof that your organization is currently registered with the Illinois Attorney General’s Charitable Trust Bureau. (Available in the Illinois Attorney General Charitable Trust Online Filing System).
  • Form CO-2, if your organization has existed for less than one year.
  • AG990-IL Illinois Charitable Organization Annual Report for each of the past three years your organization has existed. Include all required attachments, fees, and signatures.
  • Form IFC (for each fundraising campaign, if a professional fundraiser was used).
  • All contracts with professional fundraisers, if applicable.
  • Articles of Incorporation and a Certificate of Good Standing from the Illinois Secretary of State. (Questions? Call the Department of Business Services or call 217-782-6961.)
  • Bylaws, including any amendments.
  • A detailed annual operating budget for your organization.
  • A complete list of all officers, directors, and/or trustees, including the following information:
    • name
    • title
    • professional affiliation
    • address
    • daytime phone number
    • e-mail address
  • A list of other grants received in the past two years, including federal, state, and private grants. Please also include details for each grant, including terms, project purpose, and any related supporting materials.
  • Your most recent complete audited financial statements, if available.

Application Portal Reminders

You are leaving the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office website and entering the online application portal. Before you begin, please review the Eligibility and FAQ pages for helpful details about the application process.

Save your work often. For security, the portal will log you out after a period of inactivity, and any unsaved work will be lost.

If you step away, log in again before continuing to make sure your work is saved.