Resource Directory /

Financial Assistance and Grant Programs Resources

  • Community Alternatives Unlimited

    Community Alternatives Unlimited (CAU) provides a wide range of services for people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as programs to help economically challenged families with health and wellness during pregnancy and birth.

    CAU provides residents of the city of Chicago (north side), several northern suburbs and Lake County with services and programs that include:

    • Interview for Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS)
    • Pre-Admission Screening (PAS) and determinations for eligibility for services
    • Individual services and supports
    • Connecting new mothers to appropriate medical care, eligible public benefits, support services and community resources
    • Information and referral regarding prenatal care, checkups and immunizations, breastfeeding, infant development, family planning and parenting

  • Community and Residential Services Authority (CRSA)

    The Community and Residential Services Authority (CRSA) is an interagency group that identifies and addresses barriers facing parents, families, professionals and providers trying to get needed services and programs for individuals with a behavior disorder or a severe emotional disturbance. CRSA’s free and confidential services include:

    • Helping agencies, schools and parents form working partnerships using a team approach
    • Addressing/resolving multiple agency disagreements about residential placement or funding of placement and services
    • Assisting local communities in developing and strengthening collaborative interagency networking on request

    You can also call CRSA to connect with a program coordinator who will listen and help you develop a plan of care at (877) 541-2772 or (217) 782-2438.

  • Community Foundation of Northern Illinois

    The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) provides scholarships, including scholarships for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and grants to charitable organizations in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties. Visit CFNIL’s scholarship opportunities page to learn more.

  • CommunityGro Community Garden and Food Program in Galesburg

    CommunityGro equips people with the resources, education, and support to grow food for their communities. The program seeks to continue bridging the food security gap, creating self-sufficiency, and lasting solutions for food accessibility in Knox County.

    To learn more contact communitygro61401@gmail.com or (309) 299-1802. You can also visit the CommunityGro Facebook page.

  • Compassionate Friends

    The Compassionate Friends (TCF) is a self-help bereavement organization, providing support to bereaved parents, siblings, grandparents, and close family members who are going through the natural grieving process following the death of a child of any age (from pre-birth to adult) from any cause.

    TCF resources include:

    • Grief materials and information for the newly bereaved
    • A meeting locator tool to help you find a chapter near you
    • An online support community and live chats
    • A downloadable, online magazine
    • A comprehensive list of similar nonprofit organizations

  • Consumer Safety

    ConsumerSafety.org strives to make information about recalls and safety-related news about drugs, medical devices, food and consumer products accessible to everyone in a transparent, easily understandable way.

  • Contact Ministries in Springfield

    Contact Ministries is a non-profit, faith-based, social service organization serving the greater Springfield community. It provides free on-site support services and emergency shelter to single women, women with children, families and individuals in poverty.

    Contact Ministries provides:

    • Referrals
    • Food and clothing
    • Emergency shelter and transitional housing
    • Financial assistance and other programs

    Call Contact Ministries at (217) 753-3939.

  • Create Your Own Communication Cardsun-icon

    The Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission developed the Communication Card to provide individuals with hearing loss a simple way to inform others of their communication needs and list the name and contact information of their preferred communication provider.  You can create your very own personalized Communication Card on their website.

  • Create Your Own Communication Card for People With Hearing Loss

    The Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission (IDHHC) provides a template to create a personalized Communication Card for people with hearing loss. The card helps others understand your communication needs and lists your preferred communication provider’s name and contact information. To create a personalized Communication Card, visit the “Create my own Communication Card” page on IDHHC’s website.

    For more information, contact the IDHHC:

  • Crosswalk Community Action Agency

    Crosswalk Community Action Agency (CCAA) offers a variety of programs and services to help individuals and families in Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson and Williamson Counties. CCAA programs address the “day-to-day” needs and help individuals work to become self-sufficient.

    Programs include:

    • A Diaper Program
    • Emergency Services
    • Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
    • Food Pantry
    • Homeless Prevention Services
    • Home Repair and Rehabilitation
    • Home Weatherization (IHWAP)
    • Scholarships