Resource Directory /

Financial Assistance and Grant Programs Resources

  • The Neighbor Project

    The Neighbor Project (TNP) is a nonprofit, HUD-Certified Housing Counseling Agency dedicated to helping low to moderate-income families in Aurora reduce debt, build credit, save and ultimately buy their first homes.

  • The Salvation Army of Freeport and Stephenson County

    The Salvation Army of Freeport and Stephenson County provides a wide range of programs and services to area families and individuals to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency. The Salvation Army can help with bills, child care, employment, housing and emergencies.  It also works to connect individuals to outside resources that can benefit personal growth and support.

    The Salvation Army of Freeport and Stephenson County is at 524 West Stephenson Street in Freeport. For more information, please call (815) 235-7638.
    Freeport, IL

  • The Southwest Collective Resources for Families in Chicago

    The Southwest Collective is an open forum for southwest side residents to voice their concerns, learn about resources and connect with opportunities and fun specific to the southwest side of Chicago. Resources include “Freebies for Families” events, small business support, providing food to people in high-need areas, weekly free art classes at De Colores Ice Cream & Coffee Shop in Archer Heights, little free libraries and more.​

    These resources are specific to the southwest side of Chicago.

  • Title V Programs by State

    The Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant, Title V of the Social Security Act, is a federal program that aims to improve the health of all women, children and families. Each state has a Title V program that serves children with special health care needs.

    The Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration provides this list of state Title V program contact information.

  • Tri-State Food Bank

    The Tri-State Foodbank partners with southern Illinois agencies to provide food assistance in Alexander, Edwards, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Johnson, Lawrence, Massac, Pope, Pulaski, Richland, Saline, Union, Wabash, Wayne and White counties.

    Please use the “Find A Pantry” tool to locate local pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens offering free food to those in need.

  • Unique Sweets

    Unique Sweets provides delicious treats and a safe space for people with autism and other disabilities to participate in life skills training. Team members participate in event planning, purchasing supplies, baking, decorating and packaging and receive a stipend to cover their expenses to get to the kitchen. Unique Sweets also hosts social events throughout the year to foster peer-relationships, social skills and community support.

    Unique Sweets also offers:

    • Life skills (virtual or in-person) peer-led cooking classes
    • Social events and an annual Party With a Purpose
    • Inclusive workshops, information sessions and social events with other organizations
    • Referrals to other programs and services as needed

  • United Leukodystrophy Foundation

    The United Leukodystrophy Foundation (ULF) is a nonprofit providing leukodystrophy patients and their families with support and resources. ULF can help families with finding medical care, genetic counseling, networking and financial assistance. It also provides funding for medical research each year.

    ULF is based in Dekalb, Ill. Its Services and supports also include:

  • United Way of St. Clair County

    United Way of St. Clair County supports a variety of local health and human services programs to empower residents to raise their quality of life.

    Programs supported through United Way of St. Clair County include:

  • Wabash Area Development, Inc. (WADI) in Enfield

    Wabash Area Development, Inc. (WADI) is a Community Action Agency serving Edwards, Gallatin, Hamilton, Wabash, Wayne, White and Saline counties. WADI provides emergency help for homeless and low-income families and individuals. It also offers education, housing, homeless prevention and job training programs to empower people to become more self-sufficient. WADI services and programs include:

    • Energy assistance
    • Emergency transitional housing
    • Head Start/Early Head Start
    • Rental housing support
    • Work experience,  on-the-job training and employment assistance
    • Education scholarship opportunities

  • Warm Neighbors, Cool Friends Energy Assistance Foundation Program

    Warm Neighbors Cool Friends (WNCF) Energy Assistance Foundation provides year-round help with energy bills and making homes more energy efficient for income-qualified families.  The program helps low-to-moderate-income individuals and families who don’t qualify for federal assistance.  Visit the WNCF website to learn about:

    • Income and eligibility guidelines
    • Program coverage areas
    • Help for weatherizing your home
    • Energy bill payment programs