Resource Directory /

Financial Assistance and Grant Programs Resources

  • Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission

    The Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission protects the rights and promotes the welfare of persons with disabilities.

    Contact (866) 274-8023 or (866) 333-3362 (TTY).

  • Illinois Guide By Your Side

    Illinois Hands & Voices Guide By Your Side (GBYS) is a free program providing unbiased information, one-on-one support and resources and trained Parent Guides to talk and/or meet with you if you have a child with hearing loss or a suspected hearing loss.

    Parent Guides are adults who have children with a hearing loss. They provide unbiased information and resources regarding communication, educational and technological choices. They help families identify their options and not tell them which options  to choose. They support families and can help them navigate through the many systems and services available in Illinois. They work as a team with professionals offering a well rounded care system for families.

  • Illinois Hands & Voicessun-icon

    Illinois Hands & Voices is a parent-driven, non-profit organization dedicated to helping families with children who are deaf and hard-of-hearing.

    Families can learn about the variety of resources and options available to them and how to access them. Through this network of resources, families can make informed decisions about their future in regards to educational options, the changing landscape of assistive technologies and many other issues facing families with children who are deaf and hard of hearing.

    Families within the same geographic region within the state can share experiences and information as they support each other. They can receive the opportunity to gain knowledge and direction from families who have faced the same challenges and choices.

  • Illinois Help Stop Hate

    Illinois Help Stop Hate provides meaningful support to help victims and witnesses of hate acts in reporting what happened and connecting them and their communities with vital resources. The service is free, confidential and not affiliated with law enforcement. Individuals can make online reports in seven languages. Callers can report in the language of their preference and receive assistance from call specialists trained in trauma-informed care.

    You can make reports anonymously by calling (877) 458-4283 or (877) 458-HATE, Monday to Friday from 12 to 9 p.m. or online any time by visiting ILStopHate.org.

  • Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances (24/7)

    If you or someone you know is suffering from an opioid use disorder or other substance use disorders, call the Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances at 833-2FINDHELP to speak with a trained professional for support and advice or to be directed to customized resources. You can also visit www.HelplineIL.org.

  • Illinois Housing Development Authority

    The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) connects people with financing programs for their homes.

    IHDA provides mortgage loans, rental assistance, grants that enable low-income homeowners to pay for repairs and improvements to their homes and free foreclosure prevention assistance for homeowners struggling with mortgage payments.

    IHDA also provides resources to help people across the state find apartments that fit their budgets.

  • Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living

    The Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living (INCIL) supports 22 Centers for Independent Living (CILs) across the state. The goal of these non-profit organizations is to provide community-based, non-residential support for people with disabilities so they may achieve independence in every aspect of their lives, including home, work and school. 

    INCIL also oversees the Home Modification Program that provides funding for improvements to make eligible homes and rental properties more accessible.

  • Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies

    The Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA) is a statewide organization that partners with the state’s 16 local Child Care Resources and Referral (CCR&R) agencies. It is a recognized leader, catalyst and resource for making high-quality, affordable early care and education and school-age care options available for children and families in Illinois.

    CCR&R’s connect and coordinate programs and services for young children and their families. CCR&R’s manage the application and information for families to receive child care assistance, allowing them to work and/or go to school while their children have access to quality early care and education.

    Visit www.inccrra.org/about/sdasearch to find your local CCR&R.

  • Illinois Resources for Voters With Disabilities

    The U.S. Vote Foundation’s Illinois Voters with Disabilities Guide offers valuable resources, including information on accessible voting options, voter rights and guidance on the voting process. This Illinois guide empowers individuals to exercise their right to vote in a private, independent and accessible way.

    The U.S. Vote Foundation is a private, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that provides voter information for each state.

    For more information, you can also contact the help desk team for individual, personalized answers to your voting questions.

  • Illinois Respite Coalition

    The Illinois Respite Coalition (IRC) is a not-for-profit organization of caregivers and respite providers dedicated to supporting families and ensuring access to quality respite services for the residents of Illinois. The IRC assists caregivers by connecting them to resources in their area, providing training on respite topics and having funding available for emergency respite. The IRC helps caregivers of individuals across the lifespan with any disability.

    The Emergency Respite Care Program offers funding and resources to support caregivers who are not receiving any respite services and have an urgent need for respite care in the absence of any other funding source.  Emergency respite care may be for an unplanned or planned event for reasons including:

    • Caregiver illness (physical, mental or emotional)
    • Caregiver hospitalization
    • Work-related situation
    • Reduction of stress level

    The website gives examples of qualifying circumstances and information on how to apply. For more details see the:

    For more information, contact: