Together We Rise: Our Valued Allies

The American Planning Association exists to elevate and unite a diverse planning profession as it helps communities, their leaders, and residents anticipate and navigate change.

This commission focuses on economic and social development in the Appalachian region. If your community falls within this region, explore funding opportunities for specific needs and challenges.

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the most important challenges facing the United States and the world.

Bayer is committed to improving the quality of life for people around the world. Equally important is our commitment to substantially and meaningfully improving people’s lives in the communities in which we and our customers live and work.

Advancing economic prosperity in rural America through the creation of inclusive tech economy ecosystems that support scalable entrepreneurship and tech job creation.

Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd) provides electric service to more than 4 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state’s population.

Community Heart & Soul is a resident-driven process that engages the entire population of a town in identifying what they love most about their community, what future they want for it, and how to achieve it.

The Foundation exists to enhance the quality of life in DeKalb County, IL, by addressing community needs and through donor support.

The Office of Community Development supports economic development, community development, and infrastructure improvements in Illinois communities with substantial low-to-moderate-income populations.

HUD is a powerhouse of resources dedicated to community development. Explore programs that support affordable housing initiatives, revitalize neighborhoods, and strengthen local economies.

We help nonprofits achieve and exceed their grant funding goals.

The Illinois Innovation Network drives inclusive and integrated research, innovation and economic development across Illinois.

Partner with the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs for expert insights, research, and resources tailored to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing rural communities in Illinois.

We’ve grown together by providing the right equipment to keep you moving, shaping, and growing America’s farms, fields, and construction.

As a membership-based nonprofit organization, we promote preservation, restoration and adaptive reuse of buildings and sites of many types in order to leverage our past to create a better future.

Through our grantmaking and research, the Levitt Foundation leverages the power of free, live music to strengthen the social fabric of communities, creating places people love while amplifying local pride, injecting joy into underused public spaces and fostering more equitable, healthy and thriving communities one city, and one concert, at a time.

Collaborate with Main Street America to explore innovative strategies and best practices for revitalizing rural communities and fostering economic growth.

Incredible places across the U.S. are welcoming new residents with incentives, signing bonuses and networking opportunities. We'll help you find your happy place, and get paid to move there.

Meta’s annual Data Center Community Action Grants program provides direct funding to schools, registered nonprofits and community organizations in locations where we have an operational data center.

Mid-America EDC members are dedicated economic development professionals who share best practices to make you more valuable to your organization.

The Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship is the provider of the CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) program. Midland Institute partners with business, schools, and community leaders around the country to help them establish, launch and operate, successfully for the long term, their own CEO programs.

As the voice for nearly 10,000 towns and townships across America, NATaT has developed a proactive federal agenda to ensure that the needs and interests of small communities are reflected in all major federal statutory, regulatory, funding, and policy decisions made in Washington.

Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 318 million visitors every year.

The National Rural Economic Developers Association is a member organization dedicated to the advancement of rural economic development by providing education and networking opportunities to further the movement of growing and revitalizing rural America.

North Central Illinois Council of Governments (NCICG) is a non-profit entity that provides planning and technical assistance to counties and communities within our six-county area in North Central Illinois. 

Tap into the expertise of the Northern Illinois University Department of Governmental Studies for valuable research, training, and technical assistance in governance and public administration.

REED provides business and community project financing in partnership with commercial and other economic development lenders to leverage private investment and make a difference in the region it serves.

The RHIhub is your guide to improving health for rural residents—we provide access to current and reliable resources and tools to help you learn about rural health needs and work to address them.

We’re going after our dreams to bring life back to our small towns and see our rural communities prosper and thrive.

From local groups to state and national boards and organizations, we’ve met and planned and worked and volunteered. We’ve been part of arts and history groups, educational and workforce advisory boards, entrepreneur events, professional associations, local and rural initiatives.

Filling in all of the nooks and crannies between our urban centers are thousands upon thousands of small towns, standing back to back, connected by highways and a shared sense of hope, passion and possibility.

T-Mobile is America’s largest 5G network. We deliver outstanding wireless experiences.

Since our founding, the U.S. Chamber has advocated for policies that help businesses create jobs and grow our economy. We advocate, connect, inform, and fight for business growth and America’s success.

The USDA offers a range of programs focused on rural development. Find funding opportunities for infrastructure improvements, business development in rural areas, and educational initiatives that enhance the lives of rural residents.

This department offers programs that foster economic development and entrepreneurship. Explore funding opportunities for job training, small business development, and initiatives that strengthen the local economy.

The Department of Education funds educational programs and infrastructure improvements, promoting a solid foundation for future generations in your community.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recognizes communities' crucial role in building a sustainable future. The DOE empowers communities to implement innovative energy solutions and promote energy efficiency through its diverse grant programs. 

HHS provides funding for programs that address critical community needs, including healthcare access, substance abuse prevention, and mental health services.

To deliver the world’s leading transportation system, serving the American people and economy through the safe, efficient, sustainable, and equitable movement of people and goods.

To lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.

The EPA offers grants and programs that support environmental protection and sustainability initiatives within communities.

The SBA is a champion for small businesses, offering loans, counseling, and resources that can fuel the growth of local entrepreneurs and contribute to a vibrant local economy.

Benefit from the University of Illinois Extension's wealth of resources, education, and outreach programs to address community needs and promote sustainable development.

USA.gov helps you locate and understand government benefits, programs, and information.