Healing Illinois
Forecasted
Healing Illinois supports a statewide provider and local organizations through sub-grants and community activities that build trust, advance racial equity, and foster long-term racial healing across Illinois.
Funder: Illinois Department of Human Services
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: Approximately $5 million total for one statewide award over 12 months, with two possible one-year renewals
Summary: Healing Illinois funds a statewide provider to distribute sub-grants and support community activities advancing racial healing, equity, and justice across Illinois.
Key Information: Applicants need extensive grantmaking experience and capacity to administer a statewide racial-healing program, not solely a local project.
Description
Healing Illinois is an Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) program that builds understanding of racial equity and racial justice, promotes trust among residents, and lays a foundation for long-term racial healing and anti-racism. It supports conversations about race, racial healing circles, restorative justice practices, community arts projects, and other arts and culture activities that acknowledge harms experienced by communities of color and create space for healing.
IDHS selects one provider to partner with the department on statewide grantmaking and distribute funds strategically across its geographic regions. The provider supports local organizations through training, technical assistance, an online resource portal, and communications that document and amplify community activities. The program also seeks a data-driven approach to accountability and analysis that identifies changes needed for healthier communities statewide.
