CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced 10 small nonprofits to receive $200,000 in Charitable Trust grants.

These nonprofits are receiving a combined $200,00 through the Charitable Trust Stabilization Program.

“Throughout our state, small nonprofit organizations provide hot meals, job training, and other vital services to people who need a helping hand,” said Frerichs at a news conference at Christian Care in Rock Island to announce the grants. “This good work benefits individuals, and it makes our communities better places to live and raise a family. I’m proud to support nonprofits through the Charitable Trust program.”
Charitable Trust helps nonprofits by providing housing, food, , and workforce and economic development assistance. The funds were awarded in Fall 2024 to organizations with food programs and workforce and economic development programs. There were 110 applicants with 10 grant recipients. The Charitable Trust Stabilization Fund assists small nonprofits that have annual budgets of $1 million and at least one full-time employee.
The money comes from fees that not-for-profit corporations pay when filing annual reports with the Illinois Secretary of State.
“This generous grant will help us serve more students at East Aurora High School and help provide more food items to our veterans micro pantry,” said Annette Johnson, executive director of the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry in Aurora.
“The Night’s Shield Homeless Youth Program will utilize the Charitable Trust Grant to fund educational and employment needs for our clients,” said Lindsay Jennings, executive director of The Night’s Shield in West Frankfort. “This funding will allow us to better assist our clients in obtaining education and/or employment to ensure their long-term stability and independence.”
“This grant will be a meaningful factor in our continued success in placing men and women into successful careers within the skilled trades workforce,” said Betty J. Jones, executive director of the St. Paul Church of God in Christ Community Development Ministries in Chicago. “It will assist us in providing essential services to lift humanity for exciting and life-changing preparations to enter registered apprenticeship programs.”
The following receieved $20,000 each:

  • Christian Care in Rock Island

  • Community Service Center of Northern Champaign County in Rantoul

  • Donka Inc. in Wheaton

  • Interfaith Action of Evanston in Evanston

  • Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry Inc. in Aurora

  • St. Paul Church of God in Christ Community Development Ministries in Chicago

  • The CABET Group Inc. in Chicago

  • The Firehouse Dream Inc. in Maywood

  • The Good Samaritan Inn in Decatur

  • The Night’s Shield in West Frankfort