Learn about the Initiative

Healing Illinois is a racial healing initiative of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), in partnership with The Chicago Community Trust, designed to distribute $4.5 million grants to organizations across the state to begin, or continue, the work of racial healing.
The major goals of this project are to:

  1. Build and advance knowledge and understanding of racial healing and racial equity in communities across the state
  2. Increase trust and relationship building, among the residents of Illinois
  3. Provide opportunities for communities and individuals to begin to heal from the harms caused by racism
  4. Build the foundation for long-term racial healing and anti-racism in Illinois

Contact Information

Healing Illinois email: healingil@cct.org

The deadline for Healing Illinois grant applications expired on October 30, 2020.

We are no longer accepting proposals for the Healing Illinois grant. The review process for proposals is now underway.

Applicants of the first application cycle were notified of funding decisions in early November and selected applicants will receive the grants in late November. Applicants of the second applications cycle will be notified of funding decisions by mid-November. The grants from the second cycle will be distributed in mid-December.

Staff and reviewers are working diligently to conclude this phase quickly while maintaining the integrity of the competitive application process. We will continue to keep lines of communication open. Your patience and understanding throughout this process is greatly appreciated.

The application process: