Nicor Gas offers grants as a part of their charitable giving. They focus on basic human needs and energy assistance, community enrichment, diversity, education and environmental stewardship. For more information visit their website at:  https://www.nicorgas.com/company/about-us/philanthropy/charitable-giving.html.

Applications must include:

• A brief background of the organization (two pages or less) and its Board membership list.
• The organization's mission statement.
• A legible and most recent copy of the organization's 501(c)(3) tax-exempt letter.
• A clear statement of the project for which funds are needed.
• The amount the organization requests for the project.
• Sources of other support for the project and current financial statement of the organization.

CHICAGO – Protecting vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) joins the Illinois Department of Human Services in announcing a $1.2 million plan to increase the capacity of its current statewide network of services for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors.

“Escaping a dangerous and frightening situation at home is never easy, and our current circumstances make it even harder,” Lightford said. “It is so important that Governor Pritzker and IDHS are expanding services to make sure there is a safety net for survivors.”

The plan expands the role of the Domestic Violence Helpline by creating a one-stop access point for shelter needs. Survivors may call the Helpline directly at 1-877-TO END DV (1-877-863-6338 voice or 1-877-863-6339 TTY) and be connected to shelter through existing Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention shelter services or to emergency shelter through available hotels and motels. Survivors may also contact their local domestic violence programs for shelter assistance.

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Join Illinoisians across the state in uniting to combat COVID-19. All In Illinois is a commitment to our friends, neighbors, elderly and healthcare professionals to stay inside and keep each other safe.

Learn more about what you can do to join us in being All in for Illinois: https://www.enjoyillinois.com/allinillinois

During this challenging time, we want to make sure you have the most up-to-date information regarding all of our resources available to you. Due to the recently passed federal stimulus package, your business may be eligible for aid from the federal government. Learn more about the current available options below.

Paycheck Protection Program – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will provide $349 billion in loans through the Paycheck Protection Program to small businesses and non-profits. Portions of these loans will be forgiven to the extent that recipients maintain their existing workforce or rehire. Loans can be up to $10 million and interest rates are maxed at 4% for portions of the loan that do not qualify for loan forgiveness. Learn more here.

Economic Injury Disaster Loan – The program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. Borrowers can request an emergency advance of $10,000 within 3 days of submitting the application and do not have to repay the advance if they are denied a loan. Learn more here.

Subsidy for Current Loan Payments – The SBA will cover up to 6 months of principal and interest payments that are owed on most existing SBA loans. Learn more here.

Training and Advising for Existing Businesses – Additional funds are provided to SBDCs, Women’s Business Centers, and Minority Business Centers for education, training and advising to small businesses. Small Businesses can take advantage of this now.

Aid to Midsize Businesses and Nonprofits – $454 billion will be available from the U.S. Treasury to provide financial assistance through loan programs established by the Federal Reserve. As part of that, a special fund is dedicated to midsize businesses and nonprofits with 500-10,000 employees to provide financing to banks and other lenders to make direct loans to these entities. The interest rate on those loans would be capped at 2%, with no payments due for the first six months. These loans cannot be forgiven.

Significant restrictions will be placed on the midsize business and nonprofit assistance, such as prohibiting paying out dividends while the loan is outstanding. More guidance will be forthcoming from the U.S. Treasury on additional criteria and funding access.

As previously announced, there are additional small business grants and loans available including the Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund and Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program. Learn more here.