Foster Grandparent Program
🏛 Illinois Department on Aging
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Jul 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations that serve seniors age 55+ and young people with special needs in Illinois schools. Eligible applicants are community organizations, schools, colleges, and government agencies operating within Illinois. The program funds one-on-one tutoring and mentoring services where senior volunteers work with children who have exceptional needs. Geographic eligibility is limited to Illinois.
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Program description
The purpose of the Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) is to provide limited income seniors who are 55 years of age and older the opportunity to serve as one-on-one tutors and mentors to many young people who have special needs in our schools. Forster Grandparents are role models, mentors, and friends to children with exceptional needs. FGP volunteers have developed a lifetime of skills, talents, experience and work ethic that makes them a valuable resource in their communities. State General Revenue Funds
Southwestern Illinois College FGP 2701 = $44,677.00
Tri-Counties Opportunity Council FGP 2702 = $39,029.00
UCAN FGP 2703 = $83,369.00
Senior Services Plus FGP 2704 = $48,577.00
Kankakee School District 111 FGP 2705 = $35,825.00
Catholic Charities/Joliet FGP 2706 = $24,859.00
Comm Action Partnership of Central IL FGP 2707 = $35,737.00
Senior Services of Central Illinois FGP 2708 = $14,132.00
Chicago Depart of Family & Supp Serv FGP 2709 = $50,195.00
TOTAL $376,400.00 Administered by the Illinois Department on Aging via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 402-03-1458).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Organizational profile and history
- Volunteer recruitment and training plan
- Youth population served (demographics and needs)
- School or partner agency letters of support
- Budget and budget narrative
- Project narrative/work plan
- Evaluation plan with outcome measures
Program contact
- 👤 Matt Wescott
- 📧 matt.wescott@illinois.gov
- 📞 217-785-3357
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Illinois-based organizations including nonprofits, schools, colleges, and community agencies. You must be able to recruit and place senior volunteers age 55+ to work with youth with special needs.
What activities does this grant support?
One-on-one tutoring and mentoring services. Senior volunteers serve as role models and mentors to children with exceptional needs in school settings.
What is the typical award range?
Awards typically range from $14,000 to $83,000. Review past awards to your area for realistic estimates of available funding.
Are there matching requirements?
No cost sharing or matching funds are required to apply or receive this grant.
How long is the grant period?
Grant duration is not specified in the available documentation. Contact the Illinois Department on Aging for typical project periods.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus your application on how you'll recruit, train, and support senior volunteers in your community. Show your capacity to manage volunteers effectively.
- Emphasize the special needs served by the program. Clearly identify the target youth population and their specific challenges.
- Demonstrate strong partnerships with schools or educational institutions. Schools are key to program success.
- Show measurable outcomes for both seniors and youth. Track academic or social-emotional gains for children.
- Highlight the volunteer management infrastructure you have in place. Systems matter for senior volunteer programs.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when organizations underestimate volunteer management requirements. Weak plans for recruiting, training, and supporting seniors hurt competitiveness. Poor documentation of outcomes for youth participants leads to rejection.
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