The Google.org Impact Challenge Illinois rallies the state around bold ideas to make our neighborhoods even better with $1,000,000 in grant funding. A panel of advisors helped us select ten nonprofits with innovative ideas for growing economic opportunity in Illinois, and each will receive $75,000 in grant funding as well as Google training. The public has now voted for the cause they believe has the most promise, and the People's Choice winner will receive an additional $250,000.
Meet the winners
Our advisors have selected the ten winners. These ten nonprofits are pursuing big ideas to create economic opportunity in Illinois, and each will receive $75,000 in funding. The organization that received the most votes will get an additional $250,000 in funding.
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Mattoon in Motion
A new collaborative space for entrepreneurs of all ages
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Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs, Western Illinois University
Maintaining fresh food access in small towns through new, community-owned grocery stores
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True Star Media
A digital marketing agency run by youth serving nonprofits and local, small businesses
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After School Matters
Providing youth the support they need to achieve their long-term professional goals
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YWCA McLean County
Creating a second chance opportunity for formerly incarcerated women through a craft boutique shop
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Manufacturing Renaissance
Exposing youth to careers in manufacturing through paid work experiences for industry accreditation
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Future Founders
An entrepreneurial incubator for young adults
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North Lawndale Employment Network
Transitional jobs for men and women re-entering society
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Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois
Mobile STEM lab for girls living in 40+ counties in Southern Illinois
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Cara
Helping people affected by poverty get quality jobs
About the challenge
From farmlands to skyscrapers, and everything in between, the Land of Lincoln has always been home to those with tenacious spirit and bold dreams. The Google.org Impact Challenge Illinois will award $1,000,000 to local nonprofits with big ideas to create economic opportunity in Illinois.
Meet the advisors
Meet our panel of advisors who helped review the submissions and select the winners.
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Ellen S. Alberding
President, The Joyce Foundation
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Larry H. Dietz
President, Illinois State University
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Tina Tchen
Partner at Buckley Sandler
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Jim Edgar
Former Governor of Illinois
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Andrea Sáenz
Chief Operating Officer of The Chicago Community Trust
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Matt Forté
Former Running Back for the Chicago Bears, Founder of The What’s Your Forte Foundation and philanthropist
