Appropriation

The SFY26 State Budget includes an appropriation of $4,000,000 to support Statewide Capacity Building.

Institute 2 Innovate (i2i) Background

Established in 2021, the Institute to Innovate (i2i) program was created to strengthen the capacity of community-based organizations, particularly new and emerging entities, to achieve their missions and ensure long-term sustainability. The program equips organizations to improve operations, administration, and management, while fostering community relationships that enhance service delivery and violence prevention.

Through the i2i Planning and Capacity Building Grant, ICJIA empowers nonprofits to excel in mission delivery, strengthen organizational performance, and adapt to evolving challenges within the sector. By investing in the growth and resilience of Illinois’ nonprofit ecosystem, ICJIA reaffirms its commitment to building a sustainable infrastructure capable of addressing systemic inequities, improving the criminal justice system, and promoting safer, thriving communities statewide

i2i Purpose

The i2i Planning and Capacity Building Grant aims to fortify nonprofit organizations by improving their internal systems, management capacity, and long-term operational stability. Funded projects emphasize areas such as governance, data management, fiscal systems, workforce development, and strategic planning. Through these investments, organizations will be better equipped to achieve their missions, deliver impactful services, and reduce community violence.