$300,000+ in Grants Available to Illinois Organizations Focused on Addressing Suicide Prevention and Youth Mental Health
Lake Zurich, Ill., Oct. 13, 2026 — Megan Butz Legacy of Hope announces the opening of its 2027 grant cycle, supporting Illinois-based not-for-profit organizations dedicated to providing mental health services and suicide prevention for youth and young adults.
Since its founding in 2023, Meg’s Legacy has granted more than $700,000 to Illinois groups addressing mental health and suicide prevention. The grant program reflects the organization’s continued commitment to supporting community-based initiatives that save lives and provide critical mental health resources to those in need.
Among Illinois youth aged 10 to 14, suicide is the second-leading cause of death and the third-leading cause of death for young people aged 10 to 24, according to the National Institutes of Health. Organizations across Illinois are invited to apply for funding that will directly impact suicide prevention efforts and/or youth and young adult mental health support services in their communities.
“We have a huge need for mental health services in our state,” said Larry Butz, co-founder and president of Meg’s Legacy of Hope. “We need to teach youth that it’s important to talk about how they are feeling before they reach a critical point. As such, we fund organizations that understand this need and are dedicated to normalizing conversations about mental health and suicide prevention that reach youth and young adults where they are at.”
The 2027 grant cycle prioritizes funding for organizations that demonstrate:
- Evidence-based approaches to suicide prevention
- Direct service provision to Illinois youth
- Sustainable programming with measurable outcomes
- Cultural competency and accessibility in service delivery
- Collaborative partnerships within the mental health community
Eligible applicants can include non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and other qualifying entities based in Illinois that provide mental health services or suicide prevention programming.
New this year: Organizations that have not previously received funding from Meg’s Legacy of Hope are required to submit a Letter of Interest (LOI) prior to submitting a full application. LOI guidelines and submission details are available at megslegacyofhope.org.
Application Details:
- For new applicants: Letter of Interest required prior to application, due by Nov. 15, 2026
- Application deadline: Dec. 15, 2026
- Grant amounts: Individual awards typically range from $5,000 to $35,000
- Total available funding: $300,000+
- Application materials and guidelines are available at megslegacyofhope.org
For more information about the 2027 grant cycle, application requirements, or past recipients, please visit the Megan Butz website or contact Ken Edwards, director of grants, at info@megslegacyofhope.org.
About Megan Butz Legacy of Hope
Meg’s Legacy of Hope supports mental health initiatives and suicide prevention efforts throughout Illinois. Through grant funding, community partnerships, and advocacy, the organization works to ensure that individuals and families have access to the mental health resources and support they need. Larry and Mary Jo Butz founded the organization in 2023 after their daughter Megan died at age 26.
For more information:
Susan Stoga, 847/980-8773
