CFNIL Grant Programs

Grantmaking is a Commitment at CFNIL

CFNIL has been building endowments and honoring donor intent through grantmaking in the Rockford region since 1953. Early grants responded to community needs by funding the distribution of the polio vaccine and creating safe places for children to play. Since its founding, CFNIL has granted more than $80,000,000 for the benefit of the region. This has been made possible through the generosity of CFNIL’s donors—individuals, families and organizations committed to improving the region’s quality of life. Endowed gifts create reliable funding for current needs and future opportunities. That’s the power of endowment!

Looking for a Scholarship? Visit our Scholarships page!

Grants Team Office Hours

CFNIL grants staff have "office hours" set aside to assist grantseekers year-round, each Wednesday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Simply contact Program and Administrative Associate Lisa DeLang at edelang@cfnil.org or 779-210-8210 to sign up for a time! Please note: as grant application deadlines approach, these hours will likely fill up, so call early!

Carroll H. Starr headshot

Carroll H. Starr Endowment Challenge

Supporting nonprofit sustainability and helping build permanent endowments.

Open to 501C3 nonprofits in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties.

Applications Open:February 14, 2024

Applications Close:April 15, 2024

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Picture of a young woman with her three children.

Community Grants Program

Supporting the current and future needs of the people of Northern Illinois.

Open to nonprofits providing charitable services to Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties in Northern Illinois.

Applications Open:June 26, 2025

Applications Close:August 14, 2025

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Community Opportunities

Community Opportunities

To support unexpected opportunities and emergency needs of organizations in Northern Illinois.

501c3 nonprofits located in and/or serving Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties.

This grant has a rolling application cycle.

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DKG Mini Grants program logo

DKG Mini Grant Program

Supporting projects that improve or enhance the quality of education.

Open to Early Childhood through grade 12 educators currently teaching in Boone or Winnebago Counties.

Applications Open:November 24, 2025

Applications Close:January 12, 2026

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IYWT Grants header image

In Youth We Trust Grants

Supporting youth-led, youth-serving projects in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties.

Projects, programs, and initiatives led by youth and serving youth in Northern Illinois. Youth complete the application.

Applications Open:October 31, 2025

Applications Close:December 05, 2025

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Picture of three men outdoors on a sunny day, smiling at the camera. the man in the foreground is holding a red box with plant seedlings in it. A red bridk building can be seen in the background. A garden hoop house is seen at left.

Neighborhood Grants

Supporting neighbor-led, neighborhood-level efforts to strengthen our communities.

Open to nonprofits AND groups organized to serve neighborhoods, i.e. associations or block groups. Projects must be located within and serve the people and places of Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties.

This grant has a rolling application cycle.

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