| Community Foundation of Northern IL

Support the causes you care about the most.
Through the power of endowment, your gift makes a deep impact -- forever!

Ways to Give

If you’re a nonprofit seeking a grant for your project
or a student looking for educational support,
you’re in the right place.

Grant & Scholarship Opportunities

Donate

Whether you donate to an existing endowment or create your own, be assured that your passion is our purpose.

Ways to Give

Grants

Support for charitable activities that benefit the people and places of northern Illinois. Over $1.7M is distributed each year through the Community Grants Program alone!

View CFNIL Grant Programs

Scholarships

130+ Unique Scholarships, over $500K in awards, just ONE Application! Application open December 1 - February 1.

View CFNIL Scholarships

News

Check out what's new and coming soon at CFNIL!

Read What's Happening

2024 Community Grants Program Application Open Now

Over $1.8M will be awarded to nonprofits serving the people of Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties.

Apply Now

Announcing the Rockford Pride Parade Endowment

A new fund has been established to support the work of the Rockford Area Pride Committee, FOREVER!

Learn More

black text on a yellow background: just launched! 2024 Mayor's Hunger Campaign, benefiting the members of the Greater Rockford Pantry Coalition

Announcing the 2024 Mayor's Hunger Campaign

The Greater Rockford Pantry Coalition (GRPC) started the Mayor's Hunger Campaign and announced a new partnership with the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) on May 15th.

Learn More

Introducing the CFNIL Scholarship Class of 2024

The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois is pleased to announce its 2024 scholarship recipients: 261+ awards worth over $540,000, supporting the post-secondary educational aspirations of students from 34 high schools.

Learn More about the 2024 Recipients