Marion L. Bates Grants Awarded to Teachers
The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) is proud to announce the latest recipients of grants from the Marion L. Bates Endowment Fund for Faculty Enrichment. This fund supports educators within Rockford Public School District #205 by providing resources to further their intellectual development, enhance classroom experiences, and pursue innovative educational opportunities.
John Lewis Youth Leadership Award
Congratulations to Jocelyn Solis, who is a recent recipient of the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award! This distinction recognizes young leaders who demonstrate exceptional commitment to civic engagement, social justice, and community impact. This honor reflects Jocelyn’s values‑driven leadership, her emphasis on empathy and inclusion, and her dedication to expanding opportunities for young people across Northern Illinois.
Announcing New Leadership for CFNIL
James Patterson, longstanding member of the CFNIL team, has been named its next president. Patterson’s experience with CFNIL spans 25 years and progressively responsible roles, including, most recently, Senior Program Director. In that role he has coordinated the annual distribution of millions of dollars in grants via competitive and discretionary programs, effectively managing relationships with dozens of organizations, hundreds of nonprofit staff, and countless community volunteers.