In Youth We Trust Youth Grants

To be eligible for funding, an applicant must:

• Be part of a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, not-for-profit agency, public institution (such as a school), and/or organized group carrying out a charitable purpose for the public good.
• Operate within Boone, Ogle, Stephenson and/or Winnebago County.
• Be a group that is primarily made up of members who are 19 years of age or younger.
• Propose a project that is planned and implemented by youth.
• Involve youth in every aspect of the grant process – writing the application, participating in applicant interviews, implementing the project, and participating in any grant check presentation for their organization.
• Be operated and organized so that there is no discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran’s status, disability, or any other factor prohibited by applicable law.

The In Youth We Trust Grant Program of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois looks for projects that:

• Promote collaboration and teamwork.
• Provide creative solutions to community issues.
• Help youth recognize the important role they play within their communities.
• Have a clear, practical plan for implementation.
• Have a realistic budget.
• Have measurable and meaningful results.
• Youth projects should be carried out and completed in conjunction with the spring semester. Final reports will be due on June 1 to align with the end of the school year.

For the 2024-2025 school year IYWT will have two grant cycles: one for proposals written by youth for youth-led, youth-benefiting projects, and one for proposals written by nonprofit organizations for the purpose of serving youth. 

The Fall cycle for proposals will be for those written by youth and will open October 1, 2024, and close November 8, 2024. Youth organization applicants should be prepared to attend a short interview on December 21st to answer questions relating to their proposal.  The updated youth grant application will be a paper/fillable pdf application and will be available on this webpage in the middle of October. Organizations may apply for a maximum of $3,000.

The spring cycle for proposals written by adult nonprofit organizations serving youth will open February 1, 2025, and close March 1, 2025. The adult application will be available through the grant portal at the beginning of February.

All Grantees will be invited to celebrate at our annual IYWT Grant Reception in early May 2025.

Applications are reviewed by the In Youth We Trust Council, a diverse group of 20-25 high school-age students who make grant recommendations. The Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees approves all grant awards.

The Community Foundation does not make grants from its In Youth We Trust Fund for the following:

• For-profit organizations
• Adult-inspired and implemented youth programs (Adult partners are encouraged to provide guidance but are not allowed to write the application or be the primary organizers of the project)
• Salaries for adult advisors or coordinators
• To individuals
• Projects and programs that promote a religion or require participation in a religious activity as a condition for receiving services. Grants may be made to faith-based organizations for other purposes.

Did you know that the recommendations for In Youth We Trust grants are made by a Council of high school-aged youth from CFNIL's four-county service area? This is just one of the great things about participating in the In Youth We Trust Council – a unique grant program that teaches grantmaking, volunteerism, and leadership skills to today’s youth, preparing them to be the positive change of tomorrow. We’re always seeking new IYWT Council members – learn more and apply today!