In Youth We Trust 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.

Each year, the application opens in late October and closes in early December. Applicants should be prepared to attend a short interview to answer questions related to their proposal. The updated application (fillable PDF) will be available on this webpage in mid-October. Organizations may apply for a maximum of $3,000.

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

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 awards from its In Youth We Trust Grants program 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!