The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) is excited to announce the Community Grants Program application opening for the 2024 cycle. Nonprofits providing services in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties are invited to apply via CFNIL’s online application portal until 5:00pm on Thursday, August 15 (815 Day!).

Community Grants proposals will be accepted in eight focus areas: Arts & Humanities, Basic Needs & Compassionate Support, Career Pathways, Complementary Education, Equity, Dignity, & Respect, Health, Sustainable Communities, and Youth & Families. Applications will be accepted from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, religious institutions, units of government, and public universities/colleges. The proposals must describe charitable activities provided for the benefit of residents in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, or Winnebago Counties.  

The Community Grants Program application is open until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 15. All applications must be submitted through CFNIL’s online grants application portal. To access the portal and learn more about the Community Grants program, visit https://cfnil.org/community.  

“The Community Grants Program is CFNIL’s largest and broadest grantmaking program, poised to award over $1.8 million this year,” said Dan Ross, CFNIL President. “It is a privilege to support a diverse range of programs and projects that directly impact and improve the lives of thousands of northern Illinois residents every year, and to support the exceptional work of our region’s nonprofits.”  

To provide more information about the Community Grants Program and answer questions about the application process, CFNIL staff will host two Grantseekers Meetings. Each session will include identical content. Attendance is not mandatory, but encouraged for organizations that will be completing their first CFNIL Community Grants application.  

Grantseekers Session 1: Tuesday, June 25, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m., in person, Nordlof Center (118 N Main St, Rockford)

Grantseekers Session 2: Wednesday, June 26, 9:00 – 10:30 a.m., VIRTUAL via Zoom

Learn more and register to attend one or more of the sessions at https://cfnil.org/community. A recording of the virtual session will be posted to CFNIL’s website following the meeting.