The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois is now accepting applications for the In Youth We Trust (IYWT) youth grant program until 5 p.m. on March 8, 2021. 

Applications must be submitted by youth-led groups or organizations serving youth in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, or Winnebago Counties, using the forms found at https://cfnil.org/grants/youth. Applications will be reviewed by the In Youth We Trust Council, a group of local high school students who convene monthly at the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois to learn about grantmaking, volunteerism, and community leadership. 

Applicants can request a maximum of $3,500. Last year’s recipients included African-American Resource Center at Booker, Rockford Park District, Boys and Girls Club, Rochelle Interact Club, Youth Services Network, PFLAG-DiversCITY, and Harlem Veteran Project. 

The IYWT Council looks for projects that:
- Promote collaboration and teamwork,
- Provide creative solutions to community issues,
- Create community awareness and understanding of youth issues,
- Have a clear, practical plan for implementation, and
- Have a realistic budget. 

Applicants must be part of a 501(c)3 nonprofit, public institution (such as a school), and/or an organized group carrying out a charitable purpose for the public good. Additionally, youth should be involved in every aspect of the grant process, including project planning, grant writing, and project implementation. 

Learn more and apply now >>