The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois is excited to announce that the Community Grants program application will open for 2021 on Monday, August 2, 2021.

Community Grants proposals will be accepted in the areas of Arts & Humanities, Education, Health, Human Services, 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 will be open from Monday, August 2, until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 13. All applications must be submitted through CFNIL’s online grants application portal. To access the portal and learn more about the Community Grants program, interested applicants should visit https://cfnil.org/community.

To provide more information about the Community Grants Program and answer questions about the application process, CFNIL staff will host Grantseekers Meetings during the week of August 2. Each session will include the same information as well as provide time for questions and answers. Please note that each in-person session will be limited to 50 people, so you must RSVP in order to attend.

• Session 1: Monday, August 2, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., in person, Community Room in the Crusader Community Health West State Clinic (1200 W State Street, Rockford, 61102) CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
• Session 2: Monday, August 2, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m., in person, Community Room in the Crusader Community Health West State Clinic (1220 W State Street, Rockford, 61102) CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
• Session 3: Wednesday, August 4, Noon – 1:00 p.m., VIRTUAL via Zoom; CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

 A recording of the virtual session will be posted to CFNIL’s website following the meeting.

 “The Community Grants Program is CFNIL’s largest and broadest grantmaking program, poised to make over $1.4 million in awards 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.”