The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) is pleased to kick-off the new year by announcing the recipients of Community Grants for the 2021 - 2022 program cycle. In total CFNIL committed over $1.47 million to 69 organizations for 79 projects, programs, and events benefiting the people of Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties.

The grants were awarded in CFNIL’s Community Grants Program six focus areas: Arts & Humanities, Education, Health, Human Services, Sustainable Communities, and Youth & Families. From the stage to the classroom, from the doctor’s office to the riverfront, and at all points in between, the projects funded by Community Grants are helping build a more vibrant region.

The full report on 2021 – 2022 Community Grants Program grantmaking can be found online: http://cfnil.org/reports. This report details each of the 79 awards made this cycle and the work that will be undertaken by each grantee as a result. 

“The communities of Northern Illinois are incredibly fortunate to have a strong network of nonprofit organizations which provide so many services that improve quality of life in our region,” said CFNIL President Dan Ross. “In a year characterized by uncertainty and challenges these organizations have shown flexibility, resilience, and fierce commitment to their missions and their clients; we are proud that the Community Grants Program remained a stable source of support for our local nonprofits and are deeply grateful to donors past and present who make this grantmaking possible.”

The 2021 - 2022 Community Grants Program cycle continues CFNIL’s 69-year commitment to investment in northern Illinois through grantmaking. This work and its growing, ongoing impact would not be possible without the generosity of thousands of donors, the commitment of hundreds of volunteers, and the exceptional efforts of grantees. Learn more about the work of the Community Grants and other grantmaking programs of the Community Foundation at http://cfnil.org/grants.