In Youth We Trust, the youth philanthropy program of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, has announced the recipients of the 2021 IYWT Adult/Nonprofit Grants cycle. This special cycle, which was added in recognition that COVID-19 may impact the feasibility of youth-led projects, is awarding nearly $20,000 to five organizations which are providing critical services for youth and whose programs have been impacted by the pandemic.

The five organizations and project which were awarded are as follows:

• Farmworker and Landscaper Advocacy Project (FLAP) | $5,000 | Distance Learning Materials for Children of Very Low-Income Immigrant Workers
• Girls on the Run of Northwest Illinois | $2,320 | Girls on the Run Program COVID-19 Safety Initiative
• Ken-Rock Community Center | $4,700 | Ken-Rock After School Program Technology Upgrades
• Rock House Kids | $2,476.89 | COVID-19 Safety Supplies
• Women Enuff, Inc | $5,000 | Unmask Teen Violence

Learn more about each of these projects below.

“The In Youth We Trust Council recognized that youth-serving organizations and programs are facing huge challenges due to the pandemic and need additional support to ensure their services can continue,” said Nadhia Manthuruthil, a senior at Boylan High School and current IYWT Council President. “It’s an honor for Council members to review proposals from so many incredible organizations and be able to award these grants which will directly support our peers across the region.”

In Youth We Trust Council is made up of high-school-aged youth from across Northern Illinois. The program engages young people in community service and philanthropy. IYWT gives the council members resources and opportunities to help solve problems affecting their peers and their quality of life. This year the IYWT Grant Programs will distribute up to $40,000 for youth-benefiting projects in the region. IYWT Council Members set grant policy, review youth-inspired service project proposals, and recommend proposals for funding to CFNIL's Board of Directors. Since its inception in 1994 In Youth We Trust has awarded more than $500,000 for youth-led projects!

Learn more about In Youth We Trust.

2021 IYWT Grant Recipient Project Descriptions:

Distance Learning Materials for Children of Very Low-Income Immigrant Workers
Farmworker and Landscaper Advocacy Project (FLAP)

FLAP is concerned that young children of very low-income Latinx immigrant worker households in rural areas of Illinois are at a heightened risk of falling behind in their education during the pandemic because their parents cannot afford to purchase the necessary Learning tools. By distributing Chromebooks and learning software, school supplies, and books to the children, FLAP will help them maintain their learning while practicing social distancing and safety measures.

Girls on the Run Program COVID-19 Safety Initiative
Girls on the Run of Northwest Illinois

Girls on the Run is working hard to provide the life impacting program to 200 girls in Winnebago, Boone, and Ogle Counties as we have since 2010. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Girls on the Run program delivery has changed, and Girls on the Run needs to provide girls with individualized program supplies, including a journal, a bag for each of their supplies, individual markers, disposable masks, hand sanitizer and wipes. These are all new expenses to the existing program materials.

Ken-Rock After School Program Technology Upgrades
Ken-Rock Community Center

Ken-Rock will invest in tablet computers and instituting contact management software for its daycare, after school and summer youth recreational programs. Ken-Rock will purchase 15 Lenovo, Chromebook Duet, 10.1-inch tablets with keyboards, and Brightwheel, an online program which will allow Ken-Rock to manage attendance, do billing and enrollment, and execute parent communication.

COVID-19 Safety Supplies
Rock House Kids

Rock House Kids is requesting the funding to purchase additional COVID-19 safety supplies. The purchase of a more reliable thermometer, disposable thermometer caps, disinfecting wipes, masks, and fabric disinfecting spray will allow us to keep the youth attending our programming as safe as we can during these unprecedented times we are all facing.

Unmask Teen Violence 
Women Enuff, Inc

Women Enuff, Inc has provided safe havens and "exit" plans for over 100 families in Illinois since 2018. Our goal is to break the cycle of abuse, educate, advocate, and be a resource to those in their teen stages. We provide services and programs (in-person and virtually/in groups and individually) to assist in self-sufficiency, enhancing self-worth and sustainability. Staffed with professionals and partnered with other organizations to change the narrative of "Love" in stages! Over 50% of participants served are in Boone County.