NW HomeStart and the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) invite neighborhood groups and organizations in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties to attend a free webinar to learn more about resources available to support neighborhood-based projects, including up to $25,000 via the Neighborhood Grants Program. 

Two identical webinar sessions will be offered via Zoom:
-    Tuesday, February 16, 2021, Noon to 1:00 p.m. Log on at http://bit.ly/neighborhoodgrants1 
-    Thursday, February 18, 2021, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Log on at http://bit.ly/neighborhoodgrants2 

The webinar will include a panel of speakers from the City of Rockford, HomeStart, and CFNIL, who will present information about resources and support for neighborhood-based and -serving groups. HomeStart and CFNIL will also provide detailed information about the Neighborhood Grants Program: eligibility requirements, what types of projects are a good fit, general guidance on planning your neighborhood project, and tips for completing the application.

The Neighborhood Grants Program is a collaborative effort of HomeStart and CFNIL which funds neighborhood projects in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties, including but not limited to beautification, crime prevention, surveys, clean ups, newsletters, organizing, reforestation, and resident-focused education. The program is specifically focused on resident-led efforts and is unique in that applicants do NOT need 501(c)3 status. The maximum award from the Neighborhood Grants Program is $2,500. The application opens March 1st and closes April 5th. Awards will be announced in April 2021. 

Learn more about the webinar and the Neighborhood Grants Program at https://cfnil.org/grants/neighborhood.