December 1 was opening day for the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) Winter/Main scholarship application! CFNIL is the region's largest private scholarship provider, with over 125 unique scholarships totaling over $550,000 to be awarded this year. There are three application cycles (Fall, Winter/Main, and Spring), each with its own application and timeline. Each cycle's application is accessed via CFNIL's online application portal. 

The Winter/Main cycle accepts applications from December 1 – February 1. This is the primary cycle and includes over 125 scholarships. All applications must be submitted through CFNIL’s online application portal. Students answer questions about their academics, background, and extracurricular activities. From these answers, applicants will be automatically matched to all scholarships for which they are eligible. Details about every scholarship and the application process may be found at https://cfnil.org/scholarships. 

Each of CFNIL’s scholarships was established by individuals or organizations that recognize the importance of helping students achieve their educational goals, now and in perpetuity. The donors selected the criteria for each scholarship, based on their interests and the community’s need. 

CFNIL scholarships are primarily for students in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson and Winnebago Counties, and each scholarship has unique criteria. There are scholarships for graduating high school seniors, non-traditional students, students with financial need, student athletes, students of color, and students pursuing careers in teaching, STEM, business, fire science, healthcare, and many, many more! Some scholarships are renewable for up to four years. The diversity of scholarship offerings reflects the diversity of CFNIL’s donors and the communities of Northern Illinois.

Applications are read and scored by committees of volunteers who use a “blind” review process and make award recommendations to CFNIL’s Board of Trustees. Scholarship recipients are announced in late April. Awards are sent directly to the school the recipient will be attending. Scholarship seekers should visit https://cfnil.org/scholarships to learn more and apply.