As of April 1, 2025, The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) will now accept applications for the Neighborhood Grants Program on a rolling basis. This program is open to neighborhood-based groups and nonprofit organizations operating in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties. A unique feature of this grant program is that while the groups applying should be organized for a charitable purpose, they do not need to be registered 501c3s. CFNIL has operated a neighborhood grants program since 1995, distributing over $1M to build better neighborhoods in Rockford and beyond. 

The Neighborhood Grants Program funds neighborhood-focused and resident-led projects, including but not limited to beautification, crime prevention, surveys, clean ups, newsletters, organizing, reforestation, and resident-focused education. The maximum award per project is $2,500. Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the year, and available funds will be awarded until depleted. Applicants may not receive more than one award per calendar year.

CFNIL staff will host an informational webinar to learn more about this grant program and answer questions from attendees on Thursday, April 17 at 5:30pm. The webinar will be provided live via Zoom. Please RSVP via the link found at https://cfnil.org/grants/neighborhood to confirm your attendance and receive the webinar link.

Applications must be submitted through CFNIL’s online grants application portal. To learn more about the program, view grant guidelines, and start your application, visit: https://cfnil.org/grants/neighborhood.