News & Events

Join Us—Annual Excalibur & Excelsior Event

Admin — Mon, 19 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Since 1971, the Excalibur Award has been given to an individual who exemplifies excellence in community service. Joined in 1979 by the Excelsior Award, which recognizes an organization of the same merit, these annual tributes to service above self have uplifted countless stories of not just greatness but goodness.

An award created and an event hosted by the Rockford Register Star for four decades, the torch has been passed to the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) in collaboration with the Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE). The Rockford Register Star is an ongoing partner and will continue to publish the stories of these exceptional individuals and organizations. Thanks to this new partnership, the recognition and celebration will continue!

In recognition of this new partnership, the return of the awards, and the interconnected nature of our region's communities, the Community Champion Awards were introduced in 2023. Each year one Community Champion (may be a group, individual, or organization) will be named from each Northern Illinois County: Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago.

Excalibur & Excelsior Awards Event

Date/Time: Thu, Dec 10, 2026 / 5:30-7:30 pm
Location: Prairie Street Brewhouse, Rockford, IL
Who Attends: Local nonprofits, businesses, and community members.
Admission: Free

Thank you to our additional sponsors!

DCEO Grants Partnership

Admin — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois is proud to administer $500,000 in State of Illinois funding through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and State Representative Dave Vella. The DCEO works to create and retain high-quality jobs and build strong communities through economic and workforce development programs and partnerships with businesses, local governments, workers, and families. This partnership allows state funding to reach local organizations that are making a direct impact on the people and communities of Winnebago, Boone, Ogle, and Stephenson Counties. As a community foundation, CFNIL serves as a catalyst for giving and investment from external sources, connecting resources with the charitable needs of our region.

Local Impact

The $500,000 grant is being distributed to six local organizations, each using the funding to strengthen services, infrastructure, and opportunities in our communities:

Belvidere School District #100 ($100,000): Funding supports equipment for robotics classes and competitive teams, helping prepare students for STEM-based careers and strengthening educational pathways to the workforce.
Belvidere Ida Public Library ($60,000): Funding supports construction of a shelter for the Library's Bookmobile, protecting the vehicle from the elements and helping ensure this important community resource can continue serving neighborhoods for years to come.
Family Peace Center ($150,000): Funding supports replacement windows and other supplies that contribute to efforts to break the cycle of violence and improve community safety. Funding supports the work of this multi-agency, multidisciplinary center serving adult and child survivors of domestic and sexual violence. This investment helps create a safe environment where survivors can access services and work toward self-empowerment.
Northern Illinois Food Bank ($50,000): Funding supports occupancy costs for its newest location, helping strengthen its ability to source and distribute food and healthy eating resources to residents throughout Northern Illinois while supporting the network of local food pantries, employees, and volunteers.
Rockford Sexual Assault Counseling ($50,000): Funding helps support personnel, program supplies, travel, and rent for an organization providing 24-hour counseling and support to victims of sexual assault and their families in Winnebago and Boone Counties.
Rock Valley College Starlight Theatre ($40,000): Funding supports replacement stage lighting and software for the Bengt Sjostrom Theatre. Over nearly 50 years, Starlight Theatre has presented more than 140 community productions and provided opportunities for more than 25,000 community members to participate as cast and crew.

Excalibur & Excelsior Award Nominations Open

Admin — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Help us Honor Excellence: Submit a Nomination!

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Excalibur & Excelsior Awards! Help us honor the individuals who have given back to our communities in extraordinary ways and organizations or initiatives that have made a big impact across Northern Illinois.

The annual Excalibur and Excelsior Event will include six awards:

One Excalibur Award: Recognizing an individual who exemplifies excellence in community service
One Excelsior Award: Recognizing an organization or group/project/initiative that exemplifies excellence in community service
Four Community Champion Awards: Recognizing effort and impact by an individual, organization, or group/project/initiative in each of the four counties of our region (Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago).

Nomination Form

Nomination deadline is October 1, 2026.

Thank you to our additional sponsors!

CFNIL Community Survey

Admin — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

We want to hear from our community! To help us measure our impact and continue providing meaningful support to our partners, we invite you to complete the survey below. Your feedback is invaluable and will help guide our future programs, resources, and services. Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your thoughts and experiences with us.

Please complete the survey by August 7, 2026.

Start Survey

Community Grants Program

Admin — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Watch our Good Day Stateline interview, to let everyone know that our Community-Grants Applications are open now-August 20, 2026!

Non-Profit Happy Hour 2026

Admin — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The CFNIL Non-profit Happy Hour is a relaxed networking event designed to bring together nonprofit professionals, community leaders, supporters, and friends from across Northern Illinois. Guests are invited to enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and music while connecting with colleagues, sharing ideas, building relationships, and celebrating the important work being done throughout the region. The gathering provides a welcoming atmosphere for nonprofit organizations to strengthen partnerships and engage with others who are passionate about making a positive impact in their communities.

Event Details:

Thursday, August 6, 2026 | 4–7 pm
CFNIL 946 N Second St, Rockford, IL 61107
Free event–open to local nonprofits, community members, and partners.
Bring a plus-one or your whole team!

Scholarship Awards Night Highlights

Admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The CFNIL Scholarship Awards Night—held on June 16, 2026—was a truly memorable celebration of achievement in our community. The evening brought together students, families, and donors to honor an inspiring group of scholarship recipients whose hard work and determination stood out. From heartfelt speeches to moments of recognition, the event reflected the powerful impact of investing in education and supporting local students.

It was a night that showcased not only academic excellence, but also resilience and ambition across the region. Thanks to the generosity of donors, these scholarships opened doors and helped ease financial barriers, empowering students to take their next steps with confidence. Congratulations to the scholarship recipients and thank you to all the donors who make this possible!

South Main Mercado

Admin — Wed, 06 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) has awarded a grant to La Onda in support of the South Main Mercado, a community event taking place Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 12–7 pm at South Main & Morgan Street in Rockford, IL.

The grant supports La Onda’s efforts to create a welcoming, family-friendly event that highlights local vendors, artists, and cuisine while celebrating culture and community. South Main Mercado creates opportunities for small businesses to connect with residents and visitors, strengthens neighborhood identity, and encourages community gathering in a shared public space.

Event Details:

Sunday, June 7, 2026 | 12–7 pm
South Main & Morgan Street in Rockford, IL
The event is free and open to the public

Learn More: SouthMainMercado.org

Scholarship Awards 2026

Admin — Fri, 01 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) is pleased to announce its 2026 scholarship awards: 273 total awards, including 203 individual scholarships, totaling over $590,000 awarded in the 2025–2026 year.

Most of this year’s recipients are graduating high school seniors from Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties. Scholarships are awarded to many kinds of students, including academic achievers, non‑traditional students, those with financial need, athletes, students of all races and ethnicities, and those pursuing careers in education, STEM, business, fire science, healthcare, and more.

Scholarship applications are reviewed and scored by community volunteers. A “blind” review process ensures scholarships are awarded objectively to students who best fit the scholarship criteria. CFNIL has 150 scholarship reviewers serving on 30 committees who gratuitously donate their time.

CFNIL will host Scholarship Award Night on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at Tebala Events Center (7910 Newberg Road, Rockford) to celebrate this year's scholars with recipients, their families, scholarship donors, and CFNIL volunteers. Please join us as we celebrate this momentous occasion! Reserve Your Spot »

Scholarship Awards

Spring ArtScene 2026

Admin — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) invites you to experience creativity, connection, and local history at this year’s Spring ArtScene at CFNIL.

Visitors are welcome to explore a special exhibition featuring incredible works of art created by artists in Project Art—a program of The Arc of Winnebago, Boone, and Ogle Counties. Project Art supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in exploring creativity and self-expression, providing a space where artistic voices can flourish.

Each piece in the exhibition reflects the unique perspective, imagination, and lived experience of its artist. Together, the collection highlights the power of art to foster confidence, build connections, and create a sense of belonging for both artists and viewers alike.

In addition to the gallery experience, guests will have the opportunity to tour CFNIL’s historic stone house. Located along the scenic Rock River, the building showcases remarkable architecture and rich local history, offering a glimpse into the region’s past while serving as a vibrant workplace for the Community Foundation today.

Spring ArtScene at CFNIL:

Friday, April 24th, 5-8pm
Saturday, April 25th, 4-8pm