The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois is now accepting applications for the In Youth We Trust (IYWT) youth grant program until 5:00 p.m. on March 1, 2022. 

Applications must be submitted by youth-led groups or organizations serving youth in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, or Winnebago Counties, using the forms found at https://cfnil.org/grants/youth. Applications will be reviewed by the In Youth We Trust Council, a group of local high school students who convene monthly at the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois to learn about grantmaking, volunteerism, and community leadership. 

Applicants can request a maximum of $3,500. Recent recipients include African-American Resource Center at Booker, Rockford Park District, Boys and Girls Club, Rochelle Interact Club, Youth Services Network, PFLAG-DiversCITY, and Harlem Veteran Project. 
The IYWT Council looks for projects that:
- Promote collaboration and teamwork,
- Provide creative solutions to community issues,
- Create community awareness and understanding of youth issues,
- Have a clear, practical plan for implementation, and
- Have a realistic budget. 

Applicants must be part of a 501(c)3 nonprofit, public institution (such as a school), and/or an organized group carrying out a charitable purpose for the public good. Additionally, youth should be involved in every aspect of the grant process, including project planning, grant writing, and project implementation.