Students
Your community has your back.
With 150+ scholarships, support through every step of the application process, and leadership opportunities, CFNIL connects local students to community generosity.
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In Youth We Trust
Learn More About IYWTLearn vital grantmaking and leadership skills as a member of In Youth We Trust, our youth philanthropy program that helps prepare you to make a major impact on your community both now and in the future.
Specific scholarships may take the following into consideration:
- Academic achievement
- Financial need
- High school attended
- Future area of study
- Extracurricular activities
- Full-time or part-time student status
- Receipt of a high-school diploma, GED, or Illinois State Diploma
Reference requirements vary based on the scholarship, but they usually fall into one of three categories:
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General Reference
A non-family member who can speak to your work ethic and character. This should not be your school counselor. Examples: employer, coach, teacher, advisor, etc.
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High School Academic Verifier
Your counselor or registrar will verify your most recent academic information. You will only see this section if you are a graduating senior.
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Supplemental Reference
An additional reference in the second part of your application like a specific coach, music instructor, faith leader, or someone who can verify a special service that you receive or provide.
Once you have determined who you would like to serve as your reference, ask if they’re willing to complete the reference forms before you finish that portion of the application. Inform them that they will receive an online form to complete, and confirm the email address they would like you to use. It is your responsibility to check in with your reference before the deadline. If all references are not completed by the reference deadline, your application will be incomplete.
Graduating Seniors
If you are graduating from high school this year, you will be asked to provide:
- Your current cumulative, unweighted GPA
- Your class rank, if applicable
- Academic verification (requested from your counselor or registrar)
Current College Students
If you graduated within the last five years, you will provide both academic information from your final year of high school and your most recent college semester by uploading unofficial transcripts.
Adults Returning to College or Attending for the First Time
The application will adapt based on the answers you provide. You may be asked to provide your most recent college information.
Congratulations on submitting your scholarship application!
Once part one of your application is submitted, you cannot make changes. You can reach out to our staff if you need to adjust a response. Your application is read and scored by committees of volunteers who use a “blind” review process and make recommendations to the CFNIL Board of Trustees. Our application process is competitive, and not all applicants will receive a scholarship award.
Recipients from the Fall cycle are notified in March, and from the Winter/Main and Spring cycles by early May. In mid-June, recipients, donors, reviewers, and supporters are invited to our annual Scholarship Award Night.
Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of July.