[Community Foundation of Central Illinois](https://communityfoundationci.org)

June 10, 2026 (Full application deadline, 5:00 p.m. Central Time)

Up to $5,000 per project; single-year funding.

Supports grassroots, evidence-based, innovative, and collaborative projects that address unmet community needs in central Illinois.

Projects must serve within 50 miles of Peoria, IL (excluding Knox and McLean Counties).

--- ## Description This grant opportunity supports grassroots organizations and projects that are innovative, evidence-based, and collaborative, focusing on addressing unmet community needs in central Illinois. The Emerging Philanthropists Fund Grant is designed to encourage new solutions and partnerships, giving preference to smaller-scale projects that demonstrate measurable impact and community engagement. The fund aims to invigorate emerging community leaders and foster a culture of philanthropy in the region. --- ## Due Dates - June 10, 2026: Full application deadline (applications due by 5:00 p.m. Central Time) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $5,000 per organization/project. - Funding is for a single year. - Awards are competitive and not all applicants will be funded. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be: - A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, or - A school, church, or unit of government, or - An organization operating under a fiscal agent that is a 501(c)(3). - Programs must serve individuals within a 50-mile radius of Peoria, IL (excluding Knox and McLean Counties). - Applicants must be current on all required grant evaluations for prior CFCI funding. - Only one application per organization per grant program per year. - Faith-based organizations are eligible if the program serves the broader community. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online via the [CFCI grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfci). - The application period opens April 1, 2026. - Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. - Applications must be signed/approved by both the grant writer and executive-level personnel. - Only one application per organization per grant cycle. - Required materials and steps are detailed in the [Competitive Grant Guidelines](https://communityfoundationci.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/CFCI-Grant-Guidelines-2025-2026.pdf). - Applicants are notified in writing regarding the status of their submission after the review process (typically 30–60 days post-deadline). - A grant evaluation report is required within one month of program completion. --- ## Additional Information - Preference is given to projects that are grassroots, unique, and collaborative. - Projects should demonstrate clear, measurable outcomes and address an unmet need. - Organizations currently funded by CFCI must submit an interim progress letter if their evaluation is not yet due. - Failure to submit required reports disqualifies the organization from future funding for at least two years. --- ## External Links - [Grant Opportunity Page](https://communityfoundationci.org/for-grant-seekers/grant-opportunities/) - [Emerging Philanthropists Fund Overview](https://communityfoundationci.org/funds/emerging-philanthropists-fund/) - [Competitive Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://communityfoundationci.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/CFCI-Grant-Guidelines-2025-2026.pdf) - [CFCI Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfci) - [Applicant Tutorial](https://support.foundant.com/hc/en-us/articles/4479853059991-GLM-Applicant-Tutorial) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | Web Contact | |---------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|-----------------|----------------------------------------------------| | Amanda Fiske, Director of Grants & Community Initiatives | [amanda@communityfoundationci.org](mailto:amanda@communityfoundationci.org) | 309-674-8730 | [Contact Form](https://communityfoundationci.org/contact/) | Community Foundation of Central Illinois 3625 North Sheridan Road Peoria, IL 61604 [More contact details](https://communityfoundationci.org/contact/)

2026 Emerging Philanthropists Fund Grant

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