Kjellstrom Family Endowment Challenge
Kjellstrom Family Endowment Challenge supports northern Illinois nonprofits with matching funds to build permanent endowments that provide flexible income and sustain their missions for generations.
Funder: Community Foundation of Northern Illinois
Due Dates: February 27, 2027 (Applications open) | April 15, 2027 (Applications close) | End of May 2027 (Awards announced)
Funding Amounts: FAQ structure: $1 match per $3 raised toward a $15,000–$150,000 goal over 19 months; 2027 terms pending
Summary: Matching funds help northern Illinois nonprofits build permanent endowments at CFNIL for lasting organizational support.
Key Information: Detailed eligibility, matching formulas, and application requirements for the 2027 cycle are still being finalized.
Description
The Kjellstrom Family Endowment Challenge, administered by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL), helps nonprofits serving Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties build permanent agency endowments at the foundation. Rather than supporting a single short-term project, the challenge encourages fundraising for a perpetual source of income that sustains nonprofit missions for generations.
Endowment income offers flexible support for salaries, operating expenses, and other organizational needs that can be difficult to fund. Funds are commingled to broaden investment diversification while minimizing risk. Formerly the Carroll H. Starr Endowment Challenge, the program was renamed in 2026 to honor Janet Kjellstrom, whose endowment at CFNIL supports its matching funds.
