Community Grants Program
CFNIL Community Grants fund impactful nonprofit projects across eight focus areas to improve quality of life in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties in Northern Illinois.
Funder: Community Foundation of Northern Illinois
Due Dates: August 20, 2026 (Full application due by 5:00 p.m. CT)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards range from under $10,000 to over $50,000; award size and application requirements scale with request amount; indirect costs up to 15% allowed.
Summary: Annual grants for nonprofits serving Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties in Northern Illinois to address community needs across eight focus areas.
Key Information: Applications must be submitted via the CFNIL Web Portal; funding decisions announced by end of November 2026.
Description
The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) Community Grants Program is the region’s largest and most inclusive grantmaking initiative, supporting nonprofits that serve Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties. The program funds a wide range of charitable activities, with an emphasis on measurable impact, community engagement, and improving the quality of life in Northern Illinois. Grants are awarded annually in eight focus areas: Arts & Humanities, Basic Needs & Compassionate Support, Career Pathways, Complementary Education, Dignity & Respect, Health, Sustainable Communities, and Youth & Families. Applications are evaluated for alignment with CFNIL’s priorities, clarity of need, strength of proposal plan, realistic budgeting, and anticipated results.
