Community Opportunities
Community Opportunities supports northern Illinois nonprofits facing emergencies, pursuing unforeseen community opportunities, or leveraging matching grants to sustain services and benefit the community.
Funder: Community Foundation of Northern Illinois
Due Dates: Rolling (Applications and award announcements)
Funding Amounts: Up to $5,000 per application; typically $30,000 allocated per fiscal year, available until depleted
Summary: Supports northern Illinois nonprofits responding to emergencies, pursuing unforeseen community opportunities, or leveraging charitable matching grants.
Key Information: Contact Grants Officer Lisa DeLang before applying to discuss your proposal.
Description
Community Opportunities is administered by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL). Created by its Board of Trustees, the program provides flexible funding for emerging opportunities and unforeseen crises affecting organizations serving northern Illinois. Its limited funding is directed toward specific circumstances rather than standard operating expenses.
Proposals must address an emergency that immediately affects an organization’s ability to serve clients, an unforeseen and time-sensitive opportunity benefiting a broad constituency beyond the applicant and its clients, or an opportunity to leverage matching grant dollars for charitable activity. Emergency support must resolve the crisis, either by itself or alongside other secured funds. Grants are unavailable for funding losses.
