[Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley](https://www.cffrv.org)

December 2026 (application window opens) | February 2027 (application deadline)

$500–$5,000 per award; funds must be used within one year; final report required.

Supports nonprofit projects benefiting children and youth ages 0–22 in the Fox River Valley, with youth-led grant review.

--- ## Description The YEP Grantmaking Program, administered by the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, funds nonprofit agencies for programs and projects that serve or benefit children and youth ages 0–22 within the foundation’s service area. Unique among grant programs, YEP places decision-making power in the hands of local youth, who review, evaluate, and select awardees with guidance from foundation staff. The program prioritizes youth-driven initiatives and aims to empower young people as community change-makers. Awarded funds must be used within one year, and recipients are required to submit a final report upon project completion. --- ## Due Dates - December 2026: Application window opens (anticipated) - February 2027: Application deadline / final submission date (anticipated) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Grants range from $500 to $5,000 per project. - Funding must be spent within one year of receipt. - A final report is required from all grantees. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be verified nonprofit agencies operating within the Community Foundation’s [service area](https://www.cffrv.org/about/service-area/). - Projects must serve or benefit children and youth ages 0–22. - Youth-driven programs and projects receive priority in funding decisions. - Both private and public schools, as well as educational foundations, are **not eligible** to apply. - Organizations may apply to both the YEP Grantmaking Program and other foundation grant programs. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted online via the [CFFRV grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cffrvgrants). - New applicants must create an account before applying. - Applicants may be asked to participate in an interview or site visit as part of the review process. - Award notifications are typically made in June following the application period. - All awarded funds must be spent within one year, with a required final report. --- ## Additional Information - The YEP Grantmaking Program is managed separately from other discretionary grantmaking programs at the foundation. - Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) is designed to empower youth as decision-makers and community leaders. - Past grantees and additional resources can be found on the [YEP program page](https://www.cffrv.org/yep-grantmaking-program/). --- ## External Links - [YEP Grantmaking Program Overview](https://www.cffrv.org/yep-grantmaking-program/) - [CFFRV Grant Portal (Apply)](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cffrvgrants) - [Service Area Map](https://www.cffrv.org/about/service-area/) - [Past YEP Grantees](https://www.cffrv.org/2025-yep-grantees/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | |-------------------|-----------------------------|--------------| | Jen Borgognoni | jborgognoni@cffrv.org | 331-208-9422 | | General Inquiries | [Contact Form](https://www.cffrv.org/contact) | (630) 896-7800 |

YEP Grantmaking Program

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