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Confirmed in Compliance with National Standards
Confirmed in Compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations
 
Grants

In Youth We Trust

The In Youth We Trust Program of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois is dedicated to building a better community by supporting programs that empower youth to make a differerence in our community.


Eligibility

To be eligible for funding, an applicant must:

  • Be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, not-for-profit agency and/or organized group carrying out a charitable
    purpose for the public good
  • Be 19 years of age or younger
  • Propose a project that is planned and implemented by YOUTH
  • Involve youth in every aspect of the grant process
  • Be operated and organized in such a manner that no applicable anti-discrimination laws are violated

We Look For

The In Youth We Trust Program of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois looks for projects which:

  • Expand collaboration between diverse groups within the community for the benefit of all
  • Demonstrate innovative solutions to significant community issues
  • Provide opportunities for youth to develop skills such as leadership, teamwork, problem solving,
    and project management
  • Empower youth to recognize and assume the vital problem-solving role they can play within the community
  • Have a clear, practical plan for implementation
  • Show support from other funding sources

Grant Cycle

The deadlines for submitting applications are October 15 and February 1.  Grants are awarded in December and April. The maximum grant awarded will be $2,500 per organization. Those wishing to apply should click on the link at the bottom of this page to access our online application.

Only one proposal per organization per grant program will be funded within the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois fiscal year (7/1-6/30) with one exception. Organizations that participate in a collaborative may receive funds once as a member of a collaborative and once either by itself or as part of a second collaborative.

The In Youth We Trust Advisory Council is a diverse group of 30 youth who review proposals and recommend grant distributions. Final approval of grants rests with the Foundation's Board of Trustees

All grant recipients are required to submit a final report six months after receiving the grant. The report must address how grant funds were used and indicate project outcomes.


Exclusions

In general, the Community Foundation does not make grants from its In Youth We Trust Fund for the following:

  • For-profit organizations
  • Adult-inspired and implemented youth programs
  • Salaries for adult advisors or coordinators
  • Individuals
  • Projects and programs that promote a religion or require participation in a religious activity as a condition for receiving services. However, grants may be made to faith-based organizations for other purposes.

Online Application

Please Note:  As the Community Foundation strives for complete accuracy in its grant programs, we reserve the right to update grant application forms 30 days before the deadline.  Only applications started within 30 days of deadline will be accepted.  While you may browse the online application at any time, you are reminded to check your calendar before you begin filling out any grant application.

To start a new application, click New Application

To access an application that you chose to save and finish later, click Saved Application.

To access grant writing tips from the In Youth We Trust Advisory Council, click Grant Writing Tips.

Please Note: Your computer must use one of the following commonly used internet browsers and have cookies enabled in order to access the online application.

  • Internet Explorer version 5.5 SP-2 or higher

  • Netscape 6.2.2 or higher

  • Netscape Communicator 4.76 or higher

  • Internet Explorer 5.1.4 for Mac OS X

If you have questions, please call James Patterson, Program & Scholarship Officer at (815) 962-2110 ext 11.