The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) is pleased to announce its 2026 scholarship awards: 273 total awards, including 203 individual scholarships, totaling over $590,000 awarded in the 2025–2026 year.

Most of this year’s recipients are graduating high school seniors from Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties. Scholarships are awarded to many kinds of students, including academic achievers, non‑traditional students, those with financial need, athletes, students of all races and ethnicities, and those pursuing careers in education, STEM, business, fire science, healthcare, and more.

Scholarship applications are reviewed and scored by community volunteers. A “blind” review process ensures scholarships are awarded objectively to students who best fit the scholarship criteria. CFNIL has 150 scholarship reviewers serving on 30 committees who gratuitously donate their time.

CFNIL will host Scholarship Award Night on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at Tebala Events Center (7910 Newberg Road, Rockford) to celebrate this year's scholars with recipients, their families, scholarship donors, and CFNIL volunteers. Please join us as we celebrate this momentous occasion! Reserve Your Spot »