Support the causes you care about the most.
Through the power of endowment, your gift makes a deep impact -- forever!
If you’re a nonprofit seeking a grant for your project
or a student looking for educational support,
you’re in the right place.
Whether you donate to an existing endowment or create your own, be assured that your passion is our purpose.
Support for charitable activities that benefit the people and places of northern Illinois. Over $1.7M is distributed each year through the Community Grants Program alone!
130+ Unique Scholarships, over $500K in awards, just ONE Application! Application open December 1 - February 1.
Check out what's new and coming soon at CFNIL!
CFNIL winter/main scholarship application open now

Scholarship Season is Underway: Winter/Main Application Open Now!

CFNIL is the region's largest private provider of scholarships, with over 125 unique funds awarding over $500,000 this year. We have worked hard to make applying for Community Foundation of Northern Illinois scholarships as simple and efficient as possible. There are three cycles, each with their own application and timeline. Each cycle's application is accessed via CFNIL's online application portal.

Winter/Main AND Fall Scholarship Applications Open Now!

female student holding books looking at a description of the community scholarship fair

Save the Date: 2023 Community Scholarship Fair

The Community Scholarship Fair is heading our way Tuesday, December 5, and this year it's BIGGER and BETTER than ever. Scholarship seekers in Northern Illinois (Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, Winnebago Counties) of all ages, backgrounds, and educational aspirations should attend to talk face-to-face with dozens of local providers who collectively award more than $1.5 MILLION annually.

Get the Details on the Community Scholarship Fair!

Community Grants Program report 2023-2024

Announcing $1.74M in grants supporting good work in Northern Illinois

The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois is feeling extra thankful as we announce the recipients of Community Grants for the 2023 - 2024 program cycle: $1.74 million granted to 82 organizations in support of projects, programs, and events benefiting the people of Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties.

Learn More about this year's Program

Pictures of the six 2023 Excalibur an Excelsior Award Finalists

Announcing the 2023 Excalibur and Excelsior Award Finalists

The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL), in partnership with the Rockford Register Star and the Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE), is thrilled to announce the finalists for the 2023 Excalibur and Excelsior Awards.

Meet the Finalists