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!
EE Nominations Open Now

In partnership with the Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence and the Rockford Register Star, the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois is pleased to announce the return of the Excalibur and Excelsior Awards. Nominations are open NOW!

Nominate Your Community Champion

Graphic of green grass topped by a blue sky filled with fluffy blue clouds. Text reads The CFNIL scholarship class of 2023: 185 stud3nts awarded $430,000 thanks to generations of generosity.

Announcing the CFNIL Scholarship Class of 2023

The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) is pleased to announce its 2023 scholarship recipients: 215 scholarships worth up to $429,677 to local students. The scholarships will support the post-secondary educational aspirations of 185 local students from 29 high schools.

Learn More about the 2023 CFNIL Scholars