CFNIL Grant Programs

Grantmaking is a Commitment at CFNIL

CFNIL has been building endowments and honoring donor intent through grantmaking in the Rockford region since 1953. Early grants responded to community needs by funding the distribution of the polio vaccine and creating safe places for children to play. Since its founding, CFNIL has granted more than $73,000,000 for the benefit of the region. This has been made possible through the generosity of CFNIL’s donors—individuals, families and organizations committed to improving the region’s quality of life. Endowed gifts create reliable funding for current needs and future opportunities. That’s the power of endowment!

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CFNIL Response to COVID-19
CFNIL Response to COVID-19
The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois has kept faith with its mission to serve as a catalyst for giving in order to attract, preserve, and grow an endowment for the current and future needs of the people of Northern Illinois for more than 65 years. This uneasy time facing a global pandemic is no different; in fact, it is the foresight and generosity of past generations that allows CFNIL to respond now with both targeted and general support for the challenges facing our local communities.
CFNIL Reponse to COVID-19

CFNIL has joined other regional funders and partners to promote new and existing grant opportunities for nonprofit organizations. The 815 Community Response Team (815CRT) has established a website as a hub for funding and other resource info for nonprofits. Please visit 815CRT.org/for-nonprofits to learn more about opportunities available to your organization.

Grant Program Next Application Opening Next Application Closing Awards Announced Status
Blanche Martin Mini Grant November 2, 2020 January 2, 2021 January 2021 Closed
Carroll H. Starr Endowment Challenge TBA TBA TBA Closed
Club Blue July 13, 2020 August 17, 2020 Early Fall 2020 Closed
Community Grants Program August 10, 2020 September 21, 2020 By end of December 2020 Closed
Community Opportunities TBA TBA TBA Closed
In Youth We Trust Grants December 4, 2020 February 4, 2021 April 2021 Closed
John T. Holmstrom, Jr. Memorial Golf Grant February 11, 2020 April 15, 2020 Late May 2020 Closed
Neighborhood Grants February 10, 2020 May 1, 2020 Late May/early June 2020 Closed