In Youth We Trust Youth Grants

To be eligible for funding, an applicant must:

• Be part of a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, not-for-profit agency, public institution (such as a school), and/or organized group carrying out a charitable purpose for the public good.
• Operate within Boone, Ogle, Stephenson and/or Winnebago County.
• Be a group that is primarily made up of members who are 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 – writing the application, participating in applicant interviews, implementing the project, and participating in any grant check presentation for their organization.
• Be operated and organized so that there is no discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran’s status, disability, or any other factor prohibited by applicable law.

Priority will be given to collaborative projects. For the 2022 - 2023 program year, IYWT is focusing on youth mental health services.

Mental Health Focus Statement:
Do you have an idea that you think would better the community? After analyzing 300 survey responses from high school students in our area, we’ve found that mental health is a concern for many youth today. Mental health is our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing which affects how we think, feel, and act. This year we’re focusing on Protection & Advocacy, Identification & Outreach, Promotion & Awareness, Peer Support, and Family & Community Support in accordance with the Community Support System Framework. After collaborating with the YES (Youth Engagement Steering) Team, we’ve found that the framework was the best guide to decide how to distribute our attention and funding this grant cycle. Youth who have a project, program, or event that supports or aims to improve the mental health of our youth today, please complete this application to apply for funding.

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

• Promote collaboration and teamwork.
• Provide creative solutions to community issues.
• Create community awareness and understanding of youth issues.
• Have a clear, practical plan for implementation.
• Have a realistic budget.
• For the 2022 - 2023 program year, IYWT will focus on projects which support youth mental health.

Mental Health Focus Statement:
Do you have an idea that you think would better the community? After analyzing 300 survey responses from high school students in our area, we’ve found that mental health is a concern for many youth today. Mental health is our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing which affects how we think, feel, and act. This year we’re focusing on Protection & Advocacy, Identification & Outreach, Promotion & Awareness, Peer Support, and Family & Community Support in accordance with the Community Support System Framework. After collaborating with the YES (Youth Engagement Steering) Team, we’ve found that the framework was the best guide to decide how to distribute our attention and funding this grant cycle. Youth who have a project, program, or event that supports or aims to improve the mental health of our youth today, please complete this application to apply for funding.

For the 2022-2023 school year IYWT will have two grant cycles: one for proposals written by nonprofit organizations for the purpose of serving youth, and one for proposals written by youth for youth-led, youth-benefiting projects. The cycle for proposals written by youth (the focus of this webpage) will open October 28, 2022, and close November 28, 2022. The youth grant cycle will focus on youth mental health. The cycle for proposals written by nonprofit organizations will open March 2, 2023, and close April 3, 2023.

Applications are reviewed by the In Youth We Trust Council, a diverse group of 30-40 high school-ages students who make grant recommendations. The Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees approves all grant awards.

Organizations may apply for a maximum of $3,500.

Mental Health Focus Statement:
Do you have an idea that you think would better the community? After analyzing 300 survey responses from high school students in our area, we’ve found that mental health is a concern for many youth today. Mental health is our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing which affects how we think, feel, and act. This year we’re focusing on Protection & Advocacy, Identification & Outreach, Promotion & Awareness, Peer Support, and Family & Community Support in accordance with the Community Support System Framework. After collaborating with the YES (Youth Engagement Steering) Team, we’ve found that the framework was the best guide to decide how to distribute our attention and funding this grant cycle. Youth who have a project, program, or event that supports or aims to improve the mental health of our youth today, please complete this application to apply for funding.

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 (Adult partners are encouraged to provide guidance but are not allowed to write the application or be the primary organizers of the project)
• Salaries for adult advisors or coordinators
• To individuals
• Projects and programs that promote a religion or require participation in a religious activity as a condition for receiving services. Grants may be made to faith-based organizations for other purposes.

All applications to the IYWT Grants program must include a budget. Use the IYWT Grant Budget Template and include with your application when submitting. 

Never filled out a budget before? Read this IYWT Grant Budget Sample and IYWT Grant Sample Budget Narrative before you begin.

Did you know that the recommendations for In Youth We Trust grants are made by a Council of high school-aged youth from CFNIL's four-county service area? This is just one of the great things about participating in the In Youth We Trust Council – a unique grant program that teaches grantmaking, volunteerism, and leadership skills to today’s youth, preparing them to be the positive change of tomorrow. We’re always seeking new IYWT Council members – learn more and apply today!