Today, December 1, is opening day for the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) Winter/Main scholarship application! CFNIL is the region's largest private scholarship provider, with over 125 unique scholarships totaling over $500,000 to be awarded this year. There are three application cycles (Fall, Winter/Main, and Spring), each with its own application and timeline. Each cycle's application is accessed via CFNIL's online application portal.

Teachers seeking financial support for special classroom activities and materials are invited to apply for DKG Mini Grants, a unique program provided by teachers, for teachers!

Rockford Public Library (RPL), the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL), and Rock Valley College Foundation (RVCF) are excited to announce the annual Community Scholarship Fair is bigger and better than ever!

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.

Annie’s Locker was started in 2008, inspired by a fellow runner who died from cancer and who, while battling cancer, asked for one thing: "Please run for me until I can run again." The idea was born to do something to inspire people toward a healthier lifestyle, and to remove barriers so that more people can find their "wings".

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 2023 Excalibur and Excelsior Awards finalists.

Tonight the Selection Committee meets to discuss the nominees for the 2023 Excalibur and Excelsior Awards. We won't be sharing those decisions for a little longer, but we are pleased to share the names and faces of the selection committee with you! Each member is a community leader in their own right, and we are so pleased to have their participation. Full bios for each member is available at https://excaliburexcelsior.com/nominate#selction-committee 

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 (detailed below). Each cycle's application is accessed via CFNIL's online application portal.

The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois is now accepting applications for the In Youth We Trust (IYWT) youth grant program until 5:00 p.m. on November 16, 2023. 

Our neighbors, the YMCA of Rock River Valley, have started a construction project to expand the exercise room area of their facility. Congratulations, YMCA! While the construction is in process, one of the access points to CFNIL will be blocked. This video gives you a literal walkthrough of how to make your way to our office, during construction and beyond! Thanks to Schmeling Construction for helping us get prepared before they break ground.

Tipsy History at the Community Foundation of Northern IllinoisSeptember 28,   6-8pm​Join Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum staff at the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois on Thursday, September 28 from 6-8pm as we dive into crazy stories from our local history!Participants will receive 3 drink tickets for this two-hour, 21+ event. A walk-through of the historic Community Foundation building is included.Tickets: $25/person. Photo IDs are required at the door. 

This 815 Day includes a fantastic way to celebrate YOUR community champion: the nomination form for the 2023 Excalibur and Excelsior Awards, found at https://excaliburexcelsior.com/nominate

Are you or do you know a high-school-aged student who is looking for a leadership opportunity? Look no further than the In Youth We Trust Council!In Youth We Trust is a youth philanthropy program of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. Established with a grant from the Ford Foundation in 1994 and endowed by a local donor, this program teaches grantmaking, volunteerism, and leadership skills to today’s youth, preparing them to be the positive change of tomorrow.

The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL), in partnership with the Rockford Register Star and the Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE), is pleased to announce a new organizational collaboration that has facilitated the return of the Excalibur and Excelsior Awards.

Whether this is your first time applying for a CFNIL Community Grant or your hundredth, we're here to help! CFNIL staff will host several opportunities for applicants to the 2023 Community Grants Program during the application open period. Three hands-on workshops will provide a walk-through and practical assistance with the Evaluation Plan and Budget components of the Community Grants application. Each session is identical, with a formal presentation, examples, and time to practice!

The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) is excited to announce the opening of the Community Grants Program application for the 2023 cycle. Nonprofits providing services in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties are invited to apply via CFNIL’s online application portal until 5:00pm on Tuesday, August 15 (815 Day!).

The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois' Community Grants Program application will open June 20th, 2023. Nonprofits serving the people and places of Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties are invited to apply for CFNIL's largest and broadest grantmaking program. 

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.

CFNIL is Hiring! The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois seeks a Program and Development Associate to join our small but mighty team of committed nonprofit professionals. 

The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) is now accepting applications for the Neighborhood Grants Program! This program is open to neighborhood-based groups and nonprofit organizations operating in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties. A unique feature of this grant program is that while the groups applying should be organized for a charitable purpose, they do not need to be registered 501c3s. 

The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois is now accepting applications for In Youth We Trust (IYWT) adult/nonprofit grants. The online application closes at 5:00 p.m. on April 3, 2023.