The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) is excited to announce the Community Grants Program application opening for the 2025 cycle. Nonprofits providing services in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties are invited to apply via CFNIL’s online application portal starting Thursday, June 26, until 5:00 pm on Thursday, August 14.

Community Grants proposals will be accepted in eight focus areas: Arts & Humanities, Basic Needs & Compassionate Support, Career Pathways, Complementary Education, Dignity & Respect, Health, Sustainable Communities, and Youth & Families. Applications will be accepted from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, religious institutions, units of government, and public universities/colleges. The proposals must describe charitable activities provided to benefit residents in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, or Winnebago Counties.  

The Community Grants Program application is open until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 14. All applications must be submitted through CFNIL’s online grants application portal. To access the portal and learn more about the Community Grants program, visit https://cfnil.org/community. 

To provide more information about the Community Grants Program and answer questions about the application process, CFNIL staff will host two Grantseekers Meetings. Each session will include identical content. Attendance is not mandatory, but encouraged for organizations completing their first CFNIL Community Grants application. 

• Grantseekers Session 1: Thursday, July 10, 3:30 p.m., in person, Midway Village (6788 Guilford Rd, Rockford)
• Grantseekers Session 2: Friday, July 11, 11:00 a.m., VIRTUAL via Zoom

Learn more and register to attend one or more of the sessions. 

A recording of the virtual session will be posted to CFNIL’s website following the meeting.