The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) is pleased to announce its 2025 scholarship awards: 267 scholarships worth over $540,000 to local students. The scholarships will support the post-secondary educational aspirations of 217 individuals from 41 high schools. 

CFNIL's scholarships were created by individuals and organizations that recognize the importance of education. Donors establish the criteria for each scholarship based on their interests and the community’s need. Many of CFNIL’s scholarships are memorials, which celebrate the life and passions of individuals. Thanks to the generosity of scholarship fund creators, since 2000 CFNIL has awarded over $5,500,000 to local students.

Most of this year's recipients are graduating high school seniors in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties. Scholarships are awarded to many kinds of students: academic achievers; non-traditional; those with financial need; athletes; all races and ethnicities; pursuing careers in education, STEM, business, fire science, and healthcare; and many more. This year’s recipients range in age from 17 to 47. Learn more about the CFNIL scholarship class of 2025 at https://cfnil.org/2025-scholarship-recipients  
Scholarship applications are reviewed and scored by community volunteers. A “blind” review process assures scholarships are awarded objectively to students who best fit the scholarship criteria. This year over 150 volunteers participated in the selection process.

CFNIL will host Scholarship Award Night 2025 on Tuesday, June 17, 6:30pm at Tebala Events Center (7910 Newberg Rd, Rockford) to celebrate this year's scholars with recipients, their families, scholarship donors, and CFNIL volunteers. You are warmly invited to join in this festive occasion! Learn more and RSVP at cfnil.org/scholarshipnight

View a full list of this year’s recipients at cfnil.org/2025-scholarship-recipients and in the table below. This information is current as of Thursday, May 1, 2025.