The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois is proud to administer $500,000 in State of Illinois funding through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and State Representative Dave Vella. The DCEO works to create and retain high-quality jobs and build strong communities through economic and workforce development programs and partnerships with businesses, local governments, workers, and families. This partnership allows state funding to reach local organizations that are making a direct impact on the people and communities of Winnebago, Boone, Ogle, and Stephenson Counties. As a community foundation, CFNIL serves as a catalyst for giving and investment from external sources, connecting resources with the charitable needs of our region.

Local Impact

The $500,000 grant is being distributed to six local organizations, each using the funding to strengthen services, infrastructure, and opportunities in our communities:
 

• Belvidere School District #100 ($100,000): Funding supports equipment for robotics classes and competitive teams, helping prepare students for STEM-based careers and strengthening educational pathways to the workforce. 
• Belvidere Ida Public Library ($60,000): Funding supports construction of a shelter for the Library's Bookmobile, protecting the vehicle from the elements and helping ensure this important community resource can continue serving neighborhoods for years to come. 
• Family Peace Center ($150,000): Funding supports replacement windows and other supplies that contribute to efforts to break the cycle of violence and improve community safety. Funding supports the work of this multi-agency, multidisciplinary center serving adult and child survivors of domestic and sexual violence. This investment helps create a safe environment where survivors can access services and work toward self-empowerment. 
• Northern Illinois Food Bank ($50,000): Funding supports occupancy costs for its newest location, helping strengthen its ability to source and distribute food and healthy eating resources to residents throughout Northern Illinois while supporting the network of local food pantries, employees, and volunteers. 
• Rockford Sexual Assault Counseling ($50,000): Funding helps support personnel, program supplies, travel, and rent for an organization providing 24-hour counseling and support to victims of sexual assault and their families in Winnebago and Boone Counties. 
• Rock Valley College Starlight Theatre ($40,000): Funding supports replacement stage lighting and software for the Bengt Sjostrom Theatre. Over nearly 50 years, Starlight Theatre has presented more than 140 community productions and provided opportunities for more than 25,000 community members to participate as cast and crew.