Scholarships
3 cycles, 127+ scholarships, $500K+ awarded, just one stop.
Meet the CFNIL Scholarship Class of 2025!
CFNIL is the region's largest private scholarship provider, with over 125 unique scholarships to award this year. 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 its own "universal" application and timeline. Each cycle's application is accessed via CFNIL's online application portal.
| CYCLE & APPLICATION OPEN - CLOSE | CYCLE SPECIFICS | AWARD NOTIFICATION |
|---|---|---|
 FALL | One application, three scholarships: | March 1 |
 WINTER / MAIN | One application, 120+ scholarships. | May 1 |
 SPRING | One application, two scholarships, each designed for students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities: | May 1 |
CFNIL’s scholarship funds were created by donors who recognize the importance of helping students achieve their educational goals now and in perpetuity. Many of CFNIL’s scholarships are memorials, celebrating the lives and passions of individuals. Every CFNIL scholarship has a unique intent, often reflecting the background of the donor or person in whose memory the fund was created.
CFNIL uses an online "universal" application to ensure the most efficient process; as an applicant, you do not need to pre-determine which scholarships you should apply for! Complete ONE application each cycle, and your answers to a series of yes/no and personal background questions automatically match you to every scholarship you are eligible for. Because our scholarships were created to support students of all ages, backgrounds, and aspirations, we encourage every scholarship seeker (high school graduating seniors and older) to apply!
The applications are read and scored by committees of volunteers who use a “blind” review process and make recommendations to CFNIL’s Board of Trustees. Recipients from the Fall cycle are notified by March 1, from the Winter/Main and Spring cycles on May 1. In mid-June, recipients, donors, reviewers, and supporters are invited to an annual Scholarship Award Night ceremony. Awards are sent directly to the recipient’s post-secondary institution.
Need help getting started? Visit our Scholarship Resources page to learn how to apply! Interested in the two new scholarships available for people with intellectual disabilities? Check out these videos!
Questions? Need help getting started? Contact Heather!
Program Coordinator and IYWT Liaison
Phone: 779-210-8209
Email: Heather Cunningham
