Illinois Grants

The YEP (Youth Engagement in Philanthropy) Grantmaking Program provides grants to verified nonprofit agencies serving children and youth ages 0-22 in the Community Foundation's service area. Applications are open from December 1 to February 1 annually, with grants ranging from $500 to $5,000. Youth grantmakers review and award all grants with staff assistance.

Point of Pride's HRT Access Fund provides direct financial assistance to transgender individuals who cannot afford gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy. Recipients receive 18 months of HRT-related care including telemedical visits, lab work, medical letters, and prescription cost coverage through partner providers.

A youth philanthropy program supporting youth-led and youth-serving projects in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties in Northern Illinois. The program distributes up to $40,000 annually to community projects, with applications written by youth for projects benefiting youth. Projects must be completed during the spring semester with a final report due June 1st.

The Neighborhood Grants Program supports neighborhood groups working to preserve and improve quality of life at the local level by promoting resident participation and leadership. Funding supports projects that bring neighbors together, strengthen community connections, and produce visible, meaningful improvements within defined geographic areas.

The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) offers Community Grants to nonprofits, religious organizations, government units, and public universities/colleges providing charitable services to Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties in Northern Illinois. The program funds activities across eight focus areas including Arts & Humanities, Basic Needs, Career Pathways, Complementary Education, Dignity & Respect, Health, Sustainable Communities, and Youth & Families.

The Minneapolis Foundation, in partnership with the Midwest Environmental Justice Network, NDN Collective, and RE-AMP Network, will award environmental justice grants to community-based nonprofits and eligible organizations working in underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region. The program distributes $52 million over three years in three tiers (Assessment and Engagement, Community Education and Planning, and Project Development and Implementation) supporting environmental health, air/water quality, healthy homes, food access, green infrastructure, and related priorities.