The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois is seeking applications for its In Youth We Trust Youth Grants.
Donor Name: Community Foundation of Northern Illinois
State: Illinois
County: Boone County (IL), Ogle County (IL), Stephenson County (IL), Winnebago County (IL)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 03/01/2025
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The In Youth We Trust (IYWT) Council is a youth philanthropy program of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL). Established with a grant from the Ford Foundation in 1994 and endowed by a local donor, this program teaches grantmaking, volunteerism, and leadership skills to today’s youth, preparing them to be the positive change of tomorrow. Since its’ inception, IYWT has granted over $500,000 to youth projects in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson and Winnebago counties. Through this journey, both the IYWT Council and the grantees gain in-depth experiential knowledge of the nonprofit sector and the needs of their community. This knowledge will add to their growing skill set and benefit them long into their adult lives.
Funding Information
Organizations may apply for a maximum of $3,000.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for funding, an applicant must:
- Be part of a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, not-for-profit agency, public institution (such as a school), and/or organized group carrying out a charitable purpose for the public good.
- Operate within Boone, Ogle, Stephenson and/or Winnebago County.
- Be a group that is primarily made up of members who are 19 years of age or younger.
- Propose a project that is planned and implemented by youth.
- Involve youth in every aspect of the grant process – writing the application, participating in applicant interviews, implementing the project, and participating in any grant check presentation for their organization.
- Be operated and organized so that there is no discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran’s status, disability, or any other factor prohibited by applicable law.
The In Youth We Trust Grant Program of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois looks for projects that:
- Promote collaboration and teamwork.
- Provide creative solutions to community issues.
- Help youth recognize the important role they play within their communities.
- Have a clear, practical plan for implementation.
- Have a realistic budget.
- Have measurable and meaningful results.
- Youth projects should be carried out and completed in conjunction with the spring semester. Final reports will be due on June 1 to align with the end of the school year.
The Community Foundation does not make grants from its In Youth We Trust Fund for the following:
- For-profit organizations
- Adult-inspired and implemented youth programs (Adult partners are encouraged to provide guidance but are not allowed to write the application or be the primary organizers of the project)
- Salaries for adult advisors or coordinators
- To individuals
- Projects and programs that promote a religion or require participation in a religious activity as a condition for receiving services. Grants may be made to faith-based organizations for other purposes.
For more information, visit CFNIL.
