Community Foundation of Northern Illinois

🎓 CFNIL Scholarship Awards Night: June 16, 2026! Join us as we celebrate local students, their achievements, and the generosity of donors who make their journeys possible. We look forward to an inspiring evening honoring hard work, community support, and bright futures ahead! ✨

A big thanks to our sponsors for helping make this event possible:
1. Associated Bank
2. MembersAlliance Credit Union
3. Fehr Graham

Event details: https://hubs.ly/Q04lqFl80

📢 CFNIL Community Grants Program Opens Soon!

If your organization is working to strengthen our community, this is your opportunity to secure funding and expand your impact. Applications open June 25–August 20, 2026.

💡 Need help getting started?
Join one of our upcoming sessions to guide you through the process:
• Grant Seeker Meetings (in-person & virtual options)
• Application Work Sessions
• Evaluation Plan & Budgeting Workshops

We’re here to support you every step of the way—from idea to application.
👉 Register for a work session and learn more: https://hubs.ly/Q04kRWGL0

Community Grants Program | Community Foundation of Northern IL Since 1953, the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois has awarded more than $90M in grants and scholarships to nonprofits and students. This is possible due to the generosity of CFNIL’s donors, who are individuals, families, and organizations committed to improving the region’s quality of li...

🌮✨ South Main Mercado is Back! ✨🌮
Join us for an unforgettable day of food, culture, and community in the heart of Rockford! Come explore amazing local vendors, delicious food, and vibrant energy along South Main.

📅 Date: Sunday, June 7, 2026
⏰ Time: 12-7 PM
📍 Location: South Main & Morgan—Rockford, IL

This family-friendly event celebrates the city’s rich Hispanic and Latino heritage while while bringing neighbors, families, local businesses, and community organizations together. ❤️ CFNIL is proud to support this event and we hope to see you there!

https://hubs.ly/Q04khWlp0

🌟 Culture of Belonging Summer Conference 🌟

🗓 June 11–12, 2026
📍 Rock Valley College
💲 Free to attend

Explore this year’s theme, “Belonging in Action: From Intent to Impact,” through engaging workshops focused on building inclusive, accessible environments.

Learn more: https://hubs.ly/Q04jDmhq0

🎉 Congratulations on the beautiful new Jean Twyning Nature Playground!

The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois is proud to support projects that bring people together and create lasting opportunities for outdoor play, exploration, and connection. It’s inspiring to see this space come to life—and especially meaningful to celebrate it alongside Jean Twyning herself.

We look forward to seeing families and children enjoy this wonderful community asset for years to come! 🌿🌳

We are happy to provide a grant to the Boys & Girls Club of Rockford for the installation a new security door at their Flodin location—helping create a safer, more secure environment for the youth, families, and staff who rely on this important community space every day.

We’re proud to support projects that strengthen our community and invest in the well-being of local children and families.

Our In Youth We Trust (IYWT) Council closed the 2025-2026 year with their Grants Reception at Kresge Hall in Rockford! The Reception is a culmination of the Council's work throughout the year; it is a chance to celebrate our graduating seniors and to acknowledge the year's grant recipients. This year, the IYWT Council was able to grant $40,000 between seven youth-led projects and two nonprofits, including Stateline Youth for Christ and Boys & Girls Club of Rockford.

The new member application to join the Council opens in August—learn more at: https://hubs.ly/Q04hdBG30

Join Krista Kurlinkus, Ph.D., nationally sought-after grant expert and founder of Grant Writing Made Easy, for a 3-part, in‑person workshop series on grant writing and generative AI—designed to help you work smarter, write stronger, and stand out to funders. Learn ethical, effective AI strategies, advanced research techniques, and high‑impact writing skills that go beyond what AI alone can offer.

https://hubs.ly/Q04gjLbD0

Today we celebrate the strength, love, and care that mothers and caregivers bring to families and communities every day. Thank you for all that you do!

🎉 CFNIL is proud to support La Onda, NFP through a recent grant to help bring the South Main Mercado to life!

📍 South Main & Morgan St., Rockford, IL
🗓 Sunday, June 7, 2026
⏰ 12–7 pm

This vibrant community event celebrates culture, small businesses, and connection right in the heart of South Main Street. We’re excited to see our grant help create spaces where neighbors gather, entrepreneurs shine, and community thrives. Join us and experience the energy of South Main Mercado!

Learn more at: https://hubs.ly/Q04fK6M80