2026 Grant Cycle / Community Partner Grants

Community Partner Grants Program

Geographic Scope: Will County, Illinois

Priority Areas: Health, education, human services, and the arts

About the Program:
The Community Foundation of Will County's primary grant program awards funds to local nonprofit organizations working in the Foundation's priority areas. The Foundation has a history of awarding grants ranging from $2,000 to $25,000+ depending on the funding cycle and project needs.

Funding History:

• 2017: $93,324 awarded to 11 nonprofits
• 2015: $84,930 awarded to 8 nonprofits
• 2014: $43,050 awarded to 6 nonprofits
• 2013: $54,500 awarded to 8 nonprofits
• 2012: $107,400 awarded to 8 nonprofits

Grant Decision Criteria:
According to the Foundation's leadership, grants are awarded based on:

• Community needs
• Proposals with no other strong source of funding
• Collaborative projects
• Well-thought-out sustainability plans
• Board commitment to raising matching funds
• Focus on non-general operating support
• One-time capital requests

What They Fund:

• Transportation programs for vulnerable populations
• Health and hospice services
• Youth prevention and mentoring programs
• Adult education and workforce development
• Food security initiatives
• Arts and cultural programs
• Technology and equipment for nonprofits
• Community gardens and urban agriculture
• Housing and domestic violence services
• GED and job training programs

What They Don't Fund:

• General operating support (typically)

Contact Information:

• Phone: (779) 285-2173
• Address: 7777 W. Lincoln Hwy, Frankfort, IL 60423
• Office Manager: Kristen King, kking@cfwill.org
• Development Director: Sheila Sasso, ssasso@cfwill.org
• Website: willcountycf.org

Application Process

Online Application:
Applicants submit applications through an online grant application portal beginning on April 1st of each grant cycle.

Information Sessions:
The Foundation hosts informational meetings in March prior to each grant cycle to discuss eligibility guidelines and application process. Attendance is strongly encouraged as significant changes may be made to applications and guidelines year to year.

Past meeting locations have included:

• Plainfield Village Hall
• Will County Center for Community Concerns
• Trinity Services locations

Typical Deadline:
Historically, the application deadline has been May 31st at 11:59 p.m. (FY19 example: May 31st deadline)

Required Materials:
Specific materials not detailed in provided content, but organizations should contact the Foundation or attend an informational meeting for current requirements.

Application Guidelines:
Guidelines are available online at willcountycf.org for each grant cycle.

Note on Changes:
Applicants are advised that grant applications and guidelines may undergo significant changes year to year, making attendance at informational meetings strongly recommended.