How much funding does Annual Spring Community Grant Cycle provide?

The listing does not state a funding amount. Check the funder's announcement for specifics.

When is the deadline for Annual Spring Community Grant Cycle?

The funder has not published the next deadline; based on past cycles it is expected around March.

Who is eligible for Annual Spring Community Grant Cycle?

Eligible applicants: Government entities applying for grants exclusively for public or charitable purposes (Schools, Parks, Libraries, Police, Fire, etc.). Geography: Faith-based organizations applying for grants that benefit the public good, but NOT for specifically religious or sectarian purposes, or programs that require participation in a religious activity as a condition for receiving services. Required: 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

How often is Annual Spring Community Grant Cycle offered?

Annual Spring Community Grant Cycle runs on an annual cycle. The next deadline is expected March 20, 2027.

Annual Spring Community Grant Cycle

Morton Community Foundation

Foundation Annual Grants for Nonprofits Quality of Life Grants Community Development Grants

Funding Amount

Not stated

Deadline

Expected ~March

Based on past cycles

Grant Type

Foundation

Deadline history & next window

Cycle: Annual
Current deadline: March 20, 2027
Tracked since: April 2026

Deadlines typically fall in: March

From the program guidelines: “Background: The Annual Spring Community Grant Cycle has occurred every year since 2003 and is made possible through the generosity of the MCF's donors—individuals, families, and organizations committed to improving the quality of life in the Morton area.”

Can we apply?

Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.

Eligible organizations

Government entities applying for grants exclusively for public or charitable purposes (Schools, Parks, Libraries, Police, Fire, etc.)

Geography

Faith-based organizations applying for grants that benefit the public good, but NOT for specifically religious or sectarian purposes, or programs that require participation in a religious activity as a condition for receiving services

Required status

501(c)(3) tax-exempt status

Overview

Geographic Scope: Morton, IL area (includes Groveland)

Mission: To improve the quality of life for Morton area residents now and for generations to come through responsive grantmaking to meet the community's most urgent needs.

Background: The Annual Spring Community Grant Cycle has occurred every year since 2003 and is made possible through the generosity of the MCF's donors—individuals, families, and organizations committed to improving the quality of life in the Morton area. Endowed gifts create reliable funding for current needs and future opportunities.

Eligible Applicants

Nonprofit organizations recognized as exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code
Government entities applying for grants exclusively for public or charitable purposes (Schools, Parks, Libraries, Police, Fire, etc.)
Faith-based organizations applying for grants that benefit the public good, but NOT for specifically religious or sectarian purposes, or programs that require participation in a religious activity as a condition for receiving services

Acceptable Requests from Faith-Based Organizations

Facility improvements (e.g., upgrading a playground, library, or science lab)
Technology and equipment (e.g., computers, projectors, STEM lab tools)
Extracurricular programs (e.g., music, arts, sports)
Teacher professional development (as long as it's not for religious instruction)

Grant Funding Sources

Grants are generated from all fund types:

Donor Advised Funds
Designated Funds
Agency Funds
Unrestricted and Field of Interest Funds (Community Grants)
Scholarship Funds

Additional Information

Accreditation: National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations
Transparency: Gold Seal of Transparency from Candid (formerly GuideStar)
Rating: 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator
Memberships: Alliance of Illinois Community Foundations; Morton Chamber of Commerce

How to Apply

Timeline for 2026 Cycle

Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 4:00 PM - Grant Seekers' Workshop at the Morton Community Foundation (135 S First Ave, Morton)
- Note: This is NOT a how-to training on writing grant applications. It helps nonprofits and schools understand what MCF is looking for to give applications the best chance of being funded.
- Recording available for those who cannot attend
Friday, February 20, 2026 - Grant Cycle Upload Portal Opens
Friday, March 20, 2026, 5:00 PM - Deadline for grant applications to be received at MCF office
First full week of April, 2026 - Grant Review Committee meets and agrees on recommended distributions
Thursday, April 9, 2026 - MCF Board of Trustees reviews and approves Grant Committee recommendations
Monday, April 13, 2026 - Grant Recipients are contacted

How to Apply

Complete the online application form through the MCF website
Submit through the grant cycle upload portal (opens February 20, 2026)
Ensure submission by 5:00 PM on March 20, 2026

Application Materials

Online application form (available on MCF website)
All required fields in the online form must be completed

Questions

Email questions to the Morton Community Foundation
Contact information available on website

Important Notes

Organizations must serve and impact Morton, IL area residents (includes Groveland) to be eligible
If your nonprofit's work does not impact Morton area residents, do not apply

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What Morton Community Foundation actually gave

Source: IRS Form 990, 2025

Grants in 2025: 11
Total given: $132K
Median grant: $10K
Range: $6,000–$26K

By dollars: Illinois 100%. Top recipient cities: Morton, IL; Peoria, IL; Princeville, IL.
0% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
27% of recipients were new grantees, not repeat recipients.

Example grants

Peoria Notre Dame High School · Peoria, IL

To further the exempt purpose of the mission statement

$26K
Morton Public Library · Morton, IL

To further the exempt purpose of the mission statement

$19K
Morton Park District · Morton, IL

To further the exempt purpose of the mission statement

$15K
Morton Apostolic Christian Church · Morton, IL

To further the exempt purpose of the mission statement

$14K
Morton Police Department · Morton, IL

To further the exempt purpose of the mission statement

$11K