Community Impact Annual Grant

Community Impact Annual Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: The Foundation for Northwest Illinois
Last Updated: December 01, 2025

Summary

The Community Impact Annual Grant, provided by The Foundation for Northwest Illinois, supports nonprofit organizations enhancing community welfare in Stephenson, Jo Daviess, and Carroll counties. This grant focuses on initiatives in arts, economic development, child and family services, health, and professional growth. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt nonprofits that serve the community's needs without discrimination. The foundation prioritizes collaborative and impactful projects that align with its strategic vision.

Overview

The Foundation for Northwest Illinois​ is a charitable organization that serves as a vehicle for local philanthropy. It was originally established in 1975 as the Freeport Community Trust by a group of local forward-thinking citizens who wanted to ensure a permanent source of funds for local charitable organizations. In 1998 the Board of Directors changed the name to the Freeport Community Foundation, and in 2002 the Board of Directors updated the structure of the organization from a simple trust to a not-for-profit corporation. The Foundation for Northwest Illinois supports nonprofit organizations serving citizens in Stephenson, Jo Daviess, and Carroll counties in Northwest Illinois. Community Impact Grant The Foundation for Northwest Illinois is particularly interested in funding initiatives that are collaborative, inclusive and responsive to current and emerging needs of the community. We fund projects and programs that create critical impact as related to our organizational values and interconnected priorities. Granting areas include: Arts, Culture & Tourism Economic Development & Rural Vitality Child & Family Development Health & Human Services Professional Development & Capacity Building

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Be a nonprofit, legally tax-exempt organization. Serve residents of Stephenson, Jo Daviess & Carroll Counties in Northwest Illinois. Serve a charitable purpose by enhancing the quality of life in areas that include: Arts, Culture & Tourism, Economic Development & Rural Vitality, Child & Family Development, Health & Human Services, and Professional Development & Capacity Building. Applying organizations must be in good business standing and, if recurring applicants, in good standing with FNWIL

Ineligibility

Organizations or activities not legally recognized as charitable.Organizations or activities that do not offer direct impact to the residents of Stephenson, Jo Daviess, and/or Carrol counties. Funds directly to individuals or families. Political Organizations or political campaigns. Fraternal Organizations and Service Clubs. Religious or other organizations that seek to utilize grant funds for proselytization or advocacy for any religious worldview. Faith-based organizations may be considered eligible, at the discretion of FNWIL, if the proposed project or program serves a non-sectarian purpose and serves people within Carroll, Jo Daviess and/or Stephenson County without discrimination. Organizations that discriminate against any person or group in their operations or activities. Grant funding that is passed through the applying organization to another. Traditional operating expenses. Budget deficits. Grants to nonprofit organizations working with a fiscal agent. Grants to state or multi-state nonprofits that cannot demonstrate local use and impact of funds. Grants to other community foundations.