In Youth We Trust - Adult/Nonprofit Grants

In Youth We Trust - Adult/Nonprofit Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Community Foundation of Northern Illinois
Amount: Up to US $5,000
Last Updated: February 09, 2026

Summary

In Youth We Trust, a youth philanthropy program by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, offers grants up to $40,000 for community projects focusing on youth mental health. Nonprofit organizations can apply for funding to support initiatives that empower youth, address community issues, and foster practical implementation plans. With awards up to $5,000, this initiative aims to make a significant impact on local youth in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties.

Overview

Background In Youth We Trust is a youth philanthropy program of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. Established with a grant from the Ford Foundation in 1994 and endowed by a local donor, In Youth We Trust (IYWT) 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. Adult/Nonprofit Grants This year, the IYWT Council will distribute up to $40,000 to community projects that benefit local youth. This grant cycle is for proposals written by nonprofit organizations (adults) for the purpose of serving youth. The focus is on youth mental health. We look for proposals that: Help youth recognize the important role they play within their communities,Provide solutions to community issues facing youth,Have a clear and practical plan for implementation,Have a realistic budget, andHave measurable and meaningful results. Up to $20,000 will be awarded. The maximum that an organization can request is $5,000.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. To be eligible to apply for funding from the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois’ IYWT Grant, an applicant must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization OR a religious organization, unit of government, or public university/college.Nonprofit organizations providing services or programming to youth within Winnebago, Boone, Ogle, or Stephenson counties.  Types of Projects We FundAll proposals should  be charitable activities that serve youth directly:ProjectThe duration of the charitable activity described in the proposal has a beginning and ending date, and lasts between one week and three years. Example: Care packages to homeless youth.ProgramThe duration of the charitable activity described in the proposal is ongoing. Example: Safe centers for study during and after school hours.Capital/CommodityIf you are purchasing equipment, a commodity, or making a minor capital improvement that will allow you to serve or further your ability to serve youth. If a capital/commodity purchase is not the primary expense of a charitable activity, choose Project/Program as appropriate. Examples: Providing sanitary supplies such as clean masks, sanitary wipes, hand sanitizers, etc.

Ineligibility

IWT will not fund:IndividualsFor-profit organizationsProjects and programs that promote a religion or require participation in religious activities as a condition for receiving services. Grants may be made to faith-based organizations for other purposes.Projects or organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, national/ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran’s status, disability, or any other factor prohibited by applicable law.Grant funds are not for any political or lobbying activity.