Grants of up to $10,000 to Illinois nonprofit organizations and quasi-governmental agencies, including libraries, school districts, and park districts, for projects to benefit residents in eligible locations. New applicants must attend a workshop prior to applying. Eligible proposals address issues in the areas of early childhood education, land use and protection, and workforce development. Grant awards are to be made only to those nonprofit organizations and programs operating within the Greater Kankakee River Valley Area.
Early Childhood Education
The community has determined that the Community Foundation can have the greatest impact on Early Childhood Education (birth to age 8) by supporting:
(1) The improvement of the quality of child care;
(2) The support for parent education;
(3) The improvement of the quality and accessibility of early childhood education services, and
(4) The improvement of opportunities to access children’s mental health services.
For more information, see https://www.cfkrv.org/images/Communityworks_2023_Grant_Guidelines.pdf#page=2.
Land Use & Protection
The community has determined that the Community Foundation can have the greatest impact in these areas by:
(1) Expanding community efforts on land development with consideration for recreation focused on the benefits of the Kankakee River;
(2) Taking steps to preserve “rural charm” of our service area;
(3) Supporting efforts to address transportation issues.
For more information, see https://www.cfkrv.org/images/Communityworks_2023_Grant_Guidelines.pdf#page=3.
Workforce Development
The area’s communities have determined that the Community Foundation can have significant impact by supporting:
(1) Increased work opportunities for unemployed/underemployed youth through collaboration with the Workforce Board and other governmental and community-based organizations.
(2) Youth programs that prepare entry-level employment through the development of soft skills and work experience.
For more information, see https://www.cfkrv.org/images/Communityworks_2023_Grant_Guidelines.pdf#page=4.
Estimated Size of Grant:
Awards are generally made for one year at a time. Multiple-year awards will be considered if circumstances justify it; however, sustainability after the grant award-making period should be explained.
Grants Portal: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfkrv
If you have questions, you may contact the Community Foundation Office at 815-939-1611 or by email at mia@cfkrv.org.