CFMC Emergency Grant Program

The Community Foundation for McHenry County (CFMC) is a local philanthropic organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in McHenry County, Illinois. Through a variety of grantmaking and community initiatives, CFMC supports nonprofits that address local needs across a range of focus areas. The Foundation’s 2025 grant programs reflect an ongoing commitment to provide responsive, targeted, and impactful funding to organizations of varying sizes and missions. Among the suite of 2025 offerings is the Emergency Grant Program, a critical resource for nonprofits navigating unexpected and urgent challenges. The Emergency Grant Program is designed to support nonprofit organizations experiencing unforeseen, unbudgeted emergencies that significantly impact their ability to operate or fulfill their mission. Funding under this program can be used to address urgent issues such as equipment failures, health and safety hazards, infrastructure breakdowns, natural disasters, and technological malfunctions. The fund is not meant for general operating support or long-term capital projects, but rather for situations that are time-sensitive and require immediate intervention to maintain service continuity. This grant opportunity operates on a rolling basis, allowing nonprofits to apply at any time when emergencies arise. However, before submitting an application, organizations are required to first contact Jake Schlicht, Manager of Grants and Scholarships at CFMC, to discuss their proposal. This step ensures that the emergency fits within the scope of the grant program and that the foundation can provide timely guidance during the process. Applicants may reach Mr. Schlicht via email at jake@thecfmc.org or by phone at (815) 338-4483. To be eligible, applicants must be one of the following: a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, a unit of local government, a not-for-profit educational institution, or a faith-based or religious organization providing secular community services. Religious organizations are eligible as long as the grant-funded programs do not promote or require participation in religious doctrine. All applicants must serve McHenry County, as the grant is not available statewide or nationally. The Community Foundation does not specify a funding ceiling or floor for this opportunity, and the total program funding available has not been disclosed. Instead, the program is designed to be responsive to the scale and urgency of the need. No information is currently available about the number of awards or matching requirements, and applicants should inquire directly during the pre-application consultation to confirm these details. The Emergency Grant Program remains open and is actively accepting applications as of the time of writing. Because it is not a recurring program with preset cycles, but rather an ongoing opportunity responsive to emergencies, there is no specific open or close date. The Foundation encourages nonprofits to maintain communication with their grants manager and prepare supporting documentation that outlines the nature of the emergency, its financial impact, and the proposed use of funds.