In Youth We Trust Youth Grants

The In Youth We Trust Youth Grant is a community-focused funding opportunity operated by the In Youth We Trust Council, under the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. This grant empowers local youth to take on philanthropic roles by enabling them to apply for financial support toward community-enhancing projects. The program recognizes that youth can be catalysts for change and seeks to nurture their creativity and commitment to social good through structured funding of up to $3,000 per project. This grant targets youth-led initiatives that are supported by a qualified nonprofit sponsor. Eligible projects must be designed and carried out during the spring semester and demonstrate a clear commitment to benefiting the local community. The purpose is to encourage civic engagement among young individuals while supporting projects that bring about tangible improvements. All proposals must be spearheaded and written by youth participants, with oversight from an adult contact affiliated with the sponsoring organization. Funding can only be disbursed to established nonprofit organizations, religious institutions, government units, or public higher education entities that serve as fiscal sponsors. The grant checks will be distributed by the end of the first week in February, and all funded projects must be completed by the end of the school year, with a final report due by June 1. This structured timeline ensures that the grant funds are used efficiently and within the intended academic year. Applicants must submit completed forms via email to iywt@cfnil.org by 5:00 p.m. on December 5. A representative of the applying youth group must be available for a required in-person interview scheduled on the morning of January 17 at the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. These interviews are critical to the evaluation process and determine final award decisions, which will be communicated at the end of January. The selection process emphasizes not just the feasibility and creativity of the proposals, but also the anticipated community impact and the clarity of the project plan. The grant supports youth-driven civic engagement and aims to build leadership capacity among young people. All grant recipients will also be invited to a celebratory reception in May to showcase their completed projects and network with other grantees. For more information or questions, applicants are directed to consult the full program details on the official website at www.cfnil.org/grants/youth or contact the council via email or phone. This grant opportunity recurs annually, reflecting the foundation’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment and community development.

Submit early to allow time for confirmation. Representative must attend interview or application is ineligible. Projects must align with community benefit and be completed before school year ends.