Local Jobs Fund

The Local Jobs Fund Grant is administered by the Community Foundation of Central Illinois (CFCI), a regional philanthropic organization located in Peoria, Illinois. CFCI provides competitive grants to improve quality of life and address critical community issues within a 50-mile radius of Peoria, excluding Knox and McLean Counties. The Foundation’s overarching mission is to strategically support programs with measurable community impact and long-term benefits. This particular funding stream is one of several offered annually through the Foundation’s summer/fall grant cycle. The Local Jobs Fund was established with the express purpose of supporting projects that break the cycle of poverty by equipping individuals with the skills needed to earn more than minimum wage. The fund prioritizes efforts that build employability and foster economic mobility through workforce-related programs. While the specific funding amount available varies from year to year and is listed in the online application, the grant clearly targets economic self-sufficiency and sustainable income generation. The application for the Local Jobs Fund Grant is due by 5:00 p.m. Central Time on the first Wednesday in September each year. Applicants must submit their proposals via the online portal accessible through the Foundation’s website. Applications become available 60 days prior to the submission deadline. Only one application may be submitted per organization, per grant cycle, and all materials must be complete and signed by both the applicant and an executive-level representative of the organization. Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, government entities such as public schools or municipalities, and churches or religious organizations—as long as their programs serve the broader community rather than sectarian purposes. Applicants must ensure that their operations comply with all applicable laws and must be current on prior grant evaluations. Organizations currently receiving CFCI funding are required to submit an interim progress report if a final evaluation is not yet due. Following submission, applications go through a review process that may last between 30 and 60 days. Award decisions are communicated in writing, and not all proposals will receive funding. A post-grant evaluation is required within one month of project completion. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in disqualification from applying for future grants for a minimum of two years. The Local Jobs Fund Grant aligns closely with CFCI’s emphasis on strategic, measurable, and collaborative initiatives. It directly supports workforce development efforts that empower individuals to transition into sustainable employment and financial independence. Organizations seeking to address poverty through vocational training, job readiness, or similar initiatives are encouraged to apply. For additional information or technical support, prospective applicants can contact the Community Foundation of Central Illinois at 309-674-8730 or visit www.communityfoundationci.org.