Community Foundation of Northern Illinois Scholarship Program

About this scholarship

The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois offers more than 130 scholarships through three universal-application cycles. The fall application runs November 1 through January 1 and covers three awards; the winter or main cycle runs December 1 through February 1 and matches applicants to more than 120 scholarships; and the spring cycle runs March 1 through April 1 for two awards designed for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities. One application in the relevant cycle uses background and matching questions to identify every compatible fund, so applicants do not need to submit a separate initial form for each scholarship. Most awards require permanent residence in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, or Winnebago County, although the official catalog shows the precise geography, school, degree, field, financial-need, and other criteria for each fund. Opportunities support graduating seniors and older students in academic, arts, athletics, community service, education, manufacturing, STEM, trades, and other areas. Applicants create or reuse a personal-email account in the direct portal, submit the correct cycle application, and complete all assigned materials before that cycle closes. High school juniors are eligible only when graduating during the application year.

Eligibility

• Meet the eligibility rules of at least one scholarship in the selected CFNIL application cycle
• For most funds, be a permanent resident of Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, or Winnebago County, Illinois
• Be a graduating high school senior or an older student; juniors qualify only if graduating in the application year
• Complete the universal application for the fall, winter/main, or spring cycle that contains the desired opportunity
• Answer matching questions accurately and submit every required supplemental item by the applicable cycle deadline
• Use a personal email address that will remain available after high school