Community Grants


Annually, the Community Foundation invites qualified organizations in its 12-county service area to apply for a Community Grant. 2026 grants range from $1,000-$7,500 for both program/project support and general support grant requests. This is a competitive process and grants are limited to our available funds and budget. Partial funding may also be awarded.


2026 Community Grant Program

Community Grant Application Opens

March 1, 2026

Community Grant Application Closes

May 1, 2026 (11:59 PM)


Grants Distributed 

August 2026


Community Grant Reception

The Community Grant Reception was held on August 19, 2026, from 4-5:30 PM.

Please view event highlights below: 

2026 Community Grant Tribute Video

2026 Community Grant Program

2026 Community Grant Photo Gallery

2026 Community Grant Awardees


Please see our Grant Policy for further details. 

Eligible Applicants

Grants are awarded to:

  • Registered 501(c)(3) charitable organizations
  • Units of government or municipalities for public/charitable purposes
  • Faith-based organizations for programs benefiting the public good (must benefit the community, regardless of religion).


Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status must have a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor and provide documentation in the application.

More information on fiscal sponsorship



Applicant organizations and grants awarded must serve at least one of the following 12 counties:  Adams, Brown, Hancock, or Pike in Illinois; Clark, Knox, Lewis, Marion, Monroe, Pike, Ralls, or Shelby in Missouri.


Information Session Materials

  • 2026 Community Grant Applicant Information Session

    View the recorded version of our virtual 2026 Community Grant Applicant Information Session.

    View Here

Requests: Book of Opportunities


All Community Grant applications will be automatically published in the Book of Opportunities.


Please note:

  • Eligible organizations may submit up to two additional request summaries to the Book of Opportunities catalog.
  • The Book of Opportunities is distributed to Donor Advisors and is available publicly on our website.
  • Requests must be submitted through the portal by May 1.


Make a Request Current Book of Opportunities