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.


Community Grant Application Opens

March 1, 2026


One-on-One Review Session (Optional, Encouraged for New Applicants)

April 1, 2026 - April 17, 2026

Program team is available to review completed applications on a virtual call with applicant(s).

Book a session with Kent Embree, Program Officer.


Community Grant Application Closes

May 1, 2026 (11:59 PM)


Grants Distributed 

August 2026


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.


2025 Community Grant Recipients

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