Grant Opportunities

The Community Foundation disburses grants to area nonprofits and eligible government entities through several programs. The following grant and scholarship schedule outlines deadlines and eligibility for grants awarded through an application or request process.

AgForward Program for Agricultural Education

Purpose

Grants to advance education and innovation in the field of production agriculture.

Amount

Up to $15,000.

Eligibility

  • 501(c)(3) organizations or units of government throughout our 12-county service area.
  • Educational institutions or programs directly involving or impacting students.

Application Available

  • April 1.

Application Due

  • May 15.

Grants Awarded

  • Grants awarded by June 30.


Carthage Community Improvement Fund

Eligibility

  • Grants will be made to support the improvement of the community of Carthage, IL.
  • Grants are recommended by the donor advisor(s) of the fund and approved by the Community Foundation board.
  • 501(c)(3) organizations or units of government supporting the improvement of the Carthage, IL community are encouraged to apply, especially those located in or near the Carthage community.
  • Learn more about the fund here.

Application Available

Application Due

  • April 1

Grants Awarded

  • Grants will be awarded based on the recommendation of the donor advisor(s) with the approval of the Community Foundation board.

Communityworks Endowment Fund

Eligibility

  • 501(c)(3) organizations or units of government that advances workforce development, childcare, and early childhood education in Adams, Brown, Hancock, and Pike Counties, IL.
  • To review the fund's priorities and goals, click here.
  • To learn more about this fund, click here.

Application Available

  • A letter of intent is required to initiate the application process.

       Contact Kent Embree for more information. 

Application Due

  • Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.

Grants Awarded

  • Grants awarded on an ongoing basis.

Mary Ridder Cherny Fund

Eligibility

  • Grants for Quincy public or parochial schools for grades K-12 to participate in the performing arts will receive consideration; however, other applications meeting the goal to serve youth participation in the performing arts, not limited to the schools will also be considered.
  • To learn more about this fund, click here.

Application Available

Application Due

  • June 1.

Grants Awarded

  • Early September.

Raymond, Norbert, and Eleanor Rueter Fund

Eligibility

  • Public and parochial schools or their foundations in Adams, Brown, Hancock and Pike counties in Illinois. Grants will assist with the cost of tutoring or specialized education primarily to improve reading and/or comprehension skills for students in kindergarten-12th grade. Other criteria as specified in application materials.
  • To learn more about this fund, click here.

Application Available

  • Applications accepted online year round. 

Application Due

  • Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.

Grants Awarded

  • Grants awarded on an ongoing basis.

Robert & Barbara Girouard Endowment

Eligibility

  • Grants will be used to support Veterans' education
  • Nonprofit postsecondary education and vocational training institutions and 501(c)3 organizations located within the Community Foundation’s 12-county service area may apply for grants.
  • Grants may be used for financial assistance of one or more honorably discharged Veterans or for support of educational or career training programs targeted to Veterans.
  • Grants will be paid to the applicant institution.

Application Available

Application Due

Grants Awarded

  • Grants awarded on an ongoing basis.

Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund

Eligibility

  • 501(c)(3) organizations or units of government serving youth in artistic, leadership, and humanitarian efforts.
  • To learn more about this fund, click here.

Application Available

  • No application required, but may submit request letter online. Online request letter form available May 1.

Application Due

  • Not required, but may submit request letter online by October 1 to Community Foundation.

Grants Awarded

  • Early January.