Opportunity Grants

From Community Foundation of Central Illinois

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois (CFCI) aims to invest in the community by supporting programs that tackle community needs and promise lasting value. Their mission encompasses focusing on established priorities, being strategic and measurable in support offered, and fostering collaborations to leverage resources and cultivate partnerships.

Type of Support

Overview

Opportunity Grants aim to support local organizations in addressing immediate, one-time funding needs or in responding to emergencies. These grants provide up to $1,000 for special projects or urgent requirements. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, though organizations are limited to one application per year, regardless of the outcome of any previous applications. Priority is given to requests that align with the grant-making principles of the Central Illinois Community Foundation (CFCI). Key areas of interest include supporting nonprofits in good standing with the IRS for short-term and urgent funding needs. This may include coping with unforeseen events that disrupt essential services, supporting special events or projects that offer a unique opportunity to benefit many people, or enhancing organizational capacity through training, strategic planning, board development, and education.

Eligibility

Organization's Location
USA
Program Location
Preferred locations: IL (Peoria County), All eligible locations: IL
Organization Type
Nonprofit organizations in good standing as determined by the IRS

Ineligibility

Organizations with general operating expenses
Organizations with direct personnel expenses for ongoing programs
Organizations aiming to meet budget shortfalls or cover previously assumed costs
Organizations providing direct financial assistance to individuals
Organizations involved in political campaigns or legislative influence attempts
Organizations supporting ongoing program costs
Organizations outside the CFCI service area
Organizations submitting more than one application within a 12-month period.
up to 1k

Submission

Review Criteria

Funding Restrictions: Criteria for Ineligibility

  • Costs classified under normal operational expenses of the organization
  • Salary or wage expenses for staff involved in existing programs
  • Addressing financial deficits or expenses that were already planned for
  • Offering direct monetary aid to individual persons
  • Funding political campaigns or efforts aimed at swaying the decisions of governmental entities on legislative matters
  • Continuation of expenses related to regular programs
  • Entities located beyond the geographical service region of CFCI
  • Limitation to a single application submission per organization during any rolling 12-month period

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