New Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants Now Available

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois (CFECI) will be awarding $50,000 in grants to strengthen the nonprofit sector as part of its vision of raising the quality of life throughout the region it serves.

A recent survey of nonprofits in East Central Illinois identified the need to support their capacity to achieve their mission and goals. In response, CFECI will provide grants of up to $5,000 to eligible nonprofits for capacity building and technical assistance to improve an identified area of operations. These Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants require a 10% matching contribution.

“The Community Foundation is pleased to kick off this new grant cycle to invest in projects that strengthen our local nonprofit sector,” stated Angie Hatfield Marker, CFECI President & CEO. “By increasing their core systems and operations, these projects help nonprofits more effectively carry out their missions – now and into the future.”

To apply for a grant, nonprofits must be a charitable tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization with no less than two years of operation, located in and serving residents of CFECI’s service area which includes Champaign, Piatt, Ford, Iroquois, Vermilion, Edgar, Douglas, Coles and Moultrie counties. Organizations with an annual budget size of $1 million or less will be given priority in funding consideration.

This grant program focuses on projects that improve capacity in an identified area of organizational operations, including (but not limited to): communications; data management; diversity, equity and inclusion; financial management; fundraising; governance; leadership; mission and strategy; program delivery; and program evaluation.

Applications for Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants will be accepted starting September 1 and the application deadline will close September 30, 2022. Applicants will be notified of their application status in November.

To learn more about CFECI and to access the guidelines and application for its Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants, visit www.cfeci.org. An information session about this grant opportunity will be held on Zoom on Tuesday, September 6 at 1:00 p.m. To request the zoom link or for additional questions, email info@cfeci.org or call 217-359-0125.

CLICK HERE to see guidelines and requirements

Link to Application – 2022 Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant Application – Preview Application PDF here