Grantmaking Principles & Guidelines

CFCI Grantmaking

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois invests in the community by supporting initiatives that address local needs and create lasting impact. Our grantmaking is:

  • Focused on CFCI and donor priorities
  • Strategic with clear goals and measurable outcomes
  • Collaborative through partnerships and shared resources 

Nonprofit organizations serving individuals within a 50-mile radius of Peoria, IL (excluding Knox and McLean Counties) are encouraged to apply.

CFCI Competitive Grant Guidelines

Questions About Applying for a CFCI Grant?

For grant questions, contact Amanda Fiske, Director of Grants and Community Initiatives.

Email Amanda 309.674.8730

Competitive Grant Guidelines

CFCI supports the following areas of focus through competitive grantmaking:

  • Animal Welfare
  • Arts
  • Children & Youth
  • Community Improvement
  • Education
  • Health
  • Human Services
  • Workforce Development
  • Food Insecurity

CFCI does not fund:

  • Annual / Capital campaigns
  • Individuals
  • Endowments
  • Sectarian religious purposes: Faith based organizations and churches are eligible if program serves the community.
  • Grants will be made to organizations with programs serving individuals within a 50 mile radius of the city of Peoria, IL excluding Knox and McLean County.
  • Open to all organizations with tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, those that operate under a fiscal agent that is a 501(c)3 organization, and to churches, schools, or units of government.
  • Grant funding may support new or existing programs that positively benefit central Illinois.
  • Program must be operated and organized in such a manner that no applicable laws are violated.
  • Organization must be current on all grant evaluations. If the organization is currently being funded with a CFCI grant, and the grant evaluation is not yet due, an interim letter summarizing the progress of the grant must be submitted along with the application.
  • Applications for each grant opportunity are posted on the CFCI website at www.communityfoundationci.org by clicking on “For Grant Seekers.” Applications will open 60 days prior to the deadline.
  • Incomplete and late applications will not be considered.
  • Organizations may only submit one application per grant program per year.
  • All grants are due by 5:00 p.m. Central Time.
  • All applications must be signed / approved by the person writing the grant and by executive level personnel.
  • CFCI reserves the right to make changes to application requirements up to 60 days prior to the deadline.
  • Proposals must be received / submitted by 5:00 p.m. Central Time on the application deadline. If the deadline is on a holiday or weekend, applications will be accepted through the next business day.
  • Each grant opportunity is subject to a review process that may last 30-60 days after the submission deadline. CFCI reserves the right to shorten or extend the process at any time.
  • Naturally, not all projects can be funded. A denial should not be viewed as a negative reflection on the program, but rather a reflection on the amount of funding available. Applicants will be notified in writing on the status of each grant.

A grant evaluation must be completed and submitted within one month of grant program completion. Failure to fully complete this report and return it within one month of grant completion will prevent the grantee from grant consideration for at least two years.

2026 Spring Grant Training

Planning to apply for a Spring Grant? This will walk you through the full application process, eligibility requirements, important deadlines, and common mistakes to avoid.