Community Foundation of Northern Illinois Scholarships

Scholarship Description

CFNIL is the region’s largest private scholarship provider, with over 125 unique scholarships to award this year. We have worked hard to make applying for Community Foundation of Northern Illinois scholarships as simple and efficient as possible. There are three cycles, each with their own application and timeline. Each cycle’s application is accessed via CFNIL’s online application portal.

Scholarship Details

• Fall, Winter/Main, and Spring application cycles
• Scholarships cater to various fields, including education, STEM, business, fire science, and healthcare
• Scholarship amounts and eligibility vary based on individual scholarships

Eligibility Criteria

• Illinois resident of Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, or Winnebago Community
• Academic achievements, such as GPA, class rank, or standardized test scores
• Specific fields of study, including STEM, education, and healthcare
• Financial need determined through the FAFSA
• Opportunities for non-traditional students with a high school diploma or GED

Application Process

1. Access the CFNIL application portal during the appropriate cycle window.
2. Provide personal information, including academic and extracurricular achievements.
3. Submit essays responding to prompts tailored to the specific scholarships.
4. Provide references who can attest to your qualifications.
5. Complete the FAFSA and provide the Student Aid Index (SAI) for need-based scholarships.

The applications are read and scored by committees of volunteers who use a “blind” review process and make recommendations to CFNIL’s Board of Trustees. Fall scholarship recipients are announced by March 1, Winter by May 1, and Spring by June 1, and recipients, donors, reviewers, and supporters are invited to an annual Scholarship Award Night ceremony in mid-June. Awards are sent directly to the recipient’s post-secondary institution.