Community Grants
Annually, the Community Foundation invites qualified organizations in its 12-county service area to apply for a Community Grant.
2026 grants range from $1,000-$7,500 for both program/project support and general support grant requests. This is a competitive process and grants are limited to our available funds and budget. Partial funding may also be awarded.
Community Grant Application Opens
March 1, 2026
Community Grant Application Closes
May 1, 2026 (11:59 PM)
Grants Distributed
August 2026
Please see our Grant Policy for further details.
Eligible Applicants
Grants are awarded to:
- Registered 501(c)(3) charitable organizations
- Units of government or municipalities for public/charitable purposes
- Faith-based organizations for programs benefiting the public good (must benefit the community, regardless of religion).
Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status must have a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor and provide documentation in the application.
More information on fiscal sponsorship
Applicant organizations and grants awarded must serve at least one of the following 12 counties: Adams, Brown, Hancock, or Pike in Illinois; Clark, Knox, Lewis, Marion, Monroe, Pike, Ralls, or Shelby in Missouri.
Preparation for Grant Writing: Financial Statements and Budgets
Optional, Encouraged for New Applicants
March 19, 2026 11 AM - 12 PM
(Community Foundation, 621 Vermont Street, Quincy, IL 62301)
Join JWCC Director of Fiscal Services, Nora Klingele and Community Foundation Program Officer, Kent Embree as they discuss types of financial statements, budgets, and preparation of financial information for grant writing. This short hour-long session will cover some general best practices as they relate to the Community Foundation's Community Grant Program. This program is accepting applications until May 1.
One-on-One Review Session
Optional, Encouraged for New Applicants
April 1, 2026 - April 17, 2026
Program team is available to review completed applications on a virtual call with applicant(s).
Information Session Materials
2026 Community Grant Applicant Information Session
View HereView the recorded version of our virtual 2026 Community Grant Applicant Information Session.
Requests: Book of Opportunities
All Community Grant applications will be automatically published in the Book of Opportunities.
Please note:
- Eligible organizations may submit up to two additional request summaries to the Book of Opportunities catalog.
- The Book of Opportunities is distributed to Donor Advisors and is available publicly on our website.
- Requests must be submitted through the portal by May 1.
