United Way of Northwest Illinois
Community Investment Grants
Community Investment Grants from United Way of Northwest Illinois help eligible nonprofit organizations create measurable, lasting improvements for people in Stephenson, Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties.
2026–2027 application period closed
The application period for the 2026–2027 Community Investment Grant cycle has ended. Application materials remain available below for funded organizations, previous applicants and nonprofits preparing for a future funding opportunity.
About Our Community Investment Grants
Community impact means bringing people, organizations and resources together to improve lives. United Way of Northwest Illinois supports strategies designed to address community needs, strengthen local systems and produce results that can be measured over time.
These nonprofit funding opportunities support work benefiting residents of Stephenson, Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties. The 2026–2027 grant process included two funding areas: Basic Needs and Community Catalyst. Applicants were asked to connect their proposed work to local needs, expected outcomes and the United Way results framework.
Grant Application Resources
Review the resources below for application requirements, program expectations and answers to common questions. Please check each document carefully because requirements may change between funding cycles.
Application Instructions
Review instructions for accessing the online grant application system and preparing an application.
Applicant FAQ
Find answers about eligibility, service areas, funding categories, reporting, budgets and the review process.
Grant Guidebook
Review the Community Investment Grants Guidebook for detailed program and application guidance.
Results Framework
See the outcomes, measurements and community priorities included in the 2026–2027 Results Framework.
Reference Application
A Word document is available to help organizations review and prepare application responses. It is provided for planning purposes only. Official applications must be completed through the online application system.
Who Should Review These Grant Resources?
The materials may be useful for nonprofit organizations serving Northwest Illinois. Eligibility and application requirements depend on the individual funding cycle. Organizations should review the current guidebook and applicant FAQ before beginning an application.
For the 2026–2027 cycle, the official FAQ describes eligibility for qualifying nonprofit organizations serving Stephenson, Jo Daviess or Carroll County. Organizations should not assume that the same requirements will apply to a future grant cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the current Community Investment Grant application open?
No. The 2026–2027 application period has closed. United Way will publish information about future nonprofit funding opportunities when dates and requirements are available.
Can I submit the Word document as my application?
No. The downloadable Word document is provided only as a reference and planning tool. Applications must be submitted through the official online application system during an open funding cycle.
Where can I find eligibility and reporting requirements?
Review the Community Investment Grants Guidebook, Results Framework and Applicant FAQ. These documents explain the requirements used for the 2026–2027 funding cycle.
How can my organization learn about the next grant cycle?
Watch the United Way of Northwest Illinois website for announcements or contact our office with questions about future Community Investment Grant opportunities.
Questions About Community Investment Grants?
Contact United Way of Northwest Illinois for help locating grant resources or information about future application opportunities.
Application dates, eligibility requirements and funding priorities may change between grant cycles. Always review the materials published for the current funding opportunity.
United Way of Northwest Illinois is focused on four key impact areas where community investment can make the greatest impact: Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency. These priorities are guided by community voices, local data, donor priorities, and reflect United Way’s commitment to improving stability across northwest Illinois. Through the grant process, UWNWIL has established two grant pathways designed to address long-term solutions and immediate needs: Community Catalyst and Basic Needs. This approach allows organizations to choose the funding path that will align with the needs they serve and the outcomes they aim to achieve.
See below for the full Community Impact RFP's.
Click here for
Community Catalyst RFP
for Fiscal Year 2026-2027
Application Opens February 10th 2026- April 2nd, 2026
Access the application here
Click here for
Basic Needs RFP
for Fiscal Year 2026-2027
Application opens February 10th- March 27th, 2026
Access the application here
Community Catalyst and Basic Needs
