$100,000 Available for Education, Environment, and Workforce Development
CommunityWorks 2026 Program
The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation (HICF) is accepting online submissions from established nonprofit organizations and schools in our service area seeking grant awards from the CommunityWorks Endowment Fund.
Total available funding for this grant program in 2026 is $100,000 with maximum requests per organization totaling $20,000 ($5,000 minimum request).
The overall purpose of CommunityWorks is to provide a coordinated, systems-based approach toward the achievement of community aspirations. Grants support three main areas: education, environment, and workforce development, based on the belief that by improving these areas, we can directly impact the quality of life in our community.
Qualified organizations are able to access the HICF Grant Portal online via an established user account* at https://bit.ly/HICFGrants - all submissions related to the CommunityWorks Grant Program must be received by established deadlines via the grant portal.
For this grant program, funding is restricted to programs that prioritize one of the specified funding areas. Organizations pursuing one of these grants must submit a proposal for a new program or further development of an existing program for the chosen funding area - included below are some sample projects and guidelines:
Education:
- Increase access to quality, affordable education
- Expand availability of quality childcare facilities and early childhood development
- Strengthen educational programs and management capacities, aimed at student success
Environment - Land Use/Protection:
- Protection and restoration of natural lands and waterways
- Development of clean renewable energy and prevention of pollution
- Expansion/connection of preserved natural lands
- Land use management and strategies that promote economic vitality and environmental health
- Public education related to the above issues
Workforce Development:
- Job creation or job retention and career advancement; clear workforce pathways
- Access/transportation options to jobs
- Adult literacy and skill development
For questions related to the HICF CommunityWorks Grant Program and grant portal account establishment for organizations and qualified users, please contact Andrea Gerhard, Director of Scholarships & Grants, at agerhard@heartofillinois.org or 217.429.3000.
