Northern Illinois Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Community Foundation of Northern Illinois
Intro
Donors established CFNIL scholarship funds to provide long-term support for students pursuing education. Each fund-maker determined the eligibility and selection criteria based on personal interests and community priorities; many of these scholarships serve as memorials honoring individuals and their passions.
Who can apply
The variety of scholarships mirrors the range of CFNIL’s donors and the communities served. Most awards are open to current college students and to high school seniors graduating in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties. Scholarships may be awarded for a number of reasons, including community involvement, scholastic performance, financial need, athletic participation, chosen field of study, and other specified factors. There are opportunities tailored for non-traditional students, minority students, and first-generation college students. Additionally, nearly two dozen scholarships are open to applicants who hold either a high school diploma or a GED; details are available on the Scholarship Resource page.
Review, selection, and distribution
Applications are reviewed and scored by volunteer committees that conduct blind evaluations and forward their recommendations to CFNIL’s Board of Trustees. Announcement timelines are as follows: Fall scholarship recipients are announced by March 1, Winter recipients by May 1, and Spring recipients by June 1. Recipients, donors, reviewers, and supporters are invited to the annual Scholarship Award Night held in mid-June. Scholarship payments are made directly to the recipient’s post-secondary institution.