Rochelle Area Community Foundation Grant Program

The Rochelle Area Community Foundation Community Needs Grants provide competitive funding to eligible organizations that serve residents within the Rochelle Township High School (RTHS) District. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) community-based charitable organization committed to improving the Rochelle area through targeted charitable giving. Its mission is centered on supporting initiatives that contribute to the overall well-being of the community, with a focus on pressing and evolving needs. This includes annual support for programs in arts and culture, education, health and wellness, community development, environmental efforts, hunger relief, and broader community services. Each year, the Foundation opens its grant application cycle on February 1 and closes the window on March 1 at 4:00 p.m. Awards are announced in April. Applications are welcomed from any 501(c)(3) nonprofit or governmental entity that is exempt from state and federal taxes and serves the RTHS District area. The Foundation maintains a local geographic restriction, ensuring that funds directly benefit the defined service area. Community Needs Grants are designed to be responsive, addressing both longstanding and emerging needs across multiple sectors. Funding may be used for programmatic work, direct services, or even COVID-19-related operational losses. Special consideration is given to proposals that foster cross-organizational collaboration, encourage civic participation, or address needs not funded in the past three years. The grant review process is guided by criteria that evaluate the potential community impact, clearly defined needs, and the applicant’s organizational capacity to implement the proposed activities. Reviewers also consider the ability of applicants to sustain the program beyond the funding period and leverage additional resources. Projects that coordinate with existing services or organizations are viewed favorably, reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to collaboration and strategic investment. Some funding restrictions apply. The Foundation does not typically support capital campaigns, annual fundraising drives, general solicitations, for-profit businesses, or individual applicants. Additionally, all grant recipients are expected to submit interim or final reports in accordance with the timelines set upon award disbursement. This reporting requirement ensures accountability and helps the Foundation assess the efficacy and impact of its funding. An additional stream of funding is provided through the Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) program. This branch of the Foundation promotes youth engagement in community giving and supports projects that specifically benefit youth aged 18 and under within the RTHS District. YIP grants must be implemented by nonprofit organizations and demonstrate accountability through clear goals, budgets, and measurable outcomes. Interested applicants may contact the Rochelle Area Community Foundation directly at (815) 561-3600 or via email at director@rochellefoundation.org for more information about the application process, eligibility, or program requirements. The annual nature of the Community Needs Grants provides a reliable opportunity for local service providers to secure support for impactful initiatives.