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Illinois Prairie Community
Foundation accepting grant applications in February
[January 21, 2026]
BLOOMINGTON, IL – Illinois Prairie
Community Foundation will accept applications for grants in four
categories from February 1-27, 2026. Interested applicants may find
information about the grants on IPCF’s website at
https://ilprairiecf.org/spring-grants along with a link to the
online grant application portal once it opens.
IPCF has added a new grant cycle this year: the Redbird Impact
Philanthropy Leaders (RIPL) Grant, which will fund civic
engagement-focused programs. RIPL is an initiative cocreated by
Illinois State University’s Center for Civic Engagement and IPCF.
The program is designed to support undergraduate students at
Illinois State in their exploration of the nonprofit sector through
the grantmaking process. Student participants will explore the
meaning of philanthropy by reviewing applications and awarding a
total of $10,000 in grants for civic engagement-focused programs.
Other grant cycles open during the February application period are:
· General Grants are open to programs that focus on education,
health and wellness, and youth.
· Mirza/IPCF Arts & Culture Grants are open to programs that focus
on performing or visual arts, music education, and/or arts education
and enrichment.
· Sol Shulman Jewish Life &
Education Grants are open to programs that focus on Jewish-themed
educational, arts and cultural enrichment programs open to all.
Included in this process is the David and Kay Williams Music
Education Grant, in its ninth year of awarding money. The grant
seeks to support creative music education experiences. Those
interested in applying for a Williams Music Education Grant will use
the Mirza/Arts & Culture Grant online application.
IPCF expects to award about $215,000 during this grant round. These
grants provide support to programs that benefit local residents.
Last year, IPCF received 123 applications for these three grant
types, with 97 programs receiving a portion of the money available.
Funding for these grants comes from endowments held at IPCF,
designated gifts and donations to the Annual Campaign.
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“There are so many
nonprofit organizations doing amazing things in our community
that need help funding their programs, especially in this tough
economic environment,” said Michele Evans, IPCF Vice President
(Programs). Last year, IPCF received 123 applications for these
three grant types, with 97 programs receiving a portion of the
money available.
Applicants must represent a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, a
local unit of municipal, county, state or federal government, a
school or college/university, or a tax-exempt religious
organization or place of worship. Programs must be available to
residents of McLean, DeWitt, Livingston or Logan counties, but
do not have to serve all four counties.
For additional information and questions, grant seekers may
contact Michele Evans at mevans@ilprairiecf.org or 309-662-4477.
About Illinois Prairie Community Foundation
Illinois Prairie Community Foundation connects generosity to
local impact by stewarding resources, cultivating partnerships
and fostering equity across our region. IPCF empowers
individuals, families and organizations to create meaningful
change – today and for generations to come. The foundation
manages funds including endowments and agency, designated, donor
advised, field of interest, scholarship and unrestricted funds.
More information is available at
www.ilprairiecf.org.
Community Partners for Illinois Prairie Community Foundation
are: The Drake Zimmerman Group, Heartland Bank & Trust, Meyer
Capel, Illinois Farm Bureau, Onward Injury Law, WGLT, First Mid
Wealth Management, Knight Light Photograph, Northern Trust,
Renaissance Wealth Management BN, Bank of Pontiac, Donald
Heinold CPA, Fox & Hounds Salon & Spa, Little Jewels Learning
Center, Tarvin Culligan and Westminster Village.
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