The In Youth We Trust (IYWT) Council is a youth philanthropy program managed by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL). Established with a grant from the Ford Foundation in 1994, and later endowed by a local donor, IYWT has been active in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties, awarding over $500,000 to youth-led initiatives. The program seeks to empower young individuals by teaching grantmaking, volunteerism, and leadership skills, preparing them to be future community leaders and positive change-makers. The IYWT Council consists of high school students from these counties, with an emphasis on creating a diverse and engaged group that will work collaboratively to tackle community issues.

The IYWT Youth Grant is intended for projects proposed and led by young people, particularly those in the four counties served by CFNIL. The program is designed to fund initiatives that are youth-driven and that address important community challenges. Eligible applicants must be part of a sponsoring organization, which must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, religious organization, public university/college, or unit of government. The initiative must focus on the involvement and benefit of youth aged 19 years or younger, promoting youth leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. The grant funds will be available in late January 2025, with applicants being notified in January 2024.

Applicants can request up to $3,000 to support their projects, which may be events, programs, projects, or capital/commodity activities aimed at addressing specific community needs. A diverse range of projects is considered, including short-term events like dance-a-thons, longer-term programs like after-school initiatives, or even the purchase of equipment that supports ongoing youth activities. Applicants are encouraged to use measurable outcomes to evaluate their projects' success, and they must submit a final report detailing the project results.

The grant application consists of several sections that require the submission of basic organizational information, project details, and a proposed budget. It also includes questions about how the project will promote community engagement, how the results will be measured, and how the project will be promoted. Completed applications must be emailed to CFNIL by 5 p.m. on November 8, 2024. Applicants will be contacted for interviews, and successful applicants will receive their funding in January 2025.

Projects are expected to involve youth in all stages, from planning to implementation, and should demonstrate a practical plan and a realistic budget. The IYWT Council emphasizes projects that provide solutions to local issues and help young people understand the significant role they play in their communities. Grants will not fund individuals, for-profit organizations, or adult-led initiatives. They also do not support religious activities or discriminatory practices. Additionally, grant recipients must submit a final report after the project to account for how funds were used and the results achieved.