Redbird Impact Philanthropy Leaders (RIPL) Grants is a grant from Illinois Prairie Community Foundation that funds civic engagement-focused programs in McLean, DeWitt, Livingston, or Logan counties in Illinois. RIPL is co-created by Illinois State University's Center for Civic Engagement and IPCF, and puts undergraduate ISU students in charge of reviewing applications and awarding a total of $10,000 to selected programs.

Applications are accepted during IPCF's February grant cycle (February 1–27, 2026). Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, schools, or tax-exempt religious organizations serving local county residents.

IPCF Accepting Grant Applications in February - Illinois Prairie Community Foundation Celebrating Local Philanthropy Events Nonprofits Workshop – August 13, 2025 Philanthropy Lunch – November 13, 2025 Philanthropists of the Year Award Past Philanthropists of the Year Illinois Gives Tax Credit General Criteria for All Grant Types – Updated Women to Women Giving Circle Founding Members of Women to Women Women to Women Founding Member Videos Youth Engaged in Philanthropy Celebrating Local Philanthropy Events Nonprofits Workshop – August 13, 2025 Philanthropy Lunch – November 13, 2025 Philanthropists of the Year Award Past Philanthropists of the Year Illinois Gives Tax Credit General Criteria for All Grant Types – Updated Women to Women Giving Circle Founding Members of Women to Women Women to Women Founding Member Videos Youth Engaged in Philanthropy IPCF Accepting Grant Applications in February By Illinois Prairie | January 20, 2026 4 Grant Cycles: General, Arts & Culture, Jewish Education and Civic Engagement 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.

“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 [email protected] 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.

Michele Evans , Vice President (Programs) | 309-662-4477 Posted in Media Releases and tagged 2026 Worth a Look: Charitable Gifts of Real Estate Postmarks, Rule Changes, and Remedies for Late 2025 Charitable Gifts Sudden Life Changes: Charitable Giving Can Help Clients Get Through It What Type of Fund, or Funds, is Right for You? Eye on the Storms: Keep Giving 915 E. Washington St.

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