ROCHELLE – The Rochelle Area Community Foundation (RACF) is excited to announce the opening of their 2025 Community Needs Grant Cycle on Feb. 1. The grant cycle is open to all qualified non-profit agencies, organizations, schools, churches, and government and municipality partners serving the Rochelle, Kings, Chana, Lindenwood, Esmond, Steward, and Creston areas. RACF is unable to provide funding to individuals, service organizations, or for-profit entities. To apply, visit RochelleFoundation.org, click on the “Grants” tab, and select “Manage Grant” to access the grant portal. Applicants can use their existing login credentials or create a new account if applying for the first time.

Applications will remain open until March 1 at 4 p.m. Two optional Zoom calls for grant applicants will be held to address questions about the application process, deadlines, and requirements:

Thursday, Feb. 13 at 3 p.m. (Meeting ID: 825 5390 7551)

Thursday, Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. (Meeting ID: 862 6524 7327)

While participation in the Zoom calls is not required, it is strongly encouraged. To receive a calendar invite, please email director@rochellefoundation.org, and the Executive Director, Emily Anaya, will add you to the list of attendees.

Approved grant requests will be announced at a community-wide event on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Lincoln Arts Center from 4-7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Additional details will be shared closer to the date.

Anaya shared her thoughts on the upcoming grant cycle: “The Community Needs Grant Cycle is at the heart of our mission to empower local non-profits. It’s an honor to facilitate the generosity of our donors and witness the positive impact these grants have on our community.”

Jeff Fiegenschuh, RACF board president, echoed her sentiments: “RACF is committed to fostering a vibrant and sustainable Rochelle area. Through the collaboration of donors and non-profits, we continue to build a stronger and more connected community.”

For specific questions about the grant application process or to learn more about RACF, contact Emily or Stephanie at 815-561-3600 or email director@rochellefoundation.org.
The Rochelle Area Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to connecting people who care with causes that matter most to them in the Rochelle area. Our mission is to be a vehicle for philanthropy and empower community non-profits through donor stewardship. The vision of RACF is to be a generous, vibrant, and sustainable community where a helping hand is always within reach. We offer a simple way for those with a philanthropic heart to make a lasting, positive difference in the community.