Application deadline for Cook County Community Fund grants nears

The Cook County Community Fund (CCCF) helps connect local non-profits with funding through their annual grant program. Board Member Michael McHugh told WTIP that the CCCF is an affiliate of the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, which provides grants and scholarship opportunities across the region.

Applications for 2026 grants opened in early January and are due on Feb. 2.

The CCCF grant program has funded a wide variety of projects over the years. McHugh said that in 2025, CCCF allocated $56,000 in grants to 15 different non-profit organizations.

“Every year we give thousands of dollars away to nonprofit organizations, ones that you know, address root causes of challenges in our county, build collaborations. We want to help people who help people,” McHugh said.

While the application deadline is nearing, McHugh said that there is still time for non-profits to apply for a grant. He said that the online application is relatively simple, so for organizations who already have a project in mind that they are seeking funding for, finishing the application process should be a quick process.

“You provide descriptions of who you are, descriptions of your project. If you have any other matching funds that you’re bringing in, you’re going to talk about who you’re trying to serve and why it’s important you serve them,” McHugh said. “You fill that all out. I bet it can take you about 30 minutes.”

WTIP’s Kirsten Wisniewski spoke with Michael McHugh about the Cook County Community Fund grant program. Audio of that interview is below.

Kirsten Wisniewski January 29, 2026