The Mill Foundation concentrates its giving on local social service and community-strengthening organizations in the Rockford/Loves Park area, prioritizing programs that serve children, families, and vulnerable populations. Their support skews toward community/neighborhood centers, youth development organizations, child advocacy (CASA), and faith-affiliated community development and homeless recovery programs. Grants appear targeted to operational/program support for organizations that deliver direct services in their immediate geographic community.
The Mill Foundation’s recent grantmaking centers on disadvantaged youth in the Rockford region, with repeated support for neighborhood centers, youth clubs, child advocacy, and crisis services. Its annual grant programs are built around direct grants to nonprofit organizations that help young people develop values, behaviors, and life skills that lead to responsible and productive lives. The pattern is local and operational: the foundation backs organizations that deliver services in the community rather than broad, multi-state initiatives. Among the clearest signals is its recurring support for community-based youth hubs. Patriot's Gateway Community Center receives funding tied to neighborhood community center services for people who live, work, play, and learn in near-southeast Rockford and the Rock River Valley community. Northwest Community Center also appears with support for an after-school program serving grade school to middle school youth from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Mill Foundation also funds Winnebago County Casa for volunteer advocacy on behalf of abused and neglected children, showing that child protection is part of its giving alongside youth development and basic-needs support.
Youth development is the clearest thread in The Mill Foundation’s portfolio. The Boys and Girls Club of Rockford was funded for opportunities tied to academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles, while Rock House Kids received support for hot meals and Bible study for at-risk children. Community center-based programming is another recurring area. Ken-rock Community Center was funded to enhance quality of life for children and families through recreation, education, and social services, and the YMCA of Rock River Valley received support for continued operations. The foundation also supports child advocacy and family crisis services. Winnebago County Casa was funded for its volunteer program for abused and neglected children, and Rockford Rescue Mission received support for women’s crisis and women’s recovery programs serving women and children experiencing homelessness. Faith-affiliated community development appears as well, including Northwest Christian Community Development for community development work.
The Mill Foundation’s typical grant size sits at a median of $9,000, with the 25th percentile at $5,000 and the 75th percentile at $10,800. The recent record shows many awards clustered near that middle range, with several repeated $10,000 and $10,800 grants. The same organizations appear across multiple years, pointing to ongoing relationships rather than one-time awards. Examples include Northwest Community Center, Boys & Girls Club, Rockford Rescue Mission, Casa of Winnebago County, and Patriots' Gateway Community Center. The foundation operates an annual grant program, makes direct grants to nonprofit organizations, and accepts unsolicited applications. The program language emphasizes disadvantaged youth, life skills, and education-related support.
$124K
$2.2M
$539K
$147K
Most grants fall between $5K and $11K, with a median of $9K.
25th Percentile
$5K
Median
$9K
75th Percentile
$11K
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Concentrated, local giving to direct‑service nonprofits: a small number of mid‑sized grants focused on Rockford-area community centers and social service providers, with at least one repeat grantee (Northwest Community Center). Funding is operational/program support rather than large, multi‑year institutional endowments.
Notable grantees: Northwest Community Center, Patriot's Gateway Community Center, Boys and Girls Club of Rockford, Winnebago County CASA, Rockford Rescue Mission
Grantmaking is entirely local and concentrated in Illinois, with 100% of grants going to recipients in the foundation’s home state. Rockford is the main recipient city in the recent grants list, including awards to Winnebago County Casa, Boys & Girls Club of Rockford, and Rockford Rescue Mission. One grant also went to Rockford Park District - Washington Park in Washington, IL. The geographic pattern aligns with the Rockford, Winnebago County, and Rockford region focus in the active grant programs.
Its grants go to nonprofit organizations serving disadvantaged youth in the Rockford region, along with community centers, child advocacy groups, and crisis-service organizations. Recent examples include youth clubs, neighborhood centers, a CASA program for abused and neglected children, and a rescue mission serving women and children.
Yes. The active grant programs state that the foundation accepts unsolicited applications, and the annual program is structured as direct funding to nonprofit organizations serving disadvantaged youth in the Rockford region.
The typical grant size is $9,000 at the median, with grants commonly falling between $5,000 at the 25th percentile and $10,800 at the 75th percentile.
It gives most often in Illinois, and 100% of the recorded grants in the provided data went to recipients in that state. The recent grants are concentrated in Rockford and nearby Illinois locations.
Youth development is the most visible theme, especially programs tied to academic success, leadership, healthy lifestyles, after-school services, and life skills. The data also shows support for community development, child advocacy, homelessness recovery services for women and children, and faith-affiliated community development.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CASA OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY | ROCKFORD, IL | $10,000 | 2025 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUB | ROCKFORD, IL | $10,000 | 2025 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| NORTHWEST COMMUNITY CENTER | ROCKFORD, IL | $10,000 | 2025 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| PATRIOTS' GATEWAY COMMUNITY CENTER | ROCKFORD, IL | $10,000 | 2025 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| ROCKFORD RESCUE MISSION | ROCKFORD, IL | $10,000 | 2025 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| THE MUSIC ACADEMY OF ROCKFORD | ROCKFORD, IL | $9,000 | 2025 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT | ROCKFORD, IL | $8,900 | 2025 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| DISCOVERY CENTER MUSEUM | ROCKFORD, IL | $8,000 | 2025 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| NORTHERN ILLINOIS FOOD BANK | ROCKFORD, IL | $8,000 | 2025 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| REMEDIES RENEWING LIVES | ROCKFORD, IL | $8,000 | 2025 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| ROCKFORD BARBELL | ROCKFORD, IL | $7,200 | 2025 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA-BLACKHAWK AREA COUNCIL | ROCKFORD, IL | $7,000 | 2025 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| HABITAT FOR HUMANITY | LOVES PARK, IL | $4,000 | 2025 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| KEN-ROCK COMMUNITY CENTER | ROCKFORD, IL | $3,600 | 2025 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| YMCA OF ROCK RIVER VALLEY | ROCKFORD, IL | $3,000 | 2025 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| ROCKFORD SEXUAL ASSAULT COUNSEL | ROCKFORD, IL | $2,500 | 2025 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| THE PREGNANCY CARE CENTER OF ROCKFORD | ROCKFORD, IL | $2,500 | 2025 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| CARPENTER'S PLACE | ROCKFORD, IL | $2,365 | 2025 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| NORTHWEST COMMUNITY CENTER | ROCKFORD, IL | $15,000 | 2024 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| YOUTH SERVICES NETWORK | ROCKFORD, IL | $13,500 | 2024 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUB | ROCKFORD, IL | $13,500 | 2024 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| ROCKFORD RESCUE MISSION | ROCKFORD, IL | $10,800 | 2024 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| PATRIOTS' GATEWAY COMMUNITY CENTER | ROCKFORD, IL | $10,800 | 2024 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| CASA OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY | ROCKFORD, IL | $10,800 | 2024 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| REMEDIES RENEWING LIVES | ROCKFORD, IL | $9,000 | 2024 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| NORTHERN ILLINOIS FOOD BANK | ROCKFORD, IL | $9,000 | 2024 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT | ROCKFORD, IL | $8,316 | 2024 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA-BLACKHAWK AREA COUNCIL | ROCKFORD, IL | $6,750 | 2024 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| KEN-ROCK COMMUNITY CENTER | ROCKFORD, IL | $5,900 | 2024 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| GIRL SCOUTS OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS | ROCKFORD, IL | $4,500 | 2024 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| HABITAT FOR HUMANITY | LOVES PARK, IL | $3,600 | 2024 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| ROCKFORD SEXUAL ASSAULT COUNSEL | ROCKFORD, IL | $2,250 | 2024 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| WINNEBAGO COUNTY CASA | ROCKFORD, IL | $27,000 | 2023 | TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR THE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM FOR ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN. |
| PATRIOT'S GATEWAY COMMUNITY CENTER | ROCKFORD, IL | $27,000 | 2023 | TO PROVIDE A NEIGHBORHOOD COMMUNITY CENTER OFFERING LIFE-ENRICHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE WHO LIVE, WORK, PLAY, AND LEARN IN THE NEAR-SOUTHEAST ROCKFORD AND ROCK RIVER VALLEY COMMUNITY, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON YOUTH |
| NORTHWEST COMMUNITY CENTER | ROCKFORD, IL | $27,000 | 2023 | TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO THEIR NEW AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM FOR GRADE SCHOOL TO MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTHS FROM 3PM TO 6PM. |
| BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF ROCKFORD | ROCKFORD, IL | $27,000 | 2023 | TO PROVIDE YOUTH WITH OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH THROUGH ACADEMIC SUCCESS, GOOD CHARACTER AND LEADERSHIP AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLES. |
| NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT | ROCKFORD, IL | $20,614 | 2023 | TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. |
| KEN-ROCK COMMUNITY CENTER | ROCKFORD, IL | $19,100 | 2023 | TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR A CENTER IN WHICH ENHANCES THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES THROUGH RECREATION, EDUCATION, AND SOCIAL SERVICES |
| ROCKFORD RESCUE MISSION | ROCKFORD, IL | $17,900 | 2023 | TO PROVIDE SUPPORT OF THE WOMEN'S CRISIS AND WOMEN'S RECOVERY PROGRAMS OF HOMELESSNESS FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN. |
| ROCK HOUSE KIDS | ROCKFORD, IL | $12,434 | 2023 | TO PROVIDE HOT MEALS AND BIBLE STUDY FOR AT-RISK CHILDREN |
| CASA OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY | ROCKFORD, IL | $12,289 | 2023 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| CHILDREN'S HOME & AID - NORTHERN REGION | ROCKFORD, IL | $10,000 | 2023 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUB | ROCKFORD, IL | $10,000 | 2023 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| NORTHWEST COMMUNITY CENTER | ROCKFORD, IL | $10,000 | 2023 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| ROCKFORD RESCUE MISSION | ROCKFORD, IL | $10,000 | 2023 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT - WASHINGTON PARK | WASHINGTON, IL | $10,000 | 2023 | TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT |
| PATRIOTS' GATEWAY COMMUNITY CENTER | ROCKFORD, IL | $10,000 | 2023 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| YMCA - OF ROCK RIVER VALLEY | ROCKFORD, IL | $10,000 | 2023 | TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR CONTINUED OPERATIONS |
| NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT | ROCKFORD, IL | $9,100 | 2023 | SOCIAL WELFARE |
| YOUTH SERVICES NETWORK INC | ROCKFORD, IL | $8,000 | 2023 | TO DEVELOP, ENCOURAGE, AND COORDINATE SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES THAT IMPORVE THE PHYSICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, AND SOCIAL WELL-BEING OF YOUTH IN THE SURROUNDING AREA |
CASA OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY
$10,000SOCIAL WELFARE
NORTHWEST COMMUNITY CENTER
$10,000SOCIAL WELFARE
PATRIOTS' GATEWAY COMMUNITY CENTER
$10,000SOCIAL WELFARE
ROCKFORD RESCUE MISSION
$10,000SOCIAL WELFARE
THE MUSIC ACADEMY OF ROCKFORD
$9,000SOCIAL WELFARE
NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
$8,900SOCIAL WELFARE
DISCOVERY CENTER MUSEUM
$8,000SOCIAL WELFARE
NORTHERN ILLINOIS FOOD BANK
$8,000SOCIAL WELFARE
ROCKFORD BARBELL
$7,200SOCIAL WELFARE
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA-BLACKHAWK AREA COUNCIL
$7,000SOCIAL WELFARE
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
$4,000SOCIAL WELFARE
KEN-ROCK COMMUNITY CENTER
$3,600SOCIAL WELFARE
ROCKFORD SEXUAL ASSAULT COUNSEL
$2,500SOCIAL WELFARE
THE PREGNANCY CARE CENTER OF ROCKFORD
$2,500SOCIAL WELFARE
NORTHWEST COMMUNITY CENTER
$15,000SOCIAL WELFARE
YOUTH SERVICES NETWORK
$13,500SOCIAL WELFARE
PATRIOTS' GATEWAY COMMUNITY CENTER
$10,800SOCIAL WELFARE
NORTHERN ILLINOIS FOOD BANK
$9,000SOCIAL WELFARE
NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
$8,316SOCIAL WELFARE
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA-BLACKHAWK AREA COUNCIL
$6,750SOCIAL WELFARE
KEN-ROCK COMMUNITY CENTER
$5,900SOCIAL WELFARE
GIRL SCOUTS OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS
$4,500SOCIAL WELFARE
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
$3,600SOCIAL WELFARE
ROCKFORD SEXUAL ASSAULT COUNSEL
$2,250SOCIAL WELFARE
TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR THE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM FOR ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN.
PATRIOT'S GATEWAY COMMUNITY CENTER
$27,000TO PROVIDE A NEIGHBORHOOD COMMUNITY CENTER OFFERING LIFE-ENRICHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE WHO LIVE, WORK, PLAY, AND LEARN IN THE NEAR-SOUTHEAST ROCKFORD AND ROCK RIVER VALLEY COMMUNITY, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON YOUTH
NORTHWEST COMMUNITY CENTER
$27,000TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO THEIR NEW AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM FOR GRADE SCHOOL TO MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTHS FROM 3PM TO 6PM.
TO PROVIDE YOUTH WITH OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH THROUGH ACADEMIC SUCCESS, GOOD CHARACTER AND LEADERSHIP AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLES.
NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
$20,614TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.
KEN-ROCK COMMUNITY CENTER
$19,100TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR A CENTER IN WHICH ENHANCES THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES THROUGH RECREATION, EDUCATION, AND SOCIAL SERVICES
TO PROVIDE SUPPORT OF THE WOMEN'S CRISIS AND WOMEN'S RECOVERY PROGRAMS OF HOMELESSNESS FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN.
CHILDREN'S HOME & AID - NORTHERN REGION
$10,000SOCIAL WELFARE
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
$10,000SOCIAL WELFARE
NORTHWEST COMMUNITY CENTER
$10,000SOCIAL WELFARE
ROCKFORD RESCUE MISSION
$10,000SOCIAL WELFARE
ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT - WASHINGTON PARK
$10,000TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
PATRIOTS' GATEWAY COMMUNITY CENTER
$10,000SOCIAL WELFARE
NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
$9,100SOCIAL WELFARE
YOUTH SERVICES NETWORK INC
$8,000TO DEVELOP, ENCOURAGE, AND COORDINATE SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES THAT IMPORVE THE PHYSICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, AND SOCIAL WELL-BEING OF YOUTH IN THE SURROUNDING AREA
Current and upcoming funding from Mill Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Nonprofit organizations serving disadvantaged youth in the Rockford region (see Grant Criteria PDF for full details).
Deadline: Annual application deadline: March 15 each year.
Who can apply: Nonprofit organizations serving disadvantaged youth in the Rockford region (see Grant Criteria PDF for full eligibility).
Deadline: Annual application deadline: March 15 each year. Applications reviewed on an ongoing basis.
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