ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois announced today that Rockford Promise received $2,500 from the Foundation’s Community Opportunities Fund resulting in an endowed scholarship to be awarded in 2012.

Rockford Promise, a local charitable organization, provides financial assistance to Rockford public high school graduates who attend an accredited college or pursue post high school training. In 2011, Rockford Promise gave away five $500 scholarships to graduating seniors who had completed their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) prior to April 15 and submitted their names to their high school guidance counselor. The scholarships were donated by local businesses and service clubs.

Realizing the complexity of raising money for scholarships each year, Rockford Promise is building endowed funds at the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. The Community Foundation’s mission is to attract, preserve and grow a permanent endowment for the needs of the people of Northern Illinois. Rockford Promise was offered a challenge grant of $2,500 from the Foundation’s Community Opportunity Fund with a 1 to 3 dollar match. Today Rockford Promise successfully met their goal.

Rockford Promise is modeled after successful programs around the country that have achieved exceptional results. Other Promise programs have had significant positive impact on their communities including increased high school graduation rates, increases in the number of residents with post-secondary training, and increases in the number of new businesses and industries locating in the community.

Rockford Promise Board President, Jan Jones states “Rockford Promise is excited to offer these scholarships. It is our vision to lessen the financial barrier to higher education and we hope one day all Rockford high school graduates who choose to further their education will be able to do so. Rockford Promise hopes to provide the financial assistance needed to make this possible.”

Rockford Promise’s Board of Directors continues to seek contributions for future scholarships. Contributions can be made at any time to the endowed fund at the Community Foundation. Checks should be made payable to the Community Foundation with Rockford Promise on the memo line. All contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois is the area’s largest provider of grants and scholarships.