CHANGING LIVES. TRANSFORMING OUR REGION.

Support
The
Promise

Rockford Promise has been built on the generosity of individual donors, foundations, and grants.

Though those gifts form the backbone of our work, we’re not yet fully funded.  Your support helps close the gap. Whether you give once or commit monthly, your contribution brings stability, growth, and momentum to the
future of Rockford. 

Together, we can turn possibility into promise. 

Make a One-time gift

Your monetary support opens doors to higher education for Rockford students. Every gift makes a difference and is tax deductible. (EIN: 26-0388141) 

BY MAIL:

Rockford Promise 
1643 N. Alpine Road, Suite 104 
Box 102 
Rockford, IL 61107 

ONLINE:

More ways to give

Ongoing Donation 

Consider giving on a monthly basis to help fund Rockford Promise. Choose an amount that works for you and make a monthly gift to Rockford Promise part of your annual charitable plans.  

Corporate Giving

Invest in Rockford’s future by making college possible for local students and strengthening our community’s talent pipeline. Corporate giving options include:

  • Annual Corporate Sponsorships 
  • Event Sponsorships 
  • Workplace Giving or Employer Matching Programs 
  • In-Kind Donations of Goods and Services

Scholar Sponsorship 

Make a direct, life-changing impact by funding a “Named Scholarship.” Your gift covers full tuition and opens the doors for our Scholars to a brighter future.

$10,000 supports a Rock Valley College Scholar

$20,000 supports a Rockford University Scholar 

Legacy Gift 

Ensure your commitment to education lives on. Naming Rockford Promise in your estate plan can help future generations of Rockford students achieve their college dreams.

Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)

Consider donating to Rockford Promise through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA, which provides a tax-free way to provide support. 

Endowment Support 

Donate to the Rockford Promise endowment through the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois to support our work in perpetuity. 

Gift of Stock or Marketable Security 

This option provides a way to gift stocks and/or securities to Rockford Promise without paying taxes on capital gains.  

Ready to Make a
Difference?

Let's talk!

Ciara Stahly
Director of Fund Development, Rockford Promise
815-540-4831
ciara.stahly@rockfordpromise.org

news & events

From Scholar achievements to big announcements, stay up to date on the exciting things happening.

August 19, 2025

The Hidden Costs: How the Big, Beautiful Bill Could Negatively Affect College Students and Their Families

While the “Big, Beautiful Bill” has been praised for its sweeping reforms and promises of economic revitalization, some are raising concerns about its potential unintended consequences—particularly for college students and their families. Cutbacks to Financial Aid and Student Support One of the most troubling aspects of the bill is the

May 12, 2025

 Alyssa Giardono – Alumna of the Year

On May 4th, Rockford Promise held its third annual Promising Futures celebration. The event honored our newest cohort of Scholars, celebrated the accomplishments of our graduates, and recognized individuals and organizations that have made a meaningful impact on Rockford Promise and the broader Rockford community. One of the evening’s special

March 10, 2025

Rockford Promise Application are now Closed!

ROCKFORD, IL – The application period for the 2025 Rockford Promise Scholarship officially closed on March 1st and applicants will be notified of awards by the end of March. As we carefully review and verify all submissions, some exciting trends have already emerged. Stay tuned for more updates as we

Follow the Movement

See the impact in action. Follow us on Facebook. 

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

There are just 2 weeks left before RPS 205 goes on Winter Break!

Remember, you must file for FAFSA or the alternative financial aid AND apply to Rockford University, Rock Valley College, Northern Illinois University, and/or Saint Anthony College of Nursing BEFORE submitting an application for a Rockford Promise Scholarship!

www.RockfordPromise.org/Apply
See MoreSee Less

There are just 2 wee
View Comments likes Like 0 Comments: 0 Shares: 1

See MoreSee Less

View Comments likes Like love 11 Comments: 1 Shares: 1

We love when middle schools reach out to us for events at their school!

Today we spent time with 150 RESA Middle School students for “The Road to Rockford Promise,” a motivating session designed to inspire students working hard toward their goals.

Our amazing guest speaker, Rebecca Francis, shared a powerful message: “Choose your hard.”
It’s hard to try, and it’s hard to fail- but choosing the hard that leads to growth, confidence, and better opportunities makes all the difference.
We’re proud of these students and excited to keep cheering them on toward a bright future! 🧡
See MoreSee Less

We love when middle Image attachmentImage attachment+3Image attachment
View Comments likes Like love 40 Comments: 2 Shares: 4

See MoreSee Less

View Comments likes Like love 15 Comments: 0 Shares: 10

This Thanksgiving, we’re feeling extra grateful for the incredible community that makes Rockford Promise possible – our dedicated board, hardworking staff, inspiring mentors, generous donors, and the amazing educators and counselors who support our Scholars every step of the way. Most of all, we’re thankful for our community, whose belief in the power of education continues to open doors and create brighter futures.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Rockford Promise! 🧡
See MoreSee Less

This Thanksgiving, w
View Comments likes Like love 13 Comments: 0 Shares: 0

It only takes a dash of generosity to change a Scholar’s life.

Your support helps more than 500 Rockford Promise Scholars turn dreams into degrees — fueling our region’s future leaders.

🔗 Give today: bit.ly/RockfordPromiseAppeal

#RecipeForSuccess #RockfordPromise #FinalWeek #InvestInRockford #FutureLeaders
See MoreSee Less

It only takes a dash
View Comments likes Like 3 Comments: 0 Shares: 1
Load more