Last month, the Community Foundation of Central Illinois (CFCI) awarded over $260,000 to 26 local nonprofit organizations through three grant programs. The Community Needs grants support community development, capacity building and educational programs; the Local Jobs Fund grant supports projects seeking to break the cycle of poverty by equipping people with the skills to earn significantly more than minimum wage; and the Women’s Fund Success grants support programs that empower women and girls.
“Behind these grant awards are dedicated nonprofit professionals who work incredibly hard every day to meet specific needs in our community,” notes Mark Roberts, CFCI’s president and CEO. “We couldn’t be prouder to assist them and support the outstanding programs that truly strengthen the central Illinois area.”
And that is just the fall grant cycle. During its last fiscal year, CFCI made nearly 2,300 grants totaling over $5.5 million and awarded more than $347,000 in scholarships to students. Since its 1985 inception, it has granted over $106.5 million to local nonprofit organizations—and its total assets keeps growing each year.
Not only does CFCI provide leadership to address community needs and improve quality of life, it helps donors—including individuals, community organizations, corporations and private foundations—make their charitable giving more impactful. Their team can:
- Meet with donors to determine which type of fund is right for their goal;
- Assist donors with giving complex gifts;
- Help donors grow funds for added benefit;
- Provide regular statements on fund activity;
- Offer expertise on community needs; and
- Preserve donor wishes in perpetuity.
CFCI’s hard work—and that of nearly 800 community foundations across the country—will be recognized during Community Foundation Week from November 12-18, 2021, which coincides with National Philanthropy Day on November 15. For more information and a complete list of grant recipients and amounts awarded, visit communityfoundationci.org. PM
- Log in to post comments
