News Releases

Child care programs in Adams County received a boost of $50,000 last month as part of a joint effort to support local child care providers.

The Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri invites nonprofits throughout its 12-county service area to apply for a grant of up to $7,500 through its annual Community Grant program. Grants totaling more than $210,000 will be awarded to nonprofit organizations advancing arts and culture, community betterment, education, health, and human services. The awards are made possible by more than 50 endowed funds at the Community Foundation, which were established by donors to support the communities and causes they care about. The application opens March 1 and closes May 1 at 11:59 p.m. and can be accessed at www.mycommunityfoundation.org. Charitable organizations interested in seeking grant funds are encouraged to attend one of three informational workshops. These workshops will inform nonprofits of the community grant program’s funding priorities and updates to the application. More information and workshop registration can be found at https://www.mycommunityfoundation.org/community-grants. Workshops will be held on the following days: Wednesday, March 6 • 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM • Quincy Salvation Army Kroc Center Thursday, March 7 • Noon – 1:00 PM • Zoom Friday, March 8 • 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM • Hannibal LaGrange University Those who are unable to participate in a virtual workshop can schedule a one-on-one consultation with Community Foundation Program Officer, Kent Embree. Please contact Kent at kembree@mycommunityfoundation.org or 217-222-1237. Grants are made for charitable purposes to organizations that have IRS 501(c)(3) classification or are government entities. Organizations must be located in one of the following counties: Illinois: Adams, Brown, Hancock, or Pike; Missouri: Clark, Lewis, Marion, Ralls, Pike, Knox, Shelby, or Monroe.

Twenty-eight local nonprofit organizations received grants in Samantha Otte’s memory that will benefit hundreds of area youth for artistic, leadership, and humanitarian efforts.

More than $400,000 was granted to 61 local nonprofit organizations that benefit from an endowment fund at the Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri. These year-end grants bring the Community Foundation’s 2023 grantmaking total to more than $4 million.

The Pike County Endowment Fund , in collaboration with the Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri, is excited to introduce the ‘Invest in Pike County’ campaign. This initiative encourages residents to make a lasting investment in the Pike County community, promoting sustainable growth and development. Residents, families, and businesses opting to ‘Invest in Pike County’ by December 31, 2023, will receive special recognition. This acknowledgment will be prominently featured in the grants awarded from the fund in 2024. Additionally, participants will be highlighted in a media release showcasing the grant recipients and will receive an invite to next year’s grant presentation in Pike County. Established in 2008 by Pike County residents, the Pike County Endowment Fund aims to secure local assets to perpetually support charitable needs and opportunities in the region. Over the years, the fund has generously granted to more than a dozen local nonprofits, thanks to the contributions of over 100 individuals, organizations, and businesses. The ‘Invest in Pike County’ campaign seeks to amplify this impact. As a permanently endowed fund, gifts are strategically invested for growth, with annual grants distributed from a portion of the earnings. This approach creates a consistent, renewable source of charitable resources. Kathy Iftner, Pike County Endowment Fund Chair, expressed enthusiasm about the campaign's potential impact, stating, "What the 'Invest in Pike County' opportunity provides is a way to grow these resources and increase these grants not just for today, but for generations." Notable past grant recipients from the Pike County Endowment Fund include: • Barry Food Pantry • Barry Public Library • Pike County Senior Citizen’s Council • Two Rivers Resource Conservation & Development • Western Community Center YMCA To contribute to the ‘Invest in Pike County’ campaign, donations should be directed to the Community Foundation, specifying their allocation to the Pike County Endowment Fund. The Community Foundation accepts a variety of gifts, including cash, stocks, grain, livestock, IRA distributions, and other assets. For more information, contact Iftner at (201) 314-3624 or kiftner@gmail.com or the Community Foundation at (217) 222-1237, kmcfarland@mycommunityfoundation.org.

At its annual Friends of Philanthropy event on November 16 at Dick Brothers Brewery, the Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri celebrated the individuals and organizations that help philanthropy grow in the region.

Beginning November 12, Community Foundations across the country will join together to celebrate National Community Foundation Week and the impact of place-based philanthropy. Locally, the Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri will host its annual “Friends of Philanthropy” celebration on November 16 to honor and appreciate the individuals and organizations that help philanthropy grow in our region.

Catherine Bocke Meckes, CEO of the Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri, was elected to the Board of Directors of the Alliance of Illinois Community Foundations at its annual meeting in Galesburg in September.

The Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri proudly announces the successful distribution of $238,673 in grant funding to 61 area nonprofits through its community grant program. The grants, totaling 68 in number, have been awarded from 54 funds held at the Community Foundation and will provide crucial support to a diverse range of local charitable interests. A special presentation ceremony took place at Hannibal-LaGrange University, one of the recipients of this year's grants. These grants will play an important role in assisting nonprofit organizations dedicated to arts and culture, community betterment, education, health, and human services in our region. The funds will support various programs, help with the purchase of essential equipment and supplies, and contribute to much-needed operational expenses. "The need for support in our nonprofit community is greater than ever this year as demonstrated by the record number of 124 grant applications that we received for our community grant program,” said Community Foundation Program Officer Kent Embree. “For the past two years, we have been able to exceed more than $200,000 in grants annually to deserving organizations within our 12-county service area through this program. We recognize the profound impact these organizations make in our communities, and we are excited to witness the continued success in their endeavors this year." Through the community grant program, the Community Foundation strives to strengthen nonprofit programs which ultimately enhances the quality of life throughout our region. The Community Foundation annually accepts applications for funding from nonprofit organizations in its 12-county region. A grant committee, comprised of board members and volunteers from throughout the region, evaluates each application to determine the awards. The funding for these community grants is made possible through earnings from endowment funds. Generous donors collaborate with the Community Foundation to establish permanent charitable funds that align with their philanthropic goals and the needs of the community. The Community Foundation diligently invests and grows these funds, and each year a portion of the fund's earnings are distributed as grants, while the principal remains intact. “The donors who establish these funds have diverse goals and intentions, but what ties them together is their love for their community,” said Catherine Bocke Meckes, Community Foundation CEO. “We are grateful for our donors’ vision and commitment to West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri. The greatest impact of their generosity is yet to come. Through endowment, we are preparing our region for a vibrant and prosperous future.” The following funds supported the 2023 community grant program: Unrestricted Endowment Funds, support grants for arts and culture, community betterment, education, health and human services in the Community Foundation’s 12-county service area: • Anonymous Funds (2) • Karl H. & Bobbi Bowles Family and Quincy Farm & Home Supply Company Fund • Dr. & Mrs. Merle F. Crossland Family Fund • Harry Channon Eaton Family Endowment Fund • Angie (Fusselman) Mayes & Evelyn J. Fusselman Fund • Harry J. & Bernice M. Wissman Heidbreder Fund • Kirk Family Fund – Houston, Carolyn & Carson • Carl and Gladys Koehser Family Fund • Mrs. Arthur O. Lindsay Fund • Robert A. & Anne M. Mays Fund • Robert G. and Melva Campbell Riley Fund • Charles A. & Nancy Scholz Charitable Fund • Margaret J. Sinnock Fund • Bette J. Starnes Endowment • Jeffrey G. & Theresa L. Spear Fund • Grant L. and K. Georgann Sturhahn Fund • Dorothy L. Swallow Fund • Community Endowment Fund • James R. and Katherine H. Williams Fund • Carl, Althea & Cathy Wiskirchen Endowment Field of Interest • Blessing Hospital Community Health Fund • Jayne & Leroy Boeckelman Fund for Young Musicians • Katherine Broemmel Endowment for the Arts • Noma Meyers Eaton Fund • Paul H. & Anne B. Gardner Memorial Fund • Grace United Methodist Church of Quincy Fund • HOMEBANK Fund • HOMEBANK of Quincy Fund • Jane's Kids' Fund • Jon’s Home Center Associates Fund • G. Arthur (Art) Keller, Jr. Fund • Irwin Family Fund • Cory Didriksen Lovelace Fund • William & Sheila Menke Endowment • The Quincy Foundation Fund • Quincy Recycle Fund • James L. & Dorothy W. Rouner Fund • Alan L. Stiegemeier and Mary Ellen Stiegemeier Charitable Fund • The Wood Endowment County Endowment Funds, support nonprofit organizations in a specific county: • Adams County Endowment Fund (IL) • Brown County Endowment Fund (IL) • Hancock County Endowment Fund (IL) • Lewis County Endowment Fund (MO) • Marion County Endowment Fund (MO) • Monroe County Endowment Fund (MO) • Pike County Endowment Fund (IL) Donor Advised Funds, allow a fund advisor to recommend grant recipients. Donor advisors may recommend grants at any time throughout the year, but are encouraged to consider grants in support of competitive grant requests: • Betty Schmidt Endowment • Green-Humphrey Family Fund for Music • Joe and Denette Kuhlman Family Fund • T. C. & Mary S. Oakley Descendants Fund • Ralph Oakley Family Fund • Optimist Club of Quincy Friend of Youth Fund • The Zechariah Fund These are among the 225+ funds at the Community Foundation that support arts and culture, community betterment, education, health or human services. This year’s grant recipients include: Bella Ease dba Quincy Teen REACH: Community Care Closet, which provides families with personal hygiene and cleaning products - Paul H. and Anne B. Gardner Memorial Fund Birthday Blessings: Resource support to meet needs of kids in the Missouri foster system - Marion County Endowment Fund, Jane’s Kids’ Fund, Unrestricted Endowment Funds Bluff City Theater: Support to ensure live, professional theater will survive and thrive in the area for the next generation - Unrestricted Endowment Funds Bright Futures – Knox County Farmers Market: General operating support - Unrestricted Endowment Funds Brown County Early Learning Center: General operating support - Jon’s Home Center Associates Fund Canton Public Library: Facility improvements - Unrestricted Endowment Funds Carthage Park District: Adding a batting cage to the baseball/softball complex in Carthage - Hancock County Endowment Fund Chaddock Children’s Foundation: STEM equipment, including robots and coding software, for students on campus - Paul H. and Anne B. Gardner Memorial Fund, G. Arthur (Art) Keller, Jr. Fund CHART Teen Task Force: Safer sexuality education in Northeast Missouri schools - Unrestricted Endowment Funds City of Palmyra, Missouri: Leadership training across city departments - HOMEBANK Fund, Unrestricted Endowment Funds Clayton Public Library District: Provide new shelving - Betty Schmidt Endowment, Paul H. and Anne B. Gardner Memorial Fund Community for Christ Assistance Center: Sidewalk replacement in front of the Assistance Center - Paul H. and Anne B. Gardner Memorial Fund Community for Christ Assistance Center: Assistance with rent/ mortgage, utilities, transportation and food in Adams County and the surrounding counties for families in need - Brown County Endowment Fund, Grace United Methodist Church of Quincy Fund Covered Bottoms Diaper Bank: Bridging the diaper gap in West Central Illinois - Ralph Oakley Family Fund, Optimist Club of Quincy Friend of Youth Fund Coyote Hill: Support for monthly Community Groups for local foster families - Marion County Endowment Fund, Unrestricted Endowment Funds Culver-Stockton College – Tri-State Development: Support for an introduction to economic development workshop for regional leaders - Unrestricted Endowment Funds FACT: Families and Communities Together: General operating support - Unrestricted Endowment Funds Food for Thoughts Hancock County: Support for the week-end meal program - Unrestricted Endowment Funds Girl Scouts of Central Illinois: Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) in Adams, Brown, Hancock, and Pike Counties - Paul H. and Anne B. Gardner Memorial Fund Golden Good Shepherd Home: Purchase of a new walk-in cooler/freezer unit - Betty Schmidt Endowment, Paul H. and Anne B. Gardner Memorial Fund Hannibal Arts Council: General operating support - Unrestricted Endowment Funds Hannibal Clinic Health Services: Ride Cool bicycle safety event - Unrestricted Endowment Funds Hannibal Free Clinic: Fireproof safe and cyber protection equipment - Marion County Endowment Fund , Unrestricted Endowment Funds Hannibal-LaGrange University: Update lighting in Parker Theatre located on campus - Marion County Endowment Fund, Unrestricted Endowment Funds Heartland Resources, Inc.: Nutrition for seniors in Lewis County ages 60+ and disabled adults ages 18+ - Lewis County Endowment Fund Horizons Social Services of Adams County: Support for Addicts Victorious space, programs, and resources offered at Horizons - Grace United Methodist Church of Quincy Fund, James L. and Dorothy W. Rouner Fund Horizons Social Services of Adams County: Food rescue and redistribution - Paul H. and Anne B. Gardner Memorial Fund Jensen Camp Foundation: Camp scholarships for children - Paul H. and Anne B. Gardner Memorial Fund, Unrestricted Endowment Funds Junior Achievement of Greater St. Louis: Junior Achievement programming at Quincy’s Baldwin Elementary School - Optimist Club of Quincy Friend of Youth Fund, Paul H. and Anne B. Gardner Memorial Fund, Grace United Methodist Church of Quincy Fund, HOMEBANK of Quincy Fund Kairos Hope: Expansion of the Human Trafficking Recovery Program - Monroe County Endowment Fund, Unrestricted Endowment Funds Midwest Youth Services: Support for a building expansion to provide additional counseling rooms for services and office space for additional employees - Ralph Oakley Family Fund Mt. Sterling Park District: ADA Lift for Joel Oliver Memorial Pool Project - The Zechariah Fund Muddy River Opera Company: Children’s Opera outreach - Green-Humphrey Family Fund for Music NorthEast Independent Living Services: Durable medical equipment purchase - Blessing Hospital Community Health Fund, Unrestricted Endowment Funds OATS Transit: Expand transportation services in Clark County and Knox County, Unrestricted Endowment Funds Pike County Senior Citizen’s Council: General operating support - Pike County Endowment Fund, Unrestricted Endowment Funds Quincy Art Center: General operating support - Paul H. and Anne B. Gardner Memorial Fund, Noma Meyers Eaton Fund Quincy Catholic Charities: Mobile Food Pantry to serve rural communities - Unrestricted Endowment Funds Quincy Children’s Museum: Community Outreach support - Grace United Methodist Church of Quincy Fund, Unrestricted Endowment Funds Quincy Museum, Inc .: General operating support - The Quincy Foundation Fund Quincy Notre Dame Foundation: Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to ensure the health of students, parents, staff and visitors to QND - T.C. and Mary S. Oakley Descendants Fund Quincy Public Schools Foundation: Quincy Children’s Museum visits to schools within Quincy Public School District - Joe and Denette Kuhlman Family Fund, Alan L. Stiegemeier and Mary Ellen Stiegemeier Charitable Fund Quincy Public Schools Foundation: General operating support - T.C. and Mary S. Oakley Descendants Fund Quincy Society of Fine Arts: Free arts education outreach - Paul H. and Anne B. Gardner Memorial Fund, The Quincy Foundation Fund Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association: General operating support - Katherine Broemmel Endowment for the Arts Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association: Youth programs including Youth Orchestra, Youth Choruses, in-school concerts for children, free admissions to all concerts for children 18 and under - Jayne and Leroy Boeckelman Fund for Young Musicians, Katherine Broemmel Endowment for the Arts, Irwin Family Fund, Cory Didriksen Lovelace Fund Quincy University: Collection development and expanded access to digital materials in Brenner Library for the new Electrical and Mechanical Engineering programs - Mercantile Endowment Fund, T.C. and Mary S. Oakley Descendants Fund Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois: Support for Adams County families when facing medical needs for their children at the Springfield or Peoria Ronald McDonald House - Mercantile Endowment Fund, Paul H. and Anne B. Gardner Memorial Fund Salvation Army of Quincy: Hannibal Life Employment Assistance Program (LEAP) - Unrestricted Endowment Funds Salvation Army of Quincy: Water safety support at the Kroc Center - Grace United Methodist Church of Quincy Fund, William and Sheila Menke Endowment, Jon’s Home Center Associates Fund Special Olympics Illinois – Region H: Special Olympics Programming for Pike, Adams & Brown Counties - Quincy Recycle Fund, Jon’s Home Center Associates Fund St. Dominic School: Hands-on arts opportunities - Alan L. Stiegemeier and Mary Ellen Stiegemeier Charitable Fund Teresa Adams House: General operating support - Paul H. and Anne B. Gardner Memorial Fund The Child Advocacy Center of Northeast Missouri: Child abuse prevention education programs for school-aged children and youth living in Northeast Missouri - Marion County Endowment Fund, Unrestricted Endowment Funds, The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri: Buddy Pack Program support to ensure students facing hunger have supplemental nutrition on weekends during the school year - Unrestricted Endowment Funds The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri: Lewis County Mobile Food Pantry - Lewis County Endowment Fund The Legacy Theater Foundation: General operating support - Unrestricted Endowment Funds Transitions of Western Illinois: Enhancing services for persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities - Alan L. Stiegemeier and Mary Ellen Stiegemeier Charitable Fund Tri-Township Fire Protection District: Thermal imaging camera - Adams County Endowment Fund, Grace United Methodist Church of Quincy Fund, The Wood Endowment Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials: SNAP to Success matching vocational training funds - Pike County Endowment Fund, Communityworks Endowment Fund Two Rivers Resource Conservation and Development : Access Food Feed the Hungry Program for Pike County - Pike County Endowment Fund, Unrestricted Endowment Funds United Way of Adams County/ KidzPacks: Funding to purchase fruit to be disbursed in weekend KidzPacks for students at Quincy Early Childhood and Family Center - Ralph Oakley Family Fund United Way of the Mark Twain Area: Strengthening Missouri nonprofits with leadership training - Unrestricted Endowment Funds United Way of the Mark Twain Area: Problem Solving Collaboration Day for area nonprofits - Unrestricted Endowment Funds Versailles Township: Renovation to Versailles Community Building - Unrestricted Endowment Funds West Central Child Care Connection: Purchase books for babies for the "Born Learning" project- Paul H. and Anne B. Gardner Memorial Fund, Grace United Methodist Church of Quincy Fund YMCA of West Central Illinois – Quincy Family YMCA: General operating support - Mercantile Endowment Fund, Paul H. and Anne B. Gardner Memorial Fund YWCA of Quincy: Permanent supportive housing program - Ralph Oakley Family Fund In addition to today’s presentation, County Fund Councils will present grants from County Endowment Funds. Fund councils in Brown, Hancock and Pike County, IL and Lewis, Marion and Monroe County, MO reviewed applications from local, eligible organizations and made recommendations on grants to be awarded to best serve each county’s needs and opportunities. Grants from the Marion County Endowment Fund were presented as part of Tuesday’s presentation in Hannibal. Grants from the remaining County Endowment Funds will be presented at County Endowment awards presentations in each county.