The Community Foundation of East Central Illinois has announced the recipients of its fall Community Commitment grants totaling over $80,000. Funded primarily by the proceeds from unrestricted endowments, these grants are awarded for durable goods and capital items, things not covered under many other kinds of grants. The Foundation received 62 grant applications requesting $166,933.
The Grants Committee, comprised of both Foundation Board of Trustee members and community volunteers, conducted a lively and engaged review of the applications and visits with organizations under consideration. “The Grants Committee takes their responsibility very seriously,” explained Foundation President & CEO Joan Dixon. “Members learn a lot about the great work that nonprofits are doing and thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to get a first-hand look at their facilities and operations,” she added.
This year, the committee recommended that the Foundation Board of Trustees approve awarding $80,032 to 21 regional nonprofit agencies that serve a broad range of community needs, including the arts, community beautification, education, environment, health & human services and youth. Grants ranged from $624 to $9,400. Funded items ranged from capital projects such as paving, food shelving and HVAC units, to books for migrant children, pots & pans, mobile dental hygiene equipment and play therapy materials.
Click here to see the entire list of recipients. Newsletter, page 4