In September 2017, elementary school teacher Joycesonia Lawson went through a mental and physical breakdown due to chronic stress and work pressure that had built up from over 18 years of teaching in an under resourced community in North Carolina. She was placed on medical leave for the rest of that school year and realized [...]
The Community Foundation of East Central Illinois is pleased to announce the recipients of its nonprofit capacity building grants. “We are thrilled to work with generous people over the years who are passionate about our communities. The Community Foundation acts as hub of philanthropic activity and we are dedicated to growing philanthropy across our region, [...]
The Community Foundation of East Central Illinois (CFECI) will be awarding $50,000 in grants to strengthen the nonprofit sector as part of its vision of raising the quality of life throughout the region it serves. First offered in 2022 in celebration of the Community Foundation’s 50th anniversary, this grant cycle supports the capacity of nonprofit [...]
In September 2018, Oakwood residents Ben and Carrie Hay unexpectedly lost their precious 17-month-old daughter, Luella. Deep in grief following this tragedy, they had the opportunity to attend a grief retreat in Wisconsin with other bereaved parents. The experience was so valuable for them, Ben and Carrie decided they wanted to offer it in our [...]
A few summers ago, Champaign resident and entrepreneur Jenette Jurczyk was asked on multiple occasions if she would donate extra children’s clothing to a friend of a friend who was caring for a new foster child and urgently needed some clothing and supplies. Jenette stopped and asked herself, “Where is the resource in our community [...]
Back-to-school ushers in a season of cleaning, organizing and purging for many households. Not sure where to dispose of hazardous waste or hard-to-recycle items like electronics, tires, papers and books? Champaign County Environmental Stewards (CCES), is your go-to solution! An all-volunteer nonprofit organization established in 2019, CCES supports the ability of area citizens to responsibly [...]
Applications for the 2022 Community Commitment Grant cycle are now available. Endowed funds from donors who have left a legacy for the future are the primary source of ongoing funding for these grants. Community Commitment Grants, unlike many other grant opportunities, are awarded each year to nonprofits that serve residents of East Central Illinois. The [...]
Applications for the 2021 Community Commitment Grant cycle are now available. Endowed funds from donors who have left a legacy for the future are the primary source of ongoing funding for these grants. Community Commitment Grants, unlike many other grant opportunities, are awarded each year to nonprofits that serve residents of east central Illinois. The [...]