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 [...]
Nearly 200 people attended the first Hearts of Gold Gala on November 11, at the Champaign Country Club. The group enjoyed the fabulous jazz and blues of the Mo’ Betta Blues ensemble, laughed and socialized over a delicious dinner, and were moved and appreciative of the 2014 recipients of the Gloria Valenti Compassionate Care [...]
Urbana’s trees are a source of shared pride in the greater Urbana community. With one of the most diverse urban forests in the Midwest, the city can claim trees that are historic, unique, rare and one-of-a-kind specimens. So it’s little wonder that Urbana is one of 13 charter Tree City USA communities in the [...]
The Gloria Valenti Compassionate Care Award was established in honor of Gloria Valenti, RN & President, Diversified Healthcare Services, and a leading healthcare professional in east central Illinois. This award was established through a bequest from Professor Martin Wagner, nationally recognized expert in labor relations who understood the importance of recognizing exemplary performance of [...]
Heart of Gold awards were developed to recognize the extraordinary everyday unsung heroes with hearts of gold and willing hands. They are the ones who consistently step up to help you when needed. Who in your world did you nominate for a HEART OF GOLD award? People considered for this special award are neighbors, volunteers, business people, teachers, [...]
Joan Dixon, Community Foundation President & CEO, presented a $50,000 check to Gifford Mayor Derald Ackerman at the May Village Board meeting. The money will be used to pay the insurance deductible needed to replace the community’s water tower damaged in the fall 2013 tornadoes. The Community Foundation opened the Gifford Community Fund shortly [...]
The Community Foundation of East Central Illinois has awarded $55,500 in Marajen Stevick Foundation Grants to four area nonprofit organizations. The Stevick Foundation Grants offer annual funding for nonprofit organizations that provide services in the three areas of enhancing the lives of seniors, beautification of Champaign-Urbana and the surrounding area, and promoting excellence in [...]
The bronze Roger Ebert Sculpture was delivered and unveiled on April 24 during Ebertfest to an appreciative audience of about 200 who gathered outside the theater which will be its permanent home. Scott and Donna Anderson who conceived of the sculpture and drove the effort to raise the $115,000 to fund the project emceed the [...]
Celebrate! Thank you donors and congratulations nonprofits that received portions of the $1,000,000 in Community Foundation distributions in 2013! That can do a lot of good to improve life in our area. To see a complete listing of the outstanding organizations that received support, see the copy of the News-Gazette ad that ran February [...]
Fortunately, the predicted reduction or elimination of tax advantages for charitable contributions for 2013 did not occur. Donors can still make donations that benefit your community and the many nonprofit organizations that rely upon your support to help maintain vital services. The Community Foundation offers donors flexible options in both the types of gifts [...]