The Community Foundation of Central Illinois (CFCI) has received its largest single donation to date from an individual or family – an estate gift worth more than $3.9 million – from the late Robert E. (Bob) Gilmore, retired president of Caterpillar, Inc.
Prior to his death in September of 2020, Gilmore created a legacy through a planned gift to provide funds that would benefit local nonprofits. With this gift CFCI has established The Gilmore Fund, which will provide annual grants in perpetuity to organizations and programs which will maintain and enhance culture, improve society, and promote job creation and retention in the central Illinois area. In addition, per Mr. Gilmore’s wishes, one-time grants totaling $500,000 have been made from the fund to First Federated Church and to the ICC Educational Foundation for the Robert E. Gilmore Family Scholarship Fund.
“This is the largest planned gift that CFCI has received in our 35-year history,” said Mark Roberts, president and CEO. “We are humbled by the opportunity to honor Bob, his generosity, and his thoughtful philanthropic work through this endowment. With this gift Bob leaves a legacy of caring and compassion for making central Illinois a better place.” “Bob’s estate gift is an example of how to help advance CFCI’s capacity to meet the community’s most pressing needs and compelling opportunities, year after year, forever,” Roberts added.
The Community Foundation will invest the Gilmore estate gift so that it will grow over time, while also distributing funds annually to local nonprofits to support their charitable work.
The Gilmore Fund will exist in perpetuity at CFCI and is among the newest of more than 300 funds that make up the Foundation’s nearly $66 million in assets. “This is one of many gifts that have advanced CFCI’s ability to positively impact the quality of life throughout our community.” said Roberts. “Through careful stewardship and informed grantmaking strategies, the Foundation is well equipped to honor the intentions of the growing number of donors, like Bob, who have entrusted us with many planned gifts. We have the expertise and capabilities to serve in this trusted role for the benefit of our community.”
