February- Community Connection

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Community Connection February 2020

Grant Update: The Arts Mean Business Fund

Donors have generously provided additional funding to increase the maximum grant award for 2020 to $13,000!

The Arts Mean Business Fund was established to support the generation of economic growth in the Peoria region through arts tourism, increased successful arts businesses, greater community participation in the arts, and financial support of the arts from local governments and economic development councils.

APPLY HERE

***Reminder: All spring grant applications including Community Arts, The Arts Mean Business, and Animal Welfare are due March 4, 2020.***

Vernon "Butch" Gudat Scholarship

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois is proud to administer the scholarship honoring Vernon "Butch" Gudat, a Peoria firefighter, who lost his life courageously battling an apartment fire 37 years ago. Congratulations to Chase Greene and Kelly Schaffnit, both of Morton High School , who received the scholarship awards this year! The Elmwood Fire Department also received a $1,000 grant for fire prevention efforts.

Be sure to check out the other scholarship opportunities available through the Community Foundation!

CFCI SCHOLARSHIPS

A Word From Our Board...

Courtney Dean, CFCI Board Member

H ow did you become involved with the Community Foundation of Central Illinois?

I became involved with the Community Foundation of Central Illinois through its Women's Fund. I had volunteered with Women's Funds in other cities where I have lived. When I moved to Peoria, I attended a Women's Fund event, offered to volunteer, joined their board and remained a member of that team for 6 years. It was a great introduction to the work of the Community Foundation and the power of an endowment.

What do you like about your volunteer service with CFCI?

I like that the Community Foundation isn't simply focused on one community issue. The Community Foundation can take a holistic look at issues in central Illinois and devise a plan to assist, partnering where appropriate.

What should everyone know about CFCI?

CFCI is your community foundation. It is a tool for you and for me. If you would like to contribute financially to the community, the CFCI is your tool. If you would like to volunteer your time, CFCI is a partner. If you know of a program that needs assistance, the community foundation can be a source of funds for qualified organizations. There is a role for everyone with CFCI and that makes me proud to contribute.

What are you looking forward to the most with CFCI in the next 5 years?

I am looking forward to the growth on the horizon for CFCI in the next 5 years. As the funds under their management grow, so does CFCI's ability to make an impact through grants and community leadership. We have seen excellent growth in CFCI in the last few years and that is because more and more people are trusting CFCI with their charitable funds. It is exciting to see CFCI being recognized by donors for its strong focus on being a useful, secure and reputable tool for giving.

Women's Fund Legacy of Leadership

Join the Women's Fund for a special event on March 9, 2020 from 5-7 p.m. at CFCI,
3625 North Sheridan Road, Peoria, IL 61604. Good food, good drinks and great conversation

will be provided. Please join us to celebrate this year's recipient, Diana Hall.

Please RSVP by March 2nd.

RSVP FOR LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP

Emerging Philanthropists Fund Kick-Off

RSVP