November - Community Connection

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Community Connection November 2020

It's Community Foundation Week!

Community Foundation Week, created in 1989 by former president George H.W. Bush, recognizes the important work of community foundations throughout America and their collaborative and innovative approach to working with the public, private, and nonprofit sector. Annually, Community Foundation Week coincides with National Philanthropy Day on November 15.

Fun Facts About the Community Foundation of Central Illinois:

We are celebrating our 35th anniversary this year.
Since inception, we have contributed over $100,000,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations making an impact in our community, and beyond.
CFCI is the 5th largest community foundation by asset size in Illinois!

Learn more about what CFCI does here:

Connecting People Who Care With Causes That Matter

Women's Fund 2020 Success Grant Recipients

The Women's Fund was able to award a total of $29,200 to seven worthy organizations including Peoria Jobs Partnership, Phoenix Community Development Services, Girls on the Run of Central Illinois, Crittenton Centers, Hult Center for Healthy Living, Girl Scouts of Central Illinois, and the Center for Prevention of Abuse. Additional details can be found here:

Women's Fund Success Grants

Thank you to everyone who joined the Women's Fund virtually for Pop! Fizz! Clink! to honor the 2020 Success Grant recipients.

CFCI and Peoria Public Schools Foundation Award $30,138 in Classroom Grants

A joint effort between the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, specifically the Yeomans Fund and the Peoria NEXT Foster Fund, and the Peoria Public Schools Foundation awarded over $30,000 to teachers of Peoria Public Schools for classroom, field experience, STEM, and innovation projects.

Peoria Public Schools Classroom Grants are available to any Peoria Public Schools District 150 teacher interested in additional projects to enrich the classroom experience for the students. It is a competitive grant process that aligns with Peoria Public Schools strategic goals and the school improvement plan. The Peoria Public Schools Foundation champions real and positive change in Peoria Public Schools. It successfully devotes its expertise and fundraising capabilities to serve as a catalyst to implement bold ideas that achieve remarkable outcomes for our children. Visit www.ppsfoundation.org to learn more.

Pictured above (left to right): Classroom Grant recipients, Julie Jenkins and Michelle Smith of Thomas Jefferson Primary School. Pictured below (left to right): Classroom Grant recipient, Dawn Gersich of Rolling Acres and Trina Rodriguez and Jennifer Rozboril of Franklin Primary.

Vernon "Butch" Gudat Scholarship

The Vernon "Butch" Gudat Charitable Fund is now accepting scholarship applications. This fund provides at least one $1,500 academic scholarship annually to qualifying children and grandchildren of career and volunteer firefighters in Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford counties. The fund commemorates the dedication and bravery of Peoria Fire Captain Butch Gudat, who died fighting an apartment complex fire on Main Street in Peoria on January 23, 1983.

APPLY HERE

Ending Hunger Together Grants Program RFP Open

CFCI is pleased to announce the Ending Hunger Together Grants Program RFP is now open. Funding for this grant is made possible by the Ending Hunger Together Fund and the Sow A Seed Fund. Letters of intent are due November 24, 2020.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

A Word From Our Board...

Tammy Woods-Duvendack, CFCI Board Member

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

I was asked to serve by Keith Knepp as a Vice President of Unity Point.

What do you like about your volunteer service with CFCI?

I have served on several community boards over the years. I like the overall operating model of CFCI. I think the funds and decisions are very thoughtful and intentional to meet the needs relevant to the community. The board members are some of the most dedicated and engaged board members I have ever had the pleasure of working with.

What should everyone know about CFCI?

Your donations no matter how small or large are targeted toward real needs within our central Illinois communities. I appreciate that CFCI works with other agencies in the communities to ensure collaboration of resources versus silo funding processes. CFCI's work to convene area agencies focused on food insecurity to come together, work collaboratively, enhance coordination and improve the overall services to our communities is an outstanding example of CFCI's innovative leadership and stewardship work.

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

CFCI is a forward thinking organization. I am very excited about the work CFCI has been leading relating to food insecurity. I believe we will see more of this type of work aimed at increasing collaboration and enhancing the outcomes in our communities.

CFCI Year End Reminders

For Fundholders:

Please make all gifts (deposits into your fund) by Monday, November 23.

Please make all grants (donations to nonprofits) by Friday, December 4.

If you have any questions, please contact Jacqueline at [email protected] or 309-674-8730.

Community Foundation Holiday Hours

CLOSED: Thursday & Friday, November 26-27

CLOSED: Thursday & Friday, December 24-25

CLOSED: Thursday, December 31 at 12pm

CLOSED: Friday, January 1