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Community Connection September 2020
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Hello friends of CFCI! I wanted to give you a quick update about some of the latest happenings with YOUR community foundation. As with so many other organizations, the CFCI office has been lightly staffed since March, with only a few staff members in at one time, and the others working remotely. However, we have been able to do a very solid job of "keeping the pace" in regards to our most important activities, including accepting donations, creating new charitable funds, and making grants to help address key community needs. As a matter of fact, in the recently concluded fiscal year CFCI granted $5.4 million in support of a wide array of causes, including mental health, issues impacting women and girls, the arts, education, animal welfare and much, much more. As I type this note, CFCI's total investments stand at approximately $58,000,000, very near the high-water mark in the 35-year history of the organization.
Of special note is our ongoing effort to combat food insecurity throughout central Illinois. Our Ending Hunger Together grant program is in its second year, and is already making an out sized impact. With a focus on injecting healthier food into the emergency food system, breaking down silos that sometimes exist between our local nonprofits, and working on implementing, measuring and replicating only the most effective hunger programs, Ending Hunger Together is proving to be a winner for our local communities.
I also want you to know that CFCI continues to operate our Disaster Recovery Fund. To date, we have granted over $230,000 to area nonprofits in support of very critical COVID-19 response initiatives, and we will be putting more resources to work in the community shortly. The need remains great. I have been in touch over the past few months with many of our local nonprofit executive directors, and they collectively paint a picture of what is yet to come for our communities: even more hunger, increased mental health issues, domestic violence and abuse, a widening education gap, and more. With the continued generosity of our fundholders and many other donors, CFCI will continue to provide support for these critical issues.
Until next time, be well, and thank you for your support of CFCI.
Best,
Mark
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New Funds at the Community Foundation
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CFCI is pleased to announce the creation of nine new charitable funds during the 2019-2020 fiscal year. They are:
- In partnership with the Washington, IL Community Foundation:
- Washington Community Foundation Fund: The purpose of the fund shall be to support projects and organizations which will maintain and enhance the quality of life in Washington, IL.
- Central Trojan Leadership Scholarship Fund: The purpose of the fund shall be to make an annual scholarship award to a graduating senior at Washington Community High School.
- In partnership with the Morton Community Foundation:
- Morton Chamber of Commerce Public Beautification Endowment Fund: The purpose of the fund shall be to provide ongoing support for the improvement, repair, enhancement, expansion or maintenance of already established projects on property owned by the Village of Morton, Morton School District 709, Morton Park District or Morton Public Library.
- MCF Office Relocation Fund: The purpose of the fund shall be to make annual distributions to the Morton Community Foundation to be used for construction, remodeling, purchase, relocation or like expenses of the MCF office.
- PAWAC General Fund: The primary purpose of the fund shall be to provide financial support to assure that the Peoria Area World Affairs Council can support its mission and objectives as directed by its governing documents.
- PAWAC Founders' Circle Endowment Fund: The primary purpose of the fund shall be to provide an endowment to assure that the Peoria Area World Affairs Council can over the long term continue its mission and meet its objectives.
- Karin Spaulding Fund: The purpose of the fund shall be to provide support to the Presbytery of Great Rivers of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Mission Committee and other not for profit organizations, charitable agencies, and churches.
- Sue Aplington Kreutz Scholarship Fund: The purpose of the fund shall be to provide support to students graduating from Dunlap or Peoria School Districts who are majoring in education.
- Violet Family Fund: The purpose of this Donor Advised fund shall be to provide support to qualified nonprofit organizations as recommended by the Donor, and that are consistent with the mission and purposes of the Community Foundation.
To learn more about how to set up a charitable fund at CFCI, please visit our website communityfoundationci.org or contact Mark Roberts, President and CEO, at 309-674-8730.
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Virtual Emerging Philanthropists Fund Grant Panel
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 Dr. Meenakshy Aiyer, CFCI Board Member
How did you become involved with the Community Foundation of Central Illinois?
While I did not have any specific experience with CFCI prior to joining the board, I have witnessed first-hand how much value it adds to our community. I appreciate how the Foundation identifies and addresses local needs. The fact that it can be so responsive and match financial resources to non-profits and agencies who are providing services while streamlining to process is truly a win-win for everyone, from the donors to the receiving agencies to those in our community who are the beneficiaries of the multitude of services and opportunities.
What do you like about your volunteer service with CFCI?
One component of the Community Foundation that I appreciate is the breadth of its scope in helping nonprofits throughout central Illinois. Its ability to provide financial support to areas that make an impact throughout the community allows our nonprofits to do what they do best, and in turn, allows our communities to thrive. The fact that all of the agencies and community organizations in our area have access to resources without having a myriad of layers of grant writing and financial reporting helps to meet needs and provide opportunities for everyone in our community. Donors can be assured their gift is making an impact, and agencies and non-profits can use resources where they are most needed. Furthermore, the board members are a group of amazing and dedicated individuals who are all committed to service and making Peoria a better community to live in. It has been a privilege and honor to work with all of them!
What should everyone know about CFCI?
CFCI knows local issues and needs and is nimble enough to adapt accordingly. A great example is the creation of The Wholesome Food Fund that attempted to address the food desert in Peoria. This creative approach provided incentive to SNAP recipients by doubling the value of SNAP dollars spent on fresh, local produce at the River Front Market. This not only helped SNAP recipients but also local farmers and food growers at the market. This is just one example of how CFCI knows the community, seeks to understand local needs, and works to appropriately funnel resources to support those needs.
What are you looking forward to the most with CFCI in the next five years?
As our community, nation, and world weather the COVID-19 pandemic, needs and gaps are being amplified and highlighted. Central Illinois communities will face many needs, and the agencies and nonprofits that serve them stand ready to support and assist. No doubt that will require creativity and resources. CFCI will play a key role in helping to provide financial support during a time when our community needs it most. It is gratifying to truly see the impact of donors' gifts helping improve communities and lives of the people of central Illinois.
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