Community Connection
NOVEMBER 2021
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Kicking off Community Foundation Week |
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Mayoral Proclamation Presentation
At the Peoria City Council meeting on November 9, Mayor Rita Ali presented a Proclamation officially declaring November 12-18 Community Foundation Week! Mark Roberts, CFCI President and CEO, and Don Forrest, CFCI Board Chair, accepted the Mayoral Proclamation and had the opportunity to address council members and meeting attendees.
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What is Community Foundation Week? |
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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. Community Foundation Week takes place from November 12-18.
For more than a century, philanthropic institutions have served as a trusted partner and resource whose effect can be seen in the lives of millions and in the vibrant neighborhoods that continue to thrive through their mission-driven work. During this annual celebration, community foundations convene to share and reflect on the stories of impact from their recent work.
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“The work of community foundations reaches beyond the practice of giving and touches the lives of individuals, revealing a path to a brighter future. There is a tangible, positive impact for individuals and communities as a result of organizations like ours nationwide. Despite the many challenges facing our communities, we are more determined than ever to work together to find innovative and effective solutions for our most pressing social problems and advance promising opportunities to benefit residents.”
-Mark Roberts, President and CEO
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COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FACTS |
- The first community foundation was created in 1914 in Cleveland, Ohio, and operates now as the Cleveland Foundation.
- Community foundations play a key role in identifying and solving community problems. Currently, more than 750 community foundations operate in urban and rural areas in every state in the United States.
- Every continent but Antarctica has a community foundation. It’s estimated that there are at least 1,200 community foundations outside of the United States and Canada.
- According to the National Philanthropic Trust's 2020 Donor-Advised Fund Report, grantmaking from DAFs to qualified charities totaled more than $25 billion in 2019, a 93 percent increase since 2015.
- Nearly every type of gift, from cash to real estate, stock, and other assets, can be donated to a community foundation.
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COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS "DID YOU KNOW" |
- Many community foundations throughout the country were first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic through the creation of Response Funds. These funds were established to tackle the immediate needs of local organizations and communities that the crisis had impacted.
- Community foundations play a key role in creating more just and equitable communities. This includes establishing and supporting grantmaking, advocacy and special initiatives designed to address inequities and increase opportunities for marginalized populations to thrive and reach their full potential.
- Beyond grantmaking, community foundations also play important roles as community leaders with deep local relationships, knowledge of local challenges and opportunities, and the ability to advocate for policies that improve the quality of life in their communities.
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Follow along with us this week on social media! |
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CFCI Fund Holders Honored at National Philanthropy Day Luncheon |
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Together, the Ackermans have established a legacy that will live on for generations to come by creating permanent endowment funds at CFCI that have granted well over $800,000 to nonprofit organizations. The Owen H. Ackerman Family Charitable Fund has made 315 grants totaling nearly $750,000, while the Owen and Carole Ackerman Depository has made 38 grants since its creation just two years ago totaling $29,000. The Ackermans were also instrumental in facilitating the creation of the Anneliese Sinn Arts Fund through Anneliese Sinn’s estate, which is a field of interest endowment fund that provides support for performing, visual and fine arts projects, as well as art education and art therapy initiatives that serve children and/or those with special needs or disabilities. Even though this Fund has only been established for two and a half years, it has already made 17 grants totaling over $53,500 to nonprofit organizations. Owen and Carole are also both CFCI Legacy Society members, which means they have named CFCI in their will or other planned giving vehicles and have established a permanent endowment fund with us to leave a legacy for years to come.
Not only do these charitable individuals have a proven record of generosity through financial support, but they truly exemplify the meaning of leadership and kindness toward everyone. We will continue celebrating the outstanding philanthropic work of Owen and Carole Ackerman and we congratulate them on this tremendous honor!
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L-R: Owen Ackerman, Carole Ackerman, Mark Roberts |
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Owen and Carole Ackerman accompanied by their family and CFCI President & CEO Mark Roberts |
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Jay Walton, CFCI Board Member |
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How did you become involved with the Community Foundation of Central Illinois?
I had the pleasure of meeting past board chair Don Shafer at the request of another influential Peorian, Al Hooks. The meeting’s purpose was around brainstorming good local board candidates that could support the great things CFCI does in the community. It took me about 30 seconds to realize that I’d love to be a part of the CFCI team if so chosen. The rest, as they say, is history.
What do you like about your volunteer service with CFCI?
CFCI’s vision to make sustainable philanthropic impact in the community is powerful. The scholarship and grantmaking endeavors are truly rewarding as we can see the results. Central Illinois is such a great place to live and work that I thoroughly enjoy doing my very small part in making it an even better environment.
What should everyone know about CFCI?
The many people and organizations that give to CFCI should know that it is a professionally run organization with great staff and leadership. They should also know their dollars are put into tangible and measurable actions. The funding is just the first part of the equation. We get to assess and review results of those actions which is really the goal.
What are you looking forward to the most with CFCI in the next 5 years?
I want to help CFCI grow and reach even more of the community. There are so many positive area organizations that could do even more with additional financial support. CFCI has a solid funding vehicle with extremely competent management. I look forward to CFCI expanding its reach through greater giving that translates to greater funding…and most importantly, greater impact.
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The Ending Hunger Together grant program addressing food insecurity in our community, and our brand-new Community Works grant program focused on job creation and retention are now open and accepting Letters of Intent. We are not looking to fund individual organizations working in isolation; rather, we are seeking innovative collaboration among two or more organizations.
Letters of Inquiry for both programs are due
November 23, 2021
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Vernon "Butch" Gudat Scholarship |
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The Vernon "Butch" Gudat Charitable Fund is now open and 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.
Applications are due December 1, 2021.
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CFCI Visiting Grant Recipients |
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CFCI staff, board members, and volunteers have been out and about in the community visiting some of our Community Needs grant recipients. Together with our generous donors and fund holders, we're proud to be able to support the incredible work of our local nonprofit partners and we thank them for all they do. By working together, we can continue to enhance the quality of life in central Illinois. |
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News & Press Releases - Community Foundation of Central...
Stay up to date with the latest news from the Community Foundation of Central Illinois.
Read more
communityfoundationci.org
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Please make all gifts (deposits into your fund) by Monday, November 22.
Please make all grants (donations to nonprofits) by Friday, December 3.
CLOSED: Thursday & Friday, November 25-26
CLOSED: Thursday & Friday, December 23-24
CLOSED: Thursday, December 30 at 12pm
CLOSED: Friday, December 31
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Caterpillar Employees and Retirees Can
DOUBLE the Impact of Their Donation to CFCI
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The Caterpillar Foundation announced that gifts to community foundations are now eligible for their Matching Gifts Program. Caterpillar employees and retirees who choose to donate to our operating fund or other endowment funds can apply for a 1:1 match from the Caterpillar Foundation. Those who have donor-advised or Depository funds at CFCI and plan on donating to a specific charity can also apply for the match. Please visit the Caterpillar Foundation website by clicking here for detailed instructions on how to submit your match request. The Community Foundation of Central Illinois greatly appreciates your support. By working together, we will continue to improve the quality of life throughout central Illinois. |
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We're proud of our accreditation with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations®. This accreditation, signified by this Seal, indicates that the Community Foundation of Central Illinois meets the highest standards for philanthropic excellence. The 26 national standards establish legal, ethical, effective practices for community foundations everywhere and indicates CFCI’s commitment to excellence and accountability. Learn more about the accreditation process at cfstandards.org.
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3625 North Sheridan Road
Peoria, IL 61604
309-674-8730
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