January - Community Connection

Community Connection

JANUARY 2022

About Us

A Message From Our CEO

Keep up with us on social media!

CFCI Spring Grants

The following grant opportunities are now open at CFCI.

Community Arts Grants

The Arts Mean Business Fund Grants

Jean M. Ligon Animal Welfare Grant

ALL APPLICATIONS DUE MARCH 2, 2022

Click here for more information and to view CFCI's grantmaking guidelines.

The Community Arts and Animal Welfare grants allow organizations to apply for up to $5,000.

For 2022, The Arts Mean Business grant award has increased from $2,500 to $25,000! This substantial increase will allow the opportunity for organizations to think BIG, collaborate with other entities, or even discover the next new and innovative idea in the community that wouldn’t otherwise be done without this grant.

2022 Scholarship Opportunities

Did you know CFCI awarded nearly $350,000 in scholarships in 2021 to enhance the lives of 117 students living within our 50-mile service area?

Eligible students are encouraged to apply for available scholarships here at the Community Foundation of Central Illinois. Through ongoing donor generosity, over 50 scholarship funds exist.

Check out all the opportunities available for 2022 on our website.

Browse Scholarship Opportunities

"I was very happy and appreciative to learn that I was selected as the recipient of the Jean M. Brown Nursing Scholarship. Because of you, I was able to complete my nursing degree and I am happy to announce I am a nurse. Thank you for giving me this opportunity and most of all believing in me. Now, I am able to give back to those in need."

-Jonniece Bell, LPN, 2021 Jean M. Brown Nursing Scholarship Recpient

A Word From Our Board...

Ron Givens, CFCI Board Member

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

I was approached by several of my business associates to discuss CFCI. Due to my involvement in the Peoria community, I was honored to be asked to serve on the board.

What do you like about your volunteer service with CFCI?

Throughout my time on the board, I have enjoyed being a part of bettering the community through the various financial opportunities made possible by donors and fund holders to help many of the social agencies in our community and the surrounding communities.

What should everyone know about CFCI?

I would like people to know that CFCI is a strong advocate for recognizing and identifying where support is needed in our community.

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

I, personally, am looking forward to becoming more involved with CFCI. I want to be able to continue raising the bar and help our community grow in size to contribute toward economic growth and development.

CFCI In the Community

2021 Community Needs and Women's Fund Success Grant Recipient: Loving Bottoms Diaper Bank

2021 Community Needs Grant Recipient: Adult and Teen Challenge Illinois

Caterpillar Employees and Retirees Can

DOUBLE the Impact of Their Donation to CFCI

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.

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.

Community Foundation Of Central Illinois

3625 North Sheridan Road

Peoria, IL 61604

309-674-8730

Contact CFCI