The Mattoon Area Community Foundation is requesting proposals from nonprofit organizations from within Coles County on behalf of the CommunityWorks Endowment Fund. Applications for community improvement projects in the areas of workforce development, early childhood education and land use and protection must be submitted to the Mattoon Area Community Foundation before June 30.
Following is a description of the field of interest of the CommunityWorks Endowment Fund. Grants of up to $1,500 will be awarded for proposals that impact one or more of the following issues areas:
Workforce Development – To improve the economic health of the region so that residents earn sustainable, living wages and prosper. (example: Job retention and career advancement; Job creation; Including entrepreneurial efforts; Access/transportation options to jobs).
Early Childhood Education and Child Care – To increase collaboration among educators and other stakeholders working to identify and address early care and education issues and community needs. (Example: Increasing access to quality, Affordable childcare and early childhood education options for working families; Expanding availability of quality childcare facilities; Strengthening childcare education programs and management capacities.
Land Use and Protection – To partner and collaborate on projects related to the environment and land use in the region. (Protection and restoration of natural lands and waterways; Implementation of regional growth management and land use strategies that promote economic vitality and environmental health; Expansion/connection of preserved natural lands; Development of clean renewable energy and prevention of pollution; Education of the public in above issues.
The CommunityWorks Endowment Fund was established in 2004 as part of a special initiative between the Community Foundation and the Grand Victoria Foundation. According to Scott Lensink, a Mattoon Area Community Foundation board member, “Through the generosity of the Grand Victoria Foundation and matching gifts from many area donors, this permanent endowment gives the Mattoon Area Community Foundation a flexible source for strategic grant making for generations to come.”
The deadline to submit a grant application is June 30, 2012. Grant recipients are announced by September 1st.
For more information contact Joedy Hightower, at jhightower@enrichingourcommunity.org or 217-235-2500.
