(Effingham, Illinois – August 4, 2025) The Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Central Illinois Rural Teacher Corps Fund – New Teacher Grant.
This grant supports first- and second-year teachers serving K-12 schools in southeastern Illinois, with a focus on strengthening the pipeline of high-quality educators in rural communities.
Up to 5 grants of $200 each will be awarded to eligible teachers in the following counties: Effingham, Coles, Clark, Cumberland, Crawford, Shelby, Fayette, Jasper, Richland, Lawrence, and Clay.
Preference will be given to applicants who have participated in a Rural Teacher Corps program or who teach in districts with an active Rural Teacher Corps High School initiative.
The Rural Teacher Corps Fund was established to address the growing teacher shortage in southeastern Illinois, particularly in STEM and special education. Strong public schools are the backbone of thriving rural communities, and this grant aims to support educators who are committed to making a lasting impact.
For more information and to apply, visit:
Applications for the Rural Teacher Corps Fund Grant are available online at southeasternillinois.org/grants. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. on September 16, 2025. For more information, contact Kristen Bertrand, Program Officer, at 217.342.5413 or kristen@southeasternillinois.org.
Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation manages more than 250 affiliated funds for the immediate and long-term benefit of communities in southeastern Illinois.
